M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle
Summary
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | United States Marine Corps |
Technical specifications
| M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 650 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 51 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 20 rounds |
| Length | 1120 mm (44.1 in) |
| Weight | 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) |
| Range | 780 m (2559 ft) |
Description
The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR) is a semi-automatic, gas-operated designated marksman rifle chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified and accurized version of the M14 rifle, similar to the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, and it replaced the United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). The M39 is manufactured by Sage International and maintained by the USMC's Precision Weapons Section. The "basic" EMR weighs 13 pounds (5.9 kg) or less, without accessories.
In November 1992, Marine Corps Systems Command drafted a mission needs statement for an enhanced sniper support team weapon (SSTW) to support the M40A1 sniper rifle for close-range engagements and to lay down rapid semiautomatic suppressive fire. Requirements included:
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Engaging targets out to 600 meters
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Using ammunition interchangeable with the M40A1
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Being able to mount a sound suppressor and optics
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Being supportable within the logistics system
Efforts to adapt the M14 for a designated marksman role had previously occurred, but it was not as accurate as bolt-action rifles and logistical compatibility was a concern. Despite initial limitations, rifle equipment builders continued to refine the M14 design as "interim measures," eventually culminating in the M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle program.
The M39 design features several differences compared to the preceding DMR. These include an adjustable metal stock, modified pistol grip, and a Picatinny rail. The M8541 Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS) is issued as part of the rifle system, along with a modified, more durable version of the Harris S-L bipod. The rifle is currently issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain long range ammunition.
In early 2012, the Marine Corps began replacing the M39 with the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (designated Mk 11 Mod 2) on a one-for-one basis.
The EMR is primarily used by a designated marksman to provide precision fire for units without a scout sniper, and is also employed by Marine scout snipers for missions requiring rapid accurate fire, and by Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal teams. It replaced the DMR, fulfilling the requirement for an accurate weapon system chambered in the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, which is more powerful than the M16A4's standard ammunition.