CheyTac M200 Intervention

     Notes: Deployed by unnamed special operations units worldwide, the CheyTac M200 is a sniper weapon system rather than simply a long-range, heavy-caliber sniper rifle.  It consists not merely of the highly-distinctive M200 rifle, but a hand-held computer for the spotter that calculates wind at the shooting site, barometric conditions, and angles to the target to allow for more accurate first shots and corrections.

     The M200 rifle uses a machined CNC billet as a receiver, topped by a long MIL-STD-1913 rail; no iron sights are provided.  The bipod is integral to the handguard and hangs the rifle from the bipod from above rather than being underneath the handguard; this is regarded as better from a follow-up-shot standard.  The standard barrel has a bull profile and is made of steel, but a carbon-fiber-sleeved barrel is available that reduces weight.  The 30-inch barrel is tipped with a large muzzle brake, but the brake can be removed and replaced with a rather huge suppressor.  The barrel can be detached for transport.  The stock uses a metal rod to which a buttplate and cheekpiece is attached; the butt is equipped with a thick recoil pad.  The stock is also retractable.  Forward of the magazine well is a large handgrip, especially useful when shooting at downward angles.  The M200 is well known for being able to hit targets at 2000 meters routinely.

     The M200 Carbine is similar, but uses a shorter 25, 27, or 29-inch barrel, which comes in steel only.  It is otherwise identical to the M200.

Christensen Arms TFM Precision Rifle

     Notes: Though Christensen Arms is known for the quality of hunting rifles, this is their first foray into the world of sniper weapons.  Like their hunting rifles, the TFM has a barrel composed largely of carbon fiber, wrapped around a steel bore. (And yes, there are many arguments pro and con for the carbon fiber barrel.)  Many think that the barrel is not as strong as a steel barrel, but the weight savings are marked.  Though the stock is also synthetic Aerograde carbon fiber with a natural carbon fiber finish, and all working parts are of 17-4 stainless steel.  It is adjustable for LOP, has a recoil pad, and an adjustable cheekpiece. The trigger pack is by Timney, who is known for its triggers, and is adjustable for pull weight, pull length, and travel. The barrel is 26 inches, tipped by a long muzzle brake, and of match quality. The TFM has a receiver-length integral Picatinny Rail, and another short section under the fore-end for the attachment of a bipod or other accessory. Though the TFM is purpose-built for snipers, it is also a good hunting rifle due to its light weight.

     The TFM VTac is a carbine version of the TFM, with a 16-inch barrel and otherwise with the same feature set as the standard TFM.  Unlike the TFM, the TFM VTac has a threaded muzzle that can mount a flash suppressor, a muzzle cap with a target crown, a muzzle brake (the stats we will use here), or a suppressor (which will probably be a common tactical accessory).  It is compatible with a large variety of muzzle devices, particularly in 7.62mm and .300.

     The BA Tactical is very similar to the TFM Precision; however, it was designed for competition and has a number of features useful in competition rifles.  The stock is adjustable for LOP by spacers, but does not have a recoil pad.  It has an adjustable cheekpiece, but not as adjustable as that of the TFM.  The fore-end is not as long, and it does not have a bottom MIL-STD-1913 length of rail for a bipod, though the sling swivels can double as bipod mounts.  It does have a receiver-length rail above the receiver. The inside of the stock is fiberglass, but carbon-fiber wrapped, and finished in a web pattern. The barrel length is 22 inches, tipped by a flash suppressor, but is not threaded and does not allow for the attachment of other devices. It is of carbon fiber with a 416 stainless steel liner.  It is match-quality.  The BA Tactical fires the additional caliber of 5.56mm NATO.  The BA Tactical uses the same trigger pack and the same, stainless steel bolt and bolt carrier and lugs.

     The BA VTac is a project of Christensen Arms and Kyle Lamb, owner and operator of Viking Tactics.  It is to the BA Tactical what the TFM VTac is to the TFM Precision, with a threaded muzzle, 16-inch match-quality stainless steel liner, and otherwise with the same feature set as the BA Tactical.  It does not, however, have the .300 Winchester Magnum chambering.

Colt/Cooper M2012-CLR

     Notes: The M2012-CLR, first seen at the 2012 SHOT Show, had its inception as a military and police sniper rifle; Colt and Cooper however have seen the rifle’s utility as a civilian hunting rifle. That is why, though the rifle is currently chambered only in 7.62mm NATO, a plethora of more chamberings are planned over the next two years.  The M2012-CLR is based loosely on the AR platform, but there are a large number of differences from an AR platform. The M2012-CLR is a bolt-action weapon, with the cocking piece above and just forward of the pistol grip. The stock is a machined, skeletonized aluminum stock which has an adjustable cheekpiece as well as being adjustable for length of pull, cheekpiece angle, and buttplate angle. The butt has a Kick-EEZ recoil pad that is known for its recoil-absorption properties. On the toe of the stock is a small length of MIL-STD-1913 rail; this is meant to mount a monopod if desired. The trigger is a highly-adjustable Timney trigger pack, adjustable for pull weight and pull length as well as trigger stop. Cooper’s contribution to the M2012-CLR is primarily in the action, which was designed for this rifle. The bolt’s body is spiral-fluted to decrease weight and increase positive movement of the bolt.  The M2012-CLR is equipped with a passive trigger safety as well as having a manual safety. Extraction is handled by a Sako-type extractor, a plunger ejector, and an oversized ejection port.  A “hot red” pin protruded from the rear of the receiver when the firing pin is in the ready position. Case ruptures are handled by large gas vent ports forward of behind where the round is seated when firing.

     Atop the receiver is a MIL-STD-1913 rail, which snaps into the rail atop the handguards. Under the handguard is another rail, and includes a mount with a lightweight bipod that is adjustable for height and cant.  The barrel is a 22-inch Schilen stainless steel barrel tipped with a beefy SureFire muzzle brake, which can be removed and replaced with a threaded cap with a target crown (not covered here), for use in civilian competitions. The barrel has a bull profile, though it is heavily fluted to save weight. It is also free-floating inside its handguard. (Planned versions for next year in .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum will most likely have 24-inch barrels, and 20-inch-barrel versions are also planned for other chamberings. I have included them for completeness.)

     One might note the high weight of the M2012-CLR, comparable to a lot of antimateriel rifles. And several gun writers who have evaluated the rifle have nothing but compliments, except for its weight.  It is a bit of a beast for a sniper or hunting rifle, and if not for its lightening features, might be as much as 25% heavier!

D&L MR30PG

     Notes: The MR30PG (Marksman’s Rifle, .30 caliber, Professional Grade) is a type of rifle known as a “rail gun” – a rifle where a simple metal fixture and a padded butt replace the stock. This is done to lighten the rifle and make it easier to take down for storage and concealment. Most of the rest of the MR30PG is also made from steel rails. It is heavy, but easily portable. The barrel is heavy and fluted. The top of the receiver has a MIL-STD-1913 rail, and on top of that is a large steel frame/cage to protect the optics and to allow the mounting of other accessories, as well as to function as a carrying handle. The left side of the stock has a bubble level. Two more MIL-STD-1913 rails are on the front of the rifle to allow mounting more accessories. The MR30PG does not come with iron sights.

Dakota T-76 Longbow

     Notes: This weapon was designed by Dakota Arms for military and police use, and found some applications by special operations units in the US military and by some police departments in the US, as well as by some hunters. The weapon has an adjustable stock, cheekpiece, and trigger.  It is a highly accurate weapon that is well liked by its users.  It has a highly efficient muzzle brake, needed for its powerful cartridges. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Not available.

     Merc 2000 Notes: The Longbow has a tendency to turn up in the strangest places.

Defensive Edge Light Weight Precision Rifle (LWPR)

     Notes: The term “Light Weight” is sort of a misnomer for this rifle, for it is rather heavy when fully tricked out for its sniper role, though without a scope, scope base, bipod, etc., it is sort of Light Weight.  The LWPR is based on the tried-and-true Remington 700 action, using modified short M14 magazines, and equipped with an HS Precision synthetic tactical stock which may be had in may colors or camouflage patterns (black is the standard color for the LWPR, however).  The length of the stock is adjustable via an adjustable butt plate.  The action is squared and trued, with a squared bolt and lapped lugs.  The barrel is unusual; it is a 24-inch carbon fiber barrel with a stainless steel core, and chromed inside; this does decrease weight somewhat, and also makes for a barrel which is strong yet very resistant to the elements and heat deformation.  The barrel is also specially designed for match ammunition, though it can fire standard ammunition without difficulty.  The stock has a Badger heavy stainless recoil lug which absorbs some of the recoil.  The bipod is a high-quality Harris bipod which unfortunately contributes much of the weight to the rifle, but makes for a stable and adjustable platform.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This rifle is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Desert Tactical SRS

     Notes: Sniper rifles chambered for .338 Lapua have been in use for several years by the special operations units of several countries, but thusfar, few have actually developed an issue rifle in that caliber, using modified versions of off-the-shelf rifles.  US SOCOM has recently issued a requirement for a Precision Rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, and one of the candidates is Desert Tactical’s SRS (Stealth Recon Scout). The genesis of the SRS was hunter and competitive shooter Nicholas Young who, though he was quite impressed with DSR Precision’s DSR-1, though it could still be better.

     Unusually for a sniper rifle, the SRS uses a bullpup layout to reduce the size of the rifle.  The stock is padded and has spacers that can be added to further adjust the SRS to the length of pull required by an individual sniper.  The trigger is designed to feel no different than a standard sniper rifle (a common complaint about bullpup rifles is the heavy pull weight).  The trigger is also adjustable for pull weight, travel, and stop.  The only real problem at present is that the SRS is not now ambidextrous; the bolt-action design would make this rather difficult.  The top of the receiver and the sides and bottom of the handguards have MIL-STD-1913 rails; no iron sights are permanently mounted.  An adjustable cheekpiece is mounted above the charging handle.  Caliber changes are done by replacing the barrel, magazine, and bolt, without spoiling the zero of the weapon.  The bipod is determined by the user.  Early literature listed only 7.62mm NATO and .338 Lapua Magnum, with .300 Winchester Magnum and .243 Winchester appearing later. (Originally, Young intended the SRS to be a .338 Lapua Magnum-only rifle.)  Barrel lengths are 22 inches for 7.62mm NATO with a standard flash suppressor; the .338 Lapua Magnum (and .300 Winchester Magnum) have a 26-inch barrel with a large muzzle brake. The .243 Winchester version uses a standard muzzle brake, but a 26-inch barrel.

     Recently, the SRS Hunter was introduced.  This version uses a 26-inch barrel only and has a different mix of chamberings; all barrels have a standard muzzle brake.  While the standard SRS has desert tan-colored polymer work, the polymer of the Hunter is black. Construction has been lightnedAs might be surmised from the name, the Hunter is designed for civilian use, though it is a perfectly serviceable sniper’s weapon.

Ed Brown Marine Sniper

     Notes: This is Ed Brown’s take on the US Marines’ M40 sniper rifle, built on an M702 action and with Ed Brown’s improvements, such as a heavy match barrel with a target crown, a McMillan synthetic stock with a camouflage pattern molded directly in, a heat-treated and precision machined receiver, most parts hand-fitted to exacting tolerances, a three-position safety to lock the trigger and bolt or allow the bolt to be worked while still having the weapon on safe, a heavy-duty scope base, a Pachmayr recoil pad one inch thick, a longer barrel, and a myriad of other small improvements. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This rifle is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Ed Brown Model 702 Tactical

     Notes: This is an optimized Remington 700 designed for law enforcement sharpshooters.  It basically combines the various things that gunsmiths have done to improve the Model 700 over the years, including a heat-treated and precision-machined receiver; a hand-fitted bolt with a handle fitted to the peculiar characteristics of each rifle; a heavy-duty recoil lug, an M16-style extractor, safeties to lock down the bolt and sear; ability to unload the rifle with the safety engaged; adjustable trigger (weight and travel); match quality barrel; heavy duty scope base; fiberglass stocks; and a recoil pad. 

     The Model 702 Light Tactical is similar in many ways to the Tactical; however, it does not have the deep pistol grip wrist of the Tactical, having only a standard pistol grip wrist.  It is also made for lighter calibers and is quite a bit lighter than the Tactical.  The barrel is also substantially shorter.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist.