Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR (Enhanced Battle Rifle)

History

The Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR (Enhanced Battle Rifle) is an evolution of the original M14 Battle Rifle of the 1960s and 1970s, later modified to provide infantry squads with the firepower, range and accuracy of a sniper rifle to strike Targets beyond the range of standard M4 carbine and M16 assault rifles. Manufacture of the Mk 14 EBR is carried out by Rock Island Arsenal in accordance with the requirements set out in the Statement of Operational Requirements for Long Range Rifles used by US Standard Infantry Platoons.

The Mk 14 is classified as "Designated Marker Prevailing" (DMR) for Designated Marker (DM) use.

Designated marksman is a term used by the U.S. Army to denote an element of Soldier who actively acts as part of an infantry-level platoon and is required to provide long-range, accurate fire as well as accurate rapid fire. Essentially, a DM is a fusion of a full-time sniper-level soldier and a member of the standard infantry squad, although the sniper himself remains a very unique, professional, and select soldier. Another distinguishing feature between a DM and a true "sniper" is the use of semi-automatic weapons (usually battle rifles or scoped assault rifles), further classified in military terms as "Designated Marksman Rifles" (DMRs) and marked with A special sight, equipped with long-range precision.

The DM is tasked with engaging enemy targets within 600 yards using standard rifle ammunition and improving the inherent range limitations of the M14 Carbine and M16 Assault Rifle - extending the range of a given infantry platoon in the same way as a Heavy or Grenadier . By contrast, snipers typically operate in small two-person teams with scouts and exclusively use their carefully selected skills, equipment and training to perform the mission, and are required to engage with high-value Targets engage to fight those against larger targets. Caliber ammunition.

The Mk 14 EBR emerged in 2000 out of demand from the US Navy SEALs for a redesigned version of their well-regarded and effective M14 battle rifle. In response, U.S. Special Operations Command asked Mike Rock Rifle Barrels, Incorporated to provide a new M14 with an aluminum frame, collapsible stock and accessory rail bracket. The resulting product showed promise, but excessive noise issues made it a thing of the past. Smith Enterprises, Incorporated entered the fray in 2003 and delivered the "Mk 14 SEI Mod 0", which surpassed the original template Smith Enterprises had partnered with Springfield Armory, Incorporated to deliver the operational form of its new "Mark 14 Mod 0" to the U.S.

Army Both companies work with the Naval Surface Warfare Center's crane division, and Sage International has contracted to supply the inventory.

Beginning in 2004, the US Navy SEALs officially started select operations with their new Mark 14 Mod 0 (Mk 14 Mod 0). The rifle system was eventually delivered to U.S. Coast Guard inventory and is currently being introduced into select infantry squads by the U.S. Army.

By mid-2010, Rock Island Arsenal's TACOM Lifecycle Management Command (LCMC) had produced at least 5,000 Mk 14 EBR systems. As of this writing, these systems are in use with U.S. troops operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, with two Mk 14 EBRs per infantry unit. In practice, the Mk 14 EBR has proven to be an effective and highly modular system that provides low, limited recoil at launch.

In addition, the retrofit of existing M14 battle rifles ensures that acquisition costs are kept at a manageable level.

The core of the Mk 14 EBR is nothing more than a very modern M14 battle rifle, using the same gas/swivel bolt action rifle as the original M14, as well as their air-cooled barrel. However, changes to the base system include an adjustable retractable aluminum stock (with cheek rests), M4 style pistol grip, cantilever mount, Harris branded bipod, 4 x Picatinny accessory rails, A revised muzzle brake and revised fork end the sight.

The Mark 4 tactical range is for precision work. The Mk 14 EBR retains its original battle rifle lineage for close quarter combat (CQC) as well as long range precision work.

Although the M14 base design has changed, the Mk 14 EBR can be converted back to the original M14 battle rifle form if required.

The Mk 14 EBR is loaded with 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges and is semi-automatic. Valid range listed is between 600 and 800 yards, depending on conditions and operator training/experience.

It reportedly weighs 14.9 lbs empty and 16.6 lbs loaded, and the magazine is a detachable box magazine that provides 20 rounds of ready-to-fire ammo. The muzzle velocity was reported to be 2,600 feet per second, while the barrel length (using the original M14 barrel) was 22 inches, and the entire system was 35 inches long.

Visually, the Mk 14 EBR retains only a portion of the overall look of the original M14, as there are many new modifications - although true M14 fans will be quick to point out some visual similarities. The most obvious is the installation of an adjustable stock and pistol grip.

Picatinny rails are mounted above the receiver and around the nose/barrel area, these rails can accommodate a variety of accessories, including scopes (day/night types - even two different types at the same time), vertical handles, bipods, etc. The barrel sticks out nicely out of the front housing and has a baffled muzzle brake.

Civilian versions of the Mark 14 Mod 0 rifle - including carbines and replicas - also come from various manufacturers.

The USMC considered the Mk 14 EBR, but chose to continue development of its M39 EMR (Enhanced Marksman Rifle).

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes