Type Bullpup sniper rifle Weight 4.50 kg | Place of origin Israel Length 850 mm | |
Used by Israel Defense Forces, Duvdevan Manufacturer Technical Consultants International (before Sardius) | ||
M89SR sniper rifle is a gas operated semi-automatic sniper rifle, produced by Technical Consultants International (TCI), an Israeli company based in Tel Aviv.
The M89SR was first introduced as the Sardius M36 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) in the 1980s. The rifle is based on the American M14 rifle in bullpup configuration, and uses the same 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition. It was intended to replace the M14, though Sardius were unable to secure financing. When Sardius went out of business, Technical Consulting International (TCI) obtained the licence to produce the M36. They made some adjustments, such as adding a new carbon fiber stock, and it was renamed the M89SR (Model 89 Sniper Rifle).
The rifle was used by the Israel Defense Forces, in urban warfare and on the battlefield. The rifle is much shorter than an assault rifle even with a sound suppressor attached, making it easy to conceal. It is also relatively light, and is more accurate than other sniper rifles.
Only a small number were used, in the undercover unit Sayeret Duvdevan. It was more successful abroad, and was sold to some special forces units.