U.S. Special Operations Command says it is open to the possibility of acquiring new heavyweight sniper/anti-materiel rifles not chambered to fire the famed .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun cartridge.

"Along with future weapons, we pay significant attention ... Currently, the most advanced Russian semi-auto sniper rifle is SVDM, a 7.62 rifle, developed by Kalashnikov Group (a Rostec subsidiary).

The Army recently awarded a contract that will result in the fielding of 250 XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR) weapon systems chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition. The new chambering ...