Gilboa – Debut of a new Israeli Assault Rifle

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The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7" barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5" barrel. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update
The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7" barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5" barrel. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

Silver Shadow, an Israeli weapon modification and customization expert unveiled two of its latest weapons the Gilboa 5.56mm compact assault rifle and Silenced Timna high precision sniper rifle at ISDEF 2010.

Part of the Gilboa family of assault rifles, showing the standard, piston driven model on top, the DMR in the middle and the 'Shorty' at the bottom. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

The Gilboa employs the proven lower receiver of the M-16/M4 design, coupled with a new upper receiver designed by Silver Shadow. The weapon is designed to enable operators to employ the weapon effectively at all combat ranges, from zero to 300 m. The mechanism developed by Silver Shadow uses a proprietary gas operated piston driven system, enabling cleaner and cooler running of the rifle under extreme conditions. The new weapon is configured as a flat-top platform, fitted with multiple rails for mounting optics, lasers and other accessories. Gilboa comes in various sizes and configurations, from the smallest 2.25 kg Automatic Pistol Rifle (APR), the short and standard versions, to the long-barrel 3.55 kg Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7″ barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5″ barrel. The ‘DMR’ is a heavily modified Gilboa series automatic rifle designed to provide military and law enforcement operators greater firepower at combat ranges. It is fitted with a heavy match 18″ barrel for better harmonics and has a 7:1 twist rate to permit using heavier projectiles.