DRD, makers of the “Paratus” takedown semi-automatic .308 caliber rifle have taken the concept to the next rung in the ladder, releasing the “Kivaari” takedown semi-automatic .338 Lapua Magnum rifle earlier this year. Guns.com reports that the big-bore takedowns are now shipping:

DRD Tactical, the same company that introduced the Paratus, a semi-auto takedownrifle known as “the suitcase rifle,” is pleased to announce that the Kivaari is now shipping. The Kivaari is a semi-automatic takedown rifle chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum that breaks down into a backpack-sized package.

This powerhouse of a cartridge is taking the lead in long-range shooting sports, hunting, and military and law enforcement users. The Kivaari enables users to pack in a rifle in a discreet pack or bag, and assemble it when they get into position. Takedown rifles are also handy for hunting as they can be transported without snagging on brush and branches.

The Kivaari uses DRD Tactical’s patented quick change barrel system and assembles and disassembles in seconds. The barrel and attached gas tube drop into place and the user cinches down an oversized barrel nut by hand. The handguard then clamps down over the nut and locks everything into place.

The Kivaari is equipped with a 24-inch barrel which is long enough to take advantage of the powerful magnum cartridge while still compact enough to disassemble into a pack or hard case. The clamping system lets the handguard free-float for repeatable 1-MOA accuracy, which is critical for a long-range rifle.

In a way, the Kivaari has more in common with DRD’s AR-15-pattern rifles than the flagship Paratus. It uses a standard gas system and recoil assembly and more-or-less traditional receivers and a convention, non-folding stock. The Kivaari has a non-reciprocating left-side charging handle in place of a standard AR-style charging handle.

The Kivaari has a fully-adjustable Magpul PRS stock and matching Magpul pistol grip. Thehandguard is an in-house modular design that accepts rail sections for accessories and therifle feed from 10-round box magazines. The muzzle brake is by SilencerCo for use with quick-detach suppressors.

DRD offers the Kivaari in black and flat dark earth color schemes with user’s choice in packaging, either a Tactical Taylor Trekker backpack or a custom hard case. All options are priced at $6,900 which is no small chunk of change.

Takedown rifles used to be relatively common, as sportsmen wanted to take their guns with them in their bags as they traveled. The takedown is making something of a comeback for the tactical market, and DRD has been a major player in that field since they announced the Paratus.