Tabuk Sniper Rifle
Encyclopedia
The Tabuk Sniper Rifle is an Iraq
i modification of a Russian designated marksman's rifle, made from as a modified version of the AK-47
assault rifle. The Tabuk Sniper Rifle, like all the AK-47
and Dragunov SVD derivatives made in Iraq, was manufactured at the Al-Qadissiya Establishments using machineries sold to Iraq, with the power at the time still firmly in the hands of Saddam Hussein
, by Zastava
of Yugoslavia
.
of Yugoslavia originally developed this rifle from its experience in making its M70 rifles (a variant of the AKM with some minor differences from the original), particularly the M76. All of the rifles in the M70 series share what is traditionally considered an RPK style receiver, that is the receiver is made with a thicker gauge of sheet metal formed over a larger and heavier trunnion
. While this does add to weight, it has a positive effect on durability which is why the modification came about (for the Russian RPK). The Yugoslavian RPK or M72, is the longer barreled member of the M70 family, and is the weapons upon which the Tabuk is based.
Unlike the Russian RPK, which has a 24.5" barrel (including a flash hider), the actual barrel length of the Iraqi Tabuk rifle is closer to 21.4" - slightly shorter than a Yugoslavian RPK, but much longer than a traditional AKM or the M70 (16.25"). The Tabuk, like the RPK, has a provision for muzzle attachments in the typical Russian thread pattern of 14x1mm left hand thread, which means that it can accept several variations of Soviet flash hiders and muzzle brakes, as well as Soviet designed sound suppression devices.
A more visible difference is the much lighter barrel fitted to the Tabuk. The RPK's barrel is finned at the rear near the hand guards and far heavier than that of the Tabuk (or that of a standard AKM). The weight (thickness) of the RPK's barrel exists to facilitate heat distribution via mass and cooling via surface area. Since the option to fire full auto has been omitted (and it is not typical of eastern bloc long range precision rifles to use heavy barrels for accuracy) the Tabuk, like the SVD and the PSL, has a relatively light barrel.
The Tabuk differs from the M72 in some other ways. It has provision for mounting optics, though this is not an unusual accessory on eastern bloc weapons, and it has a skeletonized buttstock with a cheek piece. A third difference, and perhaps the most important (though not definitive) visual cue when identifying the Tabuk, is the conspicuous lack of a bipod
. The M72's bipod, which is not detachable from the M72 (though sometimes removed by undisciplined troops), is quite obvious from afar when attached. It was likely removed from the Tabuk design to enhance mechanical accuracy and reduce weight, though had it been retained it might have added useful stability (practical accuracy) for long range work.
Since it is essentially an accurized, scoped RPK, the Tabuk is chambered for the RPK's primary caliber, 7.62x39. This is advantageous as it allows the Tabuk to use the same magazines as the AK-47, and AK-47 Magazines are well made, plentiful, and easy to replace if lost.
Because the Tabuk is chambered for the Soviet M43 or 7.62x39mm cartridge, it cannot technically function as a sniper rifle (by western standards). With a maximum effective range of only 600m (based on trajectory), the Tabuk should instead be considered a designated marksman's rifle. That said, and considering the urban terrain upon which these rifles are typically fielded, this quibble is purely semantic.
The Tabuk is, within its given range, every bit as effective as the Dragunov or PSL if used precisely. However, from the point of terminal ballistics the Soviet 7.62x39mm is too stable in tissue. At the far end of its effective range it is decidedly less lethal than its higher velocity counterparts due to the round's combination of stability and low velocity, giving it less reach than the 7.62x54R caliber SVD. It visually resembles an RPK, which may make identifying enemy snipers/designated marksmen more difficult. Likewise, its acoustic signature mimics that of an AK-47. Being chambered for a relatively low velocity intermediate round, the Tabuk has poor barrier penetration and performance against body armor compared to weapons chambered for such full-powered cartridges as 7.62x51 and 7.62x54R.
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
i modification of a Russian designated marksman's rifle, made from as a modified version of the AK-47
AK-47
The AK-47 is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62×39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikova . It is also known as a Kalashnikov, an "AK", or in Russian slang, Kalash.Design work on the AK-47 began in the last year...
assault rifle. The Tabuk Sniper Rifle, like all the AK-47
AK-47
The AK-47 is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62×39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikova . It is also known as a Kalashnikov, an "AK", or in Russian slang, Kalash.Design work on the AK-47 began in the last year...
and Dragunov SVD derivatives made in Iraq, was manufactured at the Al-Qadissiya Establishments using machineries sold to Iraq, with the power at the time still firmly in the hands of Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
, by Zastava
Zastava
Zastava can refer to:*Zastava Arms*Zastava Automobiles*Zastava Trucks...
of Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
.
Background
ZastavaZastava
Zastava can refer to:*Zastava Arms*Zastava Automobiles*Zastava Trucks...
of Yugoslavia originally developed this rifle from its experience in making its M70 rifles (a variant of the AKM with some minor differences from the original), particularly the M76. All of the rifles in the M70 series share what is traditionally considered an RPK style receiver, that is the receiver is made with a thicker gauge of sheet metal formed over a larger and heavier trunnion
Trunnion
A trunnion is a cylindrical protrusion used as a mounting and/or pivoting point. In a cannon, the trunnions are two projections cast just forward of the centre of mass of the cannon and fixed to a two-wheeled movable gun carriage...
. While this does add to weight, it has a positive effect on durability which is why the modification came about (for the Russian RPK). The Yugoslavian RPK or M72, is the longer barreled member of the M70 family, and is the weapons upon which the Tabuk is based.
Unlike the Russian RPK, which has a 24.5" barrel (including a flash hider), the actual barrel length of the Iraqi Tabuk rifle is closer to 21.4" - slightly shorter than a Yugoslavian RPK, but much longer than a traditional AKM or the M70 (16.25"). The Tabuk, like the RPK, has a provision for muzzle attachments in the typical Russian thread pattern of 14x1mm left hand thread, which means that it can accept several variations of Soviet flash hiders and muzzle brakes, as well as Soviet designed sound suppression devices.
Design Details
The differences between the Tabuk and the Yugo RPK are in fact few; The semi-auto-only mechanism of the Tabuk is not a visually obvious difference, but is perhaps the most important. This feature dictates the rifle's role as one of precision fire and not suppressive fire. It is also important as it prevents relatively untrained individuals from subjecting the barrel of a rifle intended for precision to full-auto fire, which would only act to shorten that rifle's useful life.A more visible difference is the much lighter barrel fitted to the Tabuk. The RPK's barrel is finned at the rear near the hand guards and far heavier than that of the Tabuk (or that of a standard AKM). The weight (thickness) of the RPK's barrel exists to facilitate heat distribution via mass and cooling via surface area. Since the option to fire full auto has been omitted (and it is not typical of eastern bloc long range precision rifles to use heavy barrels for accuracy) the Tabuk, like the SVD and the PSL, has a relatively light barrel.
The Tabuk differs from the M72 in some other ways. It has provision for mounting optics, though this is not an unusual accessory on eastern bloc weapons, and it has a skeletonized buttstock with a cheek piece. A third difference, and perhaps the most important (though not definitive) visual cue when identifying the Tabuk, is the conspicuous lack of a bipod
Bipod
A bipod is a support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with two legs. It provides significant stability along two axes of motion .-Firearms:...
. The M72's bipod, which is not detachable from the M72 (though sometimes removed by undisciplined troops), is quite obvious from afar when attached. It was likely removed from the Tabuk design to enhance mechanical accuracy and reduce weight, though had it been retained it might have added useful stability (practical accuracy) for long range work.
Since it is essentially an accurized, scoped RPK, the Tabuk is chambered for the RPK's primary caliber, 7.62x39. This is advantageous as it allows the Tabuk to use the same magazines as the AK-47, and AK-47 Magazines are well made, plentiful, and easy to replace if lost.
Because the Tabuk is chambered for the Soviet M43 or 7.62x39mm cartridge, it cannot technically function as a sniper rifle (by western standards). With a maximum effective range of only 600m (based on trajectory), the Tabuk should instead be considered a designated marksman's rifle. That said, and considering the urban terrain upon which these rifles are typically fielded, this quibble is purely semantic.
The Tabuk is, within its given range, every bit as effective as the Dragunov or PSL if used precisely. However, from the point of terminal ballistics the Soviet 7.62x39mm is too stable in tissue. At the far end of its effective range it is decidedly less lethal than its higher velocity counterparts due to the round's combination of stability and low velocity, giving it less reach than the 7.62x54R caliber SVD. It visually resembles an RPK, which may make identifying enemy snipers/designated marksmen more difficult. Likewise, its acoustic signature mimics that of an AK-47. Being chambered for a relatively low velocity intermediate round, the Tabuk has poor barrier penetration and performance against body armor compared to weapons chambered for such full-powered cartridges as 7.62x51 and 7.62x54R.