The U.S. Secret Service is looking to modernize its counter-sniper capabilities by replacing its long-serving M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) rifles with new platforms chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. This shift reflects a growing trend among U.S. military and federal agencies toward intermediate calibers that deliver better long-range performance compared to the traditional .308/7.62 NATO.
The M110 has been a staple for semi-auto precision fire for years, but the operational needs of the USSS have evolved and they have recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The goal of this RFI is to extend the effective range, improve accuracy, and enhance terminal ballistics for protective missions where counter-sniper teams must neutralize threats at greater distances. We find this somewhat interesting as we are not sure there is an inherent improvement in accuracy over the .308, but there is a definitive improvement in ballistics.
Ballistically, 6.5 Creedmoor offers fairly clear advantages over the .308 as it maintains velocity better at long range, delivers flatter trajectories, and reduces wind drift due to the superior BC of the 6.5mm bullets. These improvements translate into higher hit probability at longer distances, but what we are trying to understand is why this is a requirement for their SASS platform? The M110s of the USSS operate along side their current .300 WM bolt action rifles, a mutually supporting model that we advocate for. But for the short to intermediate ranges the M110s are intended for do not see a significant advantage with the conversion from .308 to 6.5 CM. At 600 yards, which we would consider the intended top end of the range for the USSS M110s, the drop difference between the Federal GMM .308 175gr and 6.5 CM 140gr is 8.2″ of drop, which is about an 8% improvement. While this is not insignificant, it becomes much more pronounced at longer distances, but we would argue that is not the intention of the SASS platforms and for longer distance shots they would use their primary .300 WM rifles.
The other benefit the 6.5mm bullets do have is an improved sectional density because of the nature of the longer bullets. This does improve penetration, but that too is of minimal consequence for the mission of the SASS rifles within the USSS. While we are all about optimizing ballistic and rifle performance, we are wondering if the expense is really worth the minimal real world gains?
Technical Requirements
The RFI outlines strict specifications:
- Gas-operated system (direct impingement or short-stroke piston).
- Barrel length: 15.5–16.5 inches.
- Overall length: under 40 inches with collapsible stock.
- Weight: no more than 9.5 lbs with suppressor.
- Barrel life: minimum 3,500 rounds, tested to 5,000.
- Reliable with 130–145 grain ammunition.
- Fully ambidextrous controls and corrosion-resistant finish.
The agency anticipates acquiring up to 150 rifles under a multi-year contract to support operational and training needs for its counter-sniper teams and other DHS components. Again, noticing the short barrel length requirements of the RFI, this will further diminish the ballistic advantage of the 6.5 CM over the .308. But the requirements do make for a good SASS platform and a 6.5CM version of the M110A1 CSASS would likely be a solid contender.
The Secret Service’s interest in 6.5 Creedmoor mirrors a broader shift across U.S. special operations and federal agencies. U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) recently awarded a $92 million contract for rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, citing improved lethality and range for designated marksman and sniper roles, and we can see a distinct advantage in that role as the ranges for military snipers and DMs will far exceed the traditional ranges encountered with USSS snipers.
Implications
While we may not see a huge need for the USSS to convert to the 6.5CM, there may be a need for a modernization and upgrade of their existing SASS rifles, and if that is the driving force behind the RFI, then it would be wise to investigate a caliber change. But if the RFI is for the sole purpose of a caliber change, then we don’t fully understand the expense. The move also signals a continued emphasis on intermediate calibers for precision roles—a trend likely to influence other federal law enforcement agencies in the coming years.
Contract solicitation is expected later this year. We’ll be watching closely to see which manufacturer lands this contract and how these rifles perform in real-world protective missions.
Sniper Central
30/06 out of a 22-24″ barrel would make more sense to me.