Shaher
Defence Industries Organization (DIO) · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2012
Also known as: Shaher 14.5, Shaher Anti-Materiel Rifle
Overview
The Shaher is an Iranian anti-materiel rifle chambered in the massive 14.5x114mm Soviet cartridge, one of the largest calibers fielded in a shoulder-fired weapon. Unveiled in 2012 by Iran's Defence Industries Organization, the Shaher is designed to engage light armored vehicles, hardened positions, communications equipment, and even low-flying helicopters at extreme ranges. The rifle's anti-armor rounds are capable of penetrating 50mm of steel armor, giving infantry units a potent anti-vehicle capability without dedicated missile systems. At 22 kg, the Shaher requires a two-person crew for effective deployment and is typically fired from the prone position using its integrated bipod.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 22000 g (776.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 23500 g (828.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1850 mm (72.83") |
| Barrel Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| 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 | 1000 m/s (3281 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 32000 J (23602 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 4000 m (4374 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 7000 m (7655 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Moly Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel Frame Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Rail, Integral Bipod, Anti Materiel Design, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Armor Piercing Capability, Anti Aircraft Capability, Heavy Barrel Profile
Variants
- Shaher (2014 variant) — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Islamic Republic of Iran Army · adopted 2012
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · adopted 2012
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Mass produced by DIO for Iranian military forces. Iran announced mass production in 2014.
Origin
Country of origin: Iran
Notes
The Shaher was first unveiled in 2012, with an improved variant shown in April 2014 that added a 5-round detachable box magazine and Picatinny rails. The original version was a single-shot design. The 14.5x114mm cartridge was originally developed for Soviet anti-tank rifles during World War II and is one of the most powerful man-portable cartridges in existence, generating over 32,000 joules of muzzle energy. Iran claims the rifle has a maximum effective range of 4 kilometers, though independent verification of this claim is unavailable. The hydraulic recoil buffer system is essential for managing the extreme recoil forces of the 14.5mm cartridge.
Background
The Shaher represents Iran's ambition to field one of the most powerful shoulder-fired weapons on Earth. Chambered in the colossal 14.5x114mm cartridge originally developed for Soviet anti-tank rifles in World War II, the Shaher can theoretically engage targets at ranges where the shooter would be nearly invisible to the naked eye. Iran has claimed the rifle can hit targets at 4 kilometers, which if true would make it one of the longest-ranged anti-materiel rifles ever produced.