- M89SR sniper rifle
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M89SR Type Sniper Rifle Place of origin Israel Production history Manufacturer Technical Equipment International Specifications Weight 4.50 kg Length 850 mm Barrel length 560 mm Cartridge 7.62×51 NATO Action Gas-Operated, rotating bolt Muzzle velocity 855 m/s (2,810 ft/s) Effective range 400 meters Maximum range 800 meters Feed system 10 or 20 round magazines M89SR sniper rifle is a gas operated semi-automatic sniper rifle, currently produced by Technical Equipment International (TEI), an Israeli company based in Tel Aviv.[1]
The M89SR was first introduced as the Sardius M36 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) in the 1980s. The rifle is based on the American M14 rifle in bullpup configuration, and uses the same 7.62 x 51 mm NATO ammunition. It was intended to replace the M14, though Sardius were unable to secure financing. When Sardius went out of business, Technical Consulting International (TCI) obtained the licence to produce the M36. They made some adjustments, such as adding a new carbon fiber stock, and it was renamed the M89SR (Model 89 Sniper Rifle).
It is used by the Israel Defense Forces, and can be used both in urban warfare and on the battlefield. The rifle is much shorter than an assault rifle even with a sound suppressor attached; making it easy to conceal. It is also relatively light, and is more accurate than other sniper rifles.
Despite being one of the better sniper rifles available to IDF, only a small number are used, with the undercover unit Sayeret Duvdevan using most of them. It is more successful abroad, and is sold to numerous special forces units.
References
See also
Categories:- 7.62 mm firearms
- Sniper rifles
- Semi-automatic rifles
- Weapons of Israel
- Israeli rifles
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