Summary and Key Points: The Barrett Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) aims to revolutionize grenade launchers for the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System program.
-Weighing just over 13 pounds, this rifle-shaped launcher fires 30mm grenades from a five-round magazine, enabling rapid reloads and increased maneuverability.
-Coupled with the advanced Vortex XM-157 optic, the SSRS can deliver precision airburst rounds at targets concealed behind cover or defilade positions, along with specialized cartridges for anti-armor, close-quarters, and anti-drone engagements.
-With a semi-automatic design, 500-yard range, and enhanced fire control, Barrett’s SSRS could significantly improve squad firepower and versatility, reshaping infantry combat capabilities in future conflicts.
Barrett Squad Support Rifle System: Explained
The Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) program has been seeking a grenade launcher that will offer precision fire, longer-range capabilities and a faster rate of fire than today’s options. Barrett, the revolutionary company behind the first .50 BMG sniper rifle, entered the contest with the Barrett Squad Support Rifle System.
This year Sandboxx News saw and handled the Squad Support Rifle System, or SSRS, at SHOT Show, a premier arms expo.
The Barrett SSRS grenade launcher looks chunky but is surprisingly light at a little over 13 pounds – not much heavier than the 10-pound M7 rife. It resembles an M4 in its layout but is much different in function, design, and size.
Holding the weapon feels like holding a very beefy assault rifle. It shoulders naturally with an M4-like safety and stock. The handguard is big but ergonomic and its short length makes it easy to wield.
The weapon’s overall length is almost 34 inches, about the same as that of the M4.
How the SSRS works
The weapon feeds from a five-round removable magazine that allows for rapid reloads and a faster rate of fire than weapons like the M32 six-shot grenade launcher. The SSRS uses 30mm grenades shaped more like rifle rounds than the traditional 40mm grande. The 30mm option offers less payload but allows for more ammo to be carried and for a much lighter launcher.
The rifle-like layout allows for a more manageable training transition for troops. The rifle can utilize various night and day optics, laser aiming devices, and more.
Barrett’s idea is to partner the SSRS with the the Vortex XM-157, a very sophisticated fire-control system. The Vortex is almost identical to the optic used with the new M7 rifle, although it has been modified to accommodate the grenade-like projectiles. This computer-controlled optic will provide the end user an enhanced degree of accuracy and the ability to program the rounds being fired. Programming of the rounds will likely enable an airburst mode to work as a counter-defilade weapon.
An airburst grenade can fly over or beside a threat concealed by a trench, wall, or vehicle and explode as it passes reducing the effectiveness of cover. The explosion and fragmentation can eliminate the threat if it’s close enough. The onboard fire control system allows you to program the appropriate range that is fed to the user by a built-in range finder.
The weapon has an effective range between 35 and 500 yards – hat’s quite far for a grenade launcher and allows for excellent engagement range for infantry forces.
Most grenades are fired arcing, but this is a direct fire rifle system.
More than grenades
The Squad Support Rifle System won’t only be firing grenade cartridges. There will also be specific counter-defilade rounds, close-quarters and armor piercing rounds, and even anti-drone cartridges. This makes the Barrett SSRS a multifunctional tool for the squad grenadier.
The anti-armor cartridges, in particular, could seemingly defeat light armored vehicles and destroy entrenched positions. I’m also curious if the close quarter’s rounds are non-grenades and work like shotgun rounds. The anti-drone capability also seems exciting and I’m curious how that will function as well.
The ability to defeat troops in defilade positions, lightly armored vehicles, and drones almost seems too good to be true. If the system works and is reliable, the SSRS could be a serious game-changer and a mighty effective support weapon.
The traditional 40mm grenade is pretty good at most things. Yet, it requires you to arc the grenade rather than fire it directly. It’s also challenging to use as a counter defilade tool and has handling issues. Further, single shot grenade launchers are slow to fire. Multishot grenade launchers are slow to reload and very bulky.
On the other hand, the SSRS allows for greater effective range, faster reloads, and semi-auto capability. It would outperform the 40mm grenade launchers in most margins. The only strength the 40mm offers is a larger payload.
The Precision Grenade System Program is currently testing three different platforms with a potential decision coming this year and the fielding starting as early as 2026. The Barrett Squad Support Rifle System will be a seemingly awesome weapon that will effectively extend the capabilities of the infantry squad. We will be following this program with great interest.
Barrett: A Story in Photos
Barrett M82. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Barrett MRAD. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Spc. Alexander Day, a scout sniper with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fires a Barrett M82 .50-caliber sniper rifle during a basic sniper course being taught by a mobile training team Nov. 9, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The MTT is part of the Army’s Sniper School based at Fort Benning, Ga.
Barrett M82. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
About the Author: Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. He’s trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army. He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and teaches concealed carry classes.
