One definition of a sniper rifle is “a precision rifle used to insure more accurate placement of bullets at longer ranges than other small arms.” The word “sniper” is derived from the snipe bird which was very hard to shoot as its flight path was highly erratic. The military sniper came into being back at the turn of the 18th century.

The first true sniper rifle is generally thought to be the British Whitworth rifle invented in 1854 by Sir Joseph Whitworth, under commission from the British War Department. It was a single-shot muzzle-loaded 45 caliber percussion-fired rifle with an accurate range out to 2,000 yards. Around 13,000 of them were built between 1857 and 1865. The Confederate States of America used some of them during the American Civil War.

What made the Whitworth stand out and have such excellent accuracy was the design of its rifling – which it didn’t really have. The bore of the barrel was hexagonal with a 1 in 20 inch twist. The bullets were long for the caliber and they were hexagonal instead of round. They fit very tightly in the bore and had much less friction than round bullets fired through standard rifling.

Sniper rifles advanced in design through the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, when the first bolt-action breech loading rifles became available. The French had the Chassepot 11mm bolt action rifle; the Prussians the Dreyse 15.4mm needle gun.

The first skirmish of the First World War took place August 3, 1914 at a small village named Joncherey in France. This was the initial battle on what was to become the Western Front. By the end of 1914, armies on both sides had stalled their advance. Trenches were dug with what came to be known as “No Man’s Land” between opposing forces. So began a war of attrition. During this period snipers were utilized by both sides to pick off any soldier who exposed any part of his body for a period of three seconds, or less. The War to End All Wars (named in error, as was proven a few years later), saw Germany and Great Britain make great strides in snipers and sniper rifles up to the end of the war in 1918.

Twenty Years Later – 1938

As the 1930s closed, it became obvious that the old animosities were leading up to another global conflict – this time much greater that the last one. Germany was re-arming at a rapid rate. Japan was in the process of creating its “Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere” which was announced June 29, 1940. Russia stated that by 1938 six million troops had qualified for the “Voroshiloff rifle badge, and that the soviet munitions factories had built over 53,000 Mosin-Nagant sniper rifles. Great Britain still had stocks of its P1914 Mk1 (T) sniper rifle left over from the first conflict. Japan had a number of different sniper rifles, including the 6.5 mm Type 97 and the 7.7 mm Type 99. The United States had dropped most of its sniper programs between the two wars. There was only a small training school at Camp Perry, Ohio. However, the Marine Corps had always prided itself on its marksmen and encouraged target practice on an individual basis. This changed when a sniper program was initiated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina at the end of 1942.

All the world’s major powers were ready to go to war, and they were bringing their snipers in a big way.

The Weapons

Germany

This German K98k 7.92mm Mauser Sniper rifle mounts the tiny Z41 1.5x power scope. The eye relief was extremely long and made for a narrow field of view. Around 87,400 Z41s were manufactured.

Mauser K98k

Service Dates: 1898 – 1945
Used by : 11 countries including Germany
Wars Since World War I: 1918 German Revolution, Finnish Civil War, Russian Civil War, Turkish War of Independence, Spanish Civil War, World War II, Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War
Designed by: Peter Paul Mauser
Patented: Sept 9, 1895
Manufactured by: Mauser, Deutsch Wafer und Munitionsfabriken, Heal, Sauer & Sonn, Waffenwerke Oberspree, V. CHR. Schilling Co., Simson, Imperial Arsenals of Amber, Danzig, Efurt, Leipzig, and Spandau
Number Built: 16,000,000+ all types
Variants: K98a, K98b, K98k,
Weight: 9.0 lb
Length: 49.2 inch
Barrel Length: 29 inch
Cartridge: 7.92×57 mm Mauser
Action: Bolt
Muzzle Velocity: 2881 fps
Effective Range: 550 yards, 800+ yards with scope
Capacity: Internal 5-round magazine
Sights: Iron
Sights Sniper: 1.5x, 4x, 6x scopes

Germany in World War I had relied on the Mauser Gewehr 98 (G98) service rifles with scopes. This is the best known of all Mauser rifles. It’s chambered in 7.92 mm (8 mm Mauser), bolt action with a five round magazine. In the early months of 1915, the decision was made to produce 18,000 G98 Rifles with scope sights as sniper rifles. The rifle wasn’t designed to be used with a scope, so the bolt had to be turned down and a recess carved into the stock so that it could be cycled with the scope on the rifle. The mount had to be high enough for the soldier to be able to load the magazine, run the bolt back and forth and flip the safety catch.

This rifle carried into World War II in its sniper role. Germany then modified the G98 by changing the rear sight to a flat tangent, removed the stacking hook, cutting a slot in the butt stock for a sling, and bending the bolt handle down. This became the K98k.

They used the basic K98k platform in different varieties. By the end of World War II five such types had been employed.

1. First type – short rail system
2. Second Type – uses the ZF 41 and ZF41/1 scopes
3. Type Three is the turret mount system both high and low
4. Type Four is a long rail mount
5. Type Five is a claw mount

Imagine trying to sight through this Z4 scope mounted on top of the rear sight of the Mauser K98k. At 1.5x power, it wouldn’t be very useful.

The various systems were used at different times and sometimes employed concurrently. Various optics companies supplied the scopes; Schneider & Co., Zeiss, Hensoldtwerk, Ajak, and others. Magnification ran from 1.5x to 6x. The 4x and 6x were the most used as the 1.5 didn’t have enough magnification for combat duties.

The short rail system was attached to the left side of the rifle’s receiver by three screws. This mount was used during the 1930s by German police. In 1941 the High Command ordered it into general combat. The most common scopes are 4x.

The Second type began using the Zielfernrohr 41 (ZF41/ZF41/1) low magnification scope in 1941. Originally intended for sharpshooters, this scope was unpopular with the snipers as its 1.5 power wasn’t adequate for the task at hand. Approximately 100,000 were manufactured by the end of the war in 1945.

The Low Turret/ High Turret Type Three used different scopes. The High Turret has a 6.35 mm greater recess depth in the front scope base cone than the Low Turret. Other than that, they’re the same rifle.

Type Four – Long Rail Mount – uses a longer mounting base for better rigidity. This required a larger receiver flat be milled to take the base. This base used three screws and three tapered pins to control flex or movement. This system came in use in 1944.

The Claw Mount only was in use from late 1943 to 1944. Less than 10,000 K98ks were fitted with them. The most common scope was the Hensoldt Metzler.

Other German rifles were converted to sniper duty with different amounts of success. Mauser built a semi-automatic 10-round rifle called the G 41. It wasn’t a good design and not many were built. Then Carl Walther modified the rifle and produced it in 1943, calling it the Model G 43. As all G 43 rifles were built with flat side receivers set up for mounting a scope. Making a sniper rifle consisted of adding a ZF 4 4x scope. No other brand of scope was used during World War II. German snipers still preferred the K98k over the G 43.

Walther of Germany manufactured the K43, an improved version of the G41. The scope is a Zeiss GW ZF4 4x power. The scopes have serial numbers, but a great many of them don’t match the rifle.

Walther G 43

Service dates: 1943-1945
Used by Nazi Germany, German Democratic Republic
Wars: World War II
Designer: Walther
Manufactured: by Walther
Number built: 400,000+ (all types)
Variants: G 43, K 43
Weight: 9.7 lb (w/o scope)
Length: 44.5 inch
Barrel length: 21.5 inch
Cartridge: 7.92×57
Action: Gas-operated (can be bolt operated)
Muzzle velocity: 2,448 fps
Effective range: 875 yards (scope)
Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine
Sights: Zf 4 scope

Great Britain

Great Britain used the Enfield for just about everything. This No. 4 Mk1(T) is equipped with a No.32MkII scope, and a raised cheekpad. The scope resembles a Lyman Alaskan, but it is not the same internally. The Canadians manufactured the same scope, and mounted it on their version of the Enfield, the Long Branch.

Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE)

Service dates: 1907-present
Used by: Britain, Australia, Canada
Wars since WWII: Minimum 16
Designer: James P. Lee, Enfield Arsenal
Manufacture by: Enfield Arsenal- Great Britain, Long Branch- Canada, Savage- USA
Numbers built (all types): 17,000,000+
Variants (sniper): SMLE Sniper (telescopic sights), No.1 Mark III H.T. (Australian), Rifle No. 4 Mark I (T) and Mark I* (T)
Weight: 8.8 lb. (w/o scope)
Length: 44 inch
Barrel length: 25.2 inch
Cartridge: .303 Mk VII ball
Action: Bolt
Muzzle velocity: 2,441 fps
Effective range (optics): 750 yards
Capacity: 10-round magazine
Sights (sniper): Various scopes made by Periscope, Aldis, Winchester, R.E.I., Enfield No. 32

The “Smelley” rears its head. The Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE), was first developed during World War I from the original Lee-Metford series. It was designed as a replacement for both the long barreled rifle and the carbine with its shorter barrel.

The first sniper rifle constructed was built on the Mark III and Mark III* rifles and designated SMLE Sniper (optical). They were fitted with front and rear optics that when looked through gave a 2-3 power magnification. Slightly more than 13,000 SMLEs were converted in 1915. These were occasionally seen during World War II, but very rarely.

Similar to the optical SMLE was the SMLE Sniper (Telescopic Sights). This rifle had conventional telescopic sights made by Periscope, Aldis, Winchester, and others. Around 9,700 of these rifles were converted during World War I and were used into World War II.

The No. 32 scope mount attaches to the receiver of the Enfield with two hand screws. This scope is stamped with a 1944 date. On the right you can see how the cheekpiece rolls over the top of the buttstock, aiding the shooter’s eye in looking through the scope.

As an aside, Britain still used the World War I P1914 Mk I (T) sniper rifle up until 1942 when the Enfield No 4 Mk 1 (T) and No 4 Mk 1* (T) entered the conflict. The main difference between the MkI and the Mk I* is that the Mk I* was built in the United States mostly by Savage-Stevens. The bolt head catch was altered for ease of production.

Canada also had the SMLE sniper rifle known as the Long Branch. Some of the Canadian rifles mounted the Lyman Alaskan scope, although less than 100 were fitted. These Canadian Long Branch sniper rifles mainly used the scope built in Canada by R.E.I. It was very similar to the Enfield No. 32. R.E.I. also designed and built the No. 67 Scope, however less than 100 were mounted on the SMLE.

The No I Mk III H.T. (Australian) came into being towards the end of the war. It used rebuilt actions that dated between 1915 and 1918 with a heavy barrel installed. The scopes were Australian Pattern 1918 (Aus). Both high and low mounts were used. The iron sights remained and the rifle could be operated using iron sights without removing the scope.

Most of the scopes used during World War Two were built by Enfield and identified as the No. 32 (Mk 1-3). The scope had originally been designed to fit on a BREN machine gun, so robustness wasn’t a problem. It was capable of hits out to about 800 yards, but 600 yards was a more realistic number.

Japan

The Japanese 6.5 mm Type 97 sniper rifle was fitted with either a 2.5x or 4x power scope. The 2.5x had a 10 degree field of view. The scopes have no provision for windage or elevation adjustment.

Arisaka Type 97 & Type 99

Arisaka Type 97 (38)
Service dates: 1937-1945
Used by: Japan
Wars since WWII: Chinese Civil War, Indonesian National Revolution, Korean War, First Indochina War, Vietnam
Manufactured by: Koishikawa Arsenal, Choker Arsenal, Nagoya Arsenal
Number built: 22,500 (Type 97), 14,000 (Type 99)
Variants: Type 97, Type 99
Weight: 8.7 lb (Type 97), 8.1 lb (Type (99)
Length: 50.4 inch (Type 97)
Barrel length: 31.5 inch (Type 97), 25.5 inch (Type 99)
Caliber: 6.5x50mm (Type 97), 7.7x58mm (Type 99)
Action: Bolt
Muzzle Velocity: 2,510 (Type 97), 2,394 (Type 99)
Capacity: Five round magazine (both)
Sights sniper: 2.5 power scope with serial number matched to the rifle. (Weight approximately 2.3 lb with mount)

The Arisaka Type 97 “Sniper’s Rifle” was based on the Type 38 rifle that was first introduced in 1905. The Type 97 first saw service in 1937. Caliber was 6.5x50mm. Recoil was very light and muzzle blast was low. These qualities made for a good sniper rifle platform, and counter-sniping against the Arisaka was difficult. Having a barrel 31 inches long also allowed all the powder inside the mild cartridge to be completely burned so there was little flash or smoke.

It had a 2.5 power scope mounted on the left side of the receiver and offset to the left to allow loading with stripper clips. It was factory mounted and stamped with the rifle’s serial number. The scopes were manufactured by Tokyo Dai-lch Rikugun Zoheisho factory and others. They weren’t adjustable. Each scope was zeroed to its rifle by adjustment at the mount.

Looking down on the top of a Japanese Type 97 sniper rifle, you can see how the 2.5 power scope is offset to the left. The scope was factory fitted and numbered to the rifle. The “Mum” stamped on the top of the receiver behind the barrel has been ground off. This was done when the war ended.

The only other changes from the Type 38 was the use of a slightly lighter stock with a wire monopod that swiveled at the front sling mount.

With the advent of the 7.7x58mm Type 99 rifle in 1939, it was only a matter of time before it was adapted to sniping duties. The heavier 7.7 caliber bullet punched through the air with better ballistics than the Type 97’s 6.5 mm projectile. However, this came at the cost of higher recoil and visible smoke from the shorter 26 inch barrel.

Two different scopes were issued with the rifle. The first was the Type 97’s 2.5 power, and the second was a non-adjustable Type 99 4-power. Towards the end of the war some 2,000, give or take, were built with range adjustment. The scopes could easily be detached and carried in a pouch when the sniper
changed positions.

There was one variant of the Type 99 that had a bent bolt and the scope fitted above the receiver which effectively turned it into a single shot.

Russia

If you looked hard, you could probably find some country that still had a few Mosin-Nagant 91/30 sniper rifles in its armory. This one is fitted with a 3.5x PU scope. The bolt handle had to be turned down to clear the scope mount. The iron sights are still mounted and the bayonet is with the rifle. If you ran out of ammo, or the scope broke, you became an infantryman. This sniper rifle gained popularity when featured in the 2001 movie Enemy at the Gates, with Jude Law playing Soviet sniper Vasily Zaitsev.

Mosin-Nagant M91/30

Service dates: 1931-1945
Used by: Just about everybody
Designer: Sergi Mosin & Leon Nagant
Manufactured by: Izhevsk Arsenal, Tula Arsenal
Number built: 54,000+
Variants: PE or PEM, PU
Weight: 8.8 lb w/o scope
Length: 48.5 inch
Barrel length: 29 inch
Cartridge: 7.62x54R
Action: Bolt
Muzzle velocity: 2838 fps
Capacity: 5 rounds
Effective range: 730 yards (scope)
Sights: PE & PEM scope, PU scope

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 sniper rifle production began in 1942 and continued through 1944. Two Arsenals did the conversion on accurate infantry 91/30 rifles – Tula and Izhevsk. The Izhevsk Arsenal produced 53,195 sniper rifles in 1942. A total of 275,250 were completed when manufacturing ended in 1958. Numbers for the Tula Arsenal, which only built sniper rifles in 1943 and 1944, are not available, but certainly were much smaller than Izhevsk. The Tula rifles are identified by a five-point star with an arrow stamped onto the top of the chamber. The Izhevsk symbol was a hammer and sickle within a wreath in the same place.

There were two variants of the rifle – PE or PEM, and the PU, determined by which type of scope was mounted. (“PE” = unified model. “PEM” = unified model modern) Early PE scopes could be focused, later PEM could not. The first snipers were fitted with a 4 power PE or PEM scope that Russia reversed engineered from a Zeiss Zf-4. Later, a simpler 3.5 power scope, PU, was fitted. This scope has no means of focusing, so the sniper had to have perfect, or slightly better, eyesight. Its lower magnification made operation a bit easier, but what you saw is what you got.

To fit the scope, the bolt handle had to be turned down and lengthened. The scope mount attached to the left side of the receiver by a rail. The PE scope was used from 1931 to around 1939 (some sources say longer). The PEM was manufactured from 1937 to 1942. The lower power PU was built from 1942 to 1944.

This Russian Tokarev SVT 40 semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered the 7.62x54R mm cartridge. Manufacturing costs, maintenance, repair, and lack of training for the conscripted troops limited its utility. Poor quality of Soviet war-time ammunition limited accuracy and operation. The gas feed system could only be adjusted with a armorer’s special tool.

Tokarev M1940 SVT

Service dates: 1940-1950
Used by: Russia
Designer: Fyedo Tokarev
Number built: 51,710
Variants: SVT-38, AVT-40
Weight: 8.5 lb unloaded
Length: 48.3 inch
Barrel length: 24.6 inch
Cartridge: 7.62x54R
Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity: 2720 fps
Effective range: 1,100 yards (scope)
Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine
Sights: Iron, 3.5 power PU scope

Feed Vasilievich Tokarev was a Russian weapons designer and deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Among his many accomplishments was the M1940 SVT (Samozaryadnaya Vintovka Tokareva, Obrazets 1940 Goad – Tokarev Self-loading Rifle, Model of 1940.), built from 1940 through the end of the war.

Before the M1940, he designed the M1938 SVT. This rifle was the precursor to the M1940, but had a fair amount of problems. It was not able to stand up to combat as was learned in the Winter War of 1939 when Russia and Finland opened hostilities. However, more than 150,000 of the M1938 rifles were manufactured from 1938 to 1940.

The M1940 was the second most prolific semi-auto next to the M1 Garand of World War II. It was gas operated and the untrained Soviet conscript didn’t have the knowledge or ability to service he rifle. It had a complicated gas-operated short-stroke piston operating a tilting bolt that required special tools and depot-level training to service.

All M1940s had two grooves on top of the rear of the receiver, parallel to the bore where a scope mount could be clamped. The infamous PU scope was used. This, along with a precision bore, was all that set the sniper rifle apart from the service rifle. Due to the poor quality of Soviet wartime ammunition, and a very large muzzle blast from the 24.6 inch barrel, 4.4 inches shorter than the Mosin-Nagant’s barrel, the Mosin was preferred, and was the most prolific bolt action sniper rifle used in World War II.

United States

Springfield M1903 A4

Service dates: Army – 1943-end of war, US Marine Corps – entire war
Used by: US Army, US Marine Corps (M1941 Sniper Rifle)
Designer: Springfield Armory
Wars: World War I & II, Korean War, Vietnam War
Weight: 9.38 lb
Length: 43.21 inch
Barrel length: 24inch
Cartridge: 30-06 Springfield
Action: Bolt, 5-round magazine
Muzzle velocity: 2,800 fps
Effective range: 600 yards
Sights-Army: Weaver M73B1 2.2X power
Sights-USMC: Lyman 5A 5X power, Unertl 8X power

The M 1903 rifle was originally designed by the Springfield Armory in 1901. That version wasn’t accepted by the US Army. It was re-designed and the 1903 version was accepted. Selected rifles were fitted with telescopic sights from 1907 to after the First World War. Prior to the Second World War US Army interest in sniping was almost non-existent. When fighting in the Pacific Theater, the need for a long distance sniping rifle became evident. On January 18, 1943 Remington Arms received a contract to take 20,000 M1903A3 Springfield rifles from the production line and convert them to the M1903A4. The first was delivered February 1943.

The M1903A3 was modified by turning down the bolt handle for scope clearance, removing all iron sights, fitting permanent scope blocks, and installing a 2.2x power Weaver scope designated M73B1. As the war progressed, improved models of Weaver 2x scopes, the M81, M82, and M84, were implemented as they became available. The scope fit directly over the magazine negating the use of stripper clips when reloading. Rounds had to be inserted one at a time. With the scope mounted directly over the barrel, the “Model 03-A3” markings could not be read, so they were moved to the left side. These markings added some confusion when seen on an M1903A4, as no rifles were marked A4. Two types of stocks can be found on the M1903A4, A1 straight stocks and C stocks with a pistol grip.

The Marine Corps had their own sniper rifle based on the 1903 Springfield. They designated their 03A4 sniper rifle as “M1941 Sniper Rifle”. They used 03A1 National Match actions and star gauged or very accurate stock barrels. Stock was a Type C pistol grip and the upper handguard was modified to allow the front scope mount to attach to the barrel. The Marines had used similar rifles between the wars, but this new model didn’t see action until November 1943.

The telescopic sight was quite different from the Army’s Weaver scopes. Based on the military version of Unertl’s 8 power target scope, it was much more accurate. Hits could be made out to 1,000 yards when the rifle was in the proper hands of a well-trained Marine.

United States Army’s semi-auto sniper rifle was based on the Garand M1. Two versions were built, M1C and M1D. This M1D has the M84 scope mount held on to the receiver with a large thumbscrew. The M1C uses a five-hole bracket on the left side of the receiver; two holes for taper pins, and three screws. All the M1Cs were Springfield Armory, and only 7,900 produced. M1s from all manufacturers were used to make the M1D.

Springfield M1C Garand

Type: Semiautomatic
Service dates: July 1944 -end of war
Used by: US service rifle
Wars: World War II
Designer: John C. Garand
Manufactured by: Springfield Armory
Effective range: 500 yards
Numbers built: 7,900 approx.
Weight: 11lb
Length: 43.5 inch
Barrel length: 24 inch
Cartridge: 30-06 Springfield
Sights: Lyman Alaskan – M73, M81, M82, 2.2 power

When the US Army entered into World War II in 1941, it did not have a dedicated sniper rifle. The Springfield M1903A4 was pressed into service while the Army Ordnance department evaluated different designs to convert a M1 Garand into an accurate semi-automatic sniper rifle. One of the major problems in the conversion was just how to mount the scope. As the magazine had to be fed from eight-round en-bloc clip from the top, mounting a scope on the rifle’s centerline was out of the question. Many different solutions were tried, and finally a mount that attached to the left side of the receiver and mounted an offset scope was ordered from Griffin and Howe. Five holes had to be drilled in the receiver to secure the mount. Two were used for tapered pins to align and steady the mount. Three were threaded for screws. To be able to see through the scope, a leather cheek pad had to be attached to the buttstock to position the solder’s eye properly.

A concern about muzzle flash led to a cone-shaped flash hider being adopted in January 1945. This proved to be of little use and could affect accuracy, so a lot of them were removed. The Lyman M73 2.2 power scope was originally fitted to the M1C, but as the war progressed the M81, and then the M82 became standard.

Problems with the scope and its mounts, and accuracy delayed M1C production woefully. It was not until the final months of the war in the Pacific in 1945 that the M1C entered combat. Less than 8,000 saw war service.

M1D Garand

The M1D Garand differed from the M1C in scope and mount only. The scope base was permanently attached to the rear of the barrel and drilled and tapped to take a scope mount. A knurled screw allowed the mount with the scope to be easily removed. The scope was designated M84. The cone-shaped flash hider on the M1C was replaced by a slender barrel extension. Almost no M1Ds were manufactured or distributed to combat zones during World War II. In the early 1950s, they were converted from existing service rifles for use
in the Korean War.

The bullpup concept has its roots in the early 20th century and by the 1950s several countries were trying to utilize the style, most notably the British with the EM-1 and EM-2 programs.

A “bullpup” style rifle means that the magazine feed and action have been moved to behind the pistol grip/trigger group, allowing a long barrel in a shorter package. The results in combat were quite evident at longer ranges when the U.S. M4A1 rifle with its 14.5-inch barrel had terminal issues, and the British SA80A2 that is the same overall length with a full 20-inch barrel, did not. For the British, the 1950s EM concepts had evolved into the 1970s 4.85mm “IW,” and then the modern SA80 series in service today. The Steyr AUG is another system that deserves mention, as does the French FAMAS F1
(nearing replacement).

Combat operations have been a constant way of life for the Israeli Tavor since the day it was fielded. Tavor TAR and CTAR rifles are on patrol around the clock in Israel and the border areas, and have participated in many firefights. The MTAR (Micro-Tavor) is quite popular and now a variation is marketed in multiple calibers as the X-95. 5.56x45mm, 5.45x39mm, 9x19mm and possibly the 7.62x51mm rounds are in the X-95. The Tavor platform has an international appeal as well.

The Tavor development program started in 1995 at Israeli Military Industries (now IWI) using a long stroke piston system like the Galil rifle, the AK47, and the Garand. This system is very reliable under almost any conditions, from sand to mud to surf. Tavor is ambidextrous in its controls, robust and well-made, lightweight, and perhaps most importantly, has excellent balance. The first reaction many have to the bullpup rifles is that they feel back heavy, and it is disconcerting to the operator used to a full length rifle. Tavor was designed to fit the operator very well, and the natural holds employed remove that feeling of unbalance. Training removes any remaining issues in that regard.

After a series of trials, the Tavor series was adopted by the IDF in 2006, thus, the 10th anniversary in use is upon us. Tavor is supposed to completely replace the M16 series in Israeli service by 2018. In use in over 24 countries at present, and featured in many Special Forces units around the world, the Tavor has come into its own.

SADJ wishes IWI and their flagship rifle all the best and a happy 10th anniversary.

Websites: www.iwi.us and www.iwi.net

The Truvelo Counter-Measure Sniper rifles (CMS) fulfill all the demands of the professional marksman in the roles of anti-personnel and anti-materiel interdiction. These rifles can be had in any of 6 available calibers; .308 (7.62 NATO), 338 Lapua Magnum, 50 BMG (12.7×99), 14.5×114 soviet, 20x82mm, and 20x110mm. Assuredly, most any stationary target at an identifiable distance can be successfully engaged with one of these weapons. The 7.62 can be used to good effect on soft targets and unarmored combatants out to 800 yards. At the other extreme, the 20×110 fires a 2000 grain projectile at 2800 fps and generates 35,000 ft/lb of energy on target. This rifle can be expected to hit, penetrate and destroy hardened and armored targets at 2500 yards. The 20mm projectile is large enough to carry a significant payload, which can offer “enhanced effect” on target- to include high-explosive, armor-piercing incendiary, and the indiscriminate all-inclusive SAPHEI (semi armor-piercing high explosive incendiary).

The rifles displayed herein represent the 3 smallest offerings- the 7.62×51, .338 LM, and .50 BMG. We assume these will be the most commonly demanded, thus most commonly encountered by the armed professional and well-informed sportsman. At first encounter, the Truvelo rifles are intimidating. They’re heavy and thick. The lines and contours are abrupt and totally utilitarian. But at close inspection and in operation, we found these rifles to be refined- much care was given to the details. The machining and final finish on all metal parts is perfect and smooth. The fit of all components is tight and seamless. There’s no rattle or wobble in these rifles. The bolt opens with a solid, barely audible crack- then glides through the receiver smoothly. The bolt does not ride in broach-cut races, as most bolt actions do- it runs through a perfectly smooth cylindrical bore cut through the receiver. The round bolt body is fully supported around its circumference so it cannot not bind or tilt during operation. The bolt is helically fluted- this extra machine operation lets the bolt make less contact with the receiver bore, for reduced friction, while providing an escape path for debris and particulate matter that may settle in the receiver. The bolt’s lugs are cut into the diameter of the bolt body (rather than protruding from it). This configuration allows for the simple cylindrical receiver bore. There are 4 locking lugs- so the bolt handle only requires a 40 degree rotation for operation. It’s strong, positive and fast. The extractor and ejector are larger than they need to be- in support of the design ideas behind these somewhat over-built rifles.

CMS762 / 26”barrel, 1:11 twist / 46” long (36” folded) / 13.2 pounds.

The receiver-mounted Picatinny scope rails are machined from steel and include a third degree forward tilt (20 MOA) for long-range zeroing capabilities. Also being over-engineered, the scope mount rails are held on by 6mm socket screws (equivalent to SAE 1/4×28). This mounting should allow the scope to endure triple the shear forces that more “domestic” rifles could never expect to survive. In both design and dimension, the scope mount is overbuilt with performance in mind. It’s longer than most commercially available mounting options. This extra real-estate makes it versatile and adaptable. The extra mass makes it strong and reliable. It’s also worth noting, that a few years ago there had been some change to the standard Picatinny rail interface- the critical dimensional criteria and tolerances were revised- to allow better clamping consistency and capability, while ensuring reverse compatibility with any accessory designed to the old dimensional standard. This new rail interface has been labeled the NAR, or NATO Accessory Rail. What’s important here is that the Truvelo CMS rifles feature scope rails fit this new standard.

The trigger mechanism is what we would expect on a professional-grade rifle such as this. The trigger pull offers good feel and feedback- without being overly sensitive. The pull weight approaches 4 pounds and the take-up is longer than most “match grade rifles” would exhibit. At the same time the trigger is not handicapped by any sort of roughness or inconsistency. This kind of trigger pull expects the operator to be committed and in tune to his task and deliberate in his choice of action. It’s the right piece of hardware on rifles such as these. There are three adjustments possible on the trigger.

The safety lever is located just ahead of the trigger blade inside the trigger guard. The way it’s situated makes it almost impossible to forget to deactivate the safety before taking a shot. The thoughtful design of the safety basically lets the operator keep the gun on safe, until his finger approaches the trigger to fire. By doing so, the safety is automatically bumped into the “fire” position by the trigger finger. It’s a very positive safety with fast passive control. The control lever for the detachable magazine is integrated into the profile of the trigger guard- so the “shooting” hand can drop the mag while the free hand is retrieving or replacing the magazine. The magazine release lever does take considerable effort to operate. This protects against accidental mag drop during handling.

CMS338 / 26” barrel, 1:10 twist / 50” long (40” folded) / 15.5 pounds.

The stock of the CMS is not totally unique- it’s just good technology- and probably derived as a common conclusion by most designers and users of precision rifles. It consists of an alloy substructure that houses and connects the barreled action, trigger-guard and detachable magazine box, furniture panels, and folding mechanism for the stock. The substructure protrudes from the front end of the plastic enclosure to present a 3 rail accessory boom and a spigot for a quick-detach swiveling Gibbs bipod. The grip is borrowed from the AK-47 pattern. Any AK type grip may be used.

The folding and adjustable stock is standard style for all Truvelo CMS rifles. The locking mechanism is very solid- as stated before, there’s no wobble anywhere. The button is easy to actuate to unlock from the open position. As long as the bolt handle is lifted, the stock will lock into its forward folded position. The requirement to lift the bolt handle ensures that a loaded rifle is not placed in storage or transport. The action of deploying the stock from the stowed position is not as quick- the user must lift up on the butt assembly then swing it out and back- opening the stock takes a bit more strength than folding it. The cheek rest is not infinitely adjustable- it can be locked into a number of mechanical notches- spaced about ¼” apart. Though the user may not be able to access just that perfect height, this arrangement is very solid- and cannot slip out of location. That is a welcome compromise. The buttpad is adjustable vertically by means of a rotating locking lever. It can be adjusted (with the free hand, in firing position) approximately 1” up and 1” down from its central location. This aspect does indeed allow a user to match the rifle to his unique body geometry- the proportion of the head, neck, and shoulder. The stock features an accessory rail at the ventral edge for affixing a rear monopod.

We tried firing the CMS 7.62 off-hand and found it somewhat cumbersome and labored. There’s just no good place for the forward hand to maintain control and balance. These rifles definitely favor a rested firing position. Save the 7.62 version, these rifles are too heavy to fire free-handed anyway. So again, we gladly accept this compromise. Truvelo does tell us that there are forearm options in the works- such as extra panels that can be attached over the picatinny accessory boom to form a more conventional forearm. We’re looking forward to that but not certain it’s needed.

CMS50 / 30” barrel, 1:15 twist / 57” long (47” folded) / 31 pounds

Truvelo Armory cut its teeth making rifle barrels- from .22 up to 40mm. They are a premier OEM supplier to many other arms manufacturers worldwide. Of course, the CMS rifles all come outfitted with the best Truvelo can muster. Their own rifles however, get an extra dose of “special.” All CMS barrels are fluted- heavily. The 8 groove pattern is aggressive in pursuit of material removal. That’s what is required to make fluting worthwhile. Most gun manufacturers put fluting there for looks, while Truvelo gets after it and makes the grooves deeper than they are wide.

Let’s kill the misconception-fluting does not make a barrel stiffer (than unfluted). The process of removing longitudinal sections of barrel steel is used as a means to affect some weight savings while maintaining most of the original rigidity. So comparatively, a fluted barrel is stiffer than a non-fluted barrel of the same weight and length. That said- these rifles are no still lightweights. Truvelo barrel contours exceed what American brands might call a bull barrel. The “root” of the barrel- the section that meets the receiver is about 25% larger than some mainstream American brands. So even with the weight loss from the deep fluting, these barrels are still heavier- and thus stiffer than any mass produced big brand rifle on the shelf today. Extra metal may be considered by some to be the caveman approach to making an accurate rifle, but it works. The extra surface area does aid in heat radiation
and reduction.

The 7.62 is the only CMS that is not born with a muzzle brake. The muzzle is threaded to accept a suppressor. The 7.62 has moderate recoil, and lends itself well to dedicated suppressed use with full-power or short range subsonic ammunition. The muzzle brakes on the .338 and .50 are good designs that boast 60% reduction in felt recoil. Without access to an appropriate laboratory and equipment to prove that claim, we were content to just shoot the rifles. All we can confirm is that the muzzle brakes are more than adequate; the recoil forces produced by these rifles are very manageable. The .338 produced no more felt impulse than the 7.62 rifle. The felt recoil of the .50 was less than that of a 12 gauge shotgun.

Shows the relative location of the safety and magazine release lever.

The included Gibbs bipod is of the famed Parker-Hale design. These bipods may look old fashioned to some, but don’t be fooled by that. The Parker-Hale design allows for the user to freely swivel, tilt and pan his rifle (within a narrow field) without being tasked with loosening and tightening locking levers and knobs. The free motion of the Gibbs pod allows a shooter to easily match and track the motion of a moving target or pan and scan a target area. Once presented with a target and firing solution, the sniper need only apply a little bit of forward pressure to the rifle; the joints of the bipod bind up and become quite solid. The legs of the Gibbs bipod are extendable and may be folded forward or backward when stowed.

Putting the Truvelo rifles to work was a special opportunity. As staff of Small Arms Defense Journal, we get to field test many types of weaponry. Truvelo Armoury stands out among other precision rifles we’ve spent time with. The heft and quality feel of these rifles seems to instill the operator with an added boost of confidence. Our test rifles were given premium ammunition to demonstrate their accuracy potential. The .308 fired Black Hills Match with a 168 grain Match King. The .338 was also fired with Black Hills Match ammo- with the 300 grain Match King bullet. Hornady Match with the 750 grain A-Max pill was fed to the big .50 cal. We only used our best judgment for bullet weight selection, and relied on the reputation for quality from these 2 ammo manufacturers. All three rifles were fitted with the Nightforce BEAST scope for testing. Considering that the scope is the only connection the rifle and target share- a rifle’s potential for excellence can only be viewed through perfect glass. The Nightforce is unmatched and would allow us to exploit
the Truvelo’s talent.

We had assumed that at this level of expected quality, the Truvelo would “just shoot” and not exhibit a tendency to favor a certain ammunition type (which is usually the case among small arms manufacturers). Our range day would take us into the vast open of the southern Utah desert on the day after a storm. The sky was still overcast, so no mirage to deal with and the wind had died out the day before- so these were perfect conditions. Given such a perfect day, the “Truvelo Trio” performed famously. All returned sub MOA accuracy on a paper target at 300 yards. We engaged a hanging 12”x18” steel plate at 600 yards; all three rifles found this test too easy. At 850 yards the .308 gave up 30% of its hits to waning bullet stability. With the .338 and .50 we were able to continue to ring the 12×18” at 1200 yards. The .50 asked for more, so we took him to task on that same steel at 1600 yards. At this kind of distance- a city block shy of a mile- a successful shot owes much to the shooter. But indeed, the shooter owes much to his rifle and scope. Without embellishment, we connected with that 12”x18” plate at 1600 yards on the fourth attempt. At that range the sound of an impact cannot be heard- but the energy of the 750 A-Max made its effect on target visibly obvious.

The accessory “boom” and Gibbs bipod as seen on the CMS338.

Truvelo rifles are among the best we’ve fired. They’re certainly not “groundbreaking game-changing new technology with next-level capability,” as is so often claimed for mediocre improvements on some other competitive products, but the Truvelo’s are indeed at the top of their game- hitting far-off targets. It is becoming obvious that there are too many “sniper” rifles made for the masses that just miss the mark when it comes to the why and the how of the engineering and final manufacture. The market has become diluted with hobby-level hardware and mediocre quality – all disguised as the next “game-changer” or even marketed as a fashion trend.

Truvelo gives us hope that some firms have not lost sight of real purpose behind their craft. Truvelo makes a well-designed, perfectly simple, rock solid utilitarian long-range weapon that can support the demands and abilities of even the best shooter.

(Note from Dan Shea – I’ve been over the Truvelo CMS series rifles, and find them to be among the finest sniper rifles I’ve fired. They retain enough of the core fundamentals of accurate shooting while not over-complicating the sniper’s job. I would have to say that these rifles shoot better than I can, they’re truly a top-quality rifle that will enhance the ability of any shooter looking for top accuracy).

The magazines are built to last. Note the welds and rivets.

IA-2, Uirapuru, Marruá, Guarani & more in Brazil

With the upcoming Olympic Games in 2016 in Brazil, the military has been busy preparing security details to assure safety. The armed forces have been experiencing a metamorphosis in preparation to security challenges ahead, incorporating in the process a new advanced border surveillance system, new armored personnel carrier, new high mobility light vehicle, new trucks, new air defenses, new fighters and a new rifle. It has also upgraded or retrofitted several other systems, and continues to renovate specialized training.

So we traveled one more time to Rio de Janeiro seeking a look into some of this new equipment. We were not disappointed, spotting in the hands of the paratroopers is the new IA-2 rifle. The Brazilian Paratrooper Brigade, based at Rio de Janeiro, depends on three Batalhão de Infantaria Pára-quedista (25th, 26th and 27th), one field artillery (8th Group) and one logistical support (20th) battalions, one Cavalry Squadron (1st), the 21ª Bateria de Artilharia Anti-Aérea Pára-quedista, a Signal (20th), and an Engineer (1st) Companies, and the 36º Pelotão de Polícia do Exército Pára-quedista, to do its job while responding to an HQ Company. The Companhia de Precursores Pára-quedista is an elite outfit, and refers to the path-finding unit.

The IA-2 has been finally accepted as the new standard military rifle for all branches, with the Paras as one of the first units to test and field it. The weapon was developed by the Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL), and will be replacing the M964 FAL and M964A1 MD1 (Para FAL) 7.62x51mm rifles, as well as the MD97 and HK33 5.56x45mm rifles. It is a gas-operated weapon using a number of polymer components to reduce weight to 3.6kg. It is a compact weapon, measuring 850mm in length, and having a 330mm long barrel with a flash suppressor that can be used to launch rifle grenades. It said to use a conventional piston/multi-lug rotary bolt mechanism, and has a 750 rpm rate of fire. The 5.56mm variant accepts STANAG 30-round magazines, and its design sports a foldable/collapsible buttstock, and a handguard with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails to mount an array of accessories. The 7.62mm variant accepts the FAL 20-round magazine.

The IA2 was initially denominated MD-97 Mk.II, and development started in 2008 as replacement of the MD97, and eventually as replacement of the M694 series. Its design was made public in 2010, and after testing ended in 2012, a first batch of 20,000 were ordered in 2013, followed by orders of up to 140,000 examples. The baseline assault rifle has a 440mm barrel; the Carbine model has a 370mm barrel, and the CQB variant a 260mm barrel. The 7.62mm version has a different skeletal stock and a longer flash hider; and there is a 7.62mm Carbine variant with a shorter barrel. We were able to observe details of the Sniper variant, which has a 510mm barrel, a bipod, and a different buttstock with a cheek rest.

This trooper is equipped with the Para FAL M964 A1 MD1 rifle. It is a lighter (4.5Kg) and a smaller version of the M694 FAL, sporting a shorter barrel, folding stock and replacement of aluminum with high-impact polymer parts. The soldiers mount a new Guarani APC, the new 6x6 Army armored transport (J. Montes)

It will be a while before the IA-2 replaces the M964, so it was not surprising to find that most units are still equipped with the Para FAL, or IMBEL’s own modification of the FAL. The Army tested the FN FAL between 1958 and 1962, and the weapon was adopted in 1964, with licensed production commencing in-country at the Fabrica de Itajubá (FI) as the M964 (Model-1964) for the standard model, and M969A1 for the folding stock version. At least 200,000 FALs of various types were produced between 1964 and 1983, and before production switched to the M964A1 MD1 (Para FAL). Indeed, the MD1 models observed in the hands of Motorized and Cavalry units was shorter than the M964, having a barrel length of 450mm, instead of the M964’s 530mm. The folding stock came in handy when used in mounted and/or airborne operations.

The IA-2 is also planned to replace the MD97 (Model 1997) rifle. We did not see any of such models in the hands of the troops, but have handled a number of variants at various LAAD events in RioCentro. It is a favorite police carbine, having a gas-operated action with rotating bolt. It uses STANAG M16-compatible magazines, and follows the lines of the FAL, if in a scaled down form. The LC carbine is a shortened semi-auto only version of the MD-97L, and it is intended for police forces, while the LC model is an even a shorter model (LC stands for Light/Short), with a 300 meter range. The MD-97LM Carbine can be fitted with a sound suppressor and grenade launcher; it comes with Picatinny rails for additional accessories.

The Brazilian Naval Riflemen on the other hand, are almost universally armed with the M16A2. The Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais took delivery of more than 12,000 Colt rifles, and over 500 Carbines, and 1900 M972 (MT12). These will be replaced with the new IA-2, and the first 269 Carbine variants have been ordered.

Uirapuru is the name of a bird that lives in the Brazilian tropical undergrowth. The name was chosen by the Military Engineering Institute (IME) to name a new Brazilian machine gun in 1969. The resulting weapon was a machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm caliber. The design continued to evolve into the 1970s, and in 1977 the Ministry of Defense ordered two prototypes from Mekanika industry of e-commerce Ltda, and the Mekanika Uirapuru was adopted in service in 1979, along with 3000 Uru SMGs from the same Mekanika. The weapon entered production at a plant near Rio de Janeiro, and it is said to have a rate of fire of 650-700 rpm, and an effective range between 800 and 1,400 meters. The MG weighs 13 kg, having a total length of 1300mm, and a barrel length of 600mm. Although the Mekanika Uirapuru is supposed to be in service, the only one we were able to observe was at the Conde de Linhares Military Museum, and instead the MAG-58 is found universally among the troops. In 2013 the army adopted the FN Herstal MINIMI 5.56x45mm as its standard light machine gun, replacing the IMBEL M964 FAP (Fuzil Automático Pesado) 7.62x51mm.

Smaller submachine guns are truly popular here. One of the Special Forces operators we were able to photograph carried what appeared to be an SMT9 G2 (for SubMetralhadora Taurus) with shoulder stock folded or removed. In fact, the shot could be of a CT-556/FAZ-556 short Carbine instead, and it is difficult to say without a good view of the gun and the magazine. What is certain is that the two firearms share a single design line. It was in 2011 that Taurus developed a 5.56x45mm caliber rifle platform, sporting a STANAG 4179 compliant magazine well, tucked into a sleek and futuristic design. The FAZ version refers to the select-fire model, firing at a cyclic rate between 650 and 800 rounds-per-minute while the CT variant is a semi-automatic police patrol rifle. The weapon has a machined lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum upper receiver, hard-anodized to military specifics, and a fiberglass-reinforced polymer lower receiver. The firing mechanism is based on an indirect gas-impingement, short-stroke piston-driven system. It has a side-folding/telescope buttstock. It features a full-length MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny” rail, and a machined aluminum quad-rail handguard. The 9mm SMG is now dubbed the SMT (previously MT9-G2). The most striking difference between the rifle and the SMG is the different caliber. The SMT9 refers to the 9x19mm model and the SMT40 refers to the .40” Smith & Wesson caliber. It uses 15-round and 30-round magazines. The SMGs use a blowback-operated system and fire from the closed bolt at a cyclic rate of fire that may range anywhere from 700 to 800 rounds per minute.

Fully geared for MOP-4 operations, this trooper carries a M964 rifle (J. Montes)

The MT-12, on the other hand, was prominently displayed by Brazilian Navy Shore Patrol (SP) and Brazilian Air Force Police units. The MT-12 refers to the Beretta M12 SMG produced under license by Taurus. The M12 was adopted as the MtrM M1972 in 1972 and was initially produced by Indústria e Comércio Beretta S.A., in São Paulo. Taurus acquired a license to produce the gun, and re-designated the weapon as the MT-12. Production switched in June of 1993 to a new plant at Porto Alegre, producing the MT-12A and MT-12AD variants. Taurus attempted to repeat the success of the MT-12 with the MT-40/SAF in 2000, so it partnered with Chile’s Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército (FAMAE) to produce the SIG inspired SAF submachine gun, which used a blowback-operated mechanism firing from a closed-bolt position at a high rate of fire. Although the MT/SAFG was not adopted by the military in large quantities, the CT-40 semi-auto carbine with a 16.1-inch barrel and the CT-30 in .30 Carbine found favor among police units. There are two special aeronautical police battalions (BINFA) serving under the Brazilian Air Force, and there is a Grupo Especial de Polícia da Aeronáutica (GEPA) in charge of hostage rescue and rapid response.

Elements of the Batalhão de Infantaria de Aeronáutica Especial dos Afonsos (BINFAE-AF), and Esquadrão Aeroterrestre de Salvamento (EAS) carried HK-33 rifles instead of the MT-12, and the SIG550 is also a favorite. BINFAE-AF is a security Infantry Battalion of the Brazilian Air Force while EAS, also known as Pára-SAR, are specialized commandos trained in combat rescue operations. It is understood that these rifles will be replaced by the IA-2.

Most impressive and unusual was finding the firefighters armed with IMBEL INA M953 SMGs. Indeed, the Military Firefighter Corps is tasked with civil defense and rescue in addition to the normal firefighting tasks. Since 1915 it has functioned as a military reserve force, and part of the National Public Security and Social Defense System. The IMBEL INA M953 is a modified Madsen M50 SMG. The M953 is chambered to .45 acp caliber.

Considerable infantry equipment is supplied by the Glágio do Brasil Conglomerate, to include PASGT, ACH LC 200, and ACH HC 100 helmets. These are made of Aramid, with the seven water-resistant cushions suspension system that provides for blunt impact protection. The PASGT provides for Level IIIA protection against 9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP; while the ACH LC 200 is shaped to accept a number of accessories (lighting, communications, and night vision, among others), providing Level II (9mm FMJ RN / 357 MAG JSP) and Level IIIA (9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP) protection. The ACH LC 200 provides protection against 9mm FMJ RN / 44 MAG SJHP.

This conglomerate also provides Tactical Vest II E IIIA, featuring inserts that are ballistic, waterproof, and of resistant fabrics to ensure safety in adverse conditions, and providing for high ballistic resistance, reducing trauma. They come with NIJ Standard Level II (0101.04) and Level IIIA (0101.04) protection plates. The Tactical Vest III E IV is more widely distributed to combat troops, and features the M.O.L.L.E system, with its advanced load distribution design, and additional protection for shoulders, neck and groin. It provides NIJ Standard Level III and Level IV protection. The Vest III model comes with two ballistic plates of Level 3, and the Vest IV comes with two stand-alone plates (front and back). These tactical vests come in the Brazilian Lizard Pattern-woodland camouflage (dark green and purplish-brown vertical stripes on light or pale green background). It is noted that the standard Brazilian Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is made of 100% cotton twill in a lizard camo design, in either green (woodland) and kaki (dry season) based patterns. The main design sports broad brush strokes of dark brown and dark green overlaid on light green. The design is a derivative of the French Leopard TAP47 pattern and more so of the Portuguese red-lizard smock camouflage (in a design combining russet and foliage green on a pale green background) from 1960, and standard issue since 1963. The Brazilian Army had adopted a woodland camouflage way back in 1967, in a pattern consisting of brown and lime green blotches on a pale green background similar to the US M1942 spot design, made of lightweight herringbone twill material. The local military also made use of the Chilean “rana” (frog) pattern in the early 1970s, but an early version of the lizard pattern was used since the early 1960s, with brown and forest green vertical stripes on a tan background. Another variant was issued to Mountain units in the 1980s, in black, red and moss green vertical stripes on a tan background, and another one to the Caatinga units, using a reddish-brown and mint green vertical striping on a pale green background.

This Brazilian Sniper appears to carry the IA-2 in 7.62x51mm caliber, a precision rifle. It is a gas-operated weapon, which has a 510mm barrel, a bipod, and a redesigned buttstock with a cheek rest. It accepts FAL 20-round magazines (J. Montes)

Wider net

We were also able to view the new light utility truck, the Marruá (Wild Bull) produced by Agrale. The Brazilian Army used the Marruá years before. Then, the Army started looking for a replacement, and showed interest in the VLEGA Gaucho. The Gaucho was developed since 2004 with Argentinean cooperation, and under parameters established by the Plan Ejército Argentino (PEA 2025). The Gaucho comes with an MWM diesel V4 engine developing 130hp.

La Agrale continued to develop the Marruá, presenting a more powerful variant in LAAD 2013, and another one in LAAD 2015. This has been selected now as the new light utility vehicle for the Brazilian Army. The Marruá 4×4 is larger than the Gaucho and its development is based on that of the Engesa EE-4/EE-12 utility vehicle. The Marruá Viatura de Transporte Não Especializada (VTNE) was first accepted into service in July 2005. The Marruá AM1 is powered by a EURO II MWM 4.07 TCA diesel engine coupled to EATON FS 2305 A transmission (5 forward / 1 reverse). The newer variants come with a EURO III compliant engine.

We also marveled at the new VBTP-MR APC, a wheeled armored transport denominated Guarani, which will be replacing the successful EE-11 URUTU wheeled armored transport. A Guarani with gun turret will replace the EE-9 CASCAVEL. Those we observed had a simple machine gun pod armed with an M2HB, but a new turret has been developed for the troop carrier variant.

In November 2014, Brazil implemented its Integrated Border Monitoring System (Sisfron) at the 4th Fourth Mechanized Cavalry Brigade in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. This system will help security forces detect illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and weapons smuggling, in the border, an area of 1.2 million square kilometers. It consists of four operating centers, with the other three located at Mundo Novo, Iguatemi, and Caracol. This represents an investment of about $4.6 billion USD. Sisfron, developed by Savis from Embraer, is tasked with detecting suspicious activities from distances up to 20 km, with the use of sophisticated equipment depending on 68 communication antennas, an information highway (digital computer networks), radar units, electromagnetic sensors, tactical and satellite communication components, and command and control centers, which will be gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance, information technology, and gear to conduct electronic warfare. Sisfron is expected to be completely operational by 2021.

The armed forces’ preparedness is in turn spilling into local authorities. It is noted that state police units, denominated Military Police (which are part of the Armed Forces), have been honing their skills and improving equipment as well. The sharpshooters of the Military Police’s Special Tactical Actions Group (GATE), for instance, are known to have attended the Tactical Sharpshooter Training Course, under the watch of the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) BINFAE-CO – Batalhão de Infantaria da Aéronatica Especial (Special Aeronautical Infantry Battalion) from Canoas Air Base. BINFAE-CO offers its sharpshooter training to other agencies as well — including the Federal Highway Police’s Special Operations Unit, and the Federal Police’s Rapid Response Group.

The security apparatus is divided into federal and state law enforcement agencies. There are 26 Military Police Departments (State Police), and the Federal District has Civil Police and State Police units. Most of these organizations count on a special operations police unit, and/or a rescue team. Many of these forces are also being reequipped. The 400-strong Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE), for instance, has been reequipped with M16 and M4 carbine rifles with laser sights, Taurus PT92 pistols and fragmentation and stun grenades. Some elements of the BOPE and the Grupo de Retomada e Resgate (GRR) have been equipped with AR-10A4 rifles, many of them with the EOTech 552 holographic sights, to replace their M694s.

Mechanized infantryman armed with an M964A1 MD1 (ParaFAL) 7.62x51mm rifle. The MD1 has a barrel length of 450mm, and folding stock. (J. Montes)

Imposing Law

Rio de Janeiro exploded into a security crisis in November 2010, when criminal factions initiated a series of attacks in response to the government’s deployment of permanent forces inside the favelas, the feared Brazilian slums. The government had decided to secure the slums as a preventive measurement for the upcoming Soccer World Cup and Olympic Games. As drug traffickers occupied Leopoldina, Vila Cruzeiro, neighboring Complexo do Alemao slums, the police and Naval Infantry charged inside the neighborhoods riding on M-113 and LVTP-7 armored vehicles; these were followed by the Police’s own Caveirões (“skulls” armored vehicles).

The attacks had started on November 21st, when several vehicles were burned at Linha Vermelha and other areas inside the City, and an Air Force vehicle had come under fire. The following morning a police cabin was attacked, and the drug traffickers continued their robbery spree and attacks. On the 23rd, Military Police Units (State Police) moved against several slums searching for the attackers; these operations escalated and culminated with the intervention of the feared BOPE against strongholds in the Vila Cruzeiro slum on the 25th. BOPE chased the criminals to the Complexo do Alemao, while hundreds of soldiers and Federal Policemen arrived to place the slums under siege. By the 28th, all resistance has been subdued. The large amount of weapons captured included CZ-24 (Mauser K98) rifles, ZB-ZV medium machine guns, 0.30-caliber Brownings, Madsens, and Browning automatic rifles (BAR). There were also Garands, AK-47/AKM, AR-15/M-16/M-4s, Ruger Mini-14s, HK G-3s, Steyr AUGs, and SIG-550 rifles; the submachine guns captured included M1 carbines, Argentine FMK-3, Thompson M1, and even a MAT-49, along with a number of Glocks, and Desert Eagle pistols.

The action culminated with the use of military pacification forces mounted under Operation Arcanjo. This translate to the use of the Paratrooper Infantry Brigade under the original deployment, followed by the deployment of the 9th Motorized School Infantry Brigade (until start of 5th Military World Games), under Arcanjo II, and the 11th Light Infantry Brigade (Campinas), under Arcanjo III, and finally intervention by the 9th Motorized School Infantry Brigade (upon completion of 5th Military World Games), under the current Arcanjo IV, and at this time, the 1st Motorized Infantry Battalion remains at the Alemão and Penha complexes under Fuerza de tarea Sampaio, and part of Operation Arcanjo IV. The military presence (occupation) of civilian areas is legalized under Article 88 of the Brazilian Federal Constitution, which grants the Armed Forces police powers when requested by any of the constitutional powers. The round-the-clock presence in the slums signifies unprecedented cooperation between Rio de Janeiro’s state government and the Eastern Military Command, which turned over command of all operations to the Brazilian Army.

Prior to the 2013 Confederations Cup, the Brazilian forces launched Operation Ágata 7, mobilizing troops to the borders where they seized 19 tons of narcotics. Ágata 8 followed in May 2014, which involved 30,000 troops mobilized to the borders as part of preparations for the World Cup, and resulting in the seizure of 40 tons of drugs.

At least the Soccer World Cup tournament went without incidents, and so it did the Pope’s visit. Now come the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in August and September 2016, and we’ll see the preparations in action.

Small Arms Defense Journal first visited the Caracal factory in Abu Dhabi in February, 2011 when the new production of the Models C and F were coming off the newly constructed production lines. That article was in SADJ V3 No 3 and is online. Here, five years later, SADJ writer Chris Bartocci returns to see the amazing growth of not only the factory, but the scope of Caracal’s ambition and production.

The Gulf region has always been dependent on foreign nations to provide their security forces with small arms and ammunition. The region exports oil, mining products, and some agricultural items, but that is really about it. That can be a dangerous situation, depending on foreign nations for all of your war materials. It’s especially difficult when diplomatic relationships are so fragile in the region. One day the US State Department approves the license to send small arms, spare parts and ammunition but the next time the license is applied they may deny it if there are any political issues between the two nations. The United Arab Emirates has decided this is unacceptable and has taken steps to make the UAE self sustainable by creating small arms and small arms ammunition manufacturing right in Abu Dhabi. This is a major challenge for many reasons. The Middle East is not populated with a large work force trained in modern engineering and manufacturing. American firearms manufacturers are generally surrounded by machine shops and “job shops” that specialize in various manufacturing process that are used in the manufacturing of small arms. This would include shops that mold polymer components, heat treat, perform chroming, hammer forging, casting and forging aluminum receivers. The Middle East, these do exist but are quite limited. To make the same firearm there you must have a manufacturing facility that can do all these processes in house. That is just what happened with a relatively new company, Caracal. The company first produced two pistols; the 9x19mm models C&F. This was well suited for them to build up their manufacturing capability to produce complete firearms in-house. They have rows of modern CNC machines, modern lathes and deep hole drilling for barrels, hammer forge for barrel production, heat treating, anodizing, polishing, cryo stress relief, MIM and other capabilities.

The first Gulf region built assault rifle, the short stroke piston operated CAR816 manufactured in Abu Dhabi, UAE by Caracal. Just like the M4, the rifle will accept any accessory from optics, bayonet, bipod or anything else which may be required.

Now, the company is set out on their next goal, to develop an assault rifle they could sell not only in the UAE but to all the Gulf nations. This would surely put Caracal in a position where if they made as good if not a better assault rifle than their American and European competition, these nations would prefer to buy from a GCC ally where they eliminate the higher costs, logistical issues and eventual political issues that can interrupt the flow of necessary military gear into the countries. In all reality, they might prefer to equip their forces with a home grown product rather than one from abroad.

Caracal set out to design this rifle for their part of the world. They needed to have a first rate engineering and manufacturing staff. They recruited engineers and manufacturing experts from countries such as the US, Germany, Russia and India to name a few. The design leads would come from two of the most well known companies in the industry, Heckler & Koch and Sig Sauer. Robert Hirt was with Heckler & Koch through several programs, most notably the HK416 as well as with SIG Sauer as the VP of Special Weapons Group/engineering/Defense Systems and is the inventor of the 516/517, MPX and MCX programs. Robert is now the Chief Operating Officer of Caracal. Chris Sirois was an engineer with SIG Sauer where he worked on the SIG 516, 517 and the MCX programs. Chris is now the head of research and development at Caracal which include the Design Group, Prototype Shop and Special Weapons Development. The engineers Caracal hired just happened to be the ones intimately involved with the HK416 and the Sig MCX rifles. The CEO of Caracal, Hamad Salem Al Ameri, is not your typical CEO or businessman. He is an active duty UAE Army Special Forces officer who was commissioned in the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK. Being an end user, he presented the challenge to both engineers. He said to each if they had it to do all over again on each weapon system, what would you do differently to make the guns even better? They both said they had some ideas. Then he set them free to build “that rifle” which resulted in the Caracal CAR816. This rifle is not another black rifle copy. This was designed from the ground up. Particular emphasis was put on the performance of the rifle in the environment at hand. The desert, with the most unforgiving sand or better said powder that is the nemesis of anything with moving parts. This is the environment these weapons are specifically designed to function in.

The aspiration of Caracal is to have a majority of weapon production in house and Caracal is working diligently to achieve this. At present some major components are brought in from high end suppliers but it is clear that the Caracal goal is ultimately to produce a 100% indigenous rifle. By importing components from the US, the ITAR restrictions make sales of the rifle outside the UAE very difficult. With the rifle being made 100% in the UAE, they are free to sell throughout the world with no issues.

The CAR816 is a selective-fire (SAFE, SEMI and AUTO) 5.56x45mm gas-operated via short stroke piston assault rifle. The standard barrel length is 14.5 inches. The barrel also has a bayonet lug. The rifle is equipped with a Caracal made free float handguard system with quad Mil-Std-1913 rails. They cyclic rate is between 750-950 rounds per minute. The overall length with the stock extended is 34.6 inches and with the stock collapsed is 31.37 inches. The weight without a magazine is 7.71 pounds.

The Caracal Personal Defense Weapon with a 7.5 inch barrel. The product lineup of Caracal CAR816 rifles is available in 7.5, 10.5, 14.5 and 16 inch barrels.

Starting at the rear of the rifle, the receiver extension permits 6 positions for the stock. The Magpul STR or CTR stocks are found on the rifles this author has seen. According to Caracal, the stock will be based on the customer request. This too will eventually be a Caracal design in the not so distant future. The buffer differs from the legacy models as well. Unlike the norm, Caracal does not use sliding steel and tungsten weights in the buffer; they use tungsten powder. Current rifles will be found with a standard A2-type pistol grip. This is being replaced now with a Caracal designed pistol grip which resembles a Magpul MOE grip. The texture is different and there is a compartment inside the grip. On the receiver extension endplate is an attachment point for a HK-style hook sling. By nature of the design the attachment point is ambidextrous. The lower receiver is a Caracal design with additional features. The magazine well is flared well for inserting a magazine in low to no light conditions. There are gripping grooves on the front of the magazine well to assist in adverse conditions. Rifles used in this environment can have an ambient temperature well exceeding 100°F before a shot is fired. Once a few magazines run through the rifle the handguard may become uncomfortable to hold. Several of the prototype rifles seen at the factory have Manta rail covers. This is certainly a way to deal with a hot handguard. Caracal has not yet settled on one particular rail protector.

The selector is standard on the left side. Caracal will provide an ambidextrous selector if requested. The bolt catch and magazine catch are standard also but again upon request of the customer will make this ambidextrous as well. Providing a standard ambidextrous rifle is more costly than a standard rifle. It is better for Caracal to offer a standard model and have the flexibility to provide ambidextrous features upon request. The trigger is a standard selective-fire trigger. Caracal will soon be offering a semi-auto only trigger group. The trigger weight is specified between 7.5 and 11.5 pounds. The lower receiver will accept any Mil-Spec upper receiver.

The upper receiver of the CAR816 looks standard but there is a modification to the face of the receiver above the barrel nut extension. It is machined to allow the sleeve for the operating rod. The upper receiver has both a forward bolt assist as well as a fired cartridge case deflector. There is a standard ejection port dust cover which is essential for survival in the sandy Middle East environment. The charging handle shown on the prototype rifles to SADJ is a Vltor ambidextrous charging handle. Production guns will have a Caracal made standard charging handle unless the ambidextrous is requested. The Vltor charging handle is certainly an upgrade and is useful by right-hand shooters as well.

The CAR816 has a three position gas regulator. The three is a little sticky, a projectile tip may be used to rotate it.

positions are normal conditions, adverse conditions and suppressed fire. The regulator is adjusted by depressing a lock and rotating the regulator. If it The barrel itself is manufactured by Caracal in-house. The barrel is cold hammer forged and QPQ finished. Caracal feels this is a much better option than chrome plating. The standard barrel is 14.5-inches and it has a 1 turn in 7-inch right hand twist with 6 lands and grooves. Caracal also provides a 7.5-inch PDW variation as well as a 10.5 and 16 inch barrel. The chamber is modified so the rifle is over-the-beach capable. This is an important feature in the Gulf region for operators working in maritime conditions. This is one area where the American M4 has always fallen short. This has to do with the construction of the chamber and other key areas. However, this is not a flaw in the M4 carbine. It is a manufacturing issue. There are several direct gas impingement rifles that are over-the-beach compatible. Colt had two rifles which they submitted during the SCAR program. In fact, Caracal manufactures the Caracal CAR814 which is a direct gas rifle which is also over-thebeach compatible. The barrel has a standard A2-type compensator but with standard ½-28 UNEF threads, the customer can put any muzzle device they choose.

The free-floating handguard is also designed and manufactured by Caracal. It has quad Mil-Std-1913 rails. The top rail of the handguard is 7.22-inches with an overall top rail length of 13.3-inches. The two side rails provide 9.2-inches of rail and the bottom rail provides 8.7-inches of rail. There are four quick detachment sling mounting points. They are on the front and rear of the side rails on both sides. The handguard is manufactured from 6064 T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized black.

The gas system looks rather simple. The gas regulator has three positions. The first is normal conditions. The second is for abnormal conditions. This includes underpowered ammo or if the rifle is filthy from excessive operation without maintenance. The third setting is for suppressed fire. This reduces gas intake so the cycle rate will not significantly increase due to suppressor use. This is important for the longevity of the rifle components. The regulator is housed in the gas block. The regulator positions are moved by depressing a spring loaded plunger and rotating the regulator. If it is sticky, a projectile can be inserted into the tip of the regulator to give additional leverage. The piston located on the end of the operating rod has two gas rings. The piston, operating rod and operating rod spring are a single assembly that is not disassembled during routine maintenance.

The bolt carrier is also unique to this rifle. The carrier is one piece and machined in-house at Caracal. The back has several ribs cut which assist in water and extremely dirty conditions. Due to the fact that this is operated by a short stroke piston there are “ski’s” located on the bottom of the rear of the carrier to limit the effects of carrier tilt. There has been a significant amount of metal removed from the overall bolt carrier. The bolt is
pretty much standard.

The magazines used by Caracal are standard aluminum GI-type magazines. However, visiting the research and development section the rifle was tested with many others for compatibility.

The rifle just before it was fired. Sand was in every tiny crevasse.

Small Arms Defense Journal got a very rare and exclusive inside look at both Caracal and the actual performance of the Caracal CAR816 rifle. Chief Operating Officer Robert Hirt took the time out of his busy schedule to do a sand durability test on the rifle. Robert is one of the most respected design individuals in the industry. He was intimately involved with the Heckler & Koch 416 rifle program. The test rifle was pulled from the production line. The rifle was lubricated generously on the bolt carrier, bolt and inside of the upper receiver.

The rifle was function fired with a thirty round magazine. The ammunition being used was also quite interesting. The M855 ball ammunition is manufactured in the same building complex as the rifle. Caracal Light Ammunition is one of the only locally run munitions factories in the entire Gulf region. The actual projectiles are manufactured for 9mm and 5.56mm ammunition by Caracal Light Ammunition. They buy copper cups and raw lead. They draw the projectile, fill them with lead and in the case of the M855 the make the lead plugs and assemble the drawn jacket, penetrator core and lead plug. Cartridge cases come in as brass cups for both 9mm and 5.56mm and the entire cartridge case is made in-house. The primers and powder are not made in the UAE, they are purchased elsewhere. They use ultra modern loading equipment and are up to par with any western military grade ammunition manufacturer in production capability as well as quality control. Unfortunately, this ammunition is not available in the West.

After the rifle was tested, a new magazine was inserted and a round loaded in the chamber. We went out into the 115°F steaming desert. Robert dropped the rifle in a mound of sand on its left side with the ejection port cover closed. Then he continued to drag the rifle through the sand, cover the rifle so it could not be seen in that powder sand. Then he flipped the rifle over and did the same. To add to even more authenticity, Robert took one for the team and commenced a 20 or so foot low crawl in the burning hot sand. Robert got up, smacked the rifle a few times on both sides. We walked into the research and development range. He placed the rifle on semi-automatic and fired off 10 rounds with no malfunctions. You could clearly see sand/dust flying out of the rifle almost as if every time the rifle fired it cleaned sand out of its action. Robert then placed the rifle on automatic and fired the remaining 20 rounds with one long burst. Not a single malfunction. The rifle was “cold” and the cyclic rate was around 750 to 800 rounds per minute. Robert then handed the rifle to me and I continued to put 4 magazines through the rifle without lubrication or cleaning. There were others who shot another four or five magazines without any malfunctions. Once the rifle got hot the cyclic rate increased slightly but never exceeded 900 rounds per minute. According to Caracal the rifle is designed to handle cyclic rates up to 1,200 rounds per minute. This author has witnessed this same test with standard M4 rifles and I have to say I never saw a direct gas rifle make it through a test like this. This is the real environment this rifle is to operate in and one which is the worst environment you can put small arms in. Or any mechanism with moving parts for that matter. The test was not over. Robert took the rifle to the research and development department where he tore the rifle down. Soaked and swooshed the upper and lower in a 55 gallon drum of water. He did the same with the bolt carrier group. He then took a compressed air hose and dried all the components off. He put a generous amount of lubricant on the inside of the upper receiver and bolt carrier group and put the rifle back together. He inserted a clean 30 round magazine into the rifle and chambered a round. Then this he cut a ditch in the sand with his boot heel and threw the rifle in and once more doused both sides with sand. The only difference was this time he left the ejection port cover open, exposing the bolt carrier and surrounding area to the pesky powder sand. Once again he took that painfully hot low crawl through the sand to ensure the rifle was thoroughly covered. I really felt sorry for Robert, it really looked like a painful crawl and I felt worse he did this for my benefit! Robert got up, smacked the rifle on the sides a few times and walked into the range. Flipped the selector to semi-automatic and fired 10 rounds with no malfunctions. Then placed it on automatic and finished the following 20 rounds with no issues. The rifle was passed around and additional 8 or so magazines were fired on mostly fully automatic fire. The rifle never hiccupped once. Due to the limited 25 yard indoor range we were unable to do any accuracy testing. You would think there would be no lack of shooting spots in the middle of the desert. However laws in the UAE on transporting and use of firearms are very restrictive. We were unable to get the clearance in short notice for the outdoor ranges. Giving it was 115°F with blowing sand, I was not that disappointed.

The rifle being fired immediately after being pulled out of the sand by Caracal COO Robert Hirt. The first 10 rounds were fired on semi-automatic and then the rifle was placed on automatic fire and the remaining 20 rounds fired. There were no malfunctions of any sort. After the initial magazine, an additional 8 full 30-round magazines were fired without cleaning. The rifle experienced not a single stoppage. This author has seen M4 carbines fail this test on a regular basis. This was a tremendous testament to the durability and reliability of this rifle in the most unforgiving environment on the planet.

This test demonstrated a lot. Many who have followed Dust Test Three saw the numerous malfunctions the M4, HK416, FN SCAR and the XM8. The methods and conclusions of this test were questionable to say the least. They tried to duplicate desert conditions. Well, this test witnessed by SADJ was not an attempt to recreate anything but a real test in the real environment. This was real sand/moon dust and not a synthetic substitute. It was not just sand blowing in the rifle in a chamber but the rifle was covered, dragged and sand was smashed into every crevasse. This rifle shot without malfunction. What all this says is the military sales market in the Middle East is about to have a newcomer to the game and it is for sure to be an important one. This rifle will compete with the best the United States and Europe have to offer. This rifle is also made in the region where Caracal will be able to provide uninterrupted production, shipping, spare parts, technical assistance and work with customers on refinements per their needs. There is no doubt this rifle is for real. It was developed my some of the finest minds in the industry and backed by a company that will spare no expense to build the finest rifle they possibly can. The CEO, Hamad Salem Al Ameri is a soldier (Officer) in the UAE Army. He fully understands the consequences of a small arm failing in combat. To him there is no business decision or profit making changes that will compromise the soldier’s
life that carries his gun.

APPROPRIATELY FIT RIFLE TO INDIVIDUAL FIRER

There are several adjustments that must be made both to the rifle itself and to the associated equipment to achieve a natural firing position. The sniper must experiment to find the adjustments necessary to best facilitate the fundamentals of marksmanship, and body structure.

BUTTSTOCK ADJUSTMENT

Length of pull is the distance between the butt and the trigger. The sniper must determine the proper length of pull in all firing positions. What the sniper is desiring to achieve is the ability to pull the trigger straight back with a 90-degree trigger finger able to have a clean “break.” This must be checked in all firing positions to assure the firing shoulder does not need to be scrunched or the neck stretched to put the sights on target. If this occurs, it will create muscle tension and excessive movement.

EYE RELIEF

Eye relief is the distance from the sniper’s firing eye to the rear sight or the Ocular lens.

To achieve proper eye relief, the sniper must keep his head as upright as possible, with his firing eye located directly behind the rear portion of the sighting system. This head placement allows the muscles surrounding his eye to relax. The best aid to consistent eye relief is maintaining the same stock weld from shot to shot. The scope must be adjusted forward or back to assure proper eye relief is established, and must be checked in various positions before zeroing so it does not encourage improper position.

It is important for the sniper to know the scope eye relief range changes with magnification. Knowing this can assist in awkward firing positions making obtaining appropriate eye relief challenging. Reducing scope magnification can increase the amount of eye relief required to obtain a full field of view, where increasing the magnification can have the opposite effect.

FOCUSING THE RETICLE ON A SCOPE

All reticle focus adjustments are made with the eyepiece. When pointed at the sky or a plain back drop such as a white wall, take a few quick glances through the scope at the reticle. If the reticle is slightly blurry at first glance the scope focus needs adjusting. This will cause undue stress on the sniper’s eye(s) over time.

It is best to look away from the scope while making focus adjustments as your eye will auto correct an image slightly out of focus. If your scope is equipped with a locking ring turn the lock ring so it allows the eyepiece to rotate freely. Make small 1/4 turn adjustments while looking away, and checking reticle clarity every 1/4 turn. Continue this process until the reticle appears clear and sharp.

If your eyesight changes, readjust the eyepiece. As we age, eyesight normally changes. You may want to check the sharpness of the reticle on your scope every time your eye prescription changes, to ensure it is still adjusted correctly for your eye.

ERRORS IN AIMING

Everyone makes occasional errors in aiming. Some common causes for aiming errors include—

• Shadow effects.
• Cant.
• Parallax.

SHADOW EFFECTS

During aiming, the sniper must ensure that the telescope’s field of view is clear and shadow-free. Incorrect eye relief creates a circular shadow that reduces the size of the field, hindering observation. Crescent-shaped shadows cause the bullets to strike on the side opposite from the shadow.

If the sniper notices a shadow on the edges of the field of view (FOV), then he must find a head position where he can clearly see the entire FOV.

WEAPON CANT

Affects the projectile’s ballistic trajectory; longer TOF (Time of Flight) equals an increased measurement of error.

Eliminating weapon cant may not be critical for large or close proximity targets but is crucial for accurate engagement of small targets, long distance targets, and moving targets.

As a general rule (for common cartridges), a 1-degree cant will produce 5 inches of lateral displacement at 1000 yards in the direction of cant and will also produce a small vertical point of impact displacement.

Weapon cant should be identified and corrected through the use of an anti-cant device for all engagements. Scope should be set with plumb bob to ensure the reticle is perpendicular to the ground.

NATURAL POINT OF AIM

Maintaining NPA may be difficult when engaging moving targets depending on engagement technique and range. When engaging in a fixed target sector, shooters should always set body position so that they can smoothly track the mover through the entire sector without binding up and disrupting
NPA more than necessary.

Shooters may have to adjust body position with an elbow lift during the engagement in order to maintain proper aim point on the target as it moves through the engagement sector.

PARALLAX

Occurs when your eye is at the very edge of the exit pupil. To eliminate parallax in side focus adjustment scopes, follow these steps-

• The reticle must be clear (focused) before turning parallax knob. If it is not, follow the instructions under
  “Focusing the Reticle.”
• With the firearm in a stable position, look through the scope, concentrating on the center aiming point of the reticle.
• Move your head slightly up and down and left and right. It is important to not move the weapon while making these head movements as it can cause the appearance of parallax when there is none.
• The aiming point must remain in exactly the same position against the target; if it moves, turn the side focus adjustment dial until it becomes stable.
• Reticle’s focal plane, causing the target image and the reticle to seem to be in two separate places within the scope. This makes the reticle seem to move across the target.

ANGULAR ADJUSTMENTS

• A True Minute of Angle (TMOA) is equal to 1/60 of 1 degree of arc. Its size increases uniformly over range, but its angular value stays the same.
• At 100 meters the value of one TMOA equals 1.145 inches. At 200 meters, 2.290 inches; at 300 meters, 3.435 inches; etc.
• At 100 yards the value of one TMOA equals 1.047 inches.
• At 200 yards, 2.094; at 300 yards, 3.141 inches.
• A True Minute of Angle (TMOA) is also equal to 2.91 cm at 100 meters, 5.82 cm at 200 meters, etc.
• For ease of calculation and scope adjustments we round these numbers into Shooter Minutes of Angle (SMOA). A SMOA at 100 meters is equal to 1 inch; at 200 meters, 2 inches; at 300 meters, 3 inches.
• To demonstrate the error imposed by rounding a TMOA to a SMOA consider the process at 1000 meters. A TMOA at 1000 meters is 11.45 inches. By using the rounding process for ease of calculation a SMOA is 10.00 inches. The variation created through the rounding process is 1.45 inches at 1000 meters.
• A Mil (milradian) is another angular measurement.
• There are 21600 minutes in a circle. 6283.2 Mils to a circle.
• Finding how many MOA is in a mil (21600 min / 6283.2 mils = 3.438 MOA in one Mil).
• There are 3.438 TMOA per mil but for field rounding use 3.5 SMOA per mil.

ZEROING

The most fundamental requirement for good accuracy is having a reliable zero.

Shoot groups from different positions to see how much your grip, cheek weld, trigger control and sight alignment affect the rifles POI.

Common terms when zeroing are:

ZEROING PROCESS

1. Torque scope base and rifle
2. Clean rifle bore with dry patch or bore snake
3. Bore sight rifle barrel and optic (If equipment is on hand)
4. Fire one round to confirm impact on target
5. Adjust sights to move POI to POA
6. Fire a five round group
7. Adjust sights to move MPI to POA
8. Slip scales
9. Confirm zero with five round group

Things to remember when zeroing:

• Incorrect parallax will change your zero.
• Incorrect optical focus will change your zero.
• Changing your body position will change your zero.

TALL TARGET TEST

Un-calibrated sight adjustments are one of the most common problems in shooting. In most cases there is some amount of error in a scope’s turret or reticle. Like every measurement instrument, your scope needs to be verified and determine if the adjustments are accurate.

The Tall Target Test is a calibration exercise. It must be conducted at exactly 100 meters or that you measure and account for the exact range.

You must also ensure that you’re not canting your rifle. Leveling sights is highly important. By shooting the Tall Target Test with your scope level installed, you can verify true vertical scope tracking.

Shooting with a verified level rifle/scope promotes better wind reading because you have eliminated any unknown components of cant. Tall Target Test is follows:

1. Set up a target board (at least 36” tall) with a vertical line drawn (confirmed with plumb bob or level) at 100 meters. Measure range with LRF to confirm actual range.
2. Place an aim point near the bottom of the vertical line and shoot a group to confirm zero.
3. Dial up (or hold) 30 MOA/10 MIL (based on your turret measurements) of elevation and shoot another group.
4. Measure the distance between shot groups with a tape measure.
5. Use the formula below (figure xx) to calculate your scope correction factor.
6. Apply correction factor to any raw ballistic solution to account for scope tracking error.

This series includes the 5000 Environmental Meter, 5500 Weather Meter, 5100 Racing Weather Meter, 5200 Professional Environmental Meter, 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics. All are drop-tested, waterproof and dust-proof and just as rugged, reliable and dependable as previous Kestrels. All K5s use AA batteries, and they are backed by NK’s industry-leading 5-year warranty. And that’s just the beginning.

When customers spoke about past products, NK listened. “We painstakingly addressed every complaint or problem users had with the 4000 series,” says Alix James, NK’s CEO. She believes that optional connection with Kestrel LiNK, powered by Bluetooth Smart, is one of the line’s best features. “Data communication opens the door to creating solutions for users, especially where environmental measurements, decision-making tools and guidelines intersect,” she points out, adding, “being able to pull these measurements straight into an app is so powerful.” Michael Naughton, NK’s VP of Business Development, adds “K5 Kestrels can communicate to iOS and Android devices using Kestrel and third-party apps, and they’re compatible with software on Windows and Mac computers.” Another standout feature is the lightweight, transportable weather vane mount, which “can be put up instantly for research, safety monitoring, hazmat response and more” says James. Other improvements include a high-contrast, high-resolution display screen that is easy to read in all lighting conditions, a dual-color LED backlight and a corrosion-resistant battery compartment.

In its never-ending quest to make customers’ jobs and hobbies safer, easier and more efficient, NK’s K5 line includes several industry-specific models. The 5100 gives auto racers real-time, trackside environmental data. The 5200 has a Delta T measurement, which facilitates crop dusting and spraying. Product conception for the 5400 Heat Stress Tracker was built around “many of the well-established heat stress guidelines for military, athletics and occupational safety” says Naughton. Special LED beacons and warning buzzers on the K5 Heat Stress Trackers will help athletes, military personnel and workers stay safe in hot, humid conditions. The Kestrel with Applied Ballistics models give shooters unparalleled accuracy by combining accurate measurement of critical environmental factors with an advanced ballistics solver. These new models, says James, “will appeal to experienced and competitive long-range shooters right away because of the new app and laser range finder connectivity, but we’re looking forward to helping  new recreational and beginning competitive shooters and hunters succeed in hitting long-range
targets as well.”

“I am very proud of the entire line,” says James, adding that the Kestrel 5 series models all “feel great in your hand, are easy to use and navigate, and pack plenty of functionality into a small, portable package.” Customers can support their new Kestrels with many accessories, including MOLLE/PALS carrying cases, spare impellers, tripods and more. Engineered with performance, precision and safety in mind, you can always count on Kestrel.

For more information contact Andrew Ensminger at 609-738-0448, aensminger@nkhome.com or visit www.nkhome.com.

Kestrel 5 Series Meter

Accuracy International (AI) has been a well known entity in the precision rifle marketplace since the mid 1980s. AI’s innovations have shaped and influenced the precision bolt action genre of weapons. Much of this stems from AI’s non-typical background for a firearms firm. AI’s founders were competitive marksmen, one of them an Olympic gold medalist and World Champion. AI rifles stemming from this target background was unique in the 1980s when the company was founded. Up to that point sniper rifles were converted hunting or existing service weapons. Accuracy International started with a clean sheet of paper with precision as the guide line. This is something we take for granted today, but was revolutionary when the AI platform arrived on the scene in the mid 1980s.

Accuracy International’s emergence stemmed from the British military’s call for an updated sniper rifle after the 1982 Falklands War. The existing British L42A1 had only been in service since 1970. However, the L42A1’s bolt action design stretched back to the turn of the 19th-20th Centuries. The Falklands War fully illustrated its weaknesses in terms of the wood stock warping compromising accuracy and other issues compromising performance. Accuracy International was the surprise newcomer winner of the search for the L42A1’s replacement. Their rifle was designated the L96 and entered service in 1985.

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x optic attached to the AX50. The red circles are blow out plugs intended to protect the shooter in from case failure.

Rather than a traditional wooden wood or fiberglass stock, the AI L96 was based on an aluminum chassis. All other components, including the receiver, were bolted directly to this chassis. The Accuracy International receiver is bolted with 4 screws and permanently bonded with epoxy material to the aluminum chassis. The heavy walled, flat bottomed, flat sided receiver is machined in-house by AI from a solid piece of forged carbon steel. Two polymer panels with either a thumbhole or pistol grip configuration were also attached to the chassis.

The Accuracy International product lineup has evolved over time. This stems from user feedback as well as responding to improvements in manufacturing materials and methods. It is not sound practice for any business to resist change or better methods of doing something; this smacks of institutional stagnation. Accuracy International does not suffer from this as evident with the emergence of their AX and AT series of rifles in recent years.

The AI rifle evaluated for this article is the AX50 chambered in .50BMG (12.7x99mm). As befitting the cartridge it is intended to harness, the AX50 is a scaled up bolt action dwarfing typical rifles. The Accuracy International AX50 measures 54 inches long and weighs 27 pounds empty. A folding stock reduces length to 44 inches for transport. The 27 inch 1:15 twist barrel has a triple chamber muzzle brake attached to mitigate recoil. The match barrel is free floated and secured to the action via large 39MM diameter threads. The AX50 is fed from a five (5) round detachable magazine. A night vision mounting rail is available. The rail is fitted to the slotted forend that surrounds the barrel, allowing for a forward mounted night vision device to be placed in front of the day optic.

AX50 six lug bolt shown next to an AR15 bolt group for comparison’s sake to illustrate size.

The AX50’s 30MM diameter bolt has six locking lugs and AI’s field proven one-piece extractor. The six lug design allows for a short 60 degree bolt handle lift to unlock the action. The AX50’s high grade steel action is flat bottomed with integral Picatinny rail. As per the original AI L96 rifle, the AX50’s action is bolted to the aluminum chassis along its entire length with being fitted with a full width recoil lug to prevent movement ensuring zero is maintained in all conditions. The AX50’s bolt action is comprised of a one-piece bolt body and receiver constructed from a solid bar of steel. The six-lug action is the heart of the rifle. The lugs are arranged in dual three lug sets around the bolt’s body giving the AX50 extra rigidity and strength for greater precision. The oversize bolt handle and smooth passage in the raceway allows for minimal disturbance when the rifle’s bolt is worked allowing for fast follow-up shots when engaging multiple targets; quite a feat considering the length and girth of the .50BMG round. In the AX50, two soft aluminum pressure release ports/plugs, colored bright red, are provided to minimize blowback danger in the event of cartridge failure. With the forces associated with the .50BMG, this safety measure is be appreciated and not to be taken lightly. The pressure release plugs are replaceable so the rifle can often be repaired and not rendered a total loss in case a cartridge failure is experienced. The AX50 has an adjustable two stage trigger with a large sear engagement before the first stage is taken up to minimize the risk of accidental discharge. Trigger pull can be set between 3.3 to 4.4 pounds.

The AX50 stock features an adjustable comb for proper eye alignment and cheek weld. Length of pull is adjusted via removal buttplates per individual shooter needs. The AI stock is rock solid with design characteristics making it conducive to long range shooting from the prone position using sand bags or bipod. The forend handles bipods or sandbags with equal aplomb. The AX50’s stock contributes to the ruggedness of the rifle ensuring that a key element of a precision rifle is met; accuracy to be constant and repeatable no matter the conditions.

The Accuracy International AX50 stems from an earlier AI rifle chambered in .50BMG, the AW50, which was introduced in the late 1990s. The AX50 is a result of requests from military end users for a more accurate anti-material weapon. The operative wording here is the emphasis on increased accuracy. The .50BMG’s power is legendary since it was created by John Browning. Anecdotal history has Browning creating the .50BMG by scaling up the 30.06 service round at the behest of General Pershing. The purpose of the .50BMG was to serve in both an anti-aircraft and anti-vehicle role with the advent of the first tanks and armored cars that began roaming the battlefield at the end of WW I. Browning’s .50BMG, typified by its chambering in the M2 “Ma Deuce”, had always been thought of as a either a crew served weapon or something better fitted to a vehicle or similar platform in order to tame its power since its introduction. While there were early attempts to create a shoulder fired .50BMG rifle, this genre has come into its own since the mid 1980s and especially flourished over the last few years with several examples of production rifles being available. World events in the 1990’s, Desert Storm, Balkans et al, transpired to give a major impetuous towards acknowledging the increased role possible with shoulder fired .50BMG rifles.

AX50 ideal platform for long interdiction of personnel or material.

While transportable by an individual, the Accuracy International AX50’s size makes it more of a fixed position platform; perfect in an over watch role, especially with its extended effective range and power. One role it has been pressed into is more of a close range weapon found at checkpoints and gated entrances to bases/facilities. Developments in .50BMG ammunition are keeping pace with the rifle component of the platform. This serves to wring even more range and lethality from the AX50. Nothing will shut down an engine block faster than an incendiary/HE Raufoss Mk211 .50BMG round if a driver is not complying with approach procedures. The big AX50’s aesthetics instills a certain sense of purpose. The purpose is allowing for one rifleman to dominate his space on the battlefield against a myriad of targets not possible by any other centerfire cartridge weapon. The AX50 is a weapon with unsurpassed power and effective range for a shoulder fired weapons. Accuracy International’s manufacturing quality and attention to detail provides an accurate, rugged, and reliable weapon that wrings the utmost performance out of the .50 BMG capabilities with the AX50.

The AX50 brings together individual high quality components into one 27 pound package. Along these same lines a Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56MM (34MM tube) was mounted on the AX50 via Accuracy International base/ring unit. Nightforce is a noted high end optic manufacturer with numerous products in use with elite military and police forces around the world. As with any purchase involving gaining a tactical advantage, it is all about perceived needs versus cost. The Nightforce ATACR features multi-coated ED glass. Based on research for this article, ED (Extra Low Dispersion Glass) glass prevents or lessens chromatic aberration because it concentrates and directs the wavelengths of light more effectively. Generally speaking, the better the aberrations are controlled the cleaner and brighter the image will appear. This is especially important at long range high magnification observation. ED glass is usually reserved for premium optics due to the cost associated with it. Other notable Nightforce characteristics of the Nightforce ATACR optic are a second focal plane reticle, ZeroStop elevation adjustment, .25 MOA or .1 Mil adjustments, Hi-Speed adjustment with windage adjustment capped, separate parallax adjustment with distance markings, digital reticle illumination, enhanced engraving, integrated power throw lever, and XtremeSpeed diopter adjustment. Many of these items are proprietary Nightforce features.

With good ammunition, not delinked bulk FMJ, sub-MOA accuracy is more than obtainable with the AX50. Hornaday .50BMG 750 grain AMAX Match ammunition was used primarily with the AX50. Delinked and FMJ .50BMG was also accessed for initial function testing and zeroing of the Nightforce ATACR optic. Remember the military mainly uses the .50 BMG rifle, whatever specific model it may be, as an anti-material weapon. Yes, rounds on enemy personnel have happened, especially in current theaters of operation in Iraq and Afghanistan, but this is not the primary mission role of the big rifles. The AX50 delivers far better accuracy than merely “minute of engine block” at extended distances with “minute of man” possible at mind blowing distances. The AX50 exceeds previous expectation in terms of accuracy form a shoulder fired .50BMG rifle. AI is not at liberty to name specific clients that deploy the AX50; however, many AX50’s have been sold to NATO forces and are in service around the globe currently.

AX50 is fed from a five round detachable magazine.

The AX50 demonstrated 1 MOA groups at 300 yards and 500 yards at Echo Valley Training Center. Large rounds such as the .50 BMG rounds often exhibit the phenomena of going to “sleep” after traveling some distance down range. For example, accuracy levels at 100 yards are often improved upon at 300 yards or further downrange. For example, a 100 yard group measuring an overall dimension of 2 inches is often followed by a 300 yard group measuring less than 3 inches. One would extrapolate that the 2 inch group at 100 yards to generate a 6 inches group at 300 yards. This phenomenon was not evident during evaluation with the AX50 either due to the ammunition used or the rifle itself. 100 yard groups were in the sub-1 inch range for three rounds with the size of the .50BMG producing only a jagged hole on the target.

AI does not advertise specific accuracy standards for the AX50 due to ammunition being such an important part of the equation. However, AX50 rifles competed headed to head with full blown custom rifles at .50Cal National Championships last year. Remember the AX50 is an off the shelf military grade sniper system, not a custom match rifle, yet it competed at this level more than holding its own. Interestingly, Hornady Ammunition was used in this format as well due to the obvious emphasis on accuracy at the match.

Recoil was surprisingly manageable from the bolt action AX50. While muzzle blast was impressive as expected, the shoulder and face was spared from discomfort. This is a compliment to the AX50’s ergonomics, muzzle brake, and overall design. Firing from supported field positions is not an issue with the AX50. The effective management of recoil translates into a user being more comfortable settling in behind the big AX50 and sending accurate rounds downrange. The Accuracy International AX50 takes a back seat to no rifle in terms of downrange interdiction power and repeatable accuracy.

Muzzle blast is as expected with the AX50, however recoil was not intolerable with even smaller framed shooters not intimidated.

SITES OF INTEREST

Accuracy International
www.accuracyinternational.us

Nightforce Optics
www.nightforceoptics.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytraining.com

HornadyMfg.Inc
www.hornady.com

Muzzle blast is as expected with the AX50, however recoil was not intolerable with even smaller framed shooters not intimidated.

The balance and recoil control of the AX50 allowed for field expedient firing positions.

A large part of the production process of any cartridge case ammunition is done with metal stamping machines. These can be relatively small, producing only enough pressure to form a copper jacket over a projectile core, to very large where a “cup” of metal is drawn under very high pressure in a series of presses to form large caliber cartridge cases.

To simplify a chain of events, the general method of making a cartridge case for small arms ammunition is as follows:

• Annealed brass (or other metal) sheet is punch pressed to create the discs or “cups” that will become the cartridge case.
• The cups are drawn in a die to get the first basic form, then are pressure drawn again to stretch the metal deeper, more draws are performed perfecting a case rim and neck.
• There are a variety heat treatments, baths, annealing and other processes, depending on what the manufacturer determines will make the proper case characteristics. In the end, a cartridge case is completed and ready for loading.
• Forming a projectile has a variety of press-related processes as well; forming the projectile cup into the receiving form, cutting or forming lead or other wire to the correct core size, pressing the jacket onto the core, inserting tracer, incendiary or other pellets for effects, and finishing the projectile.
• In final production, the inspections, insertion of primers, powder and projectile all require special machinery.

BCN supplies machinery that performs everything in the above chain of processes, from an individual replacement machine to a complete production line for a caliber or variety of calibers.

It’s possible to design the line to be switched on caliber output, to dual use the machines and save time, space and money.

Stamping presses are by nature robust machines. There are many presses working around the world that have been in operation since World War II, and while some parts wear out and need replacement, the basic machines are solid. Finding spare parts is difficult at times, but unless a company is prepared to replace a machine, spare parts are needed. BCN has addressed this, and they produce and stock many OEM parts for the following machines:

• Bliss
• Clearing
• Niagara
• USI
• Toledo
• Consolidated Press
• Waterbury Farrell™
• Wilkins and Mitchell
• Others

BCN Technical Services, Inc. is active worldwide (SADJ has found them exhibiting at defense trade shows all over the world) and BCN is actively supplying equipment in many countries. Other services available from BCN are engineering for stamping press repair, press rebuilds and modifications, disassembly, machining and reassembly, Torc-Pac repairs, rebuilds and field service on almost any stamping presses or production lines.

BCN Technical Services, Inc. is located in Hastings, MI USA. For more information go to www.bcntechserv.com.

Accuracy International

Accuracy International AX50

Designed to withstand constant military deployment, the AX50 long range anti matériel rifle from Accuracy International is based on the DNA of the battle proven AW50. Inheriting the toughness, reliability and ease of maintenance of its powerful predecessor, the AX50 exhibits all the features necessary to ensure superb accuracy and consistent cold shot performance in the harshest conditions.

Model:	AX50
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Accuracy International
Website:	www.accuracyinternational.com
Caliber(s):	.50 BMG
Overall Length Standard Model:	Full length 1370mm x 190mm x 164mm (54” x 7.5” x 6.5”) Stock folded 1115mm x 190mm x 164mm (44” x 7.5” x 6.5”), 27” barrel, no scope
Barrel Lengths Available:	27” Match grade barrel 1 in 15 twist
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	12.5Kg (27lb) Empty magazine, no scope, 27” barrel with muzzle brake
Feed System:	Detachable 5-round magazine
MSRP:	$9,972.80

Accuracy International AT308

The AT (Accuracy Tactical) continues the legacy of the combat proven AW308 and takes the AW to new levels. The standard model has a fixed stock with 24 inch, quick change, plain barrel. There are options for colour, folding stock, barrels and suppressors and many accessories, which can be added. The AT is ideal for Law Enforcement and civilian users.

Model:	AT308 (Short Action)
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Accuracy International
Website:	www.accuracyinternational.com
Caliber(s):	.308 WIN
Overall Length Standard Model:	Full length 1170mm x 180mm x 90mm (46”x 7” x 3.5”) Stock folded 965mm x 180mm x 100mm (38” x 7” x 4”) 26” barrel, no scope
Barrel Lengths Available:	20” or 24” plain or threaded barrel for AI, muzzle brake, 26” threaded barrel for AI, muzzle brake 1 in12 twist
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	6.3Kg (13.9lb) Empty magazine, no scope, 24” barrel, no muzzle brake
Feed System:	Detachable 10-round double stack magazine - can also be top loaded though the rifle ejection port
MSRP:	FROM $3,996 (depending on configuration)

Accuracy International AX308

The latest in a long and distinguished line of combat proven sniper rifles, the AX series comprises the stand-alone AX308 (.308 Win – short action) and the multi calibre AXMC, a .338 Lap Mag (Long action) which can be reconfigured to .300 Win Mag or.308 Win in minutes simply by changing the barrel, bolt and magazine converter.

An Accuracy International rifle is selected because it is consistent, reliable, high performance that is critical to the task in hand.

Model:	AX308 (Short Action)
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Accuracy International
Website:	www.accuracyinternational.com
Caliber(s):	.308 WIN
Overall Length Standard Model:	Full length 1170mm x 180mm x 90mm (46”x 7” x 3.5”) Stock folded 965mm x 180mm x 100mm (38” x 7” x 4”), 26” barrel, no scope
Barrel Lengths Available:	20”/ 24”/ 26” 1 in 12” twist, stainless steel, plain threaded for muzzle brake
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	6.3Kg (13.9lb) Empty magazine, no scope, 24” barrel with muzzle brake
Feed System:	Detachable 10-round double stack magazine - can also be top loaded though the rifle ejection port
MSRP:	From $6,620.80 depending on configuration

Model:	AXMC338
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Accuracy International
Website:	www.accuracyinternational.com
Caliber(s):	.338 Lapua Magnum
Overall Length Standard Model:	Full length 1225mm x 180mm x 90mm (48” x 7” x 3.5”) Stock folded 965mm x 180mm x 100mm (38” x 7” x 4”), 27” barrel, no scope
Barrel Lengths Available:	20”/ 27” 1 in 9.35” twist, stainless steel, plain threaded for muzzle brake
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	6.6Kg (14.6lb) Empty magazine, no scope, 27” barrel with muzzle brake
Feed System:	Detachable 10-round CIP length double stack magazine - can also be top loaded though the rifle ejection port
MSRP:	From $7,296 depending on configuration

B&T AG

B&T APR338

The APR Rifle is a professional sniper system intended to be used by military and law enforcement professionals. It was specially designed as a sniper system and is ready to shoot right out of the box. B&T has understood that snipers may face a broad variety of both tactical and logistical obstacles situations to perform their duties. These may vary from urban police sniping at close ranges to military sniping far beyond one kilometer. That is why the APR is available in different calibers and also in different barrel length. Furthermore B&T offers different accessories in order to customize the APR even further.

Model:	B&T APC308 and B&T APR338
Species:	bolt action sniper rifle
Manufacturer:	B&T AG (formerly Brügger & Thomet) from Thun, Switzerland
Website:	https://bt-ag.ch/
Caliber(s):	.308 Win (7.62 x 51 mm), .338 Lapua Magnum (8,6 x 70 mm)
Overall Length Standard Model:	.308: 1125 – 1200 mm, .338: 1236 – 1311 mm
Barrel Lengths Available:	.308: 610 mm / 24”, .338: 685 mm / 27”, other barrel length available on request
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	.308: 6100g, .338: 7900g
Mfg. accuracy tests (MOA):	sub MOA
MSRP:	depending on customer specification

DRD Tactical

DRD Tactical KIVAARI

KIVAARI is a patented quick take down sniper weapon system designed and manufactured in the US. It comes with a custom hard case or back pack for ease of carrying the weapon system by sniper teams. 13” Rail hand guard with M-LOK attachments at 3 & 9 O’clock positions.

Model:	KIVAARI
Species:	SEMI-AUTOMATIC
Manufacturer:	DRD TACTICAL
Website:	www.drdtactical.com
Eurosatory Show Booth Number:	D605
Caliber(s):	338 LAPUA
Overall Length Standard Model:	48”
Barrel Lengths Available:	24”
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	13.6 LBS
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod:	14.7 LBS
Feed System:	10 ROUND BOX MAGAZINE
Effective Range:	1500 METERS
Mfg. accuracy tests (MOA):	1-MOA
MSRP:	$ 6900

Knight’s Manufacturing Company

SR-25 E2 ADVANCED PRECISION RIFLE

Knight’s Manufacturing Company SR-25 E2 Advanced Precision Rifle (APR)

The SR-25 E2 APR is the latest evolution of the precision 7.62 mm NATO Rifle. With a 20” match barrel, the A2 is purpose-built to provide precision fire on point targets out to 1,000 meters. An ambidextrous bolt release, selector, and magazine release offer the left-handed user the ergonomic advantages inherent to AR15 based controls, as well as giving right-handed users alternate methods of manipulation to increase efficiency of movement. The drop-in 2-stage trigger serves double duty as an aid to long range precision marksmanship while enabling surgical speed shooting at close range. A 7.62 QDC Flash Suppressor reduces flash and ground disturbance, and supports KAC QDC Signature Reduction Devices.

Model:	SR-25 E2 Advanced Precision Rifle (APR)
Species:	Semi-Auto
Manufacturer:	Knight’s Manufacturing Company
Website:	www.knightarmco.com
Caliber(s):	7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester)
Overall Length Standard Model:	39.75”-43.5”
Barrel Lengths Available:	20”
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	10.5 lbs
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod:	11.5 lbs
Feed System:	Magazine
Effective Range:	1,000 meters
Mfg. Accuracy tests (MOA):	1.25 MOA
MSRP:	$4861.11

SR-25 E2 ADVANCED PRECISION CARBINE

Knight’s Manufacturing Company SR-25 E2 Advanced Precision Carbine (APC)

The SR-25E2 APC is the latest evolution of the dual role 7.62mm NATO Carbine. It is equally adept at putting rounds on target past 800 meters or rapid multishot engagement at close range, with a barrel and bolt life to support the training regimen necessary to master these skills. An ambidextrous bolt release, selector, and magazine release offers the left-handed user the ergonomic advantages inherent to AR15 based controls, as well as giving right-handed users alternate methods of manipulation to increase efficiency of movement. The Drop-In 2-Stage Trigger serves double duty as an aid to long range precision marksmanship while enabling surgical speed shooting at close range. A 7.62QDC Flash Suppressor reduces flash and ground disturbance, and supports KAC QDC Signature Reduction Devices.

Model:	SR-25 E2 Advanced Precision Carbine (APC)
Species:	Semi-Auto
Manufacturer:	Knight’s Manufacturing Company
Website:	www.knightarmco.com/
Caliber(s):	7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester)
Overall Length Standard Model:	35.75”-39.5”
Barrel Lengths Available:	16”
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	9 lbs
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod:	10 lbs
Feed System:	Magazine
Effective Range:	800 meters
Mfg. Accuracy tests (MOA):	1.25 MOA
MSRP:	$4861.11

SR-15 MOD 2 LIGHT PRECISION RIFLE

Knight’s Manufacturing Company SR-15 E3 Mod 2 Light Precision

The SR-15 E3 Mod 2 series’ 5.56 mm NATO barrel is manufactured for military grade durability, and is free-floated inside a URX4 M-LOK handguard. An improved E3 round-lug bolt design both enhances function and increases bolt life far beyond the industry standard. The ambidextrous bolt release, selector lever, and magazine release offers left-handed users the ergonomic advantages inherent to AR15-based controls. The drop-in two-stage trigger serves double duty as an aid to precision marksmanship while enabling surgical speed shooting at close range. The 5.56 mm 3-Prong Flash Eliminator interferes with propellant gas combustion forward of the muzzle to significantly reduce flash signature, will not ring upon firing or when struck, and is compatible with the Knight’s line of 5.56 mm QDC Signature Reduction Devices

Model:	SR-15 E3 Mod 2 Light Precision Rifle (LPR)
Species:	Semi-Auto
Manufacturer:	Knight’s Manufacturing Company
Website:	www.knightarmco.com
Caliber(s):	5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington)
Overall Length Standard Model:	35.25”-38.5”
Barrel Lengths Available:	18”
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	7.4 lbs
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod:	8.4 lbs
Feed System:	Magazine
Effective Range:	800 Meters
Mfg. Accuracy tests (MOA):	1 MOA
MSRP:	$2700.56

VOERE Praezisionstechnik

VOERE Praezisionstechnik X3

The VOERE X3 is a full modular multi-calibre precision rifle enabling the operator deliver surgical precise fire onto selected targets at long ranges. The VOERE X3 is alternatively available with or without switch barrel system configuration in following calibres: 308 Win., 300 Win Mag, 338 Lapua Mag, 408 CheyTac. The VOERE X3 is made of high quality materials, utilising modern coatings and precision CNC manufacturing resulting in outstanding toughness, reliability and accuracy. The fully adjustable stock is available as either right or left side folding or fixed stock. The attached monopod features a quick adjustable button and a fine tuning wheel for elevation adjustment or a sandbag-rest. The screwed on muzzle brake accepts silencers with 18×1 LH threads. The VOERE X3 features a three position firing pin safety.

Model:	X3
Species:	Bolt action rifle with switch barrel system
Manufacturer:	VOERE Praezisionstechnik
Website:	www.tactical.voere.at
Calibre(s):	308 Win., 300 Win Mag, 338 Lapua Mag, 408 CheyTac
Overall Length Standard Model:	1.22m
Barrel Lengths Available:	26” – 28”
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod:	7.5kg
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod:	7.775kg
Feed System:	Double stack magazine in 308 Win, single stack for other calibres.
Effective Range:	Up to 1800m depending on calibre.
Mfg. accuracy tests (MOA):	We guarantee 0.5 MOA or less with 5 rounds @ 100m using quality Match ammunition.
MSRP:	$ ca. 8000.00

Barrett

Barrett MRAD .338 Lapua Magnum

The MRAD rifle’s user-changeable barrel system is just one example of this hardworking gun’s modularity. Available in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .308 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, .260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor, the precision grade barrel can be removed by simply loosening two bolts using a standard Torx wrench. Besides reducing maintenance and logistical burdens, this unique design allows for user level caliber interchangeability and serviceability with the MRAD rifle’s barrel kits.

The MRAD also boasts Barrett’s fully adjustable match-grade trigger module, which is user accessible. The thumb-operated safety can be configured for left or right hand operation. The ambidextrous magazine release can be used intuitively while retaining a firing grip and cheek weld.

Integrated into the MRAD rifle’s 7000 series aluminum upper receiver is a 21.75 inch M1913 rail with 20 MOA taper. The forward receiver is drilled and tapped for accessory rails to be mounted at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.

The MRAD stock is foldable for enhanced portability yet locks in as solid as a fixed-stock rifle, creating a rigid platform for consistent firing. During transport the stock folds and locks onto the bolt handle maintaining the same rifle width whether folded or extended.

Model:	MRAD .338 Lapua Magnum
Species:	Bolt Action Repeater
Manufacturer:	Barrett
Website:	barrett.net/firearms/mrad
Calibre(s):	.338 Lapua Magnum
Maximum Length:	26” Barrel - 49.4” (125.5 cm)
Barrel Lengths Available:	20” (51 cm), 24” (62 cm), 26” (66 cm)
Weight (max.):	14.72 lbs (6.68 kg)
Magazine Capacity:	10 Rounds
MSRP:	$6000

Truvelo

The CMS .338 Lapua is designed as a precision rifle for long range targeting. Together with the Truvelo proven barrel and action design, the combination of calibre and the ammunition used results in accurate shooting up to 1800m.

Design features include a foldable stock, fully adjustable recoil assembly, adjustable grip, stanag picatinni rails and removable bipod. In addition to this, various fore-end lengths are available.

Truvelo CMS .338 Lapua

Model:	CMS .338 Lapua
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Truvelo
Website:	truvelo.co.za/
Calibre:	.338 Lapua
Overall Length:	Unfolded: 1265mm (49.8in) Folded: 1000mm (39.37in)
Barrel Length:	660mm (25.98in)
Weight:	7kg [Including Telescope & Magazine]
Magazine Capacity:	5
Effective Range:	1800m [Ammunition Dependant]
Accuracy:	Better than 1 M.O.A at 500m (Ammunition Dependant)

The 7,62×51 Nato Rifle is a specialised target rifle of outstanding quality and accuracy. This rifle is capable of functioning in all operational environments due to its robust yet simple design. Design features include a foldable stock, fully adjustable recoil assembly, adjustable grip, stanag picatinni rails and removable bipod. In addition to this, various fore-end lengths are available.

Truvelo CMS 7,62x51mm

Model:	CMS 7,62x51mm
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Truvelo
Website:	truvelo.co.za/
Calibre:	7,62x51 NATO
Overall Length:	Unfolded: 1180mm (46.46in) Folded: 920mm (36.2in)
Barrel Length:	660mm (25.98in)
Weight:	6kg [Including Telescope & Magazine]
Magazine Capacity:	10
Effective Range:	1000m [Ammunition Dependant]
Accuracy:	Better than 1 M.O.A at 500m (Ammunition Dependant)

Truvelo CMS 12.7x99mm (50 BMG)

Model:	CMS 12.7x99mm (50 BMG)
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Truvelo
Website:	truvelo.co.za/
Calibre:	12.7x99mm
Overall Length:	Unfolded: 1450mm (57.08in) Folded: 1190mm (46.85in)
Barrel Length:	710mm (27.95in)
Weight:	14kg [Including Telescope & Magazine]
Magazine Capacity:	5
Effective Range:	1800m [Ammunition Dependant]
Accuracy:	1 M.O.A at 500m (Ammunition Dependant)

The CMS 14,5x114mm is primarily designed as an anti-material sniper rifle. A variety of ammunition is available that can engage medium to heavy armoured vehicles and communication and guidance systems. This rifle boasts a very high muzzle velocity and enormous penetration power. Design features include a fully adjustable recoil assembly, adjustable grip, adjustable cheek piece, stanag picatinni rails and removable bipod.

Truvelo CMS 14,5x114mm

Model:	CMS 14,5x114mm
Species:	Bolt Action
Manufacturer:	Truvelo
Website:	truvelo.co.za/
Calibre:	14,5x114mm
Overall Length:	1810mm
Barrel Length:	992mm
Weight:	22kg [Including Telescope & Magazine]
Magazine Capacity:	5
Effective Range:	2500m [Ammunition Dependant]
Accuracy:	1 M.O.A at 500m (Ammunition Dependant)