Gepard M3 (14.5mm)

History

To get more performance out of the Gepard line of anti-material rifles (AMRs), starting with the single-shot Chepard M1 and progressing to the semi-automatic M2, Hungarian engineers turned to a new Ultra-centric AMR - a powerful rotating 14.5x114mm Soviet heavy-duty cartridge . The result was the Cheetah M3, which became one of the most powerful heavy rifles in all of Europe, improving in range and accuracy. It proved to be a welcome addition to the Cheetah range and was adopted by several armies and special forces around the world.

The M3 is more or less a larger sized version of the semi-automatic M2 model. A hydropneumatic recoil system (similar to an artillery gun) contributes to the inherent violent recoil action that occurs when firing such a large bullet. A larger muzzle brake was also added to improve efficiency. The gun has an overall length of 74 inches and weighs nearly 44 pounds.

The semi-automatic action is retained, allowing ammunition to be fed from a detachable 5- or 10-round magazine. However, the box is located next to the pistol grip, which favors right-handed shooters.

While the original Gepard M1 could penetrate armor up to a distance of 15mm, the Gepard M3 increased this value to 25mm of armor thickness. In addition to its role in combating lightly armored and protected infantry elements, the M3 is good enough to shoot down low-flying helicopters and the like.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes