The Remington M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) holds a significant place in the history of precision rifle development, having been placed into service with the US Army in 1988. Unlike the US Marine Corps M40 series, which were hand-built, the M24 was mass-produced by Remington. Built upon a Remington 700 long action, the M24 was initially chambered in 7.62 NATO (effectively .308 Winchester), a choice that intentionally allowed for future caliber upgrades to larger rounds like the .300 Winchester Magnum.
The M24 comes equipped with a 24-inch stainless steel barrel featuring a 1:11.25-inch twist rate. Its profile is noted to be identical to the M40A3/A5/A6 series, though those barrels are an inch longer. Distinct from many contemporary precision rifles, the M24 was issued with both a fixed 10X Leupold scope and a backup iron sight system, mounted via blind screw holes on the barrel and receiver. The barreled action feeds from an internal box magazine, accessible via a hinged floor plate.
Completing the package is an HS Precision stock crafted from Kevlar/Fiberglass, which incorporates an aluminum bedding block for stability. This stock design, similar to many varmint stocks of its era, also features an adjustable butt plate. While options like the McMillan A2/3/5 series stocks are often considered superior in ergonomics by many, the M24’s issued stock is noted as being highly functional for a broad range of applications.
An initial evaluation of a used M24, bearing an unknown round count and showing signs of its service life including multiple paint jobs, recently offered insights into its performance. Despite a cold, wet day at the range and the absence of a chronograph, the iconic rifle made an impression. Factory Federal Gold Medal 175 grain ammunition was used for testing. The rifle’s trigger registered a pull weight exceeding five pounds, described as heavy.
At 100 yards, the M24 produced a .725 MOA five-round group. Following a cold bore shot, the remaining four rounds grouped notably tighter, well under .5 MOA. One observation was a higher perceived recoil compared to modern .308 Winchester setups, which suggests the advancements in firearm technology over the decades have significantly mitigated felt recoil in newer designs. The fixed 10X optic and straightforward stock contributed to a sense of purpose and simplicity, offering everything needed in a precision rifle without excess.
Reflecting on the M24’s design, it provides an immediate contrast with modern long-range platforms, which commonly feature advanced chassis systems, higher magnification optics, and integral rails for night vision devices. The rifle's legacy is profound, representing a significant era in precision shooting and highlighting the evolution of the industry.
Upgrading the M24 can present challenges, particularly due to its long action requiring specialized parts. However, the military's ongoing investment in the platform has driven innovation, leading to modernization programs like the one implemented for the M24 by the IDF, often incorporating modern chassis systems. The M24’s foundational design continues to resonate, reminding shooters of the enduring principles of precision marksmanship.
