Våpensmia NM149
Våpensmia A/S · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1989
Also known as: NM149, NM149S, VS84S
Overview
The Våpensmia NM149 is a Norwegian bolt-action sniper rifle developed by Våpensmia A/S in close cooperation with the Norwegian Army. Built on the proven Mauser M98 controlled-feed bolt action, the NM149 combines traditional German bolt action reliability with a cold hammer-forged barrel manufactured in Germany and a laminated beech veneer stock pillar-bedded for accuracy. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the rifle was the standard sniper platform of the Norwegian military and police from 1989 until its replacement by the Heckler & Koch HK417 in 2013. The NM149 features an adjustable match-quality trigger set at a factory pull weight of 1.5 kg and was typically paired with a Schmidt & Bender 6x42 telescopic sight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5600 g (197.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5900 g (208.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3510 J (2589 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 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 | Laminated Wood |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Pillar Bedded Stock, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Adjustable Trigger, Detachable Magazine, Mauser 98 Action
Variants
- NM149S — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Armed Forces · adopted 1989 · as NM149
- Norwegian Police · adopted 1989 · as NM149
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 1988-2000
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured by Våpensmia A/S in Norway.
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Discontinued: 2013
Notes
The NM149 is based on a Mauser 98 action, giving it the controlled-feed extraction and robust primary extraction that made the Mauser system legendary. The German-made cold hammer-forged barrel with 4-groove right-hand twist provides excellent accuracy and durability. The laminated beech stock is pillar-bedded and adjustable for length of pull via a spacer system. The rifle served as Norway's primary sniper system through multiple NATO deployments including ISAF operations in Afghanistan. It was replaced in Norwegian military service by the HK417 semi-automatic rifle starting in 2013.
Background
The NM149 was developed because Norway needed a purpose-built sniper rifle to replace various adapted service rifles. Våpensmia, meaning 'weapon smithy' in Norwegian, worked closely with the Norwegian Army to create a rifle that could withstand the harsh Arctic conditions of northern Norway while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy, a requirement that the Mauser 98 action's legendary reliability was well-suited to fulfill.