The front of the adjustment knob is machined to allow a cartridge rim to be utilized for added leverage. The end result is a simple design, with only two positions, to allow trouble-free use with a suppressor mounted. In addition, a PRI Gasbuster charging handle has been fitted to make suppressor use a little friendlier to the shooter.

The Magpul Precision Rifle Stock is robust and adjustable for length of pull and cheekrest height.

To make the rifle as ergonomic as a bolt-action sniper rifle, an adjustable Magpul Precision Rifle Stock is fitted. This robust unit is adjustable for length of pull and has a cheekpiece adjustable for height. Adjustments are made via thumbwheels with distinct clicks.

Tension on these adjusters is heavy enough to prevent their accidental rotation. The stock allows a shooter to configure the rifle to fit his frame size, whether he is using the Leupold 3.5-10x40mm LR/T tactical scope or the adjustable backup iron sights. Another improvement ArmaLite has made is the introduction of a new 20-round magazine design. This is intended to improve reliability over the previous standard, and still interchangeable, model.

I first had a chance to play with ArmaLite's new sniper on PASA Park's 600-yard line. Lying in the dirt with it, I found that the rifle proved quite comfortable to shoot and had no problem knocking over LaRue sniper targets using generic Winchester white-box ball. Actually, with about 12 LaRues spread from approximately 200 to 600 yards, the challenge was how quickly you could knock them all over.

It is at these distances engaging multiple targets that the Super SASS really kicks dirt in a bolt gun's face. Although Americans love to wax poetic about 1,000-yard sniper shots, the harsh reality of Iraq has been deadly engagements at substantially shorter distances. Shots past 600 yards in Iraq, although they do indeed happen, are not the norm. Is the Super SASS capable of reaching past 600 yards with a quality match load? Without a doubt, while at the same time posting tighter groups than our Jihadist enemies' 7.62x54R sniper rifles are capable of.

Back home in Maine a fellow Master-class High Power shooter, Gus Norcross, and I put a different Super SASS to work on paper at 100 yards. Shooting off the bipod using Hornady 168-grain TAP, this rifle averaged .8 inch for four consecutive five-shot groups. The only negative comment I have is that the review rifle failed to lock the bolt open on the last shot due to a faulty magazine.

Our review rifle came fitted with a Leupold 3.5-10x40mm LR/T in QD ARMS rings along with backup iron sights.

My thoughts? Sniper-rifle innovation stagnated in the United States for the decade leading up to the Global War on Terrorism while everyone did the 700 dance. Now things are slowly moving forward again. In my mind, a military bolt-action sniper rifle should be chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, not 7.62mm.

These should be complemented by semiautomatic sniper rifles in 7.62mm. ArmaLite's Super SASS is a step toward the future rather than another variation of the same jig we have been dancing since the 1960s. Is it perfect? No, but it is the direction in which we should be heading.

If the Super SASS strikes your fancy, the bare rifle (with dummy suppressor) is available for $2,828. If your wallet goes deep, you can buy a complete kit with BUIS, Leupold scope mounted in ARMS rings, Harris bipod with QD adapter, three rail covers, sling, cleaning kit, starlight case, dummy suppressor and a 10- and 20-round magazine. Price? The complete kit will lighten your money roll a hefty $5,261. For more information contact ArmaLite at (800) 336-0184, www.armalite.com.