04/14/2026
M25 – M21 – M1D
Three post-WWII semi-automatic U.S. sniper rifle platforms.
M1D – Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the M1D utilized a barrel fitted with an integral scope mounting block for the M84 optic. The M84 scope offered 2.2x magnification with improved waterproofing and shock resistance over the earlier M81 and M82 scopes. Depending on production period, rifles could be equipped with either the M2 or T37 flash hider. Adopted in 1952, the M1D served through the Vietnam War before being gradually replaced by the M21.
M21 – Developed from the M14 and chambered in 7.62 NATO, the M21 gradually replaced the M1D as the U.S. Army’s primary sniper rifle. It featured detachable box magazines, improved accuracy, and the ART II scope system. The rifle pictured here is a Fulton Armory M14 NM signed by R. Lee Ermey and equipped with a Leatherwood ART II 3–9x scope. The Adjustable Ranging Telescope used an external cam linked to the magnification ring, automatically setting elevation for M118 match ammunition at ranges from 300–900 meters.
M25 – An improvement over the M21, the M25 was developed in the early 1990s for U.S. special operations and precision rifle roles. Intended to provide enhanced accuracy and reliability, it was effective at engagements out to approximately 700 meters and beyond in capable hands. Original M25 rifles typically featured a Leupold Ultra M3 10x optic, Brookfield Precision mount, McMillan M3A adjustable stock, Krieger barrel, and optional OPS Inc suppressor. The rifle pictured here features an LRB Arms M25 rear-lug receiver with integrated scope rail and a Leupold Mark 4 4.5–14x50 optic.
Which one would you take?