IWI Dan

Dan
IWI Dan at IDEX 2023
TypeSniper rifle
Place of origin Israel
Production history
DesignerNehemia Sirkis
ManufacturerIsrael Weapon Industries
Unit cost$9,000
Produced2014–present
Specifications
Mass5.9 kg (13.01 lb)
7.3 kg (16 lb) folding stock version
Length1,280 mm (50.4 in)
1,030 mm (40.6 in) stock folded
Barrel length737 mm (29.0 in)
Cartridge.338 Lapua Magnum
ActionBolt-action
Muzzle velocity881 m/s (2,890 ft/s)
Effective firing range1200 m
Feed system10-round detachable box magazine
Sightsday or night optical sights
back-up iron sights

The IWI Dan is an Israeli bolt-action sniper rifle manufactured by Israel Weapons Industries (IWI). It is named after the ancient city of Dan. The rifle is chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge.

The rifle was designed by Dr. Nehemia Sirkis with cooperation of the Israel Defense Forces special forces and is manufactured by Israel Weapons Industries and marketed worldwide.[1]

It was developed to compete with other 0.338-inch caliber sniper rifles such as the "Barak" used by the IDF, the McMillan TAC-338 (used by IDF elite units and the Navy SEALs), the British AWM, and the PGM 338.[2]

The IWI Dan was unveiled at the 2014 Eurosatory convention.[3][4]

Design and Features

The rifle is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum caliber, designed for long-range sniping beyond 800 meters. Its design emphasizes ergonomics and user comfort, with adjustable components such as the buttstock. It features Picatinny rails for mounting various optical sights and tactical accessories. The rifle can also be equipped with sound suppressors. Its chassis is relatively lightweight, enhancing usability.[4][5]

The rifle uses .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition, a high-power sniper rifle cartridge effective at ranges of 1,200 to 1,500 m (1,300 to 1,600 yd). This ammunition is designed for anti-personnel purposes and is capable of penetrating body armor (vests) with lethal precision. It is also effective against unarmored vehicles.[1]

The Manufacturer IWI guarantees sub-MOA accuracy, with estimates suggesting up to 0.3 MOA.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Tamir Eshel (Jun 11, 2014). "DAN .338, a new Israeli sniper rifle from IWI". defense-update.com.
  2. ^ "Defense website: The best sniper rifle in the world - made in Israel?". www.israelhayom.co.il. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  3. ^ "IWI Unveils DAN .338 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle". tactical-life.com. June 11, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Staff, Tactical Life (2014-06-11). "IWI Unveils DAN .338 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle". Athlon Outdoors. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  5. ^ "IWI DAN 338". Modern Firearms. 2016-05-31. Retrieved 2024-11-23.