The modification concerns 250 rifles, the first batch of up to 3,600 that will be upgraded into what the U.S. Army calls "reconfigured Sniper Weapon System." The resulting weapon will transition from the 7.62mm NATO caliber (.308 Winchester) to a .300 Winchester Magnum.

That change is expected to expand the sniper's effective range from 875 yards to 1,420 yards. The modification project is set to spread over a five-year period.

This is a "crucial change" that will increase lethality and stand-off distance, said Robbie Johnson, a former U.S. Army Ranger and sniper who works for Remington was quoted saying by Defense Update.

"We all wanted a variant of what the guys are getting now," said Johnson, a 13-year veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It's great the guys are getting the best possible solution. This is not technology that is 5 years old. This is the best that is available. It is a big advantage for the snipers out there and I'm glad they are getting it."

The upgrade also comprises a Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm extended range, tactical rifle scope with advanced scalable ranging and a detach suppressor to reduce audible and visible signature with an available thermal sleeve that reduces mirage effect on heated suppressors, Defense Update reported.

The modified rifle will also feature a rail-endowed chassis and free floating barrel, allowing easier mounting of weapon accessories and greater accuracy.

The first 250 XM2010 weapon systems are expected to be in the hands of army snipers by the end of December.

"Within the space of a year, we were able to partner with industry to deliver a new capability for our snipers in combat," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Chris Lehner, the product manager for individual weapons, part of PEO (Program Executive Office) Soldier. "The upgraded weapon system provides extended range for our snipers and incorporates the latest in weapons technology."

The upgrades follow requests from field operations in Afghanistan calling for a rifle providing more power and longer range. The requirement, reported Defense News, was captured in an Operational Needs Statement in March 2006, which in turn led to an official request proposal Jan. 13.

The M24 has been the workhorse for Army snipers since 1988 when the first batch of 100 were fielded. Its successor the M110 semi-automatic has also received impressive reviews because it is quieter, has less recoil and is well-suited to target-rich environments, experts say.

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