SAR 21 Sharpshooter
ST Kinetics · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: SAR-21 Sharpshooter, SAR 21 DMR
Overview
The SAR 21 Sharpshooter is the designated marksman variant of Singapore's standard-issue SAR 21 (Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century) bullpup assault rifle. Developed by ST Kinetics and adopted by the Singapore Armed Forces, the Sharpshooter variant features an integrated 3.0x optical sight with luminous reticle paint as standard equipment, enabling enhanced target identification and precision engagement at extended ranges. The rifle retains the SAR 21's bullpup configuration, which places the action behind the trigger group, resulting in a compact 805mm overall length despite having a full 508mm (20-inch) barrel. The gas-operated short-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt provides reliable cycling, while the 30-round STANAG-compatible magazine ensures sustained engagement capability. Weighing 3.82 kg empty, the Sharpshooter is exceptionally lightweight for a DMR platform, reflecting the bullpup design's inherent compactness advantage. The rifle is intended to provide squad-level precision fire support at ranges up to 500 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3820 g (134.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1776 J (1310 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2600 m (2843 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 450 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, SS109
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Integrated 3x Optical Sight, Laser Aiming Device, M203 Compatible, Stanag Magazine Compatible
Variants
- SAR 21 (Standard) — Base Model
- SAR 21 RIS — Rail Interface
- SAR 21P (Paratroop) — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Singapore Armed Forces · adopted 2003
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Produced alongside the standard SAR 21 family by ST Kinetics for the Singapore Armed Forces.
Origin
Country of origin: Singapore
Notes
The SAR 21 Sharpshooter is assigned to designated marksmen within Singapore Armed Forces infantry sections, providing an organic precision capability without requiring a separate weapon system or caliber. While the 5.56 NATO cartridge limits its effective range compared to 7.62mm DMR platforms, the commonality of ammunition and magazines with the standard SAR 21 simplifies logistics significantly. The Sharpshooter's integrated 3x optic is fixed and cannot be easily swapped, which limits modularity but ensures the sight is always properly zeroed and protected within the rifle's housing. Singapore has since developed the NG SAR (Next Generation SAR) as an eventual replacement for the entire SAR 21 family.
Background
Singapore's approach to the designated marksman problem is characteristically pragmatic: rather than adopting a completely different weapon system, the city-state simply enhanced its existing bullpup assault rifle with a higher-magnification optic and selected the most accurate examples from production for the Sharpshooter role. In Singapore's dense urban and jungle terrain, the compact bullpup format provides a significant handling advantage over conventional DMR platforms.