Mk 15 Mod 0
McMillan Firearms · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: McMillan TAC-50, Mk 15 SASR, C15 LRSW, TAC-50 A1-R2
Overview
The Mk 15 Mod 0 is the United States Navy designation for the McMillan TAC-50 long-range anti-materiel and sniper rifle, adopted primarily by Navy SEALs for extreme-distance precision engagement and hard-target interdiction. Chambered in .50 BMG, the bolt-action TAC-50 features a fluted match-grade stainless steel barrel, effective muzzle brake, and McMillan's signature fiberglass stock designed to withstand the most extreme environmental conditions. Unlike the semi-automatic Barrett M82/M107 that serves as the US military's primary .50 caliber platform, the Mk 15's manually operated bolt action delivers superior inherent accuracy at the cost of rate of fire, making it the preferred choice for SEAL snipers engaged in precision long-range work where first-round hits are critical. The rifle holds the record for the longest confirmed sniper kills in history through its Canadian military designation, the C15 LRSW.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 12247 g (432.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 12900 g (455.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1448 mm (57.01") |
| Barrel Length | 736 mm (28.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 928 m/s (3045 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 18084 J (13338 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6800 m (7437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Match Grade Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Fiberglass |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .50 BMG · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as 12.7x99mm NATO, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7mm NATO, .50 Cal
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Match Grade Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Stock, Bipod Mount, Picatinny Rail, Anti Materiel Capability
Variants
- McMillan TAC-50 — Base Model
- McMillan TAC-50 A1 — Improved
- McMillan TAC-50 A1-R2 — Current Production
Service history
Operators
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 2003
- United States Special Operations Command · adopted 2003
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 2000 · as C15 LRSW
- Israeli Defense Forces
- Turkish Armed Forces
- Georgian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2000-present
Limited production for military and law enforcement. McMillan is a small-volume precision manufacturer based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Gale McMillan
Notes
The Mk 15 Mod 0 designation is frequently confused with the Barrett M82/M107, but they are entirely different weapon systems. The Barrett serves the anti-materiel role with its semi-automatic action, while the Mk 15/TAC-50 is optimized for precision at extreme range. The Canadian military designation is C15 Long Range Sniper Weapon (LRSW). The rifle's effective muzzle brake reduces felt recoil by approximately 50%, making the .50 BMG manageable from a prone position. The TAC-50 uses a manually operated rotary bolt action with dual front-locking lugs. McMillan's fiberglass stocks are legendary for maintaining zero in extreme temperature swings, humidity, and physical abuse that would warp wood or deform polymer alternatives.
Background
The TAC-50 holds three of the top five longest confirmed sniper kills in history, all achieved by Canadian snipers. In June 2017, a Canadian JTF2 sniper in Iraq shattered the world record with a confirmed kill at 3,540 meters -- a shot that took approximately 10 seconds of flight time. Previously, Canadian Corporal Rob Furlong set the record at 2,430 meters in Afghanistan in 2002 using the same weapon system. The rifle's bolt-action precision makes it the weapon of choice when a single shot must connect at distances where even a .338 Lapua Magnum runs out of energy.