U.S. Special Operations Command expects to begin receiving the MK24 rifle from LMT Defense before the end of September, replacing the MK17 SCAR-H with a multi-caliber weapon that lets operators swap between 7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor barrels depending on the mission.
The SCAR-H, chambered only in 7.62 NATO, could not match that at distance. SOCOM awarded LMT Defense, based in Eldridge, Iowa, a 10-year indefinite-delivery contract worth up to $92 million in August 2025 for MK24 kits, spare parts, training, and engineering support.
The rifle is in production but has not yet reached operators. SOCOM spokesperson Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette told Task & Purpose the command is pursuing a rapid fielding method, and that multiple SOF components will receive the weapon.
Wood, speaking at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, told The War Zone during an interview that the command had “just recently started procurement of the assault variant” but had not begun fielding it.
The 6.5 Creedmoor configuration pushes effective range past 1,200 meters on point targets.
The MK24’s barrel swap is the central design feature. A quick-change mechanism allows operators to switch calibers without replacing the upper receiver, giving small teams the ability to configure the weapon for the engagement they expect.
The weapon is capable of both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire in either caliber, a detail that distinguishes it from most 6.5 Creedmoor platforms, which are semi-auto only.
The publicly displayed version of the MK24 carries a 14.5-inch barrel and weighs 9.2 pounds unloaded without accessories, according to LMT Defense. It features fully ambidextrous controls, a monolithic upper receiver that improves structural rigidity and accuracy, and ergonomics that SOCOM officials say feel similar to an M4 carbine.
The SCAR-H entered SOCOM’s inventory in 2009 and saw heavy use in Afghanistan, where its 7.62 NATO round gave operators more reach and hitting power than the standard 5.56mm M4.
The MK24 is the assault half of a broader program called the Mid-Range Gas Gun, which SOCOM launched in 2019 with separate sniper and assault tracks. The sniper variant, designated the MRGG-S, went to Geissele Automatics under a $29 million contract awarded in September 2023. Wood confirmed it has already been fielded to units.
The assault variant then went to LMT Defense, splitting the program between two manufacturers.
The two weapons share a caliber and a concept but are purpose-built for different roles. The MRGG-S is a semi-automatic precision weapon designed for engagements out to 1,500 meters. The MK24 is shorter, lighter relative to its sniper counterpart, full-auto capable, and built for the closer, faster work that defines the assault role while still reaching further than anything the SCAR-H could deliver.
During his interview with TWZ, Wood also discussed the Hypervelocity Improved Carbine (HICAR) program, which aims to develop a 5.56mm carbine capable of firing future hypervelocity ammunition at higher pressures, extending the smaller caliber’s effective range.
He also confirmed that the Lightweight Machine Gun-Medium, a .338 Norma Magnum weapon from Sig Sauer, has been paused for a small-unit combat evaluation, while a 7.62mm replacement for the MK48 machine gun is expected in the fiscal year 2028 to 2029 timeframe.
You mean to say that SIG isn’t getting another weapon contract? Blasphemy! They need to hire more retired generals!!
This dual caliber weapon makes no sense to me. Ship it out in 6.5 Creedmore with an extra barrel. 7.62 is a good round, but 6.5 does it better with less recoil. If they have a conversion, along with a barrel they have to have ammo and mags for it. Go 6.5 only and logistics will thank you.