M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle
| M39 enhanced marksman rifle (EMR) | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008–present |
| Wars |
War in Afghanistan War in Iraq |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Sage International |
| Unit cost | US$3,930.17 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg) |
| Length | 44.2 inches (112 cm) |
| Barrel length | 22 inches (56 cm) |
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| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt, Semi-automatic |
| Rate of fire | 60 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,837 ft/s (865 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 850 yards (780 m) |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
The M39 enhanced marksman rifle (EMR, 1005-01-553-5196; more formally the rifle, 7.62 MM, M39 enhanced marksman rifle) 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 used by the United States military. It is based on the current United States Marine Corps designated marksman rifle (DMR), which it replaced. It is manufactured by Sage International and maintained by the USMC's Precision Weapons Section.
The rifle is currently issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain long range ammunition. The "basic" EMR (without telescopic sight, magazine, sling, basic issue items, cleaning gear, suppressor and bipod) weighs 13 pounds (5.9 kg) or less.
It resembles the Mk 14 enhanced battle rifle.
In November 1992, Marine Corps Systems Command drafted a mission needs statement for an enhanced sniper support team weapon (SSTW). It called for a weapon to support the M40A1 sniper rifle in a scout sniper team for close-range engagements and to lay down rapid semiautomatic suppressive fire. At the time, the role was filled by the M16A2, which could not mount optics or night vision sights and used M855 5.56×45mm ammunition, which was too inaccurate for the role. A previous designated marksman weapon effort attempted to use the M14 for the role, but it was not as accurate as bolt-action rifles and could not fit into the Fleet Marine Forces logistics system. The enhanced SSTW had to engage targets out to 600 meters, use ammunition interchangeable with the M40A1, be able to mount a sound suppressor and optics, and be supportable. Even though the M14 was not initially suitable, rifle equipment builders continued to refine it and produced versions as "interim measures". They eventually became a program onto themselves and culminated as the M39 enhanced marksman rifle.
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