Barrett’s Squad Support Rifle System will make infantry squad deadlier

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. 

Related: Yes, WWII soldiers could throw mortar rounds like grenades

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. Sandboxx News will be following this program with great interest. 

Feature Image: Barrett’s Squad Support Rifle System at SHOW 2025. (Photo courtesy of author)

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