| Sako M23 | |
|---|---|
| Type |
Battle rifle Designated Marksman Rifle Sniper Rifle |
| Place of origin | Finland |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | SAKO |
| Designed | 2020–2021 |
| Manufacturer | SAKO |
| Produced | 2022– |
| Variants |
7.62 KIV 23 7.62 TKIV 23 |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 406.4 mm (16 in) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Effective firing range |
600 m (656 yd) (KIV 23) 800 m (875 yd) (TKIV 23) |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable polymer box magazine |
| Sights |
Iron or optical sights Trijicon VCOG 1–6×24 (KIV 23) Steiner M7Xi 2.9–20×50 (TKIV 23) |
The Sako M23 is a Finnish battle rifle designed by Sako in cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces[1] and manufactured by Sako.[2] The Swedish Armed Forces also participated in the development program for the M23.[3]
The Finnish Defence Forces have adopted the rifle in two configurations, as the 7.62 KIV 23 (from Finnish kivääri 2023, 'rifle 2023'), designated marksman rifle variant and 7.62 TKIV 23 (from Finnish tarkkuuskivääri 2023, 'sniper rifle 2023') sniper rifle variant, which are to enter service in 2023.[2] The M23 is based on the AR-10 and AR-15 design by Eugene Stoner[2] but unlike the original designs, it features a short-stroke gas piston system.
History[]
In May 2020 the Finnish Defence Forces announced that they had signed a letter of intent with Sako for the development of a new rifle system in two configurations, one for infantry designated marksmen and one as a sniper rifle.[1] At the time, the rifle system was known as the K22[1] (from kokeilu, 'experiment'; literally 'E22').[4] The new rifle system was planned as a complete replacement for the existing Dragunov sniper rifle and as a partial replacement for the TKIV 85 sniper rifle.[1] The Inspector of the Infantry, Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi specified that the rifle system should be deliverable in 2022, be chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and be more ergonomic than the previous systems.[1] He noted, that at the time the K22 program didn't have other participating nations, but other nations could join should they have similar needs for a rifle and a similar schedule.[1]
In April 2021 the Finnish Defence Forces announced that they had signed an information exchange agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces concerning small arms.[5] The Commander of the Finnish Army, Lieutenant General Petri Hulkko said in a press conference in October 2021 that Sweden was participating in the K22 program.[3]
On 21 December 2021 the Finnish Defence Forces announced the procurement of the M23 in the planned two configurations, at an initial price of €10 million, with an option of up to €525 million.[6] The purchase includes also equipment for the rifle, spare parts, servicing equipment and training for the system by Sako.[6] At the same time, the Minister of Defence of Finland Antti Kaikkonen also authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to perform a joint acquisition with Sweden.[6] Sweden intends to replace its AK 4D rifle with the M23.[citation needed]
Design[]
The Sako M23 is based on the American AR-10 and AR-15 design by Eugene Stoner.[2]
As displayed in the announcement of the adoption of the rifle system by the Finnish Defence Forces, at least one of the FDF variants of rifle has green coating, telescopic stock, M-LOK front handguard, a Steiner Optics telescopic sight and a sound suppressor from Ase Utra.[2]
Variants[]
- K22 – prototype.[3]
- 7.62 KIV 23 – FDF designated marksman rifle variant.[2]
- 7.62 TKIV 23 – FDF sniper rifle variant.[2]
Users[]
Finland[2]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Larkovuo, Leevi (26 May 2020). "Uuden kiväärijärjestelmän kehitystyö alkaa" (in finnish). Finnish Defence Forces. https://ruotuvaki.fi/-/uuden-kivaarijarjestelman-kehitystyo-alk-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "New rifle system to supplement infantry capability". Finnish Defence Forces. 21 December 2021. https://maavoimat.fi/-/uusi-kivaarijarjestelma-taydentaa-jalkavaen-vaikuttamiskykya?languageId=en_US.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Juonala, Jouko (19 October 2021). "Puolustusvoimien perinteinen RK 62 jää kohta historiaan – korvaaja voi olla kevyempi" (in finnish). Sanoma Media Finland. https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008342187.html.
- ↑ Harju, Jukka (18 October 2021). "Suomi ja Ruotsi suunnittelevat asekauppaa: Tarkoitus on hankkia yhdessä suuri määrä uusia tarkkuuskivääreitä" (in finnish). Sanoma Media Finland. https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008329477.html.
- ↑ "Suomi ja Ruotsi allekirjoittivat käsiaseita koskevan tiedonvaihtosopimuksen" (in finnish). Finnish Defence Forces. 26 April 2021. https://puolustusvoimat.fi/-/suomi-ja-ruotsi-allekirjoittivat-kasiaseisiin-liittyvan-tiedonvaihtosopimuksen.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Puolustusvoimat hankkii uusia kiväärijärjestelmiä ja tiivistää yhteistyötä Ruotsin kanssa" (in finnish). Ministry of Defence (Finland). 21 December 2021. https://www.defmin.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet_ja_uutiset/puolustusvoimat_hankkii_uusia_kivaarijarjestelmia_ja_tiivistaa_yhteistyota_ruotsin_kanssa.12389.news#1de6ab56.
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The original article can be found at Sako M23 and the edit history here.