At LAAD 2025, CARACAL, a UAE-based designer and producer of high-performance firearms, showcased their line of combat pistols, submachine guns, mission-proven assault rifles, and precision sniper rifles. CARACAL is an entity of EDGE Group, a leading defence technology conglomerate, that has significantly invested in the Brazilian defence industry over the past two years. With the opening of EDGE Group’s Latin American office in Brasília in 2023 and their active participation in the regional industry, it seems that the push to establish a meaningful presence includes offering CARACAL firearms. However, the jungle is relatively uncharted territory for CARACAL. So, it begs the question: how do their firearms, and specifically sniper rifles, fare against competitors in the region?
The critical role of a marksman in jungle operations is faced with a myriad of unique challenges: dense vegetation, limited visibility, rough terrain, high humidity, rapid weather changes, wildlife hazards, logistical difficulties, and communications challenges. Above all, a marksman may need to quickly and accurately neutralise multiple threats.
Sniper rifles tailored for jungle operations require specific characteristics to perform effectively. Size and weight, durability, adaptability, and ease of maintenance are all critical considerations that can mean the difference between failure and success.
Size and weight matter
A sniper rifle tailored to the jungle should be lightweight and manoeuvrable. When deployed for long observation missions, surveying enemy movements, identifying targets, and gathering intelligence, a marksman needs equipment that will not be a burden. One of the most preferred sniper calibres is the 7.62x51mm NATO. The table below lists the sniper rifles chambered in this calibre and currently in service with the Brazilian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, which have extensive experience in jungle operations. On average, their empty weight is 5.9kg (13lb). Their average length with an extended buttstock is 1,135mm (44.7in).
| Rifle | Weight (Empty) | Length (Extended buttstock) | Barrel Length | Action |
| Heckler & Koch HK417 | 4.4kg (9.7lb) | 985mm (38.8in) | 406mm (16in) | Semi-auto |
| IMBEL AGLC | 4.7kg (10.4lb) | 1,200mm (47.2in) | 610mm (24in) | Bolt |
| KAC M110 SASS | 6.3kg (13.8lb) | 1,190mm (46.8in) | 508mm (20in) | Semi-auto |
| Parker-Hale M85 | 5.7kg (12.6lbs) | 1,150mm (45.3in) | 623mm (24.5in) | Bolt |
| PGM Ultima Ratio | 7.6kg (16.8lb) | 1,140mm (44.9in) | 600mm (23.6in) | Bolt |
| Remington M24 | 5.4kg (12lb) | 1,092mm (43in) | 610mm (24in) | Bolt |
| Remington M40 A3 | 7.5kg (16.6lb) | 1,124mm (44.3in) | 635mm (25in) | Bolt |
| Remington MSR | 5.9kg (13lb) | 1,200mm (46in) | 510mm (20in) | Bolt |
The latest sniper rifle looking to compete is CARACAL’s semi-automatic CAR 817 DMR, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It weighs 4.96kg (10.9b) without a magazine and measures at a length of 1,049mm (41.29in) with an extended buttstock.
The average barrel length of the above rifles is well above 20 inches, with effective ranges of 800 metres or above. However, a marksman’s maximum effective range in jungle operations often falls within a range of 300 to 500 metres. The shorter-barrelled sniper rifles have an advantage in this regard, delivering the same or very similar stopping power and accuracy as the rifles with heavier, longer barrels. The CAR 817 DMR offers two-barrel lengths, 406mm (16in) and 457mm (18in).
Surviving an unforgiving environment
Humidity and dirt are guaranteed in the jungle. A sniper rifle needs durability when operations demand a high number of rounds be fired between cleaning. The debate of bolt-action versus semi-automatic comes to mind. It is exemplified when noting that the overwhelming majority of sniper rifles in service with the Brazilian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are bolt-action. However, modern semi-automatic sniper rifles are remarkably reliable. The CAR 817 DMR is a shining example.
Advancements in coating technology and material quality allow modern manufacturers to produce small arms that are substantially less susceptible to rust and obstruction from dirt and rain. Firearm testing has also advanced. Environmental and climate simulation chambers have allowed firearm manufacturers like CARACAL to test their products in chambers that exceed temperatures and other environmental factors that militaries operate in. It is also worth mentioning that the CAR 817 DMR is based on the CAR 817 AR (assault rifle), and has been extensively tested and proven for reliability in the harsh desert environment.
Semi-automatic vs bolt-action
Semi-automatic sniper rifles offer significant advantages, particularly in ambush and counter-ambush, multiple-target elimination, close quarters, and infiltration and extraction support operations. Semi-automatic rifles are known for less felt recoil over bolt-action rifles, and provide greater firepower due to a higher rate of fire. Moreover, semi-automatic rifles permit better scoping as a marksman can keep an eye on targets between shots, which can be a critical advantage in an environment known for limited visibility.
For end-users seeking precision above all else, CARACAL’s family of bolt-action sniper rifles includes:
| CARACAL bolt-action sniper rifles | Calibre | Weight (Empty) | Barrel Length | Length (Extended buttstock) |
| CSR 308 | .308 Winchester | 5.1kg (11.2lb) | 610mm (24in) | 1160mm (46.7in) |
| CSR 338 | .338 Lapua Magnum | 6.5kg (14.3lb) | 685.8mm (27in) | 1,288mm (50.7in) |
| CSR 50 | 12.7×99mm NATO | 10.4kg (22.9lb) | 736.6mm (29in) | 1,515mm (59.6in) |
Adapting on the fly
Adaptability is another valuable trait. Modular sniper rifles allow for customisation based on the needs of the marksman and the operation. The CAR 817 DMR’s short-stroke gas piston system is adjustable for suppressed, normal, and heavy-use firing. The precision buttstock has an adjustable cheekpiece, length of pull, and a foldable monopod. Various aftermarket accessories can be fitted to its Picatinny rails on the 6 and 12 o’clock positions and M-LOK rails on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, which run along most of its upper receiver. Additionally, it is also compatible with standard NATO magazines.
There are certainly other considerations to take into account when selecting a sniper rifle for jungle operations, and in some cases, it may come down to personal preference. However, CARACAL’s appearance at LAAD 2025 is noteworthy. In the near future, we could see just how well CARACAL firearms fare in the jungle. Given their prestige and mission-proven status in the Middle East and North Africa, the known firearm suppliers to South America may be in for some healthy competition.
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