Brugger & Thomet APR (Advanced Precision Rifle) Sniper Rifle

The Brugger & Thomet APR is offered in military, police and supressed models.

 Updated: 5/9/2016; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

The Brugger & Thomet APR (Advanced Precision Rifle) is billed as a complete sniper systems package that includes all of the tools necessary for the modern warfighter to complete the mission at hand. The B&T APR is categorized as a conventional "anti-personnel" sniping system and is therefore not one of the ever-growing family of "anti-material" rifles appearing worldwide. The rifle hails out of the respected Brugger & Thomet firearms concern based in Switzerland. Its basic form is chambered for the .308 Winchester rifle round - as well as the military-minded 7.62x51mm NATO standard round - while a .338 Lapua Magnum version is also part of the family. Design of the rifle began in 2003 with the production form being made ready in 2005. The .338 version was added in 2008.

Externally, the Brugger & Thomet APR is of conventional design and layout utilizing decades of proven gunsmithing in its manufacturing and function. The receiver manages the critical internal functions of the weapon including the bolt-action handle (offset to the right side of the firer's body), the ejection port, the magazine feed, optics support (via Picatinny rail) and trigger system with ergonomic pistol grip. The trigger is solid while the trigger ring allows a gloved hand to be used when firing. The magazine feed - accepting detachable box magazines of approved cartridges - is held just ahead of the trigger system. There is a short, upward angled hand guard for the support hand to which an adjustable bipod is fitted at the extreme end. The heavy-duty precision removable barrel is fitted atop the forend and connected at its base to the receiver. A small muzzle brake caps the barrel's business end. The shoulder stock sports a spike monopod to allow for a three-point stance when the firer lies prone as well as a cheek rest. The buttspike is adjustable as is the shoulder stock itself for precision firing. There is a front iron sight aft of the muzzle. An optional "anti-mirage" band can be added across the running length of the barrel which is used to cover the effects of heat rising from the barrel after firing. The APR conveniently breaks down into 11 major components for repair and maintenance. This includes the barrel, scope, shoulder stock, trigger group, bolt, magazine, muzzle brake, suppressor (if equipped), anti-mirage band (if equipped) and the receiver - which itself breaks into two separate units.