Ukraine Has Developed a 79-Inch Rifle That Can Take Out Enemy Armored Vehicles

Written by Samantha Franco and Clare Fitzgerald

Manufactured by XADO-Holding, Ltd., the Snipex Alligator is an anti-material rifle (AMR) that was unveiled in 2020. Exclusively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it’s played a significant role in the Russo-Ukrainian War, showcasing its formidable combat capabilities.

Given its proven effectiveness, other countries may soon consider incorporating the Snipex Alligator into their military arsenals.

‘Enormous’ doesn’t even begin to describe the Snipex Alligator

The Snipex Alligator is a bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle with a distinct and imposing appearance, primarily due to its considerable size. When fully assembled, it extends 79 inches, largely because of its elongated barrel. To put this into perspective, the average hunting rifle typically features a 22-inch barrel, making the Snipex Alligator stand out with a barrel length exceeding this by more than double, measuring an impressive 47 inches. In addition to its length, the rifle boasts a weight of 25 kg.

To address the challenges posed by the Snipex Alligator’s bulkiness, various modifications have been implemented to ensure operational viability in the field. A foldable four-position bipod and rear support are used to manage its substantial size and enhance stability. Furthermore, a centrally positioned carrying handle allows a single operator to transport the rifle with ease. This component can also 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.

It’s purported that the Snipex Alligator can effectively neutralize not only enemy combatants, but also light-armored vehicles and ammunition and fuel depots. According to the manufacturer, the rifle can penetrate up to 10 mm of steel armor, from distances of between 2,000 and 7,000 meters.

However, it’s worth noting the rifle’s battlefield performance has yet to be extensively validated.

Issues with recoil

Using the 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge means managing its significant recoil. Despite the Snipex Alligator incorporating measures to mitigate this, completely eliminating the recoil effect has been unattainable. That being said, the rifle’s size and weight absorb a substantial portion of the recoil energy, reducing the strain on soldiers.

As a result, the Snipex Alligator maintains a high level of stability after firing. It features a recoil-isolating buttstock, a four- or five-baffle muzzle brake and a cushioned shoulder stock, all of which collectively diminish the impact of recoil, enhancing user comfort and control.

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 undisclosed, it’s presumed a large portion of Ukrainian Special Forces units and frontline divisions have integrated it into their arsenal.

Two notable incidents highlight the potential 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 showcased the remarkable efficiency of a lone sniper who eliminated five Russian soldiers within five minutes. Notably, two of the soldiers in this incident were struck by the same bullet.

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These occurrences illustrate the potency and capability of the Snipex Alligator, pending confirmation that this weapon was indeed responsible for the notable hits. At the time of publication, the Ukrainian military has not disclosed specific details regarding the exact rifle(s) utilized to accomplish these kills.