M21 (rifle)
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The M21 is the semi-automatic sniper rifle adaptation of the popular M14 rifle. It is chambered for the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge.
Overview
The United States Army wanted an accurate sniper rifle during the Vietnam War. It selected the M14 because of its accuracy, reliability, and the ability for a quick second shot. As a result, in 1969, the Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 National Match (target grade) M14 rifles by adding a Leatherwood 3–9x Adjustable Ranging Telescope (ART) telescopic sight and furnishing National Match grade ammunition. It was designated the XM21 until 1971, when it became the M21.The M21 remained the Army’s sniper rifle until 1988, when it was replaced by the M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System) bolt-action rifle.
During the 1980s, US Special Forces created the M25 rifle, an updated M21 rifle, using a McMillan polymer stock and a more modern telescopic sight (Bausch & Lomb Tactical or Leupold MK4 series).
In standard military use, the M21/M25 use the same 10 or 20-round box magazines as the other members of the M14 family, and weighs 5.27 kg without the scope. The U.S. military never officially authorized or purchased magazines in any other capacity.
See also
- M14 (rifle)
- M25 (rifle)
- U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle
- M24 Sniper Weapon System
- M40 Sniper Rifle
- Sniper rifle
- Carlos Hathcock
- List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces
External links
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