11.23.22
The Snipex Alligator (Alihator Snipex) is a massive anti-material rifle (AMR) that’s manufactured by XADO-Holding, Ltd. Having only recently entered service, the weapon’s only user is the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who’ve used it throughout the Russo-Ukrainian War. Over the course of the conflict, it’s shown itself to be a powerhouse on the battlefield, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see other countries adopt it in the coming years. The Snipex Alligator is a bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle that is immediately distinguishable by its enormous size. When fully assembled, it sits at 79 inches, with most of its length coming from the barrel. To put this into perspective, the length of the average hunting rifle barrel is 22 inches, whereas the one equipped by the Snipex Alligator is more than double that, at 47 inches. Along with its length, the Snipex Alligator is also massive in terms of weight, clocking in at a whopping 25 kg. Given this, a number of modifications were needed to ensure the rifle was operational in the field. A foldable four-position bipod and rear support are used to offset its size and provide balance. As well, a carrying handle is located at the weapon’s midpoint, allowing a single operator to transport it with (some) ease. This part can also be adjusted for balance when a silencer is attached.
As the Snipex Alligator is such a large weapon, it makes sense that its ammunition would be, as well. Featuring a traditional rifle arrangement, its chamber can hold up to five .48 or .50 caliber cartridges at one time, each weighing 2.2 ounces which, when fired, can travel up to 3,300 feet per second. According to the weapon’s manufacturer, it can penetrate up to 10 mm of steel armor from a distance of between 2,000 and 7,000 meters. The sheer size and weight of the rifle allows for a lot of the recoil to be absorbed, rather than imposed onto the soldier; the Snipex Alligator remains relatively steady after a round is fired. Additionally, it’s equipped with a recoil-isolating buttstock that, when paired with the four- or five-baffle muzzle brake and padded shoulder stock, takes away a lot of the pressure from the recoil.As aforementioned, the Snipex Alligator has seen use throughout the Russo-Ukrainian War, joining its smaller counterpart, the Snipex T-Rex. While the exact number currently in service is unknown, it’s presumed that the majority of Ukrainian Special Forces units and other frontline divisions have it in their arsenal.