Ukrainian sniper downs Russian drone with precision rifle
A Ukrainian sniper from the 'Materyk' battalion shot down a Russian drone in the Kharkiv region using a sniper rifle chambered in 7.62x51 mm NATO / .308 Winchester. Here's how and what he used to accomplish this.
A Ukrainian sniper from the 3rd company of the 'Materyk' battalion shot down a Russian drone in the Kharkiv region using a semi-automatic sniper rifle with a thermal scope, as reported by the portal Militarnyi.
According to the published video material, the shooter needed only a few shots to hit the Russian Mavic-type drone, which could have been used for reconnaissance or coordination of Russian forces' actions.
Zbroyar UR-10 sniper rifle vs drones
The marksman or sniper likely shot down the drone with the popular Zbroyar UR-10 rifle in Ukraine, also known as the UAR-10. It is the local version of the American Armalite AR-10, introduced into service in 2018 as a successor to the SWD rifles. The UR-10 uses 7.62x51 mm NATO /.308 Winchester ammunition and is fed from magazines with a capacity of 10, 20, or 25 rounds.
The UR-10 rifle is characterised by high precision, achieving levels of 1 MOA or better. This is largely due to its 20-inch barrel, supplied to the Ukrainians by the American company Daniel Defense. In capable hands, the UR-10 can effectively hit targets at distances of up to 1,000 metres.
Its operating principle is based on a gas system with direct gas impingement on the bolt carrier, which enhances accuracy compared to piston-driven designs. However, a side effect is the need for greater maintenance by the user to ensure reliable operation. The rifle is used by Ukrainian snipers, including the renowned "Ugoliok," confirming its effectiveness on the battlefield.
Russian soldiers also use captured UR-10 rifles, which testifies to their high quality. This weapon is valued for its reliability and precision, making it a popular choice among marksmen on the Ukrainian front.
