Mark Spicer on ACME Machine: A Standard of Excellence

Mark Spicer on ACME Machine: A Standard of Excellence

Mar 23rd 2024

Elevating the Standard: Insights from World-Renowned Sniper Expert Mark Spicer on ACME Machine's Rising Impact

When it comes to trust, performance, and credibility in the world of firearms and tactical gear, few voices carry more weight than Sgt. Major Mark Spicer of the Osprey Group USA. A man with a legendary resume, Spicer has trained elite forces, advised royalty, and shaped sniper doctrine on a global scale—and when he speaks, people listen.

So when Mark Spicer recently took time during SOF Week to speak candidly about ACME Machine’s mission, product performance, and brand reputation within the Special Forces community, we knew it was a moment worth sharing.

A Legacy of Expertise

For those unfamiliar, Mark Spicer is more than just a respected name—he’s a global authority in military training and tactical strategy. His career spans:

  • Chief Sniper Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

  • FBI Expert Witness in the Washington DC Sniper Trial

  • Commander of sniper teams at high-profile global events like the Arab League Summit, Dead Sea World Economic Forum, and State Visits

  • Published author, media contributor, and trainer to tactical officers and Homeland Security teams nationwide

This isn’t just experience—it’s excellence at the highest levels.

"Your Reputation Is Growing"

When asked about ACME Machine’s presence at SOF Week and within the SF community, Spicer didn’t hold back:

“Your reputation is growing. Guys have had a chance to shoot your rifles next to the top brands, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

He referenced one of the biggest moments of validation yet:

“The third-place team in the event chose your rifles over a very well-known name—and that speaks volumes.”

Watch the Interview

Get the full insight straight from Sgt. Major Mark Spicer himself.
Watch the exclusive interview below:

Ten Years of Proven Performance

Spicer’s relationship with ACME Machine runs deep:

“I’ve used your products for nearly 10 years. My first experience was testing your optics in the Middle East. They performed so well my team asked to keep them—and you said yes.”

From compact .45 truck guns to .308 DMRs, Spicer has field-tested ACME’s offerings in the harshest real-world environments.

“They are outstanding. I don’t say that lightly.”

A Brand Backed by Action

Spicer also pointed to a critical win: the CMP Regional Games, where VFB shooters using ACME rifles took top spots in the 600- and 1000-yard matches. He noted:

“Those competitors could’ve picked any high-end rifle out there. That they chose your production builds—and won—tells me you’re doing something right.”

And that momentum is carrying directly into the SF community.

Why the SF Community Is Listening

“Tier-one operators are selecting your products when they could easily go with big-name brands,” Spicer added. “And when SF guys start wearing your gear and talking about your rifles, that word spreads fast.”

He praised ACME’s decision to create a unique brand emblem that resonated immediately:

“Within two days, I saw your logo on SF guys everywhere. That kind of organic reach is rare.”

Supporting Veterans Isn’t a Slogan—It’s a Standard

Spicer has attended multiple ACME-supported events and had this to say:

“Every time, you not only show up, but you give—money to the causes, gear to the teams, and time to the people. You’ve exceeded everything you said you would do.”

One of his favorite examples? A 3-man sniper team that requested 3 DMRs instead of 2 DMRs and a carbine—and without hesitation, ACME made it happen.

“That’s a brand that honors its word.”

On Future Threats, Sniper School Cuts, and the Value of Human Skill

Spicer closed with sobering commentary on recent decisions to cut sniper programs in certain branches:

“You’ll lose institutional experience that isn’t easy to replace. Marksmanship is a craft, and it’s one we can’t afford to let fade.”

On the idea of drones replacing snipers?

“Drones have batteries. I don’t. Drones can fail in denied environments. You still need a human behind the scope.”

Final Thoughts

Mark Spicer's words reaffirm what ACME Machine stands for: Mission. Precision. Integrity. In a world full of noise, his experience brings a clarity few others can offer.

Having someone of Spicer’s global influence and tactical pedigree speak so highly of our work isn’t just a nod of approval—it’s an endorsement rooted in real-world application.

We’re honored to have him as an advocate and even more honored to keep building the kind of products that meet his standards.