Al-Qadissiya Tabuk

History of Al-Qadisiyah Tabuk

The Tabuk DMR is manufactured by the Iraqi Al-Qadisiya Agency and is classified as a "Designated Marksman Rifle" (abbreviated "DMR"). A designated marksman is a professional member of a rifle platoon armed with a long-range semi-automatic weapon that fires full-power rifle-caliber cartridges (usually 7.62 mm or larger).

As a result, DMR can deliver accurate, repeatable firepower to general class targets from a distance. This differs from a "true" sniper role in that snipers are usually specially trained to attack high-value targets, and usually operate within the framework of small teams in the field - and are usually equipped with a reliable bolt-action manual with a moderate supply of ammunition weapon.

However, the DMR fights alongside its infantry squadthe latter can be armed with a variety of short- and medium-range small-caliber weapons, including carbines, automatic service rifles, and squad support machine gunswhile the DMR acts as a fire support solution for medium- and long-range targets.

Al Qaeda agencies, located north of the capital Baghdad, began making Tabuk automatic rifles using machines purchased during Saddam Hussein's tenure from the former Yugoslavia ruled by then-President Slobodan Milosevic. Yugoslavia itself has been producing licensed production copies of the proven Soviet system since communist rule after World War II.

The country did this with the 1970 line of Zastava M70 automatic rifles based on the Soviet RPK light machine gun. As such, the Tabuk is essentially an improved and indirect form of the Soviet RPK, alongside the Yugoslav M70, and first appeared in the Iraqi Army in the 1980s, and was subsequently used in the Iran-Iraq War, the 1991 Bosgul War and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq . Unlike its Soviet contemporaries who used the 7.62x54R cartridge, the Tabuk used the 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov cartridge.

Externally, Tabuk retained most of what made the weapon a "Kalashnikov" by Western standards. In addition to the curved, removable magazine boxes, a large amount of wooden furniture is displayed. The only notable exceptions to the Tabuk design are the longer barrel locking the muzzle brake, optional optics and a cutout shoulder rest with integral cheeks. Not only does the shoulder rest provide stability while firing, but the cutout shape is designed to make the weapon lighter and adds a special carry handle.

Like previous RPKs, the Tabuk retains the stamped steel metal body and features a simple fire selector for both "safe" and "fire" modes (fire is intentionally limited to semi-automatic, as full-auto mode causes significant wear and tear resulting in a new, longer run). The barrel itself has an overall length of 23.6 inches, which benefits the Tabuk by providing a higher muzzle velocity compared to the basic AKM assault rifle, which actually results in the increased accuracy required by the DMR.

Ignition takes place via a proven gas Kalashnikov long-stroke system with a rotating bolt function. Standard sights include an RPK-style rear tangentially adjustable mount and an AK-style adjustable front post. The spent cartridges are ejected through the extraction port on the right side of the receiver. Optics are of course optional, but are almost always used on DMR reels and mounted along rails above the receiver. Range options include various eastern block types that work well with the inherent ballistics of the 7.62x39mm cartridge.

A fully loaded Tabuk (with scope installed) weighs less than 10 pounds and has an overall length of 43.7 inches. The weapon is fed by a standard 10 or 20 round detachable magazine (maintaining its true curved Kalashnikov shape).

The use of Kalashnikov-based munitions also means that the Tabuk can operate healthily with the abundant supply of AK munitions found throughout the Middle East.

In practice, there is no doubt that the Tabuk has proven to be an effective and reliable weapon thanks to its Kalashnikov origins. This rifle is very accurate and has proven itself at the moderate range required for urban combat, especially when paired with the right ammo and optics. Unsurprisingly, its reliability is comparable to earlier Kalashnikov brethren, and its ties to the AK line of weapons also mean that the Tabuk requires little training to maintain and operate. Kalashnikov weapons are world-renowned for their simplicity and reliability, as well as their availability in numbers - making them the weapons of choice for many rebel fighters around the world.

The high magazine count semi-automatic firing action provides tactical flexibility for standard infantry squads. Where the Tabuk falls short is the poor external ballistics of its 7.62x39mm cartridge, resulting in less-than-stellar penetration beyond mid-range, especially against armored targets.

Moreover, this is a solid domestic effort in the Iraqi military industry.

Specification

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Changes