Mk 13 Mod 7
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: Mk 13 Mod 7, Mark 13, Mk13, USMC Sniper Rifle
Overview
The Mk 13 Mod 7 is the current-generation long-range bolt-action sniper rifle serving as the primary precision weapon for the United States Marine Corps and Navy snipers. Built around a Stiller Precision Firearms long-action receiver mated to the Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) 2.0, the Mk 13 Mod 7 fires the .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge through a 673mm (26.5-inch) stainless steel Lilja barrel fitted with a SureFire muzzle device compatible with the SOCOM762-RC suppressor. The rifle delivers consistent sub-MOA accuracy at ranges approaching 1,400 meters, substantially extending the effective reach of Marine scout snipers beyond what was possible with the legacy M40A5 in 7.62 NATO. In April 2018, the Marine Corps officially announced the Mk 13 Mod 7 would replace the venerable M40 series as its primary sniper rifle, marking the end of the M40's half-century of USMC service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5170 g (182.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5600 g (197.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1205 mm (47.44") |
| Folded Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 673 mm (26.50") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 16 N (3.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 896 m/s (2940 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 5199 J (3835 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1400 m (1531 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5500 m (6015 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- .300 Winchester Magnum · primary — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM, 7.62x67mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Match Grade Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Folding Stock, Suppressor Ready, Picatinny Rail, Accuracy International Chassis, Surefire Muzzle Device
Variants
- Mk 13 Mod 5 — Earlier Modification
- Mk 13 Mod 7 (USMC) — Marine Corps
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 2018
- United States Navy · adopted 2017
- United States Special Operations Command · as Mk 13
- United States Navy SEALs · as Mk 13
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Built by NSWC Crane and contracted manufacturers for US Navy, Marine Corps, and SOCOM. Production ongoing to replace M40A5 across all USMC scout sniper teams.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Mk 13 program was originally developed by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division for USSOCOM, with earlier modifications using different actions and stocks. The Mod 7 represents the most mature iteration, combining the Stiller action's smooth cycling with the AICS chassis system's modularity and the Lilja barrel's match-grade accuracy. The transition from 7.62 NATO to .300 Win Mag gives Marine snipers approximately 50% more effective range. The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F1 scope is the standard optic paired with the Mk 13 Mod 7. The rifle system requires snipers to requalify on the new platform due to the significantly different ballistic trajectory and recoil characteristics of the .300 Win Mag compared to the 7.62 NATO M40. Effective range is often cited at approximately 1,200-1,400 meters, though the maximum range of the .300 Win Mag exceeds 5,000 meters.
Background
The Mk 13 Mod 7's adoption by the Marine Corps in 2018 ended the legendary M40's 52-year reign as the USMC's primary sniper rifle. The M40, itself derived from the Remington 700, had served Marine snipers from Vietnam through Afghanistan. The switch to .300 Win Mag was driven by real-world combat experience in Afghanistan, where engagements at 800-1,200 meters exceeded the practical reach of the 7.62 NATO M40A5, and Marine snipers needed to match the range of their enemies' 12.7mm and 14.5mm heavy weapons.