Mk 14 EBR

Springfield Armory (US Government) · Battle Rifle · In Service · 2004

Also known as: Enhanced Battle Rifle, Mk 14 Mod 0, M14 EBR-RI, M39 EMR

Overview

The Mk 14 EBR is a select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Springfield Armory (US government) since 2004. Featuring a 20-round magazine capacity, this battle rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.

Specifications

Weight (empty)5100 g (179.9 oz)
Weight (loaded)6350 g (224.0 oz)
Overall Length889 mm (35.00")
Barrel Length457 mm (17.99")
Action TypeGas Operated Rotating Bolt
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeTwo Stage
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity975 m/s (3199 fps)
Muzzle Energy3457 J (2550 ft·lbf)
Effective Range690 m (755 yd)
Maximum Range3725 m (4074 yd)
Rate of Fire725 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist305 mm (12.01")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialAluminum Alloy
Barrel MaterialChrome Lined Steel
Stock MaterialAluminum Chassis
FinishMatte Black

Calibers

Features

Variants

Base model

M14

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 9,000 · Production years: 2004-2011

Approximately 9,000 EBR chassis conversions assembled; M14 EBR-RI variant produced at Rock Island Arsenal with approximately 5,000 units fielded

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Mike Rock

Notes

The Mk 14 EBR chassis system was designed by Sage International and uses an aircraft-grade aluminum billet construction. The Mod 0 version features an 18-inch barrel, while the Mod 2 has a 22-inch barrel for improved long-range accuracy. The M14 EBR-RI (Rock Island) variant was produced at the Rock Island Arsenal by the Weapons Product Support Integration Directorate, with approximately 5,000 units fielded by mid-2010. The M39 EMR (Enhanced Marksman Rifle) is the USMC's variant, adapted as a semi-automatic-only designated marksman rifle. The rifle's 1:12 inch twist rate is optimized for 147-175 grain projectiles. Despite its weight of approximately 14-16 pounds loaded, the Mk 14 EBR earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly in environments where the 5.56mm NATO round was found lacking in range and terminal performance.

Background

The Mk 14 EBR was born out of necessity when U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq found that the 5.56mm M4 carbine lacked the range and terminal effect needed for engagements in open terrain. By fitting old M14 rifles from Cold War-era storage into modern Sage International aluminum chassis systems, the military created an effective designated marksman rifle at a fraction of the cost of a new weapon system.