The Omark Model 44 is a bolt-action single-shot target rifle made in Australia. First released in 1968 as the Sportco Model 44 produced in Sportco's Adelaide factory, production was taken over by Omark in the 1970s, then by MAB Engineering in Brisbane in 1984.[1]
| Omark Model 44 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Target Rifle |
| Place of origin | Australia |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1968 |
| Manufacturer | Sportco, Omark, MAB |
| Produced |
|
| Variants |
|
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8+ lbs |
| Barrel length |
|
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm, 5.56×45mm |
| Action | bolt |
| Feed system | single shot |
| Sights |
|
The rifle was the mainstay of Australian full bore target shooting for many years replacing the .303in. Lee–Enfield.[2] Being a purpose-built target rifle it soon showed its superiority against rebarrelled surplus rifles.[3] It was also popular in Canadian competitions. Omark Model 44 rifles have also been used as a hunting arm. In this capacity however, they must be treated with special care — like any precision rifle, the fine mechanism is vulnerable to jamming when exposed to mud or dirt.
The Omark Model 44 was tested as a sniper rifle by the Australian Defence Force but not adopted, as it is single shot only and the design could not easily be changed to a repeater.[4]
Originally just produced in 7.62×51mm it was later available in 5.56×45mm and others.[5] MAB Engineering also produced a pistol version.[6]
See also
edit- Swing rifle - an early British target rifle also designed to supersede the Lee-Enfield
References
edit- ^ Custom Barrel Profile. "TSE". Tsengineering.com.au. Archived from the original on 2012-02-13. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
- ^ "Sportco". Archived from the original on 2014-02-13. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
- ^ Guns Australia December 2007 p.49
- ^ AWM[dead link]
- ^ Total Solutions Engineering Archived July 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "MAB". Archived from the original on 2008-07-19. Retrieved 2008-06-01.
