The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is a national match grade M14, selected for accuracy, and renamed the M21 rifle. The M21 originally used commercial 3–9× variable power scopes modified for use with the sniper rifle. It is chambered for the 7.62x51 aka 308 though 6.5 Creedmoor is becoming popular in both civilian and military use. Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 National Match M14s by adding a 3-9x Redfield (ART) scope and provided National Match grade Lake City Long Range XM-118 ammunition. The ART scope, designed by James Leatherwood, combined rangefinding and bullet drop compensation.
The XM21 originally had a specially selected walnut stock and was first fielded in 1969. An improved version with a fiberglass stock was issued as the M21 in 1975. The M21 remained the Army's primary sniper rifle until 1988 though some M21s were later re-issued and used in the Gulf War. Remember you can click on all photos for a larger view.
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 6.5 CREEDMOOR TEN DOT #1
Prepping one of the Bula 6.5 Creedmoor XM21s ready for a day on the range. The receiver is made by Bula Defense Systems with the scope mount machined as part of the unit. Rings are ARMs #22 and don't believe there is a more stable mount possible for the M14 type rifle. When mount optics on precision XM21s use TPS, Leupold or Night Force rings. The new S7 bipod, while not cheap is a stunning unit.
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 #2
SEE THE EVOLUTION OF THIS RIFLE AND ITS IMPROVEMENTS
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 #1
Setting another up with suggested exterior windage and elevation knobs. TRW heeled Bula Defense Systems receiver with Bula standard 22" barrel. Scope is a Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4x held on a Bassett Rail with ARMS #22 quick release rings. Stock is USGI walnut with very nice draw pressure.
BULA XM21 6.5 CREEDMORE TEN DOT RIFLE #2
Working on my 6.5 Creedmoor Ten Dot Rifle. Bula XM21 with ultra heavy barrel. All Bula Defense Systems small parts. Shootingsight EBR trigger and lightened hammer. JAE Gen 3 chassis, Atlas bipod. Full cleaning and lube. Today the optics are getting a little change. Moved the Night Force ATACR to my .308 10 dot and mounted a Hi-Lux Phenom 8-30x 56mm FFP scope using Night Force 1.125 34mm 6 screw rings. Initially had it mounted with Night Force 1.000 rings but it was just too tight to the handguard. Looks ready for some range time
THE LRB M21 TEN DOT CHALLENGE RIFLE
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BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 UHBAR 308
Got out for a short time on my range today with my Bula Defense Systems XM21 version #1 with a Bula UHBAR in .308 set in a JAE chassis and a Shooting sight adjustable trigger with their lightened hammer. Scoped with a $600. Hi-Lux Phenom 5-30x56 FFP mounted with NF 34mm rings. Ran 10 rnds to warm her up into 1.2" and then shot another 10 into .90" at 100 yds shot from a loaded magazine. Ammo is DAG Berdan brass with Tula primers, 136 gr fb bullet over 45 gr of Varget. Whatta hobby. Sure can see the heartbeat with 30x magnification. Temp 80 with some humidity and about 10 knot breeze from 2 oclock.Oh yea, shot off my 3 legged portable bench.
A M21 DMR IN 6.5 CREEDMOOR COMES TO LIFE
Parts for the 6.5 Creedmoor M21 DMR build are sourced from mostly LRB and Bula Defense Systems. All parts except the USGI birch stock are new. Bula Defense Systems M21 DMR receiver with Bula bolt and op rod. LRB/Criterion Medium weight 22" 1:8 twist barrel 6.5 Creedmoor. LRB Unitized gas system. LRB muzzle brake and front sight. USGI M1 rear sight. SAI trigger group. One of the cheap ones from KB international.
THE XM21 TWINS
Liked the setup of my " old " XM21 so much, that the " new " one ended up being configured as a clone. #3 on top and #145 on bottom. Scopes are Leupold MK4 3.5-10x 40mm with lighted TMR reticles. Barrels are Bula 22" National Match medium weight. Both stocks are walnut from Fred's though quite a few years in between.
BULA XM21 #145 COMES TO LIFE
The before and after appearance of Bula's XM21 receiver and gas cylinder from raw castings to finished parts is amazing. Photos shows a finished XM21 barreled receiver and gas cylinder with a gas cylinder and receiver raw forging. This rifle ended up all Bula Defense Systems except for stock, sling and SEI Vortex and one of Hawk's fine AMBI kits.
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21
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BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 #87
MORE OF THE Bula Defense System XM21 # 87
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS XM21 SERIAL #209
Above is rear lugged XM21 # 209 with Bula ultra barrel in Wood grain JAE chassis with Night Force BEAST 5 - 25x. 0.6 MOA with 1 flyer out 1/2" from center of group.
BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS xm21 SERIAL #211
A little cool this morning (12/11/2022) testing # 211 at 25 degrees with a light breeze. Rifle is Bula XM21 211 with Saturn/Liberty Heavy Stainless barrel in 1-10 in Olive JAE chassis with Night Force ATACR 5 - 25x. Tweaked the JAE barrel tensioner an additional 1/4 turn and the group improved from a 1" average at 100 yds for 10 rnds to less than a .6 for 10. This is shot from the mag and off a bipod. Ammo is 115 Berger fb over 45 gn of Norma N-201 set off with Tula berdan primers in MEN German military surplus brass. Look for a full page on this rifle as it needs bedding and some work to tighten up the grouping.
SARCO M21 WITH FULTON ARMORY RECEIVER
SARCO M21 with receiver made by Fulton Armory. It's wearing a 6x ART scope. The bolt, op-rod, trigger group and gas system are all USGI. Receiver by Fulton and barrel by Springfield Armory in Geneseo.
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