There were many attempts at fielding DMR rifles, and many types existed.
As noted above, 3rd ID built up SDMs... also 2nd ID found the cash to convert M14s into those fancy "Crazyhorse" A5's that are still floating around.
We (101st) were fielded M14s in blue wrap, bone dry fresh park, straight from AAND. Stocks were used and arrived in a rolling gray trashcan from somewhere. Mags were initially a problem. Eventually we got the Sage EBR stocks (junk) and enough mags.
Being the A Co. we had, additional to our MTOE, one rack of M16A2s for funeral details that we would sign out to the other companies. I was the XO and was able to order KAC RAS through the system for mounting PEQ-2As and I also ordered the Harris S-BRM bipod. Add a TA-31F ACOG to the carry handle and a PT mat taped to the buttstock and that was the gun.
Soldiers were much more accurate with these rifles in the DMR role than the M14s that everyone else had, especially at night, and everyone wanted a KalashniKEV A Co. ghetto-DMR.
To be completely honest though, I'm not convinced they were at all better than an M4, but Joe thought he was a sniper when you gave him one, and consequently did his part. The M14s were not-that-awesome, and eventually went away (much to the dismay of many a limpstroking fobbit with a two pound Rambo knife strapped to his IBA).



Reply With Quote
Bookmarks