Knight's Armament M110A1 CSASS
Knight's Armament Company · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2016
Also known as: CSASS, Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System, M110A1, Mk 110 SASS
Overview
The Knight's Armament M110A1 CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System) is an evolution of the original M110 SASS, designed to provide US Army and Marine Corps units with a lighter, shorter semi-automatic sniper platform in 7.62 NATO. Featuring a short-stroke gas piston system instead of the original's direct impingement, the M110A1 offers improved reliability and reduced fouling, particularly when used with a suppressor. The rifle won the US Army's CSASS competition in 2016, replacing the heavier M110 in front-line service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 783 m/s (2569 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2912 J (2148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2400 m (2625 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Collapsible |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Suppressor Ready, Quick Detach Suppressor Mount, Ambidextrous Controls, M-Lok Handguard, Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Gas Block, Folding Front Sight, Collapsible Stock
Variants
- M110A1 SDM-R — Squad Designated Marksman
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 2016 · as M110A1 CSASS
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 2018 · as Mk 110 SASS
- United States Special Operations Command · adopted 2019 · as M110A1
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2016-present
US Army awarded initial contract for approximately 5,150 units. Additional orders from USMC and SOCOM.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: C. Reed Knight Jr.
Notes
The M110A1 uses HK's short-stroke gas piston operating system under license, a departure from the direct impingement system of the original SR-25/M110. The 16-inch barrel is shorter than the M110's 20-inch barrel, trading some velocity for improved maneuverability in urban and vehicle operations. The rifle is designed from the outset for suppressed fire, with an adjustable gas block to optimize cycling with or without a suppressor.
Background
The M110A1 won the US Army's Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System competition against entries from multiple manufacturers, beating out the original M110 it was designed to replace. Its adoption marked a shift in US military sniper doctrine toward lighter, more compact platforms suited for urban warfare and vehicle-mounted operations.