Written by Samantha Franco and Clare Fitzgerald
Produced by XADO-Holding, Ltd., the Snipex Alligator stands out as a formidable anti-material rifle (AMR). Recently introduced, this firearm is exclusively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marking its presence in the Russo-Ukrainian War and showcasing its abilities on the battlefield.
Given its proven success in combat, it is plausible that other nations may consider adding it to their military arsenals in the near future.
‘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
The use of the 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge requires handling its hefty recoil. Although the Snipex Alligator incorporates specific measures to manage this, it doesn’t fully eradicate the recoil effect. However, the firearm’s size and weight help absorb a large portion of the recoil energy, relieving soldiers from unnecessary stress.
Because of this, the rifle remains fairly stable after firing. Furthermore, it features a recoil-isolating buttstock, along with a four- or five-baffle muzzle brake and a cushioned shoulder stock, which substantially reduces the recoil’s impact, 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.