26-11-2007, 08:38 AM
Snipers to get new longer range rifles 14 Nov 07
Snipers in the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment are to get a new rifle that will give them lethal precision at even greater distances under a £4 million contract announced today
![[Image: SniperRifle1.jpg]](http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/hsb77RED/SniperRifle1.jpg)
WO1 Kieren 'Mack' Macmahon of the Infantry Trials and Development Unit based at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster demonstrating the new sniper rifle
(Picture: Andrew Linnett)
The British firm Accuracy International Ltd will supply 580 rifles with day telescopic sights for snipers across the Services, which will fire a larger calibre bullet than the existing weapon.
The new rifle is being supplied as part of a broader Sniper System Improvement programme to give UK snipers more power, precision and stealth than ever before. All-weather new advanced day and night sights will mean snipers can operate around the clock in difficult conditions, and laser technology will allow distant targets to be accurately located.
Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said:
"We are committed to providing our troops on the front line with the equipment they need. Military snipers provide vital capability on operations, defeating the enemy and protecting our troops on the ground.
"In response to feedback from operations we are investing in new sniper equipment. The first contract is for the new longer range rifle and day sight, and we expect to start taking deliveries of this kit early next year."
![[Image: SniperRifle2.jpg]](http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/hsb77RED/SniperRifle2.jpg)
The new sniper rifle in detail
(Picture: MOD)
WO1 Kieren 'Mack' Macmahon of the Infantry Trials Development Unit (ITDU) said:
"ITDU has carried out a full trial and assessment of the new sniper rifle in different climatic conditions and it has performed well throughout.
"The weapon is a great improvement on the current in-service sniper rifle. The new sight allows greater engagement distances, it can be fitted with a suppressor allowing the sniper to get closer to the enemy without risk of compromise, and it has been fitted with a butt spike to aid stability during firing.
"We now have a sniper rifle that meets the latest user requirement."
Training units will familiarise themselves with the weapon and how it works with other parts of the sniper system. The rifle is due to be ready for operational use next spring.
Other elements of the Sniper System Improvement programme include night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods, and will be sourced from a variety of suppliers taking the total procurement value to over £11 million.
Riflen er en Accuracy International AWM i cal. .338 Lapua Magnum monteret med en Harris Bipod type S m/pod loc, Picatinny rail, og ny type Stocksites i Tan (sandfarvet), dæmperen er en helt ny AI dæmper udført i aluminium - dæmperen skrues direkte uden på muzzlebrakeren (og lukker derved gashullerne).
Sigtekikkerten er en Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56 (den samme som DK har monteret på Sako TRG 42)
Amateurs practice till they get it right. Professionals practice till they can't get it wrong.
![[Image: Gri5A.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/Intile/Gri5A.jpg)
Snipers in the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment are to get a new rifle that will give them lethal precision at even greater distances under a £4 million contract announced today
WO1 Kieren 'Mack' Macmahon of the Infantry Trials and Development Unit based at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster demonstrating the new sniper rifle
(Picture: Andrew Linnett)
The British firm Accuracy International Ltd will supply 580 rifles with day telescopic sights for snipers across the Services, which will fire a larger calibre bullet than the existing weapon.
The new rifle is being supplied as part of a broader Sniper System Improvement programme to give UK snipers more power, precision and stealth than ever before. All-weather new advanced day and night sights will mean snipers can operate around the clock in difficult conditions, and laser technology will allow distant targets to be accurately located.
Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said:
"We are committed to providing our troops on the front line with the equipment they need. Military snipers provide vital capability on operations, defeating the enemy and protecting our troops on the ground.
"In response to feedback from operations we are investing in new sniper equipment. The first contract is for the new longer range rifle and day sight, and we expect to start taking deliveries of this kit early next year."
The new sniper rifle in detail
(Picture: MOD)
WO1 Kieren 'Mack' Macmahon of the Infantry Trials Development Unit (ITDU) said:
"ITDU has carried out a full trial and assessment of the new sniper rifle in different climatic conditions and it has performed well throughout.
"The weapon is a great improvement on the current in-service sniper rifle. The new sight allows greater engagement distances, it can be fitted with a suppressor allowing the sniper to get closer to the enemy without risk of compromise, and it has been fitted with a butt spike to aid stability during firing.
"We now have a sniper rifle that meets the latest user requirement."
Training units will familiarise themselves with the weapon and how it works with other parts of the sniper system. The rifle is due to be ready for operational use next spring.
Other elements of the Sniper System Improvement programme include night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods, and will be sourced from a variety of suppliers taking the total procurement value to over £11 million.
Riflen er en Accuracy International AWM i cal. .338 Lapua Magnum monteret med en Harris Bipod type S m/pod loc, Picatinny rail, og ny type Stocksites i Tan (sandfarvet), dæmperen er en helt ny AI dæmper udført i aluminium - dæmperen skrues direkte uden på muzzlebrakeren (og lukker derved gashullerne).
Sigtekikkerten er en Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x56 (den samme som DK har monteret på Sako TRG 42)
Amateurs practice till they get it right. Professionals practice till they can't get it wrong.
![[Image: Gri5A.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/Intile/Gri5.jpg)