RPA Rangemaster
British bolt-action rifle series used by law enforcement worldwide.
The British company RPA International, previously RPA Precision Ltd, produces the RPA Rangemaster, a series of bolt-action rifles. Before the Rangemaster, the firm built target rifles. It moved into the tactical rifle market in 2001 with the Rangemaster 7.62, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The line grew to include the Rangemaster 338 in .338 Lapua Magnum and the Rangemaster 7.62 Standby, a subsonic short-range model in 7.62 NATO, both released in 2004. The following year, 2005, saw the introduction of the Rangemaster .50, a long-range anti-materiel rifle in 12.7×99mm NATO. The company states that Rangemaster rifles are widely used by law enforcement personnel globally and, with suitable ammunition, can consistently achieve sub-MOA accuracy (0.3 mrad).
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Manufacturer
- RPA Defence
- Weight
- w.bipod and scope (37.3 1bs)
- Length
- 1520 / 1230 mm (60" / 48")
- Part Length
- 812 mm (32")
- Cartridge
- 7.62×51mm NATO, .338 Lapua Magnum, 12.7 × 99mm NATO
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Range
- 200 m (7.62 Standby, subsonic), / [https: · weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/AA05%20-%20Rangemaster.html RPA Rangemaster
- Feed
- Detachable box magazine
- Variants
- Rangemaster 7.62mm, Rangemaster Standby 7.62mm, Rangemaster .338, Rangemaster .50, Rangemaster Ultra (.308 / 338 and .50)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Rangemaster series originated from RPA International, a British company that previously specialized in target rifles. In 2001, the company entered the tactical rifle market with the Rangemaster 7.62 rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. This was followed in 2004 by two additional versions: the Rangemaster 338 in .338 Lapua Magnum and the subsonic short range Rangemaster 7.62 Standby in 7.62 NATO. The following year, 2005, saw the release of the long range Rangemaster .50 anti-materiel rifle in 12.7 × 99mm NATO.
According to the company, Rangemaster rifles are in active use with a substantial number of law enforcement personnel across the world. With appropriate ammunition, the rifles are capable of performing constant sub-MOA accuracy (0.3 mrad). A photograph shows a Brazilian sniper firing his RPA Rangemaster 7.62 rifle during the 2011 Fuerzas Comando contest.
Reader's Guide
The RPA Rangemaster series represents a significant entry by a British target-rifle manufacturer into the tactical and law enforcement rifle market. Beginning with the Rangemaster 7.62 in 2001, the company expanded the line to cover multiple roles: the Rangemaster 338 for long-range precision, the subsonic short-range Rangemaster 7.62 Standby, and the anti-materiel Rangemaster .50. The series is notable for its adoption by law enforcement personnel worldwide, as stated by the company. The rifles' claimed capability of constant sub-MOA accuracy (0.3 mrad) with suitable ammunition underscores their precision orientation. The Rangemaster's presence in international events, such as the 2011 Fuerzas Comando contest where a Brazilian sniper was photographed using the 7.62 model, illustrates its operational use. The series is part of a broader landscape of bolt-action tactical rifles, alongside models such as the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare and the SIG Sauer SSG 3000, as well as the C12A1, a rifle based on the RPA Quadlock also produced by RPA International.
Did You Know?
- The Rangemaster series was introduced in 2001 with the Rangemaster 7.62 in 7.62×51mm NATO.
- Two additional versions, the Rangemaster 338 and Rangemaster 7.62 Standby, were introduced in 2004.
- RPA International was formerly known as RPA Precision Ltd and previously focused on target rifles.
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