Falcon (sniper rifle)
| Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bullpup sniper rifle |
| Place of origin |  Czech Republic |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1998[1]-present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | See Conflicts |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Zbrojovka Vsetín Inc |
| Variants | OP-96, OP-99 |
| Specifications (OP-99) | |
| Weight | OP-99:
|
| Length | 1,260 mm (50 in) |
| Barrel length | 839 mm (33 in) |
|
|
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| Cartridge | 12.7×108mm (OP-96) and .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) (OP-99) |
| Action | Mauser Bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 825–925 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 1,600 m (1,700 yd) (day) 800 m (870 yd) (night) |
| Feed system | single-shot or 2-round detachable fixed magazine |
| Sights | ZD 10×50 or ZN 6x passive night sight; Iron sights |
The Falcon is a Czech 12.7 mm caliber bolt-action sniper rifle developed by Zbrojovka Vsetín Inc. (ZVI). The rifle is intended for ground troops and special forces for operations against distant targets up to 1,600 meters (1,700 yd), such as armored vehicles (AFV) or technical equipment.
Description
The Falcon is a bolt-action rifle with a Mauser locking system and two-shot magazine. Instead of the magazine a protective cover can be attached necessitating the need the manually reload the weapon after each shot. The shutter closes with two locking lugs in the barrel. Contrary to the classic bolt action, the removal is before the closure system, analogous to bullpup.
The tube and the housing are fitted with a bayonet attachment. At about half the total length of the weapon is a mount for a collapsible bipod, to which also a carrying handle is attached. At the mouth of the barrel is attached a muzzle brake to dampen the recoil of large caliber ammunition cartridges together with a spring. The efficiency of the muzzle brake is specified by the manufacturer at 75%.
A Riflescope Meopta ZD 10×50 for daylight engagements and a passive night vision sights ZN ×6 can be mounted on the rail. In case of damage to the scope a simple notch-and-grain visor is available. The rifle can be stowed in a carrying case for transport. For air-borne units a special backpack is available.
Conflicts
The Falcon sniper rifle has been used in the following conflicts:
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Users
See also
References
- ↑ Ruční Zbraně AČR (Czech). Ministerstvo obrany České republiky – AVIS, 2007. pp. 66–69. ISBN 978-80-7278-388-5. Accessed September 16, 2012.
