| Crazy Horse rifle (M14SE) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Designated marksman rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Used by | United States Army,United States Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ron Smith |
| Designed | 2003 |
| Manufacturer | Smith Enterprise Inc. |
| Produced | 2003 - present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.27 kg (11.6 lb) |
| Length | 1,118 mm (44.0 in) |
| Barrel length | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated,rotating bolt |
| Muzzle velocity | 853 m/s (2,800 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 822 m (899 yd) |
| Feed system | 5-, 10-, or 20-round detachablebox magazine |
| Sights | Front: National Match front blade .062 or hooded Rear: Match-grade hooded aperture with one-half minute adjustments for both windage and elevation. 263⁄4 in sight radius. |
TheCrazy Horse rifle orM14SE is asemi-automaticdesignated marksman rifle based on theM14 rifle. It is chambered for the7.62×51mm NATOcartridge and is built bySmith Enterprise Inc.
The goal of the Crazy Horse rifle project was to offer current military units a reliable and cost-effective modernization program for Squad Designated Marksmen (SDM) using existing M14 rifles in inventory. The Crazy Horse rifle was designed in conjunction with thePicatinny Arsenal and theArmy Infantry School.[1] Although the rifle has many "precision" features built in to make it accurate, it is not asniper rifle and was designed as abattle rifle to fit the needs of the Army's SDM program.[2]
The Crazy Horse rifle is built by Smith Enterprise Inc. and is used by various units within the US Military as the M21A5 and the M14SE. The Crazy Horse's metal components are cryogenically treated prior to assembly, which eliminates the need for bedding the stock with fiberglass and steel inserts. Additional upgrades include a completely adjustable trigger system (from 2.5 to 5 lbs) and an extended bolt handle for use in extreme cold environments.[1]
The chamber is hand cut using chamber reamers specially designed for the M118LR round. Smith Enterprise Inc. is the only civilian rifle builder who uses these reamers. The gas system is unitized and hardened viaMelonite. The gas piston is hard chromed to tolerances to ensure a precision fit within the hardened gas cylinder. Unlike traditional M14 rifles, the front sight is mounted on the gas lock as opposed to the muzzle to allow use of a direct-connectsound suppressor that mounts to theVortex Flash Hider.[2]
The scope is mounted to the rifle using a SEIscope mount and ring package made viaelectrical discharge machining (EDM). The scopemount is attached to the rifle's stock and not welded to the receiver.[2]
The Crazy Horse rifle is currently in service with the2nd Infantry Division of the US Army and the101st Airborne Division as the M21A5.[2]