Beretta 501 Sniper
TypeBolt-action Sniper Rifle
Place of origin Italy
Service history
Used by Italy
Production history
ManufacturerPietro Beretta S.p.A.
Produced1985 to ?
Specifications
Mass5.55kg (empty without sights or bipod)
Length1165 mm
Barrel length586 mm
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionBolt-action, modified Mauser
Rate of fireManual, single shot
Muzzle velocity845m/sec
Feed system5 round box magazine

The Beretta 501 Sniper is an Italian-made bolt-action sniper rifle. Introduced in 1985, it was intended for military and police use. The Beretta Sniper was adopted by number of European police forces and by armies in other parts of the world.[1]

Because of competition by more modern sniper rifle designs and due to the lack of interest in the M501 rifle, the product was discontinued.[citation needed] The 501 Sniper has been replaced in service by newer sniper rifle designs.

Design

The 501 is a conventional bolt-action rifle that utilizes a modified Mauser action. The 501 has a heavy, free-floating barrel fitted with a flash suppressor.[1]

The 501 fires 7.62mm NATO rounds, weighs 5.56 kg, is 1165mm in length, has a 586 mm barrel and uses a 5-round detachable box magazine.[2]

The standard stock is made of wood. Within a stock is built a tube that's attached to a receiver. It contains a harmonic balancer, a weight and springs help manage recoil. At the end of the tube can be used to mount a bipod.[1]

The sight mount is a NATO STANAG 2324 and takes any NATO-standard night-vision and optical sight.[1]

Users

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Ian V. Hogg, "Small Arms: Pistols and Rifles", revised by John Walter, page 128-129, ISBN 1-85367-563-6
  2. ^ a b Modern Firearms' Beretta 501 sniper page.
Categories