Defense Minister Ehud Barak with a sniper holding a Barak rifle

The IDF is currently experiencing a shortage of sniper rifle rounds after ammunition purchased in large quantities was found to be inaccurate at ranges exceeding 600 meters.

Knowledgeable sources say that the ammunition purchased for the rifle, dubbed “Barak” (also known as HTR- 2000 or 338), is unsuitable for use at ranges for which it was originally designated. Instead of firing at ranges of up to 1,200 m, it can only be used for up to half that distance. Beyond this range – firing becomes inaccurate.

The Barak (formerly Ohad) is a 0.338” caliber sniper rifle manufactured by the US-based company H-S Precision. The operational range of the rifle is 1,200 m and its maximum effective range is 1,500 m. The IDF purchased the rifle about three years ago to replace the 0.5” caliber M82A1 Barrett as the long-range sniper rifle for the IDF. The HTR-2000 rifle, boasting a stainless steel barrel and an adjustable ergonomic stock, was originally designed for precision shooting and hunting, but the IDF converted it into a military sniper rifle.

H-S Precision specializes in the manufacture of rifle stocks, and manufactures the stocks for the Remington M24 – the standard issued sniper rifle of the IDF. When the Barak was purchased, the IDF also purchased sights, night vision devices, and a substantial inventory of ammunition.

According to informed sources, the ammunition acquired from the Norwegian company Nammo, is unsuitable. The ammunition is unstable and affected by external temperature differences, which result in a much larger fire dispersal. The IDF possesses a large quantity of this ammunition, and is apparently aware of these sensitivities and handling the issue at this time. The IDF Spokesperson’s office and the Ministry of Defense refused to comment.