Vektor CR-21
South African bullpup assault rifle with limited production.
The Vektor CR-21 (Combat Rifle 21st Century) is a South African bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. Designed by Denel Land Systems as a possible replacement for the South African National Defence Force's Vektor R4, the rifle was manufactured in the 1990s but attracted little interest from military or police forces. Only 200 CR-21s were produced, with parts available for an additional 200 rifles.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- South Africa
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Designer
- Denel Land Systems
- Manufacturer
- Denel
- Number
- 200
- Variants
- CR-21 carbine
- Weight
- 3.72 kg
- Length
- 760 mm
- Part Length
- 460 mm
- Cartridge
- 5.56×45mm NATO
- Caliber
- 5.56mm
- Action
- Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
First unveiled in 1997, the CR-21 uses a bullpup layout that allows it to be as short as a typical carbine while retaining the muzzle velocity of longer assault rifles. The ejection port is located on the back right side and cannot be changed, restricting the rifle to right-handed use only. Internally, it employs a slightly modified version of the Kalashnikov action found in the R4 assault rifle, known for reliability and low weight. The rifle makes extensive use of high-impact polymer, with the only exposed metal part being the front of the barrel and its integral flash suppressor. The forward handgrip is designed to be easily removed and replaced with an under-barrel grenade launcher such as the M203. The standard optical sight is mounted on a rail and can be removed or replaced with other sight options.
Reader's Guide
The CR-21 was developed by Denel Land Systems in the 1990s as a potential replacement for the Vektor R4 in South African service, but it generated little interest from the South African National Defence Force, the South African police, or international buyers. Only 200 rifles were completed, with parts for another 200. Denel Land Systems later shifted focus to offering an upgraded R4 rifle to the SANDF instead. A carbine variant was said to have been developed by Vektor. The rifle saw limited use by Parachute Commandos and Special Forces Brigade in one nation, and by the Guardia Nacional Bolivariana and Comandos Rurales in another. Its legacy is that of a promising but ultimately unsuccessful design that never achieved widespread adoption.
Did You Know?
- The CR-21 stands for Combat Rifle 21st Century.
- Only 200 CR-21s were manufactured, with parts for another 200.
- The rifle uses a slightly modified Kalashnikov action from the Vektor R4.
- The standard optical sight has an illuminated reticle that does not require batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vektor CR-21?
The Vektor CR-21 is a South African bullpup assault rifle developed by Denel Land Systems during the 1990s. It was conceived as a modern successor to the Vektor R4 that had been in service with the South African National Defence Force.
What ammunition does the Vektor CR-21 use and how many rounds does it hold?
It is chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO and accepts magazines of either 20 or 35 rounds. The gas-operated, rotating-bolt action follows a Kalashnikov-style operating principle.
Why did the Vektor CR-21 never see widespread adoption?
Despite being a capable bullpup design, it failed to generate interest from either military or law-enforcement buyers in the 1990s. As a result, only around 200 rifles were actually completed, with components set aside for up to 200 more that were never assembled.
What is distinctive about the Vektor CR-21's sighting system?
Rather than relying on traditional iron sights, the CR-21 mounts a 1× magnification optical sight with an illuminated reticle. Notably, the illumination system operates without any batteries, making it a self-contained aiming solution.
How heavy is a loaded Vektor CR-21 and what barrel feature does it have?
With a magazine inserted, the rifle weighs approximately 3.72 kg (8.2 lb). Its barrel incorporates an integral flash suppressor built directly into the muzzle assembly.
More in Battle Rifles and Carbines, Part 2 1-24
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