Kalekalip KNT-308
Kale Kalip · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: KNT-308, Keskin Nisanci Tufegi 308
Overview
The Kalekalip KNT-308 (Keskin Nisanci Tufegi 308) is a Turkish bolt-action precision rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, designed and manufactured by Kale Kalip, a company better known for its expertise in defense industry tooling and manufacturing. The KNT-308 is notable for being approximately 30% lighter than comparable sniper rifles at just 5.35 kg, achieved through extensive use of polymer components in the stock and furniture. A distinctive feature is the rifle's ability to fold into two pieces for compact transport, making it highly portable for special operations and mountain warfare. The rifle has reportedly seen combat use in eastern Turkey and northern Iraq during counter-PKK operations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5350 g (188.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5700 g (201.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Folded Length | 650 mm (25.59") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 18 N (4.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3440 J (2537 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Handle Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Buttpad, Folding Bipod, Picatinny Rail, Monopod Rear, Take Down Design, Lightweight Construction
Service history
Operators
- Turkish Armed Forces · as KNT-308
- Turkish Gendarmerie · as KNT-308
- Turkish National Police
Conflicts
- Kurdish-Turkish Conflict (2008-present)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Produced in limited quantities by Kale Kalip primarily for Turkish security forces.
Origin
Country of origin: Turkey
Notes
The KNT-308 designation translates to 'Keskin Nisanci Tufegi 308' meaning 'Sniper Rifle 308' in Turkish. Kale Kalip is primarily known as a precision tooling and die-casting manufacturer, making its entry into the small arms market unusual. The take-down feature that allows the rifle to separate into two halves is considered its most significant marketing advantage, facilitating covert transport and rapid deployment. The rifle is claimed to be 20% more effective than comparable systems, though independent verification of this claim is limited.
Background
The KNT-308 emerged from an unlikely source in the Turkish defense industry. Kale Kalip, traditionally a manufacturer of precision tooling and die-casting equipment, leveraged its metallurgical expertise to enter the small arms market. The rifle's take-down capability, allowing it to split into two compact halves, was specifically designed for Turkish special forces operating in the mountainous terrain of southeastern Anatolia.