View source for M24 Sniper Weapon System

{{short description|Bolt action sniper rifle}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, Sniper Weapon System, M24
| image              = M24-Sniper-Weapon-System.png
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = The M24 rifle
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Sniper rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1988–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[Salvadoran Civil War]]<br />[[Gulf War]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]<br />[[Iraq War]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/15/gave-us-trucks-and-ammunition-to-al-qaeda-chaotic-us-effort-to-arm-syrian-rebels.html |title='I gave the US trucks and ammunition to al Qaeda': The chaotic US effort to arm Syrian rebels |first=Hollie |last=McKay |date=May 14, 2018 |website=Fox News}}</ref><br />[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cBtsQCnsuA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611065732/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cBtsQCnsuA&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2020|title=- YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 1988
| manufacturer       = [[Remington Arms]]
| production_date    = 1988 – mid 2010s
| variants           = M24A2, M24A3, M24E1
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = {{convert|5.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty, without [[Telescopic sight|scope]] (M24)<br />{{convert|7.3|kg|lb|abbr=on}} with optical sight, sling swivels, carrying strap, fully loaded magazine<ref name="MIL-R-71126(AR)"/><br /> {{convert|5.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty, without [[Telescopic sight|scope]] (M24A3).
| length             = {{convert|1,092|mm|in|abbr=on}} (M24A1, M24A2);<br /> {{convert|1,181|mm|in|abbr=on}} (M24A3)
| part_length        = {{convert|610|mm|in|abbr=on}} (M24A1, M24A2);<br /> {{convert|685.8|mm|in|abbr=on}} (M24A3)
| crew               = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = * [[7.62×51mm NATO]] (M24, M24A2)<ref name="Remington">{{Cite web |url=http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/Firearms/Sniper%20Rifles/M24.aspx |title=Sniper Rifles: M24 |website=Remington Military |access-date=December 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923075143/http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/Firearms/Sniper%20Rifles/M24.aspx |archive-date=September 23, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[.338 Lapua Magnum]] (M24A3)<ref name="Remington" />
| caliber            = 
| action             = [[Bolt-action]]
| rate               = 20 rounds/min
| velocity           = {{convert|2580|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} w/M118LR Sniper load (175 gr.)
| range              = * {{convert|800|m|yd|0}} (''7.62×51mm'')
* {{convert|1500|m|yd|0}} (''.338 Lapua Magnum'')
| max_range          = Estimated {{convert|4400|m|yd|0}} w/M118LR Sniper load (175 gr.)
| feed               = 5-round internal [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]] (M24),<br /> 5-round, 10-round detachable [[box magazine]] (M24A2, M24A3)
| sights             = [[Telescopic sight|Telescopic]]; detachable backup [[iron sights]]
}}

The '''M24 Sniper Weapon System''' ('''SWS''') or '''M24''' is the military and police version of the [[Remington Model 700]] rifle, ''M24'' being the model name assigned by the [[United States Army]] after adoption as their standard [[sniper rifle]] in 1988. The M24 is referred to as a "weapon system" because it consists of not only a rifle, but also a detachable [[telescopic sight]] and other accessories.

The M24 SWS has the "long action" bolt version of the Remington 700 receiver but is chambered for the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] "short action" cartridge that has an overall length of {{convert|2.750|in|mm|2}}. The "long action" allows the rifle to be re-configured for dimensionally larger cartridges up to {{convert|3.340|in|mm|2}} in overall length.

The M24 originally came tapped for the Leupold Ultra M3A 10×42mm fixed-power scope, which came with a circle-shaped mil-dot glass-etched reticle. This was later replaced in 1998 by the Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M1 10×40mm fixed-power scope with an elongated-shaped mil-dot wire reticle.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-10x40mm-lrt-m1 |title=Focal plane Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M1 10*40mm |website=Leupold & Stevens, Inc. |access-date=May 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615233754/http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-10x40mm-lrt-m1 |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The rifle also comes with a detachable Harris 9–13" 1A2-LM or Harris 9–13" 1A2-L bipod unit.

The M24 SWS was to be replaced with the [[M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System]], a contract awarded to [[Knight's Armament Company]]. However, the Army still continued to acquire M24s from Remington until February 2010 and upgraded to the A2 and M24E1 standard in many cases, continuing to serve.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=3820 |title=Contracts |date=July 16, 2008 |website=DefenseLink |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513050635/http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=3820 |archive-date=May 13, 2009}}</ref> The Army chose to upgrade all its M24 rifles in the arsenals to the [[M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle]], with the final M24 being converted in April 2014.<ref name="peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil">{{cite web |url=http://peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil/2014/05/09/snipers-put-finishing-touches-on-the-last-sniper-rifle/ |title=Snipers Put Finishing Touches on the Last Sniper Rifle |first=D. |last=Dawson |date=May 9, 2014 |website=[[PEO Soldier]] Live |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011211520/http://peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil/2014/05/09/snipers-put-finishing-touches-on-the-last-sniper-rifle/ |archive-date=October 11, 2014}}</ref>

==Specifications==
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2013}}
[[File:061019-A-7603F-151.jpg|left|thumb|U.S. Army sniper team with the M24 SWS]]

[[Telescopic sight|Scope]]: [[Leupold & Stevens|Leupold]] Ultra M3A 10×42mm fixed power, or Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M3 10×40mm fixed power [[Telescopic sight|scope]]. Detachable emergency Redfield-Palma International back-up [[iron sights]], they are attached to iron sight bases that are screwed into drilled and tapped holes machined into the front of the barrel and back on the left side of the receiver. In 2001 when Remington had the second contract to the U.S. military, minor changes were done to the M24. These changes included two piece Leupold Mark 4 scope ring bases instead of the one piece on the first series rifles, and a switch from Redfield-Palma International iron sights to another manufacturer OK Weber. Redfield was out of business by then, necessitating a change.

[[Gun barrel|Barrel]]: Made of [[SAE steel grades#Stainless steel|416R stainless steel]]. The bore twist is 1-turn-in-11.25&nbsp;inches [1:285.75&nbsp;mm] and the rifling is five radial lands and grooves (5-R) with a right-hand (RH) twist. Because of the odd number of lands, none of the lands are 180° apart, i.e. in direct opposition. This results in less bullet deformation, which (at least in theory) produces more consistent point of impact. In 5-R rifling, the "side" of the land is cut at a 65° angle, rather than 90° in conventional rifling. This results in less barrel fouling, and more consistent point of impact, compared to conventional rifling when relatively high numbers of rounds are fired between cleaning, as might be expected in military applications.

[[Stock (firearm)|Stock]]: H-S Precision PST-024, the model with the fixed cheek piece, adjustable LOP and hinged floorplate. The stock secures the action via an aluminum bedding block to keep it rigid. The barrel is free floating. A twin-strut extension that pulls out of the butt allows a {{convert|2|in|mm|adj=on}} adjustment to length-of-pull, as well as allowing for the weapon to fit inside the M-1950 Weapon Container for Airborne Operations. This is effected by a thick wheel on a central grooved pillar for adjusting the length and a thin locking ring behind it locks the thick wheel in place. The stock is primarily made from a polymer foam reinforced with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar to reduce weight and then painted with a heavy duty polane paint. They were rigorously tested before being approved by Remington and the military.

[[Accuracy]]: According to MIL-R-71126(AR), 3.15.7 Targeting and Accuracy, The rifle shall achieve the dispersion set forth below when fired from a Government approved machine rest. The average mean radius shall be less than or equal to the values stated below. The minimum rate of fire for conducting this test shall be three rounds per minute.<ref name="MIL-R-71126(AR)">{{cite web |url=http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-R/MIL-R-71126_7029/ |title=MIL-R-71126, Military Specification: Rifle, 7.62mm, Sniper w/Day Optical Sight and Carrying Cases, M24 |website=EverySpec.com}}</ref>

Range / Average Mean Radius (AMR) — Mean Radius (MR) expresses the average distance of all the shots from the center of the shot group. AMR averages the MR of several shot groups.
* {{convert|200|yd|m|0}}: 1.3&nbsp;inches
* {{convert|273|yd|m|0}}: 1.4&nbsp;inches
* {{convert|300|yd|m|0}}: 1.9&nbsp;inches
The radial distance from the calculated center of impact of the first target compared to the calculated center of impacts of the subsequent targets shall be less or equal to 1.086 [[Minute of Angle|MOA]] (3.3 inches @ 300 yards, 2.2 inches @ 200 yards, 2.4 inches @ 200 meters) on an average basis.

The actual rifle requirements for accuracy were .35 MOA from a machine rest and according to Major John Mende (ret.), this accuracy had to be maintained to 10,000 rounds. He stated, "Interesting side note was there was a 10,000 round requirement for the barrel to maintain the original accuracy. In fact after some 10,000 round tests we discovered the accuracy improved. A few barrels were tested past 20,000 and accuracy never went below the original accuracy requirement."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snipercentral.com/u-s-army-m24-sws/ |title=U.S. Army M24 SWS |first=Melvin |last=Ewing |date=April 2, 2020 |website=Sniper Central |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:1st Battalion, 24th Infantry snipers scanning for activity from a Mosul police station DA-SD-06-03422.jpg|thumb|M24 SWS equipped with an AN/PVS-10 Sniper Night Sight (SNS)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://peosoldier.army.mil/newpeo/Equipment/Temp.asp?id=SMS_SNS |title=Sniper Night Sight (SNS), AN/PVS-10 |website=PEO Soldier}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>]]

Maximum effective range is given as {{convert|800|m|yd|sp=us|0}}, but record shots have been made with the M24 at over {{convert|1000|m|yd|sp=us|0}}. Meanwhile, the standard optical sight has a maximum elevation adjustment of {{convert|1000|m|yd|sp=us|0}}.

[[File:M24 components.jpg|right|thumb|M24 SWS components (U.S. Army photo)]]

==M24 variants==
===XM24A1===
An experimental variant re-chambered for the [[.300 Winchester Magnum]] (7.62×67mm) round. It was not adopted by the US Army due to concerns that operators would not be able to acquire the special ammo. Also, the available .300 Winchester Magnum ammo that was procured sometimes misfired due to incompletely-burned propellant in the longer cartridge. Redick Arms Development further researched this concept, which eventually grew into the RAD M91A1 (7.62x51mm NATO) and M91A2 (.300 Winchester Magnum). These rifles were adopted by the [[United States Navy SEALs|US Navy SEALs]].

===M24A2===
[[Remington Arms|Remington]] has developed an improved version of the M24 rifle, known as the M24A2. The A2 model features a detachable 5-round [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]], top-mounted and adjustable side-mounted [[Picatinny rail]]s (advertised by Remington as "MARS", or Modular Accessory Rail System), barrel modifications designed to accommodate a [[sound suppressor]], and an improved H-S Precision PST-026 stock with adjustable cheek height and [[length of pull]]. Existing M24s can also be converted into M24A2s, which replaces the stock and adds the new detachable magazine feed. The conversion requires a re-barreling of the weapon so it can take the OPS silencer.

===M24A3===
Remington developed the M24A3 SWS, a variant of the M24 chambered for the [[.338 Lapua Magnum]] round (8.58×70mm) and feeding from a 5-round detachable box magazine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/m24a3sws.htm |title=Remington M24A3 SWS |website=Remington Military |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017222046/http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/m24a3sws.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2006}}</ref> It comes tapped for the Leupold Mk 4 M1LR/T 8.5–25×50mm Variable Power [[Telescopic sight|day scope]]. It can also use detachable front and rear Back-Up Iron Sights in an emergency (BUIS units are standard accessories that can be fitted to the Picatinny Rail that runs on the top of the receiver and along the barrel).

===U.S. Army 2009 solicitation for an M24 reconfiguration===
The [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] put out a solicitation in May 2009 for reconfiguring M24 Sniper Weapon Systems currently available in Army inventory consisting of a:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=aa29286ddb12cc8f1c4fa29069716b16&tab=core&_cview=0&cck=1&au=&ck=M24 |title=Sniper Weapon System (SWS) Reconfiguration, Solicitation Number: W15QKN-09-X-0413 |website=Federal Business Opportunity}}</ref>
* Rebarreling/rechambering the SWS's barrel optimized to accommodate Mk 248 (DODIC A191) .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition.
* Replacement of existing weaver rails with a MIL-STD-1913 rail capable of accommodating both a day optic and in-line forward mounted, AN/PVS-26 (NSN 5855-01-538-8121) image intensified (I2) night vision device.
* Reconfiguring the stock with a stock that incorporates a detachable box magazine, adjustable comb and length of pull.
* Addition of a detachable sound suppressor as well as any necessary barrel modifications required for a sound suppressor interface.
* Replacement of the existing day optic sight (DOS) and rings with an Army specified variable power day optic and compatible rings.

The US government purchased MK 248 MOD 1 .300 Winchester Magnum match-grade ammunition in 2009 for use in .300 Winchester Magnum sniper rifles like the U.S. Navy [[Mk 13 rifle#Mk 13 MOD 5|MK 13 MOD 5]] rifle or reconfigured M24 SWSs. This ammunition was developed as a .300 Winchester Magnum Match Product Improvement (PIP) and uses the 14.26 g (220 gr) Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) [[very-low-drag bullet]] fired at a nominal muzzle velocity of {{convert|869|m/s|ft/s|}} ± {{convert|15.2|m/s|ft/s|}}. According to the U.S. Navy, this ammunition should increase the maximum effective range of .300 Winchester Magnum sniper rifle systems to {{convert|1,370|m|yd|abbr=on}}, decrease wind deflection on bullets in flight and use a reduced muzzle flash propellant that remains temperature stable across an operational temperature range of {{convert|-32|to|74|C|F}}.<ref name="2009infantrysmallarms">{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2009infantrysmallarms/tuesdaysessioniii8524.pdf |title=U.S. Navy Small Arms Ammunition Advancements – 7.62MM Special Ball, Long Range |date=2009 |website=[[Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division|NAVSEA Warfare Centers Crane]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011094032/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2009infantrysmallarms/tuesdaysessioniii8524.pdf |archive-date=October 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.neco.navy.mil/upload/N00164/N0016409RJN30000209RJN30_0002_att.pdf |title=Detail Specification: Cartridge .300 Winchester Magnum Match, Mk 248 Mod 1 DODIC AB43, NSN 1305-01-568-7504, Revision A |date=17 March 2009 |website=Navy Electronic Business Opportunities |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722210935/https://www.neco.navy.mil/upload/N00164/N0016409RJN30000209RJN30_0002_att.pdf |archive-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/USA-Orders-499M-in-300-Winchester-Magnum-Ammo-05493/ |title=$49.9M US Contract for 300 Winchester Magnum Ammo |date=June 10, 2009 |website=Defense Industry Daily}}</ref>

===2010 M24E1 Enhanced Sniper Rifle reconfiguration competition===
[[File:XM2010 November 2010.jpg|thumb|M24E1/XM2010 reconfigured Sniper Weapon System chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum]]

{{Main|M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle}}

In September 2010, the United States Army's Joint Munitions and Lethality Contracting Center awarded Remington a [[Fixed-price contract|Firm Fixed Price]] [[Indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity|Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity]] contract (W15QKN-10-R-0403) for the upgrade of up to 3,600 M24 Sniper Weapon Systems currently fielded to the Army pending type classification as the M24E1 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR).<ref name="pdf">{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/TuesdayLandmarkBTamilio.pdf |title=Project Manager Soldier Weapons Briefing for NDIA |last1=Fuller |first1=Peter N.|first2=Douglas A. |last2=Tamilio |date=May 18, 2010 |work=[[PEO Soldier]] |publisher=United States Army |access-date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114024552/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/TuesdayLandmarkBTamilio.pdf |archive-date=November 14, 2011}}</ref> Later, the Enhanced Sniper Rifle was classified as the [[XM2010]]. The major configuration change for this system is the conversion from 7.62×51mm NATO to dimensionally larger .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition exploiting the M24's "long action" bolt to provide additional precision and range.<ref name="advanced-armament.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.advanced-armament.com/pdf/M24E1PressRelease20Sept10.pdf |title=US Army Awards Contract to Reconfigure M24 Sniper Weapon Systems to Remington Arms |date=September 20, 2010 |website=Advanced-Armament.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011135416/http://www.advanced-armament.com/pdf/M24E1PressRelease20Sept10.pdf |archive-date=October 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://peosoldier.army.mil/newpeo/Equipment/Temp.asp?id=IW_ESR |title=M24E1 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR) |website=PEO Soldier}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The M24E1/XM2010 is considered a "total conversion upgrade", by which the barrel, stock, magazines, muzzle brake, suppressor, and even the optics will be changed. Besides the rechambering and rebarreling with a 610&nbsp;mm (24&nbsp;in) long, 254&nbsp;mm (1 in 10&nbsp;inch) twist rate (5R) hammer-forged barrel the main reconfiguration changes compared to 7.62×51mm NATO chambered M24 rifles are:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/09/remington-wins-m24e1-army-sniper-rifle-contract/ |title=Remington Wins M24E1 Army Sniper Rifle Contract |date=September 21, 2010 |website=Accurate Shooter Daily Bulletin |access-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref>
* Fitting a new chassis (stock) assembly, which maximizes the amount of physical adjustments for the sniper to provide a better user customized fit. The chassis has a folding buttstock that shortens the system for easier transport and better concealment during movement and accommodates the mounting of accessories via removable MIL-STD-1913 [[Picatinny Rail]]s.
* Fitting a 5-round detachable [[box magazine]].
* Fitting a quick-attachable/detachable Advanced Armament Corp. sound suppressor with [[muzzle brake]].
* Fitting a Leupold Mark 4 6.5–20×50mm ER/T M5 Front Focal variable power telescopic sight featuring a 30&nbsp;mm tube diameter, first focal plane Horus Vision H-37 grid system range estimation reticle and Bullet Drop Compensation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/09/new-34mm-tube-mark-iv-scope-with-horus-reticle-for-m24e1/ |title=New 34mm-tube Mark 4 Scope with Horus Reticle for M24E1 |date=September 22, 2010 |website=Accurate Shooter Daily Bulletin |access-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-ert-riflescopes/mark-4-6-5-20x50mm-ert-m5-front-focal/ |title=Leupold Optics Mark 4 ER/T 6.5–20×50mm (30mm) M5 Front Focal |work=Leupold Optics |access-date=December 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615115641/http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-ert-riflescopes/mark-4-6-5-20x50mm-ert-m5-front-focal |archive-date=June 15, 2012}}</ref>
* Applying advanced corrosion resistant coatings throughout the system.

According to Remington Arms, each rifle is tested to meet (and typically exceeds) the requirement to fire ≤ 1 [[Minute of angle|MOA]] (less than a 2-inch shot group at 200 yards) before being released for fielding.<ref name="advanced-armament.com"/>

Based on the results and feedback from troops, the U.S. Army decided in May 2011 to replace its entire fleet of M24s, ordering a total of 2,558 M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifles. By September 2012, the Army had fielded more than 1,400 systems as part of an urgent material release. The M2010 achieved Type Classification-Standard in July 2013 and Full Materiel Release in September 2013, supporting procurement for the balance of the Army requirement. On April 25, 2014, the 2,558th M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle was completed.<ref name="peosoldier.army.mil">{{Cite magazine |url=https://peosoldier.army.mil/docs/pmsw/Bugler-Sniper-Article-SEP_2011.pdf |title=Sniper's Spring XM2010s Unleashed in Afghanistan |via=PEO Soldier |magazine=Infantry Bugler |date=September 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016144914/http://www.peosoldier.army.mil/docs/pmsw/Bugler-Sniper-Article-SEP_2011.pdf |archive-date=October 16, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/remington-m2010/?scrape=true |title=Remington Completes Its M2010 Contract |first=Andre M. |last=Dallau |date=May 14, 2014 |website=Tactical-life.com |access-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624195556/http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/remington-m2010/?scrape=true |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil"/>

===IDF modernized M24===
[[File:IDF-Modernized-M24-trp-Zachi-Evenor.png|thumb|300px|IDF modernized M24 SWS]]
[[File:M24I SWS - Independence Day 2023-04-26 IZE-090.png|thumb|300px|IDF modernized M24 SWS]]
In 2019, the Israel Defense Forces started to upgrade the M24 and replace the stock and receiver of the old M24 rifles with a modern [[MDT Defense]] M24 Chassis stock assembly with [[AR15]]/[[M16 rifle|M16]] pistol grip that increases the number of physical adjustments to individual ergonomic preferences, magazine feeding and an [[M-LOK]] forend with attachable MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails around the barrel. The modernized M24 entered service in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.idf.il/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%97%D7%98%D7%99%D7%91%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%9C/2020/%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%A6%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%97%D7%98%D7%99%D7%91%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%9C/ |title=פחות מ-10 שניות, ובהפרש של כדור אחד: בזכות האימון הזה גילינו מי הצלפים הכי טובים בנח"ל |trans-title=Less than 10 seconds, and with a difference of one ball: Thanks to this training, we discovered who the best snipers in Nahal are |first=Batya |last=Van Zeiden |date=5 January 2020 |website=[[Israel Defense Forces]] |language=he}}</ref><ref>[https://mdttac.ca/mdt-defense/ MDT Defense MDT M24 Chassis]</ref>

==Differences between M24 and M40==
The [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] also uses the Remington 700/40x action as the basis for its [[M40 rifle|M40 Sniper Weapon System]].<ref name="Senich88">{{cite book |last=Senich |first=Peter R. |title=Complete Book of U.S. Sniping |publisher=[[Paladin Press]] |year=1988 |location=Boulder, CO |page=28 |isbn=978-1-58160-610-2}}</ref> The primary difference between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps rifles is that while the U.S. Marine Corps M40 variants use the short-action version of the Remington 700/40x (which is designed for shorter cartridges such as the [[.308 Winchester]]/7.62×51&nbsp;mm NATO), the U.S. Army M24 uses the Remington 700 Long Action.<ref name="Senich88"/> Despite the fact that the M24 comes fitted with a 7.62×51mm NATO barrel upon issue, retaining the longer action allows them to reconfigure the rifle in dimensionally larger cartridge chamberings if necessary (which has been the case during the longer engagement distances during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]). Long actions also increase reliability and reduce jamming by reducing the angle of cartridges leaving the magazine and permit long, low-drag heavy-for-caliber bullets to be loaded in short-action cartridges that otherwise would not fit in short-action cartridges, magazines and receivers.

The U.S. Army reconfigured their M24 rifles to M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifles rechambering the original M24 rifles to .300 Winchester Magnum. The USMC M40A3 uses a {{convert|25|in|mm|0}} Schneider barrel and the U.S. Army M24 used a {{convert|24|in|mm|0}} Rock Creek 5R barrel.

==Users==
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[[File:IDF-modernized-M24-SWS-0010.jpg|thumb|[[Israel Defense Forces]] [[sniper]]s with the modernized M24 SWS]]
[[File:M24-Israel63pic 0017a.jpg|thumb|right|[[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] M24 sniper rifle, colored in camouflage scheme]]

* {{flag|Algeria}}: Used by the [[People's National Army (Algeria)|People's National Army]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_af_algeria |title=Algeria |date=2008 |website=World Infantry Weapons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010230003/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_af_algeria |archive-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}: Used by [[Special Warfare Diving and Salvage]]{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}
* {{flag|Brazil}}: Used by [[Brazilian Special Operations Brigade]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pt.scribd.com/doc/44249480/BRASIL-B-Operacoes-Especiais |title=BRASIL – B. Operações Especiais |website=Scribd |access-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref> and [[Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais|BOPE]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-02 |title=wiw_sa_brazil - worldinventory |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |access-date=2022-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220038/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |archive-date=June 2, 2016 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Colombia}}: Used by the Colombian Army, Colombian Navy and Colombian Air Force.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
* {{flag|El Salvador}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces |magazine=Small Arms Review |issue=8 |date=May 2000 |first=Julio A. |last=Montes |url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006}}</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |title=Georgian Army |website=Georgian Army |access-date=June 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309192408/http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |archive-date=March 9, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|Hungary}}: ''Bercsény László Különleges Műveleti Zászlóalj''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shadowspear.com/hungary-special-operations/34-berceseny-laszlo-kulonleges-muveleti-zaszloalj.html |title=34. Bercsény László Különleges Műveleti Zászlóalj |date=June 12, 2009 |work=ShadowSpear |access-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702040055/https://www.shadowspear.com/2009/06/34-berceseny-laszlo-kulonleges-muveleti-zaszloalj/ |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}}: [[Iraqi Army]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/nia-equipment.htm |title=New Iraqi Army (NIA) Equipment |first=John |last=Pike |access-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref> [[Iraqi Special Operations Forces|Iraqi special forces]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ISOF Arms & Equipment Part 2 – Precision Rifles |url=http://armamentresearch.com/isof-arms-equipment-part-2-precision-rifles |first=Miles |last=Vining |date=April 22, 2017 |website=[[armamentresearch.com]]}}</ref> and [[Popular Mobilisation Units]].<ref>{{cite report |title=Iraq: Turning a blind eye: The arming of the Popular Mobilization Units |date=January 5, 2017 |url=https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/MDE1453862017ENGLISH.PDF |id=MDE 14/5386/2017 |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |page=26}}</ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}: [[Israel Defense Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.isayeret.com/content/weapons/sws/m24/article.shtml |title=Remington M24 |website=Isayeret.com |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160226180442/http://www.isayeret.com/content/weapons/sws/m24/article.shtml |archive-date=February 26, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Japan}}:<ref name="M24">{{cite web |url=http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/firearms/m24sws/m24sws.html 
|script-title=ja:対人狙撃銃 |trans-title=PvP sniper rifle |website=rightwing.sakura.ne.jp |access-date=November 4, 2009 |language=ja}}</ref> Used by the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force|JGSDF snipers]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sankei.com/premium/news/161005/prm1610050003-n1.html |script-title=ja:あの国の特殊部隊を迎え撃つ、世界一の陸自スナイパーが手に握る「対人狙撃銃」 |trans-title=Personal sniper rifle held by the world's best GSDF sniper to meet the special forces of the country |language=ja |date=October 5, 2016 |website=[[Sankei Shimbun]]}}</ref> the paratroopers of the [[1st Airborne Brigade (Japan)|1st Airborne Brigade]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hyperdouraku.com/event/jgsdf1st1001/index.html |script-title=ja:平成22年 習志野 第1空挺団 降下訓練始め |trans-title=2010 Narashino 1st Airborne Brigade descent training started |website=hyperdouraku.com |access-date=April 23, 2010 |language=ja}}</ref> and the [[Special Forces Group (Japan)|Special Forces Group]] as its main sniper rifle.<ref name="Report">{{cite web |url=http://jieitaisaiyou.web.fc2.com/tokusyu.html |script-title=ja:陸上自衛隊唯一の特殊部隊 特殊作戦群の解説 |trans-title=Explanation of the Ground Self-Defense Force's only special forces special operations group |website=Jieitaisaiyou.web |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128031902/http://jieitaisaiyou.web.fc2.com/tokusyu.html |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2012|language=ja}}</ref> Being replaced by the HK G28.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/japan-to-procure-minimi-mk-3-lmgs-g28-e2-snipers | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409111659/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/japan-to-procure-minimi-mk-3-lmgs-g28-e2-snipers | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 9, 2023 | title=Japan to procure Minimi Mk 3 LMGS, G28 E2 snipers }}</ref>
* {{flag|Kosovo}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mod.rks-gov.net//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |title=Kosovo Security Forces |website=Kosovo Security Forces |access-date=June 29, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309192408/http://mod.rks-gov.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |archive-date=March 9, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|Lebanon}}<ref>{{cite journal |last=Castelli |first=Christopher J. |date=September 2008 |title=Department of Defense to Equip Lebanon's Special Forces with Small Arms, Vehicles |journal=DISAM Journal |publisher=Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=123 |url=http://www.disam.dsca.mil/pubs/Vol%2030_3/Castelli.pdf |access-date=January 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327064024/http://www.disam.dsca.mil/pubs/Vol%2030_3/Castelli.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mexico}}: [[Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales]] and [[Federal Police (Mexico)|Federal Police of Mexico]].{{cn|date=June 2024}}
* {{flag|Philippines}}: [[Philippine Army]] and [[Philippine Marine Corps]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/m24.htm |title=M24 - Sniper rifle |access-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726000856if_/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/m24.htm |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
* {{UKR}}: Part of the United States military aid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Official Journal Of The NRA {{!}} Sniping In Ukraine |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/sniping-in-ukraine/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=American Rifleman|language=en|author-last1=Plaster|author-first1=John L. |date=5 July 2022}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}: Used by the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn11-e.htm |title=US Army M24 (USA) |website=World Guns: Modern Firearms |access-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024043454/http://modernfirearms.net/sniper/sniper-rifles/usa/m24-e.html |archive-date=October 24, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Also used by various police [[SWAT]] teams.<ref name="mcmanners2003">{{cite book |last=McManners |first=Hugh |date=2003 |title=Ultimate Special Forces |location=New York City |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=0-7894-9973-8}}</ref>

=== Former users ===
* {{Flag|Islamic Republic of Afghanistan}}: Standard issue sniper rifle of the [[Afghan National Army]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Afghan National Security Forces Order of Battle |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/multimedia/ANSF%20OOBpage4-ANA.pdf |website=Long War Journal |access-date=November 3, 2011}}</ref>

===Non-state actors===
* Used by [[Islamic State|ISIL]] fighters in the Philippines as captured weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.calibreobscura.com/the-arms-of-is-east-asia-marawi-and-beyond/ |title=Jungle Insurgency: The Arms of ISIS East Asia (Part 1) |date=February 27, 2021 |website=www.calibreobscura.com}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces]]
* [[List of crew-served weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/m24.htm Remington Law Enforcement M24 SWS page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028005517/http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/m24.htm |date=October 28, 2011 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061017222523/http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/downloads/TM%209-1005-306-10%20(TO%2011W3-5-4-10-1)%20M24%20Sniper%20System.pdf Operator's Manual]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161128204129/http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn11-e.htm/ Modern Firearms]

{{ModernUSInfWeaponsNav}}
{{USAF Weapons}}

[[Category:7.62×51mm NATO rifles]]
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles of the United States]]
[[Category:Cold War firearms of the United States]]
[[Category:Rifles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Sniper rifles of the United States]]
[[Category:Remington Arms firearms]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:.300 Winchester Magnum firearms]]