This is not exactly a sniper rifle, and not sure if it qualifies yet as a "vintage" rifle, but for anyone interested, here's a replica of a USMC M14 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). These were in service from roughly 2000 to 2010, and saw extensive use in Afghanistan and Iraq. This replica is configured with the optic mounting system used near the end of its service life (i.e., SEI scope mount and Badger Ordnance DMR rings). This rifle was built by a retired USMC precision armorer, and I am happy to have been able to build one of these iconic looking rifles.
Brief history of USMC M14 DMR: The Marine Corps tested various configurations of an M14-based Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) during the 1990s, and developed the technical package for the final configuration around 1998. Production of the DMR at Quantico’s Precision Weapon Section (PWS) began around 2000 (NSN: 1005-01-458-6235). It is not clear how many DMRs were made by PWS personnel, but according to Lee Emerson’s excellent book, M14 Rifle History & Development (5th Editon), as of mid-2007, the USMC listed 381 rifles in their inventory, so my guesstimate is that around 400 were likely made. In the Iraqi theater some DMR’s were fitted with variable power 3.5-10x40mm Leupold Mk 4 scopes. Presumably this variable magnification optic was utilized as it provided a wider field of view in an urban setting, relative to the original fixed 10x scope. Some DMR’s were also fitted with AN/PVS-10 or PVS-17 night vision scopes, and a few were equipped with specifically fitted barrel collars for use with an OPS Inc. sound suppressor.
The original DMR's used a GG&G “USMC” marked scope mount along with original GG&G 30mm rings. Reportedly there were some issues with either the original mount and/or rings. Apparently in the late 200Xs, DMR’s that came in for servicing were updated with the Smith Enterprise, Inc (SEI) scope mount, and Badger Ordnance DMR specific steel scope rings. Around 2008, the USMC began withdrawing DMR’s from service, and replacing them on a one-for-one basis with the SAGE-chassis based M39. However, per a DoD picture, at least one or more DMRs were still in active service in Afghanistan circa 2010. They reportedly performed well in harsh combat conditions during the opening decade of the 200Xs.
Anyhow, here’s some pics of this tribute DMR build.
No range report until the spring, but after 19 months of collecting parts and waiting on the builder, I'm glad that its now finished.
Happy Holidays.
Brief history of USMC M14 DMR: The Marine Corps tested various configurations of an M14-based Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) during the 1990s, and developed the technical package for the final configuration around 1998. Production of the DMR at Quantico’s Precision Weapon Section (PWS) began around 2000 (NSN: 1005-01-458-6235). It is not clear how many DMRs were made by PWS personnel, but according to Lee Emerson’s excellent book, M14 Rifle History & Development (5th Editon), as of mid-2007, the USMC listed 381 rifles in their inventory, so my guesstimate is that around 400 were likely made. In the Iraqi theater some DMR’s were fitted with variable power 3.5-10x40mm Leupold Mk 4 scopes. Presumably this variable magnification optic was utilized as it provided a wider field of view in an urban setting, relative to the original fixed 10x scope. Some DMR’s were also fitted with AN/PVS-10 or PVS-17 night vision scopes, and a few were equipped with specifically fitted barrel collars for use with an OPS Inc. sound suppressor.
The original DMR's used a GG&G “USMC” marked scope mount along with original GG&G 30mm rings. Reportedly there were some issues with either the original mount and/or rings. Apparently in the late 200Xs, DMR’s that came in for servicing were updated with the Smith Enterprise, Inc (SEI) scope mount, and Badger Ordnance DMR specific steel scope rings. Around 2008, the USMC began withdrawing DMR’s from service, and replacing them on a one-for-one basis with the SAGE-chassis based M39. However, per a DoD picture, at least one or more DMRs were still in active service in Afghanistan circa 2010. They reportedly performed well in harsh combat conditions during the opening decade of the 200Xs.
Anyhow, here’s some pics of this tribute DMR build.
No range report until the spring, but after 19 months of collecting parts and waiting on the builder, I'm glad that its now finished.
Happy Holidays.
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