Written by Samantha Franco and Clare Fitzgerald
The Snipex Alligator stands as an imposing anti-material rifle (AMR) produced by XADO-Holding, Ltd. Despite its relatively recent introduction, this formidable firearm has found its sole patron in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which has employed it extensively during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Throughout the duration of the conflict, it’s demonstrated its battlefield prowess, making it entirely plausible for other nations to consider its adoption in the years ahead.
‘Enormous’ doesn’t even begin to describe the Snipex Alligator
The Snipex Alligator is a bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle that is immediately distinguishable by its enormous size. When fully assembled, it sits at 79 inches, with most of its length coming from the barrel. To put this into perspective, the length of the average hunting rifle barrel is 22 inches, whereas the one equipped by the Snipex Alligator is more than double that, at 47 inches.
Along with its length, the Snipex Alligator is also massive in terms of weight, clocking in at a whopping 25 kg. Given this, a number of modifications were needed to ensure the rifle was operational in the field. A foldable four-position bipod and rear support are used to offset its size and provide balance. As well, a carrying handle is located at the weapon’s midpoint, allowing a single operator to transport it with (some) ease. This part can also be adjusted for balance when a silencer is attached.
Massive ammunition for an equally massive rifle
As the Snipex Alligator is such a large weapon, it makes sense that its ammunition would be, as well. Featuring a traditional rifle arrangement, its chamber can hold up to five 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge at one time, each weighing 2.2 ounces.
As their size suggests, the cartridges were initially developed as anti-tank rounds for the Soviet-produced KPV heavy machine gun. They can accommodate a projectile weighing between 59 and 66 grams, which, when fired, can travel up to 3,300 feet per second.
It’s claimed the Snipex Alligator can not only effectively take out enemy soldiers, but also light-armored vehicles and ammunition and fuel depots. According to the weapon’s manufacturer, it can penetrate up to 10 mm of steel armor from a distance of between 2,000 and 7,000 meters. It should be noted, however, that the rifle hasn’t yet seen enough battlefield use to fully prove this.
Issues with recoil
Utilizing the 14.5 x 114 mm cartridge comes with the notable consequence of substantial recoil. While the Snipex Alligator incorporates certain modifications to address this issue, they don’t entirely eliminate the recoil.
The rifle’s considerable size and weight play a significant role in absorbing a substantial portion of the recoil, preventing it from imposing a heavy burden on the soldier. As a result, the Snipex Alligator maintains its stability quite effectively after a round is discharged. Furthermore, it features a recoil-isolating buttstock, which, in conjunction with either the four- or five-baffle muzzle brake and a padded shoulder stock, substantially alleviates the pressure from the recoil.
Use of the Snipex Alligator in the Russo-Ukrainian War
As aforementioned, the Snipex Alligator has seen use throughout the Russo-Ukrainian War, joining its smaller counterpart, the Snipex T-Rex. While the exact number currently in service is unknown, it’s presumed that the majority of Ukrainian Special Forces units and other frontline divisions have it in their arsenal.
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There have been two incidents of note that possibly show the strength of the Snipex Alligator. The first was a possible hit by a Ukrainian sniper on a Russian soldier who was 1.68 miles away, making it the second-longest distance sniper kill in military history. The second was the taking down of five Russian soldiers in as many minutes by a single sniper. Two of those hit in the incident were struck by the same bullet.
While these two instances have yet to be independently verified, they possibly prove the power and ability of the Snipex Alligator, if it’s determined the weapon was the one to achieve the legendary hits. As of publishing, the Ukrainian military has yet to release details as to the exact rifle(s) used to secure the kills.