Written by Samantha Franco and Clare Fitzgerald
The Snipex Alligator, created by XADO-Holding, Ltd., was introduced as an anti-materiel rifle (AMR) in 2020 and has been exclusively employed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, showcasing its exceptional performance in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Due to its demonstrated success, the Snipex Alligator is likely to get attention from other countries looking to boost their military capabilities.
‘Enormous’ doesn’t even begin to describe the Snipex Alligator
The Snipex Alligator, a bolt-action rifle with magazine feeding, stands out due to its considerable size and unique design. When fully assembled, it measures 79 inches in length, primarily because of its extended barrel. In contrast, standard hunting rifles feature a 22-inch barrel, so the Alligator’s remarkable 47-inch barrel is more than twice the usual length. The rifle also weighs in at 25 kg.
To address the challenges associated with its size, several modifications have been implemented to improve its practicality in the field. These modifications include a foldable four-position bipod and rear support to enhance stability. Additionally, a centrally positioned carrying handle facilitates transportation for a single operator and can be adjusted for balance when a silencer is attached.
Massive ammunition for an equally massive rifle
Given the considerable size of the Snipex Alligator, it’s logical that its ammunition would follow suit. Adhering to a traditional rifle configuration, its chamber accommodates up to five 14.5 x 114 mm cartridges, each weighing 2.2 ounces.
Originally developed as anti-tank rounds for the Soviet-produced KPV heavy machine gun, these cartridges are large and robust. They’re capable of accommodating projectiles weighing between 59 and 66 grams, achieving velocities of up to 3,300 FPS when fired.
The rifle can penetrate up to 10mm of steel armor.
The Snipex Alligator is said to be capable of taking out not just enemy soldiers, but also light-armored vehicles, as well as ammunition and fuel storage sites. The manufacturer claims the rifle can penetrate steel armor up to 10 mm thick from ranges of 2,000 to 7,000 meters.
Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that the rifle’s effectiveness in real combat scenarios has not been thoroughly assessed yet.
Issues with recoil
Handling the 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge requires dealing with its heavy recoil. The Snipex Alligator incorporates different features to mitigate this, but fully eliminating recoil is not possible. However, the rifle’s substantial size and weight help absorb much of the recoil energy, reducing the burden on soldiers.
As a consequence, the Snipex Alligator remains impressibvely stable after firing. It features a recoil-absorbing buttstock, a four- or five-baffle muzzle brake, and a cushioned shoulder stock, all of which work together to reduce the impact of recoil, enhancing comfort and control for the user.
Use of the Snipex Alligator in the Russo-Ukrainian War
As aforementioned, the Snipex Alligator has been deployed in the Russo-Ukrainian War, alongside its smaller counterpart, the Snipex T-Rex. While the exact number in active service remains unknown, it is presumed most Ukrainian Special Forces units and frontline divisions have integrated it into their arsenals.
Two notable incidents underscore the formidable firepower of the Snipex Alligator. In the first, a Ukrainian sniper potentially scored a hit on a Russian soldier from a distance of 1.68 miles, marking the second-longest sniper kill in military history. The second incident showcased the remarkable efficiency of a lone sniper who eliminated five Russian soldiers within five minutes, with two of the soldiers struck by the same bullet.
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These events underscore the potency and capability of the Snipex Alligator, pending confirmation that this weapon was indeed responsible for the notable hits. As of the time of writing, the Ukrainian military has not divulged specific details regarding the exact rifle(s) employed to achieve these kills.