MilSurp Gold — The $27,556 XM-3 Sniper Rifle
Would you pay over twenty-seven grand for a slightly-used Rem 700 bolt-action rifle and Nightforce scope? Well somebody did just that recently, paying the princely sum of $27,556.00 for a DARPA XM-3 Sniper Rifle system in a CMP Auction. In fairness the buyer did get a case, a PVS22 Night Vision Device (NVD), and some other accessories. Created for the USMC, only fifty-two (52) XM-3s were ever made, so this is a pretty rare rifle. But, honestly, is this thing really worth $27,556? What do you think?
This XM-3 system was recently sold by the CMP at auction (SEE Auction Photos). There was plenty of interest in this item, with 111 total bids for the rifle, case and accesories. Here is the CMP Auction product description:
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DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT AGENCY (DARPA) XM-3 Sniper Rifle S6533990 These XM-3 sniper rifles used by the United States Marine Corps. In mid-2005, DARPA worked with Lt. Col. Norm Chandler’s Iron Brigade Armory (IBA) to field items to expeditionary units in Afghanistan. Since they already had a great working relationship, DARPA contracted IBA to build and test lightweight sniper rifles that incorporated the improvements the snipers desired in combat. The mission was to be lighter and smaller than the existing M40s, while having better accuracy, clip-on night vision that did not require re-zero, better optics, and better stock, and it had to be suppressed. The barrel had to be short enough to allow maneuverability yet long enough to deliver a 10” group at 1,000 yards. If the barrel was too heavy, maneuverability would decrease, yet if the barrel was too light it would only be able to shoot a few rounds before the groups started to shift due to barrel temperature. IBA tested a number of barrel lengths, ranging from 16 to 20 inches and in different contours. Each rifle with a different length was assigned an XM designator starting with XM1 through XM3. In each case, everything on the prototype rifles was kept the same except the barrel. During the final phases of testing it was found that the 18” barrels had no issues keeping up with their longer 20” brethren. The final barrel length was set at 18.5”, and the contour was a modified #7. The straight taper on the barrel was only 2” vs. 4” and the overall diameter at the muzzle was .85” vs. .980”. This helped reduce a lot of the rifle’s weight while not negatively affecting accuracy or effective range. A number of the groups at 1,000 yards were < 1 MOA. The Marines of I-MEF were the first to field test the rifles at Camp Pendleton. Shortly after I-MEF took receipt of the XM-3s, the first units in II-MEF took receipt of theirs. By mid-2006 there were dozens of XM-3s in Iraq. There were 52 XM-3s made. More info on the XM-3 Sniper Rifle can be found at SteveReichertTraining.com.
Also included: Scope SN P06798; Sniper Data Book with some firing information; PVS22 Night Vision Device SN 2936D (NVDs function); appears complete tool/cleaning kit with cleaning rod; sling; suppressor case and wrap (SUPPRESSOR IS NOT INCLUDED!); bipod; cold bore shot target; instructions; iM3200 Storm case. |
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Tags: CMP, Iraq War, Iron Brigade Armory, Night Vision, Nightforce Scope, PVS22, Remington 700, Surplus Auction, USMC, XM-3
I really liked the XM-3 concept when it was first published in Precision Shooting. It made sense from the length/weight ratio but the barrel twist results were the most startling.
Good to see they were used outside range testing.
But far too much money to pay for one.
He’ll be the envy of all the tactitards, money well spent.
Only if it has provenance?
Crazy.
It is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, I guess. For a rifle that was specifically built for the military, it will hold value, too, despite the very high price that the current owner paid for it. Good for the gentleman / lady, and I hope they keep buying guns and keep the industry going . . .
well – you do get the upgraded 1903 biothane sling…..
Occasionally in life ; a item has a greater “value” , than the price placed on it , or what is payed for it .
Maybe the purchaser used one “Down-range”.
I’m am far from a “tactitard,” I’m a former Marine and Iraq war veteran. My sniper platoon had this rifle in Fallujah 2009/10, so it was definitely money well spent to acquire a rifle that means something to me.
Additionally, I would like to see the CMP continue its operations far into the future, so I believe the money that I spent has gone to a worthy cause.
Semper Fi ; Shooter ! I’d feel the same if I could get my hands on a XM-21 with original “proper” accessories . Understand completely , and hope you enjoy shooting it . “Airborne”; from a Nam Vet .
I’m glad to read this article. I met and became friends with Col Chandler of Iron Brigade Armory who developed the rifle. He had one on display at a gun show and he custom built one for me because of my interest. Exact same gun and layout as in picture w/o NV. This article says only 52 were made. I guess I have number 53?
Semper Fi
I have won (ball park) 20 CMP auctions. The ONLY item I might paid FMV for was on a USMC 10x Unertl Sniper Scope for 3k and proud of it. It went nicely with the M40A1 bbl action I was able to finish with 100% RTE-P. Cost of bld: $14,000. Funding CMP I liken to tithing. 4.5K got me a NIB AMU NM Hard Ball. Just bid insanely XM3
There’s an XM-3 for auction right now on CMP website. It’s too much for me but someone’s going to be one lucky collector to win this one.
It is worth what someone is willing and able to pay for it. Can you buy one cheaper? I don’t think so. The CMP is offering one on their website now. The first day the auction opened the price is over 15 grand with 9 days left. They are a piece of history. Only 52 made. I think it is a good deal at less than 30 grand. I have paid over that for firearms.