Alex (sniper rifle)

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Alex
Alex sniper rifle
Type	Sniper rifle
Place of origin	Poland
Production history
Designer	Aleksander Leżucha (Science and Development Centre of Mechanical Equipment in Tarnów)
Designed	2005
Specifications
Weight	6.5 kg
Length	1038 mm
Barrel length	680 mm

Cartridge	7.62x51mm NATO
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	870 m/s
Effective range	800 m
Feed system	10-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Day or night optics

"Alex" is the new Polish bolt-action sniper rifle.

After 1999 when Poland became a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, there was a need for new firearms for the Polish Armed Forces, especially compatible with NATO standards. At the beginning of the 21st century in the Science and Development Centre of Mechanical Equipment in Tarnów engineer Aleksander Leżucha started his work on new standard sniper rifle called "Alex" (from the name of the constructor). The work on "Alex" had financial support of the Polish Science and Computerization Ministry.

In the summer of 2005 the tests of the new rifle began. "Alex" was presented during the 12th International Defense Industry Exhibition MSPO in September 2005 in Kielce. The weapon went into mass production in 2006. It has a bullpup design, allowing for a longer barrel length relative to the overall weapon length.

It shares some characteristics with French PGM Mini Hecate .338 rifles.