The U.S. Army has included $2 million in its proposed fiscal 2016 budget for the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System program.
In June 2014, the Army released a request for proposal to invite gun companies to build compact versions of the service’s 7.62mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System. The CSASS program did not receive any funding in the Army's approved fiscal 2015 budget.
If all goes well, the Army plans to buy more than 3,600 CSASS rifles.
The CSASS program is “intended to more effectively execute a broad spectrum of missions than the M110 Semi Automatic Sniper System,” according to the RFP.
The compact system will feature improved reliability, improved accuracy, and improved ergonomics, according to the solicitation. It will also be shorter, lighter and have improved optics, trigger and bipod. The CSASS will also have reduced felt recoil and better suppressor performance.
