Steyr IWS 2000 Austrian Sniper Rifle

Steyr IWS 2000 is based on a nine-and-three-quarter inch long recoil mechanism. This mechanism, usually found in shotguns, helps manage the heavy recoil forces of the 15.2 mm Steyr APFSDS round due to its damping effect that allows for force distribution over a longer period of time. Another unusual feature of this weapon is the movement of the barrel. The IWS 2000 also uses a multi-baffle muzzle brake to distribute muzzle energy and further reduce recoil, similar to the ones used on D-30 2A18M 122 mm Towed Howitzers. The entire rifle body is made up of a combination of high-tension plastics and superlight polymers to increase manageability and cut down on weight. The trajectory is very flat and does not rise higher than 800 mm above the line of sight when fired to 1000 meters.The cartridge is of somewhat original design, and has plastic case with steel head and base. The projectile is concealed within a plastic sabot.

The Styer IWS 2000 is supported by a bipod, attached above the recoil cradle and by an adjustable firing pedestal beneath the butt. A x10 optical sight is fitted as standard. The five-round box magazine is inserted from the right side, at an angle of about 45º below the horizontal. The complete 15.2 mm APFSDS round weighs 150 g and is 207 mm long. The cartridge case (maximum diameter at the base is 26 mm) is of part-synthetic construction, conventional bottle-necked in form and carries a 20 g fin-stabilised tungsten dart projectile which has a muzzle velocity of 1,450 m/s ±10 m/s; the complete projectile assembly with its four sabot segments weighs 35 g. The projectile has a practical range of 1,000 m and a probable range of 1,500/2,000 m depending upon the type of target. At 1,000 m range the current projectile has been demonstrated to pierce 40 mm of RHA plate and the secondary fragmentation behind the plate is considerable.