Military

The Longest-Range Guns in the US Military

24/7 Wall St. Staff

Published: April 11, 2024 10:10 am

The sniper rifle changed the dynamic of World Wars I and II by breaking up trench warfare. Historically, long-range weapons have provided both tactical and strategic advantages in military conflicts. While ultimately the longest range attacks come from aircraft, drones, naval vessels, and missiles, even small arms have differing ranges, and some tout a much longer range than others. (Also see, this is every state’s grade on gun laws.)

The U.S. military uses other small arms capable of doing damage in a variety of ranges – some at even much greater ranges than conventional sniper rifles. (Here is every standard issue U.S. military rifle since the American Revolution.)

Although not all the weapons on this list are meant to be used at great range, each serves a distinct purpose within the military. Some of these weapons can be effective at over 4 miles away, while others have a maximum range of under 100 feet.

To determine the longest-range guns used by the U.S. military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a range of sources, including military handbooks, government press releases, and firearms publications pertaining to small arms and light weapons currently used by the U.S. military. Data on the type of weapon, caliber, country of origin, and year entered service, is from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms and more used by militaries across the world.

Here is a list of the longest-range guns in the US military:

M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4)

Source: Public Domain via usairforce / Flickr

• Longest range: 985 ft
• Caliber: 84mm
• Type: Man-portable, disposable anti-armor rocket launcher

The M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4) entered service in 1987 and has been used in the Army as well as the Air Force.

Colt M16 (Series)

Source: Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 1,800 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
• Type: Infantry assault rifle / assault carbine

The Colt M16 (Series) entered service in 1963 and has been used in the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Mossberg Model 590

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 130 ft
• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Type: Pump-action shotgun

The Mossberg Model 590 entered service in 1975 and has been used in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Remington Model 870

Source: simonov / Flickr

• Longest range: 140 ft
• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Type: Pump-action shotgun

The Remington Model 870 entered service in 1950 and has been used in Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

Colt M1911

Source: falcon_33 / Flickr

• Longest range: 82 ft
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol

The Colt M1911 entered service in 1911 and has been used in the Marine Corps as well as U.S. Army Special Operations.

Heckler & Koch HK MP7

Source: SR Tactical / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 656 ft
• Caliber: 4.6x30mm HK
• Type: Submachine gun / machine pistol

The Heckler & Koch HK MP7 entered service in 2001 and has been used in the Army, Navy and the Coast Guard.

Fabrique National M249 SAW / LMG

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 2,600 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
• Type: Light machine gun / squad support weapon

The Fabrique National M249 SAW / LMG entered service in 1984 and has been used in the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines.

Heckler & Koch HK MP5

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 660 ft
• Caliber: 9 mm
• Type: Submachine gun / machine pistol

The Heckler & Koch HK MP5 entered service in 1966 and has been used in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and the USSOCOM.

MK 20 Mod 0 Sniper Support Rifle

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 1,980 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle

The MK 20 Mod 0 Sniper Support Rifle entered service in 2004 and has been used in the Army.

Heckler & Koch HK 416

Source: Dybdal. / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 985 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
• Type: Assault rifle / tactical carbine weapon

The Heckler & Koch HK 416 entered service in 2005 and has been used in the Marine Corps, Army Delta Force, and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team 6).

SIG-Sauer P320

Source: TexasWarhawk / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 165 ft
• Caliber: 9 mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W
• Type: Semi-automatic pistol

The SIG-Sauer P320 entered service in 2014 and has been used in all branches of the military.

Mk14 Mod 0 EBR (Enhanced Battle Rifle)

Source: usairforce / Flickr

• Longest range: 1,500 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Battle rifle / designated marksman rifle

The Mk14 Mod 0 EBR (Enhanced Battle Rifle) entered service in 2004 and has been used in the Army, Navy and the Coast Guard.

Colt M4

Source: zim286 / iStock via Getty Images

• Longest range: 1,640 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
• Type: Assault carbine

The Colt M4 entered service in 1994 and has been used in all branches of the military.

IMI M141 Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM) / SMAW-D

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 1,640 ft
• Caliber: 83.5mm
• Type: Shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon

The IMI M141 Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM) / SMAW-D entered service in 1984 and has been used in the Army, and Marine Corps.

Remington M2010 ESR (Enhanced Sniper Rifle)

Source: MathKnight / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 3,935 ft
• Caliber: .300 Win Mag
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle

The Remington M2010 ESR (Enhanced Sniper Rifle) entered service in 2011.

Barrett M107

Source: MathKnight / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 1,850 ft
• Caliber: .50 BMG
• Type: Anti-material / anti-personnel sniper rifle

The Barrett M107 entered service in 2008 and has been used in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and USSOCOM.

M26 (MASS)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 135 ft
• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Type: Modular accessory shotgun system

The M26 (MASS) entered service in 2003 and has been used in the Army.

M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 2,550 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Designated marksman rifle / sniper rifle

The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR) entered service in 2008 and has been used in the Marines.

Remington MSR (Modular Sniper Rifle)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 4,920 ft
• Caliber: 7.62×51 mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum
• Type: Remington MSR (modular sniper rifle)

The Remington MSR (Modular Sniper Rifle) entered service in 2013 and has been used in Army and SOCOM.

General Dynamics / Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 15,750 ft
• Caliber: Varied
• Type: Man-portable, air defense missile system

The General Dynamics / Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger entered service in 1981 and has been used in the Army and the Marine Corps.

M110 SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 2,624 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Designated marksman rifle / sniper rifle

The M110 SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System) entered service in 2007 and has been used in the Army, Marines, and SOCOM.

Brugger & Thomet APC9 (series)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 330 ft
• Caliber: 9 mm
• Type: Modular personal defense weapon

The Brugger & Thomet APC9 (series) entered service in 2011 and has been used in the Army as well as the Air Force.

Heckler & Koch HK 417

Source: Rizuan / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 2,625 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Battle rifle / designated marksman rifle

The Heckler & Koch HK 417 entered service in 2006 and has been used in Joint Special Operations Command, Army and the Navy.

General Electric GAU-17/A Minigun

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 3,280 ft
• Caliber: 7.62mm x 51mm
• Type: Six barrel gatling gun

The General Electric GAU-17/A Minigun entered service in 1965 and has been used in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Navy.

Saco M60

Source: MarcusBurns / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 3,280 ft
• Caliber: 7.62mm x 51mm
• Type: General purpose machine gun

The Saco M60 entered service in 1957 and has been used in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and USSOCOM.

Remington M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System)

Source: zachievenor / Flickr

• Longest range: 2,624 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle

The Remington M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System) entered service in 1987 and has been used in the Army, Air Force and USSOCOM.

GA MSSR (Marine Scout Sniper Rifle)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 3,610 ft
• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Type: Semi-automatic sniper rifle / designated marksman rifle

The GA MSSR (Marine Scout Sniper Rifle) entered service in 1996 and has been used in the Army.

Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 JSCS)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 164 ft
• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Type: Semi-automatic combat shotgun

The Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 JSCS) entered service in 1999 and has been used in the Army and Marine Corps.

Raytheon & Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 8,202 ft
• Caliber: 127mm explosive
• Type: Anti-tank guided missile launcher

The Raytheon & Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin entered service in 1996 and has been used in the Army and the Marines.

Accuracy International Mk 13 (SOCOM)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 3,940 ft
• Caliber: .300 Win Mag
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle

The Accuracy International Mk 13 (SOCOM) entered service in 2017 and has been used in Navy and the Marines.

Carl-Gustav M3 (M1948)

Source: Jorchr / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 6,000 ft
• Caliber: 84mm
• Type: Multirole, shoulder-fired recoilless rifle

The Carl-Gustav M3 (M1948) entered service in 1948 and has been used in the Army, SOCOM and the Marine Corps.

Saco Mk19

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 4,500 ft
• Caliber: 40 mm grenades
• Type: 40mm automatic grenade launcher

The Saco Mk19 entered service in 1967 and has been used in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Navy.

Heckler & Koch HK M27 IAR (Infantry Automatic Rifle)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 1,800 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm
• Type: Squad support / designated marksman weapon

The Heckler & Koch HK M27 IAR (Infantry Automatic Rifle) entered service in 2011 and has been used in the Marine Corps.

General Dynamics Mk 47 Striker AGL (Mk 47 Mod 0)

Source: Jasonkwe / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 5,600 ft
• Caliber: 40 mm grenades
• Type: 40mm automatic grenade launcher

The General Dynamics Mk 47 Striker AGL (Mk 47 Mod 0) entered service in 2006 and has been used in SOCOM.

Fabrique Nationale M240

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 5,905 ft
• Caliber: 7.62mm x 51mm
• Type: General purpose machine gun / medium machine gun

The Fabrique Nationale M240 entered service in 1977 and has been used in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

Browning M2

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 6,550 ft
• Caliber: .50 BMG
• Type: Multi-role heavy machine gun

The Browning M2 entered service in 1921 and has been used in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and the Coast Guard.

M224, 60mm Mortar

Source: 7armyjmtc / Flickr

• Longest range: 11,447 ft
• Caliber: 60mm
• Type: 60mm lightweight mortar

The M224, 60mm Mortar entered service in 1978 and has been used in the Army and the Marine Corps.

5. M167 Vulcan

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 14,763 ft
• Caliber: 20×102mm
• Type: Towed / static air defense system

The M167 Vulcan entered service in 1967 and has been used in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and the Coast Guard.

M120, 120mm Mortar

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 23,750 ft
• Caliber: 120mm
• Type: Towed heavy field mortar

The M120 with 120mm Mortar entered service in 1991 and has been used in the Army and the Marine Corps.

Fabrique Nationale FN SCAR (Mk 16 / Mk 17)

Source: Bulgac / iStock via Getty Images

• Longest range: 1,980 ft
• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm and 7.62×51mm
• Type: Modular automatic assault rifle

The Fabrique Nationale FN SCAR (Mk 16 / Mk 17) entered service in 2009 and has been used in the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

M252, 81 Mortar

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 18,618 ft
• Caliber: 81mm
• Type: Medium weight extended range mortar

The M252 entered service in 1987 and has been used in the Army and the Marine Corps.

GAU-19

Source: Zajje / Wikimedia Commons

• Longest range: 19,685 ft
• Caliber: .50 BMG
• Type: Gatling gun

The GAU-19 entered service in 1983 and has been used in the Army and the Navy.