Finnish infantry will operate a SAKO M23 AR10 sniper rifle

By Boyko Nikolov

HELSINKI, ($1=0.88 Euros) – The Ministry of Defense of Finland is preparing to buy new sniper rifles for its infantry, BulgarianMilitary.com has learned, citing an official press release from the Ministry of Defense of the Scandinavian country. According to widespread information, the new rifle system to be acquired for the infantry will increase the use of snipers and the accuracy and range of fire for infantry groups.

Finnish infantry will operate a SAKO M23 AR10 sniper rifle
Photo credit: Reddit

This is a new rifle system from the manufacturer Sako Oy, model Sako M23. The new sniper rifle will replace the existing rifles of the same purpose in the Finnish army – SVD Dragunov and TKIV85.

According to the Finnish Ministry of Defense, the Sako M23 can hit targets at a distance of up to 800 meters, thanks to a high-quality optical sight [not mentioned – ed.] and a high-performance sniper cartridge. It is known that the M23 rifle is a 7.62 NATO standard and is based on the AP10.

Finnish military experts say the M23 sniper rifle will provide additional benefits to Finnish snipers, such as increased firepower, accuracy, lightness, and ergonomics. The rifle M23 allows the integration and use of a wide range of accessories.

In addition to the Sako M23 sniper rifle, the Finnish infantry will also operate the Sako 23 rifle, which is also part of the order of the Ministry of Defense. This rifle is simpler in its equipment and is designed for use by support shooters in groups. The weapon increases the exact range of the group up to 600 meters.

“The rifle system was developed jointly with Sako and all weapons production will take place in Finland. The project will improve the national security of supply and promote the preservation of know-how and technology, as well as opportunities for the production and repair of weapons systems in Finland,” emphasizes Inspector Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi of the Finnish Army.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense says the contract is worth €10 million. According to Finnish experts, the first weapons will be delivered by the end of next year, and in 2023 the planned training of Finnish snipers will begin.

About SAKO

SAKO, Limited is a Finnish firearm and ammunition manufacturer located in Riihimäki, Tavastia Proper in southern Finland. It also has owned the Tikka brand of bolt-action rifles since 1983, and is now owned by the Italian firearm holding company Beretta Holding.

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