A measure of intelligence is being able to make complex matters simple and easy to understand.  FK-Brno, Czech manufacturers of the 7.5mm FK Field Pistol, aim to do such a thing with their recently unveiled 6.5×55 “Blind Sniper System”.  The System itself weighs 9.5 Lbs, and consists of a rifle with a Mauser action, a conical barrel either threaded or with optional iron sights.  The barrel is said to use a “unique and proprietary multiradial twist”.  The system also comes with a first focal plane scope with ranging discs in the “proprietary” reticle calibrated to the 128-grain loads used with the system.  The discs themselves are to be used to range human targets at distances from 300 to 800 meters.  The scope is reminiscent of Shepherd Scopes, which had ranging discs to be used on the brisket of a deer.  It looks to be an interesting and accurate system.

The system’s goals, according to FK-Brno:

Long Range shooting is a very challenging activity. It requires intensive and long training and good levels of understanding in mathematical calculations, ballistics, wind reading and range estimation. This is why it’s not for everyone, and this is why good long range shooters are highly coveted sportsmen and soldiers.

Until recently, It usually took 6 months to one year to train a match shooter or a sniper. And in most cases training alone was not enough, as good shooting skills are considered a talent, which is only observed and small portion of the general population, just as with any other talent.

At FK Brno, we saw a need to develop a system that, not only made it easier for new shooters to master long range shooting but also that encourages them through achieving quick and practical field success, to continue with the sport and shooting activities in general.

This system was created by first identifying and then mitigating, the issues and barriers that mostly hindered new long-range shooters from mastering the sport/activity, which are:

• High recoil sensitivity, flinch effect and sound effect that usually accure by using high powered long range rifle.
• High understanding of ballistics.
• Correct range estimation, without a laser range finder.
• Correct mathematical calculations of Trajectory.
• Correct wind deflection projection estimation at longer ranges.
• Understanding, and using the mil dot and other very complex scope reticle systems.
• Heavy, large and often cumbersome and intimidating Higher caliber long-range systems.
• The smaller caliber systems did not have the sufficient ballistic coefficient to be accurate and precise at longer ranges. Not to mention enought Kinetic energy, and other terminal ballistics traits when used in medium to large animal hunting.

The 6,5 Rifle system, “The blind Sniper” mitigated all of the above barriers.

While I do believe the system would be a boon to someone who is looking for an easy introduction into long range shooting and/or hunting, I’m not sure the name of the system translates well to the US market.  800 meters/875 yards is a fair distance, to be sure, but still falls within the domain of a designated marksman, not necessarily a sniper.  To be fair, I do not know the expected capabilities/responsibilities of snipers in the ACR (Armáda České Republiky) or the 601st Special Forces Group.  I do believe, however, that one could take a teenager straight out of boot camp, spool them up on this system, and have a very capable shooter in a short period of time if the system performs as advertised.  It will be very interesting to see what markets this system will come to, and I’d love to get my hands on one.