Marine Corps Adopts Nightforce ATACR for Mk 13 Sniper Rifle
Back in May, we reported that the US Marine Corps would, at last, be replacing its venerable M40A6 sniper rifles with the Mk 13 Precision Sniper Rifle. The Marine Corps has now confirmed that the Mk 13 Mod 7 will be fitted with the Nightforce ATACR Scope.
Sgt. Randy Robles, Quantico Scout Sniper School instructor and Marine Corps Systems Command liaison, explains the features of the Mk13 Mod 7 Sniper Rifle during training aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. MCSC will field the Mk13 in late 2018 and throughout 2019 to increase the lethality and combat effectiveness of scout snipers on the battlefield. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kristen Murphy)
The ATACR 5-25×56 F1 made by Nightforce, an optics manufacturer based in Lavonia, Georgia, will be issued to Marine Corps Scout snipers on the new .300 WinMag Mk 13 Mod 7. In a press release from the company Nightforce’s MIL-GOV-LE Business Development Manager, Tod Litt said:
the increased capability of the newly issued Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle requires a scope that is as rugged, reliable, repeatable, and dependable as the United States Marines tasked with using it. The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 was chosen as the day scope to take full advantage of the rifle systems’ competencies.
The optic has a Horus TReMoR3 reticle and an integrated milliradian-based grid that incorporates time-of-flight wind dots. These can aid the shooter in making judgments on wind speed and direction. Nightforce’s press release explains that the optic has a capped windage knob with windage limiter, 120 MOA/35 Mils of elevation adjustment and an illuminated reticle.
Profile view of NightForce’s ATACR 5-25×56 F1 scope (NightForce)
Back in March, Sgt. Randy Robles, Quantico Scout Sniper School instructor and MCSC liaison, said: “the new day optic allows for positive identification of enemies at greater distances, and it has a grid-style reticle that allows for rapid reengagement without having to dial adjustments or ‘hold’ without a reference point.” He explained that “with this type of weapon in the fleet, we will increase our lethality and be able to conceal our location because we are creating a buffer between us and the enemy.”
Tod Litt said that the Nightforce ATACR equipped Mk 13 Mod 7s will reach fleet Marines shortly. You can find more info about the ATACR on NightForce’s site here.