The standard assault rifle of the SA Army. Pictured here is an early model with wooden furniture and carrying handle.
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Type: |
Gas-operated assault rifle. |
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Associated project names: |
Not known. |
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Numbers: |
Not known. |
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Cost: |
Not known. |
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Manufacturer: |
Denel. |
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Calibre: |
5.56x45mm NATO. |
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Mass: |
4.3kg empty, 5.1kg with 35-round magazine. (R4) |
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Magazine capacity: |
35 rounds (standard magazine), 50 rounds (assault magazine) |
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Length: |
1.005m. |
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Barrel length: |
0.46m (R4), 0.332m (R5), 0.195m (R6). |
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Muzzle velocity: |
988m/s. |
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Rate of fire: |
650rpm. |
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Effective range: |
450m (R4), 300m (R5), 150-200m (R6). |
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Comment:
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A licensed version of the Israeli Galil, itself based on the Finish Valmet m/62, inspired by the AK47. Heavy and bulky – but reliable. Development started after the Arab-Israeli war of 1967 and production was underway by 1972. The weapon entered South African service in the early 1980s. Manufacture was underway in SA by November 1979. |
