Accuracy International

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

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: AX308 (Short Action)
Species: Bolt Action
Manufacturer: Accuracy International
Website: www.accuracyinternational.org
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

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: AX50
Species: Bolt Action
Manufacturer: Accuracy International
Caliber(s): .50 BMG
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
Website: www.accuracyinternational.com

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.

B&T

Model: B&T APC308 and B&T APR338
Species: bolt action sniper rifle
Manufacturer: B&T AG (formerly Brügger & Thomet) from Thun, Switzerland
Website: www.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

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.

DRD Tactical

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

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.

Knight’s Armament

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

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 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

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-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”
Mfg. accuracy tests (MOA): We guarantee 0.5 MOA or less with 5 rounds @ 100m using quality Match ammunition.
MSRP: $ ca. 8000.00

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.

Voere

Manufacturer: VOERE Praezisionstechnik
Website: http://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.

Model X3
Species: Bolt action rifle with switch barrel system
Manufacturer: VOERE Praezisionstechnik
Website: http://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

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.

Barrett

Model MRAD .338 Lapua Magnum
Species: Bolt Action Repeater
Manufacturer: Barrett
Website: https://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

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.

Truvelo

Model: CMS .338 Lapua
Species: Bolt Action
Manufacturer: Truvelo
Website: http://www.truvelo.co.za/armoury
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]

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.

Model: CMS 7,62x51mm
Species: Bolt ActionCalibre: 7.62×51 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]

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.

Model: CMS 12.7x99mm (50 BMG)
Species: Bolt Action
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]

Designed to the highest standards and with unsurpassed engineering, the CMS 12,7x99mm is a specialised rifle of outstanding quality and accuracy. 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.

Model: CMS 14,5x114mm
Species: Bolt Action
Calibre: 14.5x114mm
Overall Length: 1810mm
Barrel Length: 992mm
Weight: 22kg [Including Telescope & Magazine]
Magazine Capacity: 5
Effective Range: 2500m [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.

• 5.56x45mm
• 9x19mm
• .38
• .40 (presumably .40 S&W)
• .45
• 7.62x51mm
• 7.62x39mm
• 7.62x54mm rimmed
• 12.7mm (NATO or Russian not stated)
• 1” signal cartridges
• 1.5” anti-riot cartridges
• Commercial shotgun & rifle ammunition
• Primers, cases & other components

AMIG has reportedly been in the ammunition business for over 60 years, and is claimed to manufacture to international standards of quality assurance. As some readers may know, Iran already does a fair job cloning MP5 and MP5K SMGs, plus Webley-Schermuly riot guns, though we don’t expect the Pentagon to be listed among its loyal customers anytime soon.

POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVING 40MM GRENADE LAUNCHER EFFECTIVENESS: a paper by Royal Ordnance boffins embedded at the Royal Military College of Science (RMCS Shrivenham) claimed that while the range of low-velocity 40mm grenade launchers is around 400 metres, in practice, due to the limitations of existing sighting systems, this was reduced to no more than 150 metres. This is well below the 300-600 metre engagement bracket for rifles, LMGs and anti-armour launchers, with obvious implications for their tactical usefulness.

In particular, poor range estimation was identified as a major culprit in targeting errors with 40mm systems, an aspect not helped by the very low (nominally 75 m/s) MV and rainbow-like trajectory of the grenades. It suggested that, to reduce this mismatch and extend 40mm launcher effectiveness, a number of improvements would help. These could include laser-assisted rangefinding, higher velocity, recoil elimination, airburst & other advanced fuzing, maybe even guided projectiles. At Shrivenham the boffins set up their own ‘synthetic environment’ in their offices, using simulated area (trench) & window targets at ranges to 300 metres, in order to test some of their theories, with a laser rangefinder & magnifying optical sight on the weapon and a head-mounted display worn by the firer.

The host weapon was a modified SA80 fitted with a 40mm H&K underbarrel launcher and control buttons on the handguard, and the whole outfit was integrated with the prototype FIST equipment (UK version of Land Warrior). The tests required the firer to aim using the weapon sight, then lase the target for range data. Eyeballing the target through his head-mounted display he then had to simply align two icons just above his line of sight before finally firing. This technique should theoretically produce 1st round hits.

Claimed results suggested 1st round accuracy improvements of ‘an order of magnitude’ better than for firers using standard equipment and visually estimating the target’s range, but some operators found it took far too long to aim (up to ten seconds) using all this new fire control equipment, nor were all of them happy with the ergonomics.

(nb: this time aspect reinforces our own lingering concerns about the complexity of all Land Warrior systems and procedures detracting from users’ concentration on the urgent tasks in hand – delivering fast, effective fire and (just as important, if not more so) avoiding that of the other guys)

The modified system performed almost as well as the theoretical expectation against the area target out to 200 yards, though – despite marked improvements – the window target results still fell short of the boffins’ aspirations. While vertical round-to-round miss errors with the prototype equipment were only slightly worse than if the range was known in advance and a simpler red dot sight was used, horizontal round-to-round dispersion errors were noticeably greater. Furthermore, firers also found it difficult and slow to accurately lase man-sized targets beyond 250-300 metres. Just don’t ask why, having had the opportunity more than a decade ago to adopt a 40mm underbarrel launcher for use with SA80, the British army chose instead to adopt the much less flexible muzzle-launched rifle grenade, and even then essentially only for Desert Storm.

Despite their obvious advantages, only UK special forces plus some Paras and Pathfinders currently have M203 launchers, used only on M16-series rifles.

UK POLICE ALERTED TO THREAT OF ‘DISGUISED FIREARMS’: Police Review reported in mid-Apr 2001 that the firearms tracing unit of the UK’s National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) had alerted police in Britain to the existence of ‘disguised firearms’ such as mobile phone guns (see previous issues) and said that this class of weapon was already in circulation in the UK. NCIS says most of these guns, which can also be disguised as flashlights, cigarette lighters or screwdrivers (and don’t forget pen guns!) are being made in Eastern Europe and are very ingeniously designed.

As we commented in a previous issue, some of these ‘guns’ (for example the mobile phones and the twin-barreled Bulgarian Osa pistols) are not actually built as lethal weapons, being intended to fire gas or blank ammunition, but there are clearly backstreet workshops somewhere which are converting them to fire live ammunition, typically .22 rimfire. It was thought some of the mobile phone guns could well be in Britain at this time, and NCIS warned officers to be wary of phones being held in odd ways and, if possible, to check their weight, in case they might actually be firearms.

As we’ve said before, phone guns present a particularly serious security problem, for example at airports, as virtually everyone has a mobile nowadays, and few people ever give them a second thought. The chances of an armed police squad taking out an innocent phone user who may be acting oddly are clearly somewhat greater now, though hopefully not as high as in the US, where (as far as we know) they haven’t even woken up to phone guns yet. Over there, anything in a suspect’s hand tends to prompt a vigorous and often fatal response.

The NCIS firearms tracing system has been set up to hopefully enable the origins of all guns recovered by British police to be identified. It’s hoped this intelligence will also provide clues to the structure of the illegal firearms trade and allow effective action to be taken to tackle the problem.

Footnote: pen guns are another dangerous area, since some of them are extremely well-disguised. One manufacturer we’ve spoken to said he’d been told of at least one instance of his pen guns going through US airport controls entirely unchallenged, though, in fairness, the weapon involved on the occasion described was apparently a non-functional sample. Problem is, in the US passengers usually have the option of emptying their pockets before going through metal detectors. In our experience very little attention is paid to what goes in the little plastic tray along with the keys and change.

On the other hand, if someone is compelled to carry a weapon through controls and then triggers an alarm, we’re sure anything found during the subsequent patdown or manual scan is likely to be scrutinised much more carefully. Separately, we noted from the Charlotte Observer that a man was apprehended in Mecklenberg, North Carolina, in early May 2001 trying to enter the local courthouse armed with a loaded .25 pen gun and a knife. He initially set off the metal detectors and when questioned pulled out the knife, ammunition and the pen, telling the officers it was a gun – which deputies at the security checkpoint had already figured out. He was apparently only there to pay a traffic ticket, but now he’s facing weapons charges too!