After many years of testing and contract issues, India has finally chosen a 5.56mm rifle from Caracal. Caracal International has won the 93,000 rifle order worth $107 million US dollars.
In previous years, India had a contract for a 7.62mm weapon system that started with three in the final running: the Sig 716, IWI and Caracal 817. With all three rifles meeting the performance requirements, it came down to a bidding war between the three. Sig came in $160 below Caracal, thus winning the contract. This was a less than profitable contract for Sig, but never-the-less they had won it.
The India 5.56mm program goes back several years with numerous trials with the highest quality rifle/names in the industry. Caracal International is based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE, with US offices in New Hampshire and Idaho, as well as, Caracal GmbH located in Suhl, Germany. Caracal contracts can be made out of any locations. Both Sig and Caracal made it down to the final two for the 5.56mm rifle. Like all contracts, once two systems meet the requirements, it all comes down to the who will out bid the other.
In previous years, India had a contract for a 7.62mm weapon system that started with three in the final running: the Sig 716, IWI and Caracal 817. With all three rifles meeting the performance requirements, it came down to a bidding war between the three. Sig came in $160 below Caracal, thus winning the contract. This was a less than profitable contract for Sig, but never-the-less they had won it.
The India 5.56mm program goes back several years with numerous trials with the highest quality rifle/names in the industry. Caracal International is based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE, with US offices in New Hampshire and Idaho, as well as, Caracal GmbH located in Suhl, Germany. Caracal contracts can be made out of any locations. Both Sig and Caracal made it down to the final two for the 5.56mm rifle. Like all contracts, once two systems meet the requirements, it all comes down to the who will out bid the other.
Small Arms Solutions has brought its viewers much information on the Caracal weapon system from both the middle east factory, as well as, the US factory. Being new in the US market, many have not taken Caracal seriously. This contract also goes to show that the quality of the Caracal equipment is truly military grade. The quality of the Caracal 816 is clearly shown from its evolution from the HK 416 series. The Caracal 816 series is a direct descendant from the HK416 and Sig 516 rifles. Engineer, Robert Hirt, worked at HK on the development of the HK416, and then went on to work for Sig Sauer. Along with Sig engineer, Chris Sirois, Robert and Chris embarked on the Sig 516, which was designed to correct some of the deficiencies, which were found in the HK416.
This would include their use of proprietary components, high cyclic rate, which causes lower life cycle; a gas vent, which showed up in low level light, and safety issues (i.e. the need for a firing pin safety). Both gentlemen are also responsible for the Sig 716, MCX and MPX series. Both men went to Caracal, UAE and were tasked with making a rifle that was superior to that of both the HK416 and Sig 516. A task accomplished by the creation of the Caracal 816 series. They made improvements that would simplify the operating system and to lesson felt recoil. They would also go on to make the Caracal 817 rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm. This rifle also competed in the first India contract, which Sig ultimately won, because of price.
This would include their use of proprietary components, high cyclic rate, which causes lower life cycle; a gas vent, which showed up in low level light, and safety issues (i.e. the need for a firing pin safety). Both gentlemen are also responsible for the Sig 716, MCX and MPX series. Both men went to Caracal, UAE and were tasked with making a rifle that was superior to that of both the HK416 and Sig 516. A task accomplished by the creation of the Caracal 816 series. They made improvements that would simplify the operating system and to lesson felt recoil. They would also go on to make the Caracal 817 rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm. This rifle also competed in the first India contract, which Sig ultimately won, because of price.
The CAR 816A2 comes with either a 11.5, 14.5 or a 16 inch barrel. Caracal offers commercial semi-auto, as well as, selective fire law enforcement and military rifles. These are short stroke external piston rifles with an adjustable gas valve. The rifle shares most components with the M4 family of rifles with a few exceptions. The rifle uses a special Tungsten powdered buffer to manage bolt carrier bounce and soften recoil. All lower receiver components are interchangeable with the M4. The upper has interchangeable bolt, charging handle and forward assist.
The CAR816A2 has completed and passed all NATO testing criteria. This includes, durability, reliability, accuracy, and all environmental testing. Few rifles have gone through this type of rigorous testing. This test separates standard commercial grade rifles to military grade rifles. I personally witnessed a devastatingly brutal sand test in the desert of the UAE and the rifle tolerated what would have stopped most rifles in the industry.
The new Caracal rifle is set to replace the 9 mm Sterling carbines, which are being gradually phased out. This new battle rifle, chambered in a heavier 7.62x51 round, will replace the indigenous INSAS assault rifles, which are being retired from service. Contract negotiations with the vendor are expected to last over three months before a deal can be signed. The rifle makers have to deliver all their weapons within a year.
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