The United States Marine Corps is in the process of fielding the M38 Squad-Designated Marksman Rifle, and it will feature the Leupold TS-30A2 Mark 4 MR/T riflescope atop existing Heckler & Koch M27 IARs, newly designated by the Corps as the M38. The scope has already demonstrated its rugged and reliable performance atop the service’s Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle.
“We pride ourselves on building optics that deliver elite optical performance and unparalleled reliability,” said Bruce Pettet, president and chief executive officer for Leupold & Stevens. “We’re ecstatic that the Marine Corps selected the TS-30A2 Mark 4 MR/T. The men and women of the U.S. armed forces deserve the very best, and we’re proud to deliver it.”
The 2.5-8x36 mm scope was designed with mid-range applications in mind. It features easy-to-adjust tactical turrets and the reticle provides range-estimation capabilities. The waterproof, fog proof and shockproof unit has a 30 mm main tube to survive the rigors of combat and improved light-transmission capabilities.
“The TS-30A2 Mark 4 is the perfect optic for those looking to deliver fast, precise rifle fire,” said Same Horstman, director of military sales for Leupold & Stevens. “Further, like all Leupold optics, it’s been strenuously tested for durability, and fully meets the rugged standards set by the Marine Corps.”
The 10-pound M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416 and was adopted by the Marine Corps in 2011 to replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (light) system, which, at nearly 12-pounds heavier, could adversely impact a fire team’s mobility. The M27 is piston-driven, also chambered in 5.56 NATO, features a free-floating, 16.5-inch barrel and standard-issue versions carry a Trijicon ACOG.
Some early photographs indicate the Leupold turrets riding the soon-to-be fielded M38 are tailored for Mk262 77-grain loads. That may change, however, because the Marines are scheduled for service-wide adoption of the 62-grain Mk855A1 cartridge sometime this year.
