The Beretta 501 Sniper is an Italian-made bolt-action sniper rifle. Introduced in 1985, it was intended for military and police use. The Beretta Sniper was adopted by number of European police forces and by armies in other parts of the world.[1]
| Beretta 501 Sniper | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bolt-action Sniper Rifle |
| Place of origin |  Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Italy |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Pietro Beretta S.p.A. |
| Produced | 1985 to ? |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.55kg (empty without sights or bipod) |
| Length | 1165 mm |
| Barrel length | 586 mm |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Bolt-action, modified Mauser |
| Rate of fire | Manual, single shot |
| Muzzle velocity | 845m/sec |
| Feed system | 5 round box magazine |
Because of competition by more modern sniper rifle designs and due to the lack of interest in the M501 rifle, the product was discontinued.[citation needed] The 501 Sniper has been replaced in service by newer sniper rifle designs.
Design
editThe 501 is a conventional bolt-action rifle that utilizes a modified Mauser action. The 501 has a heavy, free-floating barrel fitted with a flash suppressor.[1]
The 501 fires 7.62mm NATO rounds, weighs 5.56 kg, is 1165mm in length, has a 586 mm barrel and uses a 5-round detachable box magazine.[2]
The standard stock is made of wood. Within a stock is built a tube that's attached to a receiver. It contains a harmonic balancer, a weight and springs help manage recoil. At the end of the tube can be used to mount a bipod.[1]
The sight mount is a NATO STANAG 2324 and takes any NATO-standard night-vision and optical sight.[1]
Users
edit
Italy: Italian Army, has been replaced with the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum rifles.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Ian V. Hogg, "Small Arms: Pistols and Rifles", revised by John Walter, page 128-129, ISBN 1-85367-563-6
- ^ a b Modern Firearms' Beretta 501 sniper page.
- Stanisław Kochański, Brygady antyterrorystyczne Operacje Uzbrojenie, SIGMA NOT 1992. ISBN 83-85001-66-2
- Andrzej Ciepliński, Ryszard Woźniak, Broń wyborowa 2, Wojskowy Przegląd Techniczny i Logistyczny 2/96. ISSN 1230-7386