Cyclone (rifle)

Cyclone is the name given to three bolt action rifles created by British company Steel Core Designs: the LSR, which fires 7.62x51mm NATO, the MSR, which fires .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6x70mm) and the HSR, which fires .50 BMG (12.7x99mm). Cyclone rifles are primarily designed for military use, and have seen limited usage by military and law enforcement units since 2017 in marksman roles.[2]

Cyclone LSR
TypeBolt action rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service2017-present
Used byUnited Kingdom
WarsAmerican-led intervention in Iraq (2014-present), Syrian Civil War
Production history
DesignerSteel Core Designs
Unit cost£4,975[1]
Specifications
Mass6.85 kg (15.1 lb)
Length119 mm (4.7 in)
Barrel length66 mm (2.6 in)

Cartridge7.62x51mm NATO
ActionBolt-action
Muzzle velocity123 m/s (400 ft/s)
Effective firing range1,000 m (1,100 yd)
Feed system10-round magazine

Design

Cyclone rifles come pre-fitted with certain attachments and match grade parts to help maximise accuracy and general performance.[3] Some of these include, but are not limited to:

Usage

In the contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Syria, soldiers belonging to the Islamic State have used vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), to which, anti materiel rifles, such as the Cyclone HSR are used as a cheap alternative to ATGMs.[2] Cyclone rifles are also sold on the civilian market.[5]

Comparison

Name Caliber Magazine capacity Effective range Barrel length Overall length Weight
LSR 7.62×51mm NATO 10 rounds 600m (656yd) 51 cm (20 in) 104 cm (41 in) 6.85 kg (15.1 lb)
MSR .338 Lapua Magnum 10 rounds 1,250m (1,367yd) 51 cm (20 in) 109 cm (43 in) 7.21 kg (15.9 lb)
HSR .50 BMG 5 rounds 2,220m (2,427yd) 74 cm (29 in) 145 cm (57 in) 14.5 kg (31.9 lb)

See also

References

  1. "Steel Core Designs Cyclone .308W/7.62×51". WMS Firearms Training. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  2. Vining, Miles. "British HSR Cyclone anti-materiel rifles in Iraq". Armament Research. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  3. "Cyclone". Steel Core Designs. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  4. R., Patrick. "[SHOT 2016] Steel Core Designs Cyclone Long Range Rifle". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  5. "RFD, STEEL CORE RIFLE SALES AND STEEL TARGETS". WMS Firearms Training. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
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