The United States Marine Corp Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) is a semi-automatic gas-operated rifle chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified and accurized varient of the Springfield Armory M-14 battle rifle built and utilized solely by the United States Marine Corp. It is equipped with a simple MIL-STD-1913 rail mounting system provided by Atlantic Marketing Research Systems which allows for the attachment of any optic system compatible with the MIL-STD-1913 rail (this would include a variety of military riflescopes, most notably the TS-30 3.5-10x40mm dayscope and the AN/PVS-17 night vision optic). The DMR also has an operator attachable OPS, Inc. 2-port muzzle brake, threaded and collared to accept an OPS, Inc. 12th model muzzle brake suppressor sound attenuation device. The "basic" DMR (i.e. without secondary sight, magazine, sling, basic issue items, cleaning gear, suppressor, and bipod) weighs 11 pounds or less. The DMR design allows the sight mount, barrel, bolt, and other key assemblies to be repaired/replaced at the third echelon maintenance level.
| Caliber: | 7.62 mm NATO (.308 caliber) |
| Firearm action: | Rotating bolt with gas operation |
| Designed by: | Derived from M1 Garand design |
| Weight (Unloaded): | 10-11 lbs. |
| Maximum effective range: | 600-800 meters |
| Unit Replacement Cost: | Information not available. |
The DMR is employed by the Marine Corps Scout/Sniper team when the mission requirements dictate the need for a weapon capable of delivering rapid, accurate fire against multiple targets at greater ranges and with greater lethality than the M16A2's 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It is also be used by the Designated Marksman (DM) assigned to the Marine Security Force Battalion and Military Police units in the execution of their security and counter-terrorist missions.