A question for the snipers

[atlas3025]

http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/01/20/fnh-unveils-its-ballista-precision-sniper-rifle/

I realize that this is an old story. But it got me to thinking, if purchased by the military, would these ever be used in any chambering but 338 (or if ammo is hard to get, 300WM)? Would they ever be configured in 308?

I know that 308 is still largly the standard, but is that because of lack of availability of weapons/ammo in 300WM or 338Lap, or because 308 is preferred?

My assumption is that the cartridge adaptability feature of a gun like this is used more to appeal to the bean-counters who like the idea of training on cheaper 308 ammo...but would the military spend any significant amount actually doing that if it is not the preferred or necessary calibre?

I guess to sum up, is that feature really just designed to get the contract, and not actually of any benefit in the hands of the soldiers?

I realize that in some WW scenario where our snipers are scrounging for whatever ammo they can get, there would be value there, but that seems an unlikely selling point.

Thanks.

[quietguy]

If I had to place a guess, it would be the ease and effectiveness of suppression in .308 vs .300 or .338, and the ease of switching between calibers.

[atlas3025]

If I had to place a guess, it would be the ease and effectiveness of suppression in .308 vs .300 or .338, and the ease of switching between calibers.

The suppression part makes a lot of sense...but I haven't shot a suppressed 300 or 338 before...so I don't know if they are much louder than a 308. If they weren't, would the end user ever even switch calibers?

[Dolomite_supafly]

The ability to swap calibers just makes it appealing to more customers. There are armies out there that currently use 308 or 300wm or 338lm but rarely all three wide scale. Because of this they can market this single rifle to to those countries. And those countries do not need to change their supply system or have to get rid of their stockpiles of a particular caliber.

I would venture a guess and say most that are sold will be in a single caliber based on the customer's needs.

Cost of training with small arms, especially the difference between 308 and 338, is literally nothing compared to most other types of training.

Dolomite

[nightrunner]

Didnt they scrap the PSR procurement similar to the replacement for the M9?

With nothing but logic to basis this assumption on, i dont think this is exactly a general issue but more geared toward special forces or others with the skill set needed to utilize it. I dont this is meant to be a new DMR or SPR. More like something to fit in between the M110 and the M107

More to answer your question, to qualify for the PSR contract it must have quick change barrels in .338 .300 and .308