On July 18, 2024, a solicitation appeared on SAM.gov, the official government contracting website, posted by the U.S. Secret Service. The notice was for a new Precision Bolt Action Rifle System, and it caught the attention of firearm insiders quickly.
Though the notice closed on August 14, it marked the first hint of something bigger: the agency was actively seeking replacements for its current sniper rifle inventory. According to the contract details, this project was classified under the category “Guns, Through 30MM,” with the work based out of Laurel, Maryland. It was more than just a regular buy – this was a search for a next-generation tool in the world of protective marksmanship.
The Second Piece: A Creedmoor Enters the Picture
Fast forward to March 21, 2025. Another post hit SAM.gov, this time a Request for Information (RFI) for a 6.5 Creedmoor Gas Operated Rifle. This RFI, also tied to the Secret Service and also based in Laurel, MD, made clear that the agency wasn’t only thinking about bolt-action rifles – it was also exploring semi-automatic systems. The deadline for vendor responses was April 4, and the goal was to find companies capable of delivering rifles chambered in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor round. This development confirmed suspicions that a larger rifle overhaul might be underway within the agency.
Why Creedmoor? TWZ Weighs In
Joseph Trevithick of The War Zone broke the story wide open with a detailed article on March 21, 2025. Trevithick explained that the Secret Service was exploring replacing its aging 7.62x51mm M110 rifles – officially the Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) – with new gas-operated rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. These rifles are prized for their flatter trajectories, better long-range accuracy, and improved terminal ballistics compared to traditional 7.62 NATO rounds. Trevithick noted that the new rifles would be shorter and lighter – just 9.5 pounds with a suppressor and no longer than 40 inches with a collapsed stock, making them more practical in close-quarters or urban settings.
A Tactical Upgrade with Clear Intentions
The 6.5 Creedmoor configuration requested by the Secret Service, as detailed by TWZ, shows a clear focus on balance. A barrel length between 15.5 and 16.5 inches means the rifles will retain maneuverability without sacrificing too much muzzle velocity. The agency also isn’t being too strict about gas operation – both direct impingement and gas piston designs are acceptable, showing flexibility in how reliability and maintenance are handled. The lack of rigid accessory requirements also suggests that the rifles may be tailored later with optics, suppressors, and other add-ons, depending on mission needs.
An Echo of Special Ops: Following SOCOM’s Lead
Interestingly, this move mirrors what U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has already been doing. SOCOM recently adopted the Geissele MRGG-S rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor as the Mk1 Mod 0. Forum user RogueJSK pointed this out in a thread on SIG Forum, highlighting that the Secret Service might be following the path already taken by elite military units. And it makes sense – the effective range of a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle can stretch up to 1,000 meters, while the M110 tops out closer to 800 meters. That’s a significant upgrade for counter-sniper teams watching over open rooftops or long parade routes.
The Bolt Action Isn’t Dead Yet
It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time the Secret Service has looked at its sniper gear recently. Last year, as TWZ also reported, the agency began exploring new bolt-action platforms that could be configured for high-performance cartridges like .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and .308 Winchester. These would likely serve alongside any new semi-auto rifles in specific roles where maximum range or penetration is required. One SIG Forum user, sigfreund, reminded readers that current bolt-action rifles used by the Service are likely Accuracy International models chambered in .300 Win Mag – meaning they’re still using serious long-range tools.
SIG Forum Weighs In: Forum Voices Add Insight
The discussion on SIG Forum brought a mix of opinions and some honest skepticism. User Fritz praised the move: “Good for them, a great choice for the SS. 6.5CM – the 18-year overnight success cartridge.” That sentiment is echoed across much of the shooting community, where 6.5 Creedmoor has earned respect despite early pushback. On the other hand, ElToro offered a practical cost-saving solution: “They already have SR25 rifles. Just buy 6.5 uppers, same mags and swap scopes.” He even noted that Knights Armament 6.5 Creedmoor uppers are already available and that selling the old ones could offset costs. That’s real-world budget advice.
A Touch of Realism: Performance Isn’t Everything
Not everyone is sold on the Creedmoor switch. User sgalczyn threw a sharp jab: “They do a piss poor job now with the tools they have – Hey SS, it ain’t the gun…” That comment reflects a broader debate in the community about gear versus training. And sigfreund, in a longer post, made a solid point: while 6.5 Creedmoor is great for long distances, many of the Secret Service’s needs happen under 300 yards. “To talk about the 6.5’s advantages over the 308 at 1000 meters for a Secret Service autoloading rifle is just silly,” he wrote, reminding readers that tactics and real-world use cases often matter more than raw ballistic stats.
The Real-World Test: Trump Assassination Attempt
The most compelling reminder of what’s at stake came from a SIG Forum user discussing last year’s attempted assassination of then-candidate Donald Trump. During that chaotic event, a Secret Service counter-sniper made a critical shot at around 190 yards, neutralizing the attacker. The marksmanship may not have been extraordinary on paper, but in real life – under stress, with lives on the line – it was heroic. That kind of pressure is why every ounce of reliability, every inch of precision, and every factor like weight or follow-up speed starts to matter.
A Significant Shift
What stands out most is that the U.S. Secret Service – an agency known for being quiet, conservative with its gear, and focused purely on protection – is now looking to modernize one of its most mission-critical tools. And it’s not just bolt-action rifles they’re after. They’re exploring semi-autos, new calibers, and potentially overhauling how counter-sniper teams operate in high-risk zones. It’s a subtle yet significant shift, and it shows how recent events are forcing even the most elite protective agencies to evolve.
Creedmoor’s Moment Has Arrived
There’s something symbolic here too. The 6.5 Creedmoor was once treated like a niche cartridge for competition shooters and hobbyists. Now, it’s being adopted by Special Forces and eyed by presidential security teams. This isn’t just about upgrading firepower – it’s about acknowledging that modern engagements require a different kind of precision and adaptability. What used to be “good enough” may no longer meet the threat level. That’s both fascinating and a little sobering.
A Change That’s More Than Cosmetic
From contract listings on SAM.gov to deep-dive reporting by The War Zone and spirited debates on SIG Forum, one thing is clear: the Secret Service is preparing for the future. Whether that future includes a full switch to 6.5 Creedmoor remains to be seen, but the groundwork is being laid. It’s not just a gear update – it’s a mission recalibration. In a world where threats can emerge in seconds, from rooftops or crowded spaces, every small edge matters. And the 6.5 Creedmoor may be just the edge they’re looking for.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.