Eurosatory 2018: BDT Victrix presents the Corvus heavy sniper rifle.

Stelios Kanavakis

Senior Defence Analyst

Victrix Armaments, a BDT Group company, showcases at Eurosatory 2018 the Corvus long-range sniper rifle. It is is a .50 BMG calibre. (12,7x99) weapon, that was developed to fill-in the gap in the solutions provided by the company at extra-long ranges of more than 1.500m.

 
The Corvus heavy sniper rifle currently under testing with the Carabinieri and the Italian Navy San Marco regiment. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The rifle is made of light alloy with hard anodizing. The finish is scratch resistant and anti-glare. The barrel is 27” long and ammunition is fed through a five-round magazine. The weight is 15,3 kg and with the addition of the “Omero Force” bipod, the Steiner 5025x56 optic and the optic mount, it can reach 17,5 kg.

During tests, the rifle had an accuracy of 0,5MOA at a distance of 1.094 yards!

As Army Recognition has learned that last May, a small number of rifles have been offered to the Carabinieri GIS (Special Forces unit) and the San Marco Regiment of the Italian Navy for testing, for a period of six months. 

There is no solid requirement on behalf of the Italian Armed or Security Forces but the familiarization and use of the rifle during that period will allow them to understand how it could serve their missions.

Upon the completion of this process, the units will provide the company and the MoD with their reports. Notes will be taken into consideration for any possible improvements before any official procurement takes place.