The U.S. Army's M24 Sniper Weapon System, in service since 1988, has seen three and a half decades of use globally. While thoroughly vetted, its original design is dated. U.S. Army update efforts, such as the XM24A1 (300 Winchester Magnum), M24A2 (adding a night vision rail and detachable magazine), M24A3 (338 Lapua Magnum), and the 2010 M24E1 (300 Winchester Magnum, suppressor, and chassis), often included cartridge upgrades. Only one of these initiatives integrated a chassis system. In 2019, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) pursued a distinct modernization path, partnering with MDT to develop an upgraded chassis for their M24s, resulting in the IDF Modernized M24 SWS.
The IDF's approach was direct: replace the original fiberglass stock with an MDT chassis, upgrade the optic and mount, and add a muzzle brake. This revitalized the legacy system. While specific details on the muzzle brake and Leupold scope were not available, images of service rifles suggest gunsmiths or armorers may have reset and chambered the barrels, indicated by upside-down caliber markings. This modernization primarily addresses limitations of the M24's fiberglass stock in non-static conditions. The new chassis offers significant improvements for night operations and improvised field positions, facilitating full integration of night vision optics, lasers, illuminators, and allowing for detachable magazines.
The MDT chassis developed for the IDF is robust, particularly its night vision rail and fore-end, which attaches with four large screws and includes MLOK slots. The fore-end also features pins for precise night vision rail alignment. This iteration of the MDT chassis is noted for its enhancements targeted at demanding duty applications. Ergonomic improvements include a removable ambidextrous thumb shelf, a wide trigger guard designed for gloved hands with a debris-draining slot, and a hinged folding stock that collapses against the bolt handle side, maintaining a narrow profile. Adjustability is comprehensive, covering length-of-pull, cheekpiece height and lateral position, and butt plate adjustments, all crucial for proper stock weld with varying optics.
The chassis reportedly enhances the shooting experience. Feeding from AICS-style box magazines is simpler than the M24's original internal box, and an oversized rubber pistol grip aids hand fit. With proper adjustment, the system allows for easy establishment of stable shooting positions. Performance figures indicate notable accuracy, with a five-round group at 100 yards measuring 0.497″ (0.475 MOA) using Federal Gold Medal Ammunition. Further development with 175-grain SMK handloads achieved a 100-yard group of 0.209″ (0.200 MOA). This modernization effort is considered a successful endeavor, bringing the M24 into the modern era through night vision compatibility, improved ergonomics, expanded optic options, and increased accuracy, all without a complete system replacement.
