Took the ol' M25 out today

[buffalowinter]

The M25 Sniper rifle was developed by 10th Special Forces group circa 1987. The development was spearheaded by SFC Kapp who left my ODA to work on this project. I built a copy of the M25 and a copy of the Sionics suppressor which we fitted to the rifle. Rifle was shooting right around 1 MOA which is the norm for a National Match without a rear lugged receiver.

 

[jbell]

Very cool, the M14 and its variants always have a special place in my heart. Looks like another great example of your work. Thank you for posting.

 

[pmclaine]

If I recollect the conversation right with a Gentleman named Cunningham, from 10th now works range control at Devens, SFC Kapp remained in the northeast after retiring.

Word was he gave his body and health doing some rations testing for the USA and he passed recently.

Does that sound about right?

Story was when he was hunting deer in Devens he could sneak up on other hunters and scare the crap out of them.

Still working on a chance to shoot Curry but a bunch of Ranges, including Curry, are closed for updating.

 

[buffalowinter]

Yes, SFC Kapp has passed away. He suffered from an undiagnosed illness after SFODA 075 were the guinea pigs for a new cold weather light weight ration being tested by Natick Labs.

 

[Random Guy]

I built a copy of the M25 and a copy of the Sionics suppressor which we fitted to the rifle.

That's a awesome post. Does your copy of the Sionics suppressor have the same 'pressure relief valve' that the original had?
I wish I had one for my replicas of the same rifle. (I have an XM25 replica and one more project in pieces)
(Attached is a pic from Feb 1991 of a US Navy/Crane small arms engineer testing a suppressed XM25 at Curry range, Ft Devens, MA).

PS: Here's the long thread from 2019 on my XM25 which includes a lot of history for anyone interested. (References Tom Kapp & Mitch Mateiko) https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...e-at-ft-devens-10th-sfg.6958460/#post-7927850

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

Definitely something I'd like to have.
Their history alone is amazing.
Enjoy!

 

[buffalowinter]

My suppressor had a fake pressure valve to visually make it identical to the original. I had considered a real pressure valve, but there is really no need for one.

 

[Random Guy]

Okay, thanks for that info re your suppressor. I read that it supposedly reduced gas blowback on the M14, hence my inquiry. (Source: The Long-Range War, by Peter Senich). I know one guy who bought an original one but its in rough shape.

I only knew of Thomas Kapp via that Senich book and 10th SFG involvement in the XM25/M25 rifle, but here’s his detailed obituary for those interested: https://obittree.com/obituary/us/ma...lbin-comeau-funeral-home/thomas-kapp/3490945/

 

[deltawiskey]

What a great project! Thats one of my grail rifles.... thanks for sharing!
DW

 

[Flint62a1]

When I shot High Power years ago, when I could see the sights...sigh, the M1a was my rifle. And man, did I love shooting that rifle in competition!
Just an awesome gun.

 

[Bullspotter]

Very cool!