RT-20 (rifle)

RT-20 is an acronym of the Croatian word Ručni Top 20 ("Hand Cannon, 20mm"). It is an anti-material and anti-armor sniper rifle developed in Croatia in the 1990s. It is a bolt-action rifle that fires 20 mm rounds. It is one of the most powerful anti-materiel rifles currently in use by any country and can be comparable to the South African NTW-20 and the Indian Vidhwansak in terms of caliber.It is manufactured by RH-Alan and used by the Croatian army.

It is important to note the maximum effective range depends on the nature of the target.

pecifications

* Caliber: 20x110mm Hispano
* Operation: manual operated, bolt-action
* Barrel: 920 mm
* Weight: 19.2 kg with scope and bipod
* Length: 1330 mm
* Feed Mechanism: single shot, manual loading
* Maximum effective range: about 1800 meters

A unique feature of the weapon is the counter-recoil reactive tube or the back-blast above the barrel. This tube funnels gasses from the cartidge out the back end, similar to that of a recoilless rifle or rocket launcher.

This system is seldom used in small arms and comes with its disadvantages. It can not be fired in confined spaces, for example with structures, such as walls, in close proximity to the rear. Another disadvantage being the gases from the back-blast can be detected by the enemy and the sniper's hiding position is compromised.

External links

* [http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn56-e.htm RT-20 on World Guns.ru]