Cyclone (rifle)
British bolt-action rifle series for military and law enforcement marksmen.
The Cyclone is a series of three bolt-action long-range rifles produced by the British company Steel Core Designs. The series comprises the HSR, chambered in .50 BMG (12.7×99mm); the MSR, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70mm); and the LSR, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Designed primarily for military use, Cyclone rifles have seen limited deployment by military and law enforcement units since 2017 in marksman roles, and are also sold on the civilian market.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 2017-present
- Used By
- Bangladesh Army
- Wars
- American-led intervention in Iraq (2014-present) · Syrian Civil War
- Designer
- Steel Core Designs
- Mass
- Cyclone HSR: 14.5 kg / Cyclone MSR: 7.21 kg / Cyclone LSR: 6.85 kg
- Length
- Cyclone HSR: 57 in / Cyclone MSR: Long barrel 50 in, Short barrel 43 in / Cyclone LSR: Long barrel 47 in, Short barrel 41 in
- Part Length
- Cyclone HSR: 29 in / Cyclone MSR: Long barrel 27 in, Short barrel 20 in / Cyclone LSR: Long barrel 26 in, Short barrel 20 in
- Cartridge
- Cyclone HSR: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) / Cyclone MSR: 7.62x51mm NATO / Cyclone LSR: .338 Lapua Magnum
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Range
- Cyclone HSR: 2,200 m / Cyclone MSR: Long barrel 1,800 m, short barrel 1,250 m / Cyclone LSR: Long barrel 1,000 m, short barrel 600 m
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Cyclone rifles are built with match-grade components to maximize accuracy and performance. Each rifle comes pre-fitted with a 600mm Picatinny rail, a four-lug rotating bolt, a match-grade barrel, and a muzzle brake by default, and can accommodate a bipod. The series is designed for long-range precision and anti-materiel roles.
In contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Syria, soldiers belonging to the Islamic State have used vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). Anti-materiel rifles such as the Cyclone HSR have been employed as a cheaper alternative to anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) against these threats.
The HSR variant is in use by the Bangladesh Army and by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response Brigade (ERB). The LSR variant is in use by the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob).
Reader's Guide
The Cyclone series represents a modern British approach to bolt-action long-range rifles, offering three calibers to suit different operational needs. Its design emphasizes accuracy through match-grade parts and a standardized accessory rail, making it adaptable for military and law enforcement marksmen. The HSR variant's use as an anti-materiel rifle against VBIEDs in Iraq and Syria highlights its role as a cost-effective countermeasure in asymmetric warfare. Adoption by units such as the Bangladesh Army, the Iraqi ERB, and the Indonesian Brimob indicates the series' limited but real presence in military and police forces. The Cyclone's availability on the civilian market also extends its reach beyond official users. While not as widespread as some competing designs, the Cyclone has carved a niche as a purpose-built precision rifle system from a British manufacturer.
Did You Know?
- The Cyclone series includes three variants: HSR (.50 BMG), MSR (.338 Lapua Magnum), and LSR (7.62×51mm NATO).
- Cyclone rifles come standard with a 600mm Picatinny rail and a muzzle brake.
- The HSR variant has been used as a cheaper alternative to ATGMs against VBIEDs in Iraq and Syria.
More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 4 1-24
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