PTR 91F

Infobox Weapon
name= PTR-91F


caption= PTR-91F
origin=flagcountry|United States
type= Semi-automatic rifle
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer= Heckler & Koch
design_date= 2000
manufacturer= JLD Enterprises
production_date=
number=
variants= See Variants
weight= 4.41 kg (9.7 lbs.)
length= 1,026 mm (40.4 in)
part_length= 450 mm (17.7 in)
crew=
cartridge=7.62x51mm NATO
action= roller-delayed blowback
rate= Semi-automatic only
velocity= 790 m/s (2,600 ft/s)
range= 400m
max_range=
feed= 20-round detachable box magazine
sights= Rear: rotary diopter
Front: hooded post

The PTR-91F is a modern, American-manufactured civilian semi automatic version of the Heckler and Koch G3 rifle, made by PTR 91 Inc. (formerly JLD Enterprises) of Unionville, Connecticut.

History

The weapon is relatively new to the market, and began production during the assault weapons ban of 1994, which expired in 2004. The assault weapons ban prohibited certain cosmetic features, many of which were included on the HK91, meaning that it could no longer be manufactured and sold to the US civilian market in its original configuration. The ban compliant PTR-91 rifles did not have a threaded muzzle for flash hiders, no bayonet lug, and they had to be sold with fixed stocks and 10-round (or less)magazines. Furthermore, the German-made HK91 was specifically prohibited from importation under the 1989 Import Ban (see BATFE section 922r). Subsequently Heckler and Koch ceased manufacture of the semi-automatic HK91, and since then civilian versions of the G3 have increased in collector value. The PTR-91F filled the void, as the two rifles are almost identical, even being manufactured from the same blue prints and made on the same machinery that was used under license from Heckler & Koch [http://www.ptr91.com/about.html About Page, PTR 91 Inc.] Retrieved on September 30, 2008.] [ [http://www.tmcarms.com/ptr91.htm Unofficial PTR-91 Page.] Retrieved on September 30, 2008.] by the Portuguese company FMP to make the M/963 rifle. The PTR-91 also makes use of many G3 parts from demilitarized H&K and FMP rifles. All parts between the HK-91 and the PTR-91 are interchangeable.

Variations

The primary version is the PTR-91F, which has a full length 18" barrel and stock [http://www.ptr91.com/products_ptr.html#products Products, PTR 91 Inc.] Retrieved on September 30, 2008.] : There are other variations of the PTR-91. Notable variants include: The PTR-91 KF, which has a shorter 16" barrel, the PTR-91KPF, which has a collapsible stock as well as a shorter barrel, for easier handling, and the PTR-91 A1F, which has a longer and better quality match barrel for better accuracy [http://www.ptr91.com/products_ptr.html#products Products, PTR 91 Inc.] Retrieved on September 30, 2008.] . PTR 91, Inc. also makes models with a Picatinny rail mounting system for different accessories, as well as models with folding stocks and different camouflage finishes. Most of the accessories made by Heckler & Koch for the HK-91 variants are compatible with the PTR-91 models but usually are offered at higher prices.

Publication

The PTR-91 series of weapons has been featured in numerous gun magazines, such as "Gun Tests", "Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement", "American Rifleman", and "Gun World" [http://www.ptr91.com/about.html About Page, PTR 91 Inc.] Retrieved on September 30, 2008.] , all of which praised it for having good accuracy and reliability, characteristic of the weapon it was designed after.

Of all the variations, the PTR-91 is considered by many shooters to be "as good as", or even better than the original H&K rifle. Demand has been steadily driving up the price of the PTR-91 which now sells for about half the price of an original HK-91. In 2003, a PTR-91 could be had for a little more than a quarter of the expected price of an HK-91.

ee also

* Sturmgewehr 57
* Heckler & Koch G3/CETME

References

External links

* [http://www.ptr91.com/ Official Site]