Gepard M1/M6
SERO International · Sniper Rifle · Limited Production · 1991
Also known as: Gepard, Gepard M1, Gepard M6 Lynx, Lynx
Overview
The Gepard M1 is a Hungarian anti-materiel rifle series designed by Ferenc Foldi, with the original M1 variant chambered in 12.7x108mm Soviet heavy machine gun cartridge. First produced in 1991, the Gepard family encompasses several variants ranging from single-shot bolt-action designs to semi-automatic models, and calibers from 12.7x108mm to 14.5x114mm. The rifles are designed to destroy light armored vehicles, communications equipment, radar installations, and fortified positions at long range, and gained notoriety during the Yugoslav Wars where they were used by multiple factions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 18000 g (634.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 18600 g (656.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1570 mm (61.81") |
| Barrel Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 35 N (7.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16230 J (11971 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6000 m (6562 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7 Soviet, 12.7mm DShK
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Handle Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Integral Bipod, Optical Sight Mount, Anti Materiel Capability, Recoil Buffer, Carry Handle, Monopod Rear, Multi Caliber Variants
Variants
- Gepard M1 — Original
- Gepard M2 — Improved
- Gepard M3 — Semi Automatic
- Gepard M4 — 14-5mm Variant
- Gepard M5 — Bullpup
- Gepard M6 Lynx — 50 Bmg Variant
Service history
Operators
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 1991 · as Gepard
- Croatian Armed Forces
- Georgian Armed Forces
- Turkish Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
- Russo-Georgian War (2008)
Production
Production years: 1991-present
Produced in limited numbers by various Hungarian manufacturers. Exported to several countries.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: Ferenc Foldi
Notes
The Gepard series was designed by Hungarian engineer Ferenc Foldi and has been produced in numerous variants. The M1 was a single-shot design, while the M2 and M3 introduced magazine feeding and semi-automatic operation respectively. The M4 variant chambers the massive 14.5x114mm cartridge, making it one of the largest-caliber man-portable rifles ever produced. The M6 'Lynx' variant is chambered in .50 BMG for NATO compatibility. The rifles gained particular notoriety during the Yugoslav Wars and the Bosnian conflict, where they were used for anti-materiel and anti-personnel roles, including controversially during the Siege of Sarajevo. The Gepard's relatively simple construction made it popular in conflicts where more sophisticated anti-materiel solutions were unavailable.
Background
The Gepard series emerged from post-Cold War Hungary as one of the few anti-materiel rifle families designed behind the former Iron Curtain for the export market. Its M4 variant, chambered in the colossal 14.5x114mm anti-tank cartridge, is one of the largest-caliber shoulder-fired weapons ever produced, capable of penetrating light armored vehicles at ranges that would be suicidal for conventional anti-tank weapons.