Secret Service Seeks Precision Bolt Action Rifle System

The United States Secret Service (USSS) has announced its search for a state-of-the-art Precision Bolt Action Rifle System.

This new rifle system aims to equip its elite counter-sniper teams with a versatile, high-performance rifle that excels in all environmental conditions.

Designed for both right and left-handed shooters, this multi-caliber weapon will be commercially available and in serial production, setting a new standard in precision and reliability.

Caliber Requirements and Specifications

The USSS has outlined specific caliber requirements for this new rifle system, including:

• .300 Winchester Magnum
• .300 Norma Magnum
• .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge
• .308 Winchester

In addition to the caliber specifications, the rifle must feature a single-stage trigger and all metal parts must have a subdued, rust/corrosion-resistant finish. The rifle must maintain accuracy within 1 Minute of Angle (MOA) and should not weigh more than 16 pounds, 0 ounces without accessories in the .300 Winchester Magnum configuration.

RELATED – WHAT 308 SNIPER AMMO DO FBI SNIPERS USE?

New Manufacture and OEM Requirements

Only newly manufactured rifles will be considered; rebuilt, overhauled, remanufactured, or “seconds” are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, only Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are eligible to submit their firearms for consideration. Each manufacturer is allowed to submit up to two specific nomenclature model firearms for solicitation testing and potential contract award.

Multi-Caliber and Suppressor Specifications

Despite the multi-caliber requirement, the initial deliverable for the down select process will be a rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, accompanied by one magazine, an extra chassis, and a suppressor. The suppressor specified is the Thunder Beast Arms Magnus-SR 30 caliber Suppressor with a secondary retention non-timed brake (SR NTB).

If a candidate rifle fails using the Magnus-SR, it will then be tested with a Thunder Beast Arms Ultra 9 suppressor. Failure with both suppressors will result in elimination from consideration.

Testing and Evaluation Process

The USSS will supply the ammunition for the Phase II evaluations and includes:

• Berger .300 Winchester Magnum 215 gr Hybrid target load
• Black Hill Ammunition .300 Winchester Magnum 210 gr Sierra OTM

Test firing will be conducted by a minimum of four qualified Law Enforcement personnel selected from the USSS end users. To ensure unbiased evaluations, the weapon manufacturer and model information will be obscured during testing. Each candidate rifle will be equipped with a Nightforce ATACR – 7-35x56mm scope or an equivalent scope during the down select evaluation.

RELATED – WHAT .308 AMMO DOES THE MILITARY USE?

Full and Open Competition

This solicitation is open to all eligible manufacturers, with no set-asides, making it a full and open competition. The USSS aims to procure a state-of-the-art rifle system that meets their stringent performance and reliability standards, ensuring their operatives are equipped with the best possible tools for their missions.

This new rifle system will enhance the USSS’s capabilities, providing their operatives with a versatile, reliable, and high-performance firearm for a variety of operational environments.