CAR 817 AR
Caracal International LLC · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: CAR817, Caracal 817
Overview
The Caracal CAR 817 AR is a 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifle developed by Caracal International LLC for elite military and law enforcement units. Built on the AR platform with a short-stroke gas piston system, the CAR 817 shares the proven operating system of the CAR 816 but scaled up for the larger 7.62 NATO cartridge. The rifle features a user-adjustable gas regulator for normal, adverse conditions, and suppressed fire, a cold hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, and full ambidextrous controls. At 3.3 kg empty, it is remarkably lightweight for a 7.62 NATO platform.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 884 mm (34.80") |
| Folded Length | 802 mm (31.57") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 750 m/s (2461 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2625 J (1936 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Chrome Lined Barrel, Picatinny Rail Top, M Lok Handguard, Ambidextrous Controls, Collapsible Stock, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Select Fire, Nato Stanag Compatible
Variants
- CAR 817 AR 12.5" — Compact
Service history
Operators
- United Arab Emirates Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Produced for UAE military and export markets.
Origin
Country of origin: United Arab Emirates
Notes
The CAR 817 AR was designed to provide UAE forces with a heavier-caliber companion to the 5.56mm CAR 816. Available in 12.5" and 16" barrel configurations. Accepts standard SR-25 pattern magazines in 10, 20, and 25-round capacities. Practical rate of fire is 30-90 rounds per minute.
Background
The CAR 817 AR has been described as 'the first true Arab battle rifle,' representing a significant milestone for the UAE's domestic defense industry. Caracal signed an MoU with India's defense sector to explore local manufacturing of the CAR 817 platform, highlighting the rifle's export potential beyond the Gulf region.