Vektor CR-21
Denel Land Systems (formerly Vektor) · Assault Rifle · Prototype · 1997
Also known as: CR-21, Combat Rifle 21st Century
Overview
The Vektor CR-21 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Denel Land Systems (formerly Vektor) since 1997. Safety features include manual safety selector, firing pin safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 33 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Denel Land Systems (formerly Vektor) brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3720 g (131.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Barrel Length | 460 mm (18.11") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 980 m/s (3215 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1769 J (1305 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 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 · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Integrated Reflex Sight, Fiber Optic Sight, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Underbarrel Grenade Launcher Compatible, Select Fire, Galil Arm Mechanism
Variants
- CR-21 Carbine — Compact
Production
Production years: 1997
Prototype only. Never entered serial production. No military or law enforcement customers.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Notes
The CR-21 was never adopted by any military force and remains a prototype/concept weapon. Its internal mechanism is essentially that of the Vektor R4 (South African Galil variant) reconfigured in a bullpup layout, meaning it uses a long-stroke gas piston with a rotating bolt inherited from the Kalashnikov/Galil lineage. The 35-round magazine capacity comes from standard Galil magazines. The integrated reflex sight with illuminated reticle was a forward-thinking feature for its era. Weight of 3.72 kg empty and 3.8 kg loaded are from different sources; the loaded weight likely includes a partial magazine. The rifle can accommodate a 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher. Some sources list the rate of fire as 650-700 RPM.
Background
The Vektor CR-21 gained a cult following among firearms enthusiasts for its striking futuristic appearance that would not look out of place in a science fiction film. Despite its innovative bullpup packaging of the proven Galil mechanism and integrated optics, the South African National Defence Force ultimately chose not to adopt it, leaving the CR-21 as one of the most visually distinctive prototype rifles never to see service. The design demonstrated that proven Cold War-era operating systems could be repackaged for 21st century requirements.