M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle
Sage International / USMC Precision Weapons Section · Sniper Rifle · In Service · 2008
Also known as: M39 EMR, Enhanced Marksman Rifle, EMR
Overview
The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR) is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle used by the United States Marine Corps, based on the venerable M14 rifle platform. Developed by the USMC's Precision Weapons Section in conjunction with Sage International, the M39 EMR represents an extensively accurized and modernized M14 designed to provide Marines with precision engagement capability out to 800 meters. The rifle features a match-grade 22-inch stainless steel barrel, a Sage International Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) aluminum chassis stock with adjustable length of pull and cheek piece height, a modified pistol grip, and a Picatinny rail system for mounting modern optics. The M39 is issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain long-range ammunition, which significantly extends the effective engagement range compared to standard M80 ball. The EMR fills the operational gap between the standard M16A4/M4 service rifles and dedicated bolt-action sniper systems, providing designated marksmen with rapid semi-automatic fire capability while maintaining precision accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5900 g (208.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7500 g (264.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1122 mm (44.17") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 865 m/s (2838 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3550 J (2618 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3725 m (4074 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Match Grade Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis |
| Finish | Parkerized |
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: Adjustable Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Picatinny Rail, Harris Bipod, Match Grade Barrel, Sage Ebr Chassis, Modified Pistol Grip, Suppressor Ready
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 2008 · as M39 EMR
- USMC Force Reconnaissance · adopted 2008 · as M39 EMR
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2008-2021)
- Iraq War (2008-2011)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Produced in limited quantities by the USMC Precision Weapons Section. Built from refurbished M14 receivers, limiting production to available M14 inventory.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The M39 EMR is similar to but distinct from the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle used by US Army and Navy special operations forces. The key difference is that the M39 was purpose-built by the USMC Precision Weapons Section specifically for the Marine Corps designated marksman role, while the Mk 14 EBR was developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center for broader special operations use. The 'basic' EMR weighs approximately 13 pounds (5.9 kg) without optics, magazine, sling, or accessories. The rifle was designed to be maintained by the USMC's Precision Weapons Section rather than standard unit-level armorers, reflecting its status as a precision instrument. USMC doctrine requires Marines equipped with the M39 to be trained to engage targets out to 800 meters.
Background
The M39 EMR gave the USMC's designated marksmen a second life for the M14 platform that many had thought obsolete. When Marines in Afghanistan needed to reach out and touch targets beyond the M16A4's effective range, the M39 proved that a 60-year-old rifle action, properly accurized and wrapped in modern furniture, could still dominate the battlefield. The rifle's M118LR match ammunition could reliably reach 800-meter targets that 5.56mm rifles simply could not touch.