M24 SWS
Precision bolt-action for Ghost Recon marksmen.
The M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System) is a bolt-action sniper rifle featured in the Ghost Recon series. Its role in the franchise is as a versatile, mid-to-long range option for designated marksmen.
- Role
- Sniper rifle / Designated marksman rifle
- Affiliation
- Ghost Recon teams
- First appears
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2001)
- Caliber
- 7.62×51mm NATO
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Magazine capacity
- 5 rounds (internal box magazine)
Lore & Background
The M24 SWS has been a mainstay in the Ghost Recon arsenal since the early days of the franchise, appearing in the original 2001 title and its expansions. It is modeled after the real-world U.S. Army sniper rifle, known for its reliability and accuracy at extended ranges. In the game universe, it is often the weapon of choice for Ghosts requiring a balance between portability and lethality against infantry targets.
In Their Own Story
The rain-slicked rooftop offered a clear view of the compound. Sergeant Holt chambered a round, the bolt sliding home with a familiar, solid click. Through the scope, he watched the target—a high-value asset—pause near a window. The M24 felt like an extension of his will, steady and true. A slow breath, a gentle squeeze, and the mission's outcome was sealed before the sound reached the guards below.
Reader's Guide
The M24 SWS is a bolt-action sniper rifle ideal for players who prefer a more deliberate, stealthy approach. It excels at engaging enemies at medium to long ranges, typically with a single shot to the head or torso. Its bolt-action mechanism means a slower rate of fire compared to semi-automatic rifles, demanding careful shot placement. In Ghost Recon titles, the M24 is often available to the Sniper class or as a primary weapon for designated marksmen. It is effective for overwatch positions, thinning enemy patrols from a distance, and neutralizing high-value targets without alerting the entire compound. Suppressors can be attached to maintain stealth, though they may slightly reduce range and damage. Players should use the M24 when the mission calls for precision over volume of fire. It is less suitable for close-quarters combat or fast-paced engagements where a semi-automatic rifle would be more forgiving. Pairing it with a sidearm or submachine gun for close encounters is a common loadout strategy.
Did You Know?
- The weapon appears in multiple Ghost Recon titles, including the original, Advanced Warfighter, and Future Soldier.
- The M24's internal magazine holds 5 rounds, but a trained operator can reload via stripper clips.
More in Items & Equipment
Elsewhere in the Ghost Recon universe
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