New specialized carbines for SOCOM
The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has awarded Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT Defense) a long-term, 10-year contract to supply the new Medium Range Gas Gun – Assault (MRGG-A) in 6.5 Creedmoor caliber. The contract covers weapons, spare parts, accessories, and training. The total volume: up to $92 million. By way of comparison, the complete procurement of the G95 for the regular troops has a total volume of more than €250 million.
The MRGG-A is based on LMT's MARS-H platform, an AR-10 derivative with direct gas extraction. In the configuration for SOCOM, the weapon is equipped with a 14.5-inch barrel. This closes the gap between classic assault rifles in the NATO standard caliber 5.56 mm and precision systems designed for 7.62 mm. The 6.5 Creedmoor caliber has been the focus of Western special forces for years, particularly in terms of range, ballistic consistency, and target effectiveness.
While Geissele was awarded the contract for the Mid-Range Gas Gun – Sniper (MRGG-S) with a 20-inch barrel at the end of 2023, SOCOM is now relying on LMT for the more compact MRGG-A. Production will take place at the Eldridge, Iowa, plant. Orders can be placed until August 2035.
The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally developed as a sporting cartridge, but has quickly gained popularity due to its flat trajectory and superior effectiveness at medium ranges compared to 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm. For operators, this means more accurate performance beyond the 800-meter line with controllable recoil – a decisive advantage in dynamic combat situations.
The award underscores the path that has been taken: SOCOM is consistently expanding the use of the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber – from modified M110 and Mk20 to the Mk48 LMG and the new MRGG platforms. This makes it clear where the journey is headed: increased range and effectiveness combined with high controllability, even under combat conditions that demand rapid response
Mission success requires tactical equipment you can trust in any environment. OPTIX Tactical Equipment ensures reliability and performance in every operation.
Black Trident: Special Purpse Gear & Training. Your Gear is our responsibility. Now, your training is too.
