Snipex T-Rex
XADO Holding Ltd · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: XADO Snipex T-Rex
Overview
The Snipex T-Rex is a Ukrainian single-shot bolt-action anti-materiel rifle chambered in 14.5x114mm, developed by XADO Holding Ltd in Kharkiv. As the predecessor to the magazine-fed Snipex Alligator, the T-Rex was the first in the Snipex family of ultra-long-range anti-materiel rifles. The rifle features a unique recoiling barrel assembly designed to mitigate the extreme felt recoil of the 14.5mm cartridge, making it more controllable and accurate than might otherwise be expected from a weapon of this caliber. At 25 kilograms and 1,800mm in overall length, the T-Rex is a crew-served weapon in practice, requiring a spotter and support team for effective deployment. The three-row locking lug system with 13 individual lugs provides exceptional bolt strength necessary to contain the 360 MPa chamber pressures of the 14.5x114mm cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 25000 g (881.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 25200 g (888.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1800 mm (70.87") |
| Barrel Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 980 m/s (3215 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 30920 J (22805 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 7000 m (7655 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114, .57 Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Recoiling Barrel, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Integral Bipod, Rear Monopod, Carrying Handle
Variants
- Snipex Alligator — Magazine Fed
- Snipex Monomakh — Semi Automatic
Service history
Operators
- Armed Forces of Ukraine · adopted 2021
- Ukrainian Special Operations Forces · adopted 2020
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- War in Donbas (2014-2022)
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Production numbers classified. The T-Rex was the first Snipex rifle produced, preceding the Alligator and Monomakh variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Ukraine
Notes
The T-Rex was the first Snipex rifle developed by XADO Holding, appearing in 2017. Its single-shot design limits its rate of fire but simplifies the action and reduces weight compared to a magazine-fed system. The recoiling barrel assembly is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from most anti-materiel rifles, which typically use muzzle brakes alone for recoil mitigation. The 420mm (1:16.5 inch) rifling twist rate with 8 grooves is optimized for the heavy 64-gram projectiles of the 14.5x114mm cartridge. The rifle was officially adopted alongside the Alligator by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on 2 March 2021.
Background
The Snipex T-Rex was born from Ukraine's urgent need for a domestically produced anti-materiel capability during the War in Donbas. XADO Holding, originally a chemical company known for automotive lubricants, pivoted to weapons manufacturing, producing one of the most powerful individual infantry weapons in the world. The T-Rex and its successors became symbols of Ukrainian defense ingenuity, manufactured in Kharkiv even as the city endured sustained Russian bombardment from 2022 onward.