History and specifications of the M21 SWS sniper rifle, which has been upgraded from the M14 combat rifle for sniper purposes

 The M21 SWS (Sniper Weapon System) is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that has been used by the US military and law enforcement agencies since the early 1970s. It is a modified version of the M14 rifle, which was the standard issue infantry rifle of the US Army during the Vietnam War.

History: The M21 was developed to address the need for a more accurate and versatile sniper rifle than the M14. It was developed by the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois in collaboration with the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit. The M21 was first introduced into service in 1975, and it quickly proved to be an effective weapon for snipers.

The M21 is based on the M14 rifle, which was developed in the late 1950s. The M14 was designed to replace the M1 Garand rifle, which had been the standard issue infantry rifle of the US Army since World War II. The M14 was semi-automatic, which meant that it could fire one round with each pull of the trigger. It was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, which was a powerful cartridge that had good long-range performance.

The M14 was also used as a sniper rifle during the Vietnam War. However, it was not an ideal weapon for snipers, as it lacked the accuracy and precision needed for long-range shooting. The M21 was developed to address these shortcomings.

The M21 featured a number of modifications that made it more accurate and precise than the M14. The M21 had a heavier barrel, which helped to reduce barrel movement and improve accuracy. The M21 also had a redesigned stock, which provided a more stable platform for the shooter. The M21 also had an improved trigger, which had a lighter pull and was more consistent than the trigger on the M14.

Performance: The M21 is a highly accurate and versatile sniper rifle. It is capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 800 meters, and it can fire accurately in a variety of conditions. The M21 has been used by US military snipers in a number of conflicts, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the War in Iraq.

The M21 has been used in a variety of roles, including counter-sniper operations, reconnaissance, and long-range precision shooting. The M21 has also been used by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and the US Secret Service.

The M21 has undergone a number of upgrades and modifications over the years. In the 1990s, the M21 was upgraded with a new scope mount and a new adjustable cheek piece. In the early 2000s, the M21 was upgraded with a new stock and a new trigger mechanism. These upgrades have helped to keep the M21 relevant and effective in modern combat environments.

Conclusion: The M21 SWS is a highly effective sniper rifle that has been used by US military and law enforcement agencies for several decades. It is a modified version of the M14 rifle, and it features a number of modifications that make it more accurate and precise than the M14. The M21 is capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 800 meters, and it can fire accurately in a variety of conditions. The M21 has undergone a number of upgrades and modifications over the years, which have helped to keep it relevant and effective in modern combat environments.