India UGRAM U-51 Rifle: Indian small arms maker Dvipa Defence has now moved its indigenous UGRAM U-51 rifle into real service use with the Central Armed Police Forces, after it cleared a set of trials run by the Home Ministry. The company says the rifle went through Army GSQR trials, field testing in different weather conditions, and MHA board trials before it was cleared. Dvipa Defence says the CAPFs found the gun very strong in handling, working style, and comfort in use.
The rifle was built together with the Armament Research and Development Establishment, which is a DRDO lab. Dvipa says UGRAM U-51 is its main rifle for India’s defence forces and armed police units. The company also says it completed the first five prototypes in a record 100 days, which is one of the reasons the project got attention.
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What makes this rifle different?
UGRAM U-51 is a 7.62×51 mm weapon, and it is technically a battle rifle, not just a normal assault rifle. The company says it has a 500-metre effective range, which is longer than the range often linked with an AK-47. It weighs about 4 kg and is around 95 cm long, so it is still fairly easy to carry and use.
It works with a gas-operated rotating bolt system. Dvipa says the rifle can fire at a minimum rate of 600 rounds per minute. It also has safe, single-shot, and full-auto firing modes. The rifle uses a 20-round magazine, and it comes with Picatinny rails on the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock sides. These rails make it easy to fit extra parts and tools on the gun.
Built for Modern use
The UGRAM U-51 also comes with iron open sights that work from 100 to 500 metres. Dvipa says it can carry a bayonet, sling, and foregrip too. The company says the CAPFs found it better than other rifles in handling, function, and ergonomics, which means it is easier and more comfortable to hold and use.
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Dvipa Defence Director Hitesh Manchanda told The Times of India, “We have already dispatched the rifle to NSG, ITEP and CRPF, and will be dispatching the orders to the Sashastra Seema Bal next week.” That means the rifle is already reaching some units, and more deliveries are coming soon.
