PTR 91F
| PTR-91 | |
|---|---|
 PTR-91 |
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| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | PTR-91 Inc. |
| Designed | 2000 |
| Manufacturer | PTR-91 Inc. |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4.41 kg (9.7 lbs.) |
| Length | 1,026 mm (40.4 in) |
| Barrel length | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
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|
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| Cartridge | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action | roller-delayed blowback |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic only |
| Muzzle velocity | 790 m/s (2,600 ft/s) |
| Effective range | 800m |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Rear: rotary diopter Front: hooded post |
PTR-91, is a family of modern, American-manufactured civilian semi automatic rifles. The design is a variation of the Heckler and Koch G3 rifle. These rifles are produced by PTR-91 Inc. (formerly JLD Enterprises) of Farmington, Connecticut. The abbreviation PTR stands for "Precision Target Rifle".
Contents |
[edit] History
The weapon is based on the Heckler & Koch G3/HK91 (the HK91 is the semi-automatic version) design used by many militaries around the globe. The assault weapons ban of 1994 (which expired in 2004) prohibited certain cosmetic features of the HK91, meaning that it could no longer be manufactured and sold to the US civilian market in its original configuration. Furthermore, the German-made HK91 was specifically prohibited from importation under the 1989 Import Ban. Subsequently Heckler and Koch ceased manufacture of the semi-automatic HK91, and since then civilian versions of the G3 have increased in collector value. The PTR-91 was developed to fill the void, as the two rifles are almost identical.
JLD Enterprises ("JLD") began manufacturing ban compliant PTR-91 rifles in 2002, after purchasing prints and tooling from Fabrica Militar of Portugal - an HK licensed factory. The ban compliant models did not have a threaded barrel, bayonet lugs, adjustable stocks, or "high capacity" magazines. Very early models, being produced directly from the purchased prints were nearly identical to the HK91 with the exception of modifications for compliance with the assault weapons ban. After the ban's expiration in 2004, JLD began offering a wider range of PTR-91 models, many of which featured more of the original military features. JLD also began investing in research and development, and debuted many new improvements and modifications to the original HK91 design. Initially, JLD produced rifles relied heavily on imported military surplus components for G3/HK91 rifles. In fact, most parts between the HK-91 and the PTR-91 are interchangeable.
In 2005, the major assets of JLD Enterprises were purchased by the newly formed PTR-91 Inc. Mr. Jose Diaz (JLD Enterprises' founder and owner) stayed on with the new company as a major partner. With access to new capital and manufacturing capabilities from the partnership, PTR-91 Inc. made further advances in the quality and accuracy of the rifles, while expanding the number of available product lines and increasing production capability.
Today the company offers more than 25 different model variations, and has expanded into the law enforcement and military markets as well.[1] Nonetheless in late 2010, an internal conflict over the management and direction of the firm emerged. Financial difficulties ultimately resulted in Mr. Jose Diaz leaving the company, with its future unclear as of yet.
[edit] Variations
The most well known version of the PTR-91 is the PTR-91F. This rifle features an 18" heavy target barrel, fixed plastic stock, and is the most similar to the G3/HK91 rifles. PTR also produces higher end rifles versions. The PTR-MSG91 is their mid-range rifle offering, featuring an 18" fluted heavy target barrel, along with many enhancements to make it suited for sniping or precision target shooting, such as a bipod, rail system, and adjustable stock. In limited quantities, PTR has also produced its "PTR Super Sniper" featuring a 20" fully fluted free-floating barrel.
PTR also produces several models of carbines that feature a 16" heavy target barrel. These are available with standard furniture (like the PTR-91F), as well as with many different stock, rail, and fluting combinations. A popular model is the PTR-91 KPF which features an A3 type fully collapsible paratrooper stock. All PTR-91 models are chambered in 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 Winchester).
In 2010, the company released a new line of products chambered in 7.62 x 39mm known as the PTR-32 series. The PTR-32s are made exclusively with 16" barrels, and are available in the same furniture configurations as the PTR-91 carbines.[2]
[edit] Publication
PTR weapons have been featured in numerous gun magazines, such as Gun Tests, Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement, American Rifleman, On Target, Shotgun News, and Gun World, all of which praised them for having good accuracy and reliability, characteristic of the weapon it was designed after.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.ptr91.com/
- ^ www.ptr91.com
http://www.ontargetmagazine.com/i-ot-archive [April/May 2010] http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/ptr-91-incs-new-rifle/ http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/17_1/features/5213-1.html
