TACTICAL
Precision Pair
In its quest for new long-range rifles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation found two unique candidates.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has approved two "off the shelf" rifles for use by FBI SWAT teams. This is a departure for the Bureau as it has traditionally built its long-range tactical weapons in-house. The rifles chosen are heavy-barreled bolt-action rifles, and, at a glance, the intended purpose is obvious to anyone well versed in firearms: precise elimination of hostile targets at long range.
It's interesting in reading the parameters set forth by the Bureau that while there were some demands as to design and manufacture, the FBI also left a lot of leeway in regard to specific features. As a result, the two rifles accepted are of very similar design yet they are notably different.
The Description/Specification/Work Schedule sent to various companies interested in submitting rifles for testing demanded that the rifles be short-action bolt rifles in .308 Winchester; have a corrosion-resistant, low-glare finish; and that they be built on synthetic stocks adjustable for length of pull and height of cheekpiece. The guidelines were flexible as to barrel length as well as overall length and total rifle weight. The wording of the specifications was interesting in that the FBI repeatedly used the phrase "It is desired" when describing many specifications and made it clear that these specifications were not carved in stone. In short, the FBI was looking for a particular type of rifle but encouraged vendors to dazzle the government agency with any innovations they might have.
The FBI tests were demanding. Cocked rifles were required to repeatedly withstand drop tests from four feet on concrete without firing. The test rifles were dropped on the muzzle, the bottom of the rifle and on their butts. There was also a saltwater-immersion test and, of course, lots of rounds sent downrange to determine reliability and accuracy. The accuracy requirement was one-half MOA for five shots. When the smoke had cleared, two rifles were approved for purchase, the H-S Precision 2000 HTR and the SPR-USG from FN Herstal.
