SAKO M23

2022 MODERN

• 1 History of the SAKO M23
• 2 SAKO M23 Specification
  • 2.1 Base
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Notable features
  • 2.4 Action
  • 2.5 Cartridges and Paper Feeds
  • 2.6 PERFORMANCE
  • 2.7 VARIANTS

History of the SAKO M23

The Finnish Army has modernized its small arms combat capabilities by adopting the SAKO M23 Modular Weapon System (MWS), a joint Finnish and Swedish design. This new system replaces several Soviet-era long guns still in use and includes combat rifles, designated marksman rifles (DMRs), and specialized sniper rifles. The design work took place from 2020 to 2021, with the M23 officially entering service in 2022.

The M23 features a typical AR-style look with Picatinny rails for mounting tactical equipment, a retractable/adjustable stock, and uses the 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge. The DMR variant has an effective range of 656 yards, while the sniper rifle variant can reach up to 875 yards. Both versions support various sights, and the rifles can be equipped with a silencer for covert operations. The M23 is fed by a detachable 20-round magazine inserted in front of the pistol grip/trigger unit.

Before the M23's introduction, the Finnish Army used Soviet-era Dragunov 7.62mm semi-automatic sniper rifles and Valmet 7.62 TKIV 85 bolt-action sniper rifles, but these are gradually being replaced by the modern M23 system. The new weapon system is expected to enter full service by 2023, enhancing the army's capabilities on the battlefield.

SAKO M23 Specification

Base

Year of Service: 2022

Origins: Finland

Manufacturer: SAKO, Limited - Finland

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Accuracy/Precision

Wide range of accuracy/accuracy capabilities; suitable for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Special Forces

The qualities of this weapon have proven its worth to special forces who need a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special operations.

Notable features

Semi-automatic fire

Internal action allows triggering a single bullet per trigger, triggering a semi-automatic loading mechanism for continuous fire.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids

Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Iron Mask

Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Bipod assembly

Aiming can be aided by the use of a bipod support assembly, either as an integral part of the design or as an option.

Customizable

Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Adaptable

Design provides attachment points for external aftermarket hardware including laser sights, flashlights, scopes and grips.

Action

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO

Rounds / Feed: 20-round detachable box magazine.

PERFORMANCE

Max Eff. Range: 2,625 ft (800 m | 875 yd)

Rate-of-Fire: 20 rds/min

VARIANTS

K22 - Prototype model designation.

7.62 KIV 23 - Finnish Army designation for Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) form.

7.62 TKIV 23 - Finnish Army designation for dedicated Sniper Rifle form.