Gepard M3
Technika · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1991
Also known as: Gepárd M3, Cheetah M3
Overview
The Gepard M3 is a Hungarian single-shot anti-materiel rifle chambered in the powerful 14.5x114mm Soviet cartridge, designed and produced by Technika in Hungary. Introduced in 1991 for the Hungarian Army, it is part of the Gepard (Cheetah) family of heavy anti-materiel rifles. The M3 represents a scaled-up version of the earlier semi-automatic M2 model, strictly firing the 14.5mm cartridge only. The rifle features a hydropneumatic recoil system similar to an artillery piece, which absorbs the violent recoil produced by the massive cartridge, along with a large muzzle brake. The grip doubles as the locking mechanism: rotating it 90 degrees opens the action for loading, and returning it to the normal position locks the two-prong bolt head. The 64.4-gram tungsten carbide core bullet achieves a muzzle velocity of 1,000 meters per second, capable of penetrating 16mm of armor plate. At approximately 20 kg and 1,880mm overall, the M3 requires a two-person team for effective field deployment.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 20000 g (705.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1880 mm (74.02") |
| Barrel Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000 m/s (3281 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 32180 J (23735 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Metal Frame |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Hydropneumatic Recoil System, Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Optical Sight Mount, Single Shot
Variants
- Gepard M1 — Base Model
- Gepard M2 — Semi Automatic
- Gepard M4 — Improved
- Gepard M5 — Compact
- Gepard GM6 Lynx — Bullpup Semi Auto
Service history
Operators
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 1991
Production
Production years: 1991-present
Produced by Technika in Hungary. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: Ferenc Foldi
Notes
The Gepard M3 is strictly an anti-materiel rifle because while the 14.5mm round is extremely powerful, its accuracy degrades rapidly at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The user initially listed this as a .50 BMG rifle, but research confirms the M3 fires exclusively the 14.5x114mm Soviet cartridge. The .50 BMG variant in the Gepard family is the M1/M1A1. The entire Gepard family was designed by Ferenc Foldi and represents one of Hungary's most significant post-Cold War indigenous weapons programs.
Background
The Gepard M3's unique loading mechanism uses the pistol grip itself as the bolt handle, rotating it 90 degrees to open the action. Combined with its artillery-style hydropneumatic recoil system, the M3 blurs the line between a shoulder-fired rifle and a crew-served weapon. It fires one of the most powerful cartridges ever chambered in a man-portable weapon.