View source for Engineering:Biathlon rifle

{{Short description|Rifle used within the sport of biathlon}}
[[File:WCAPTeelaShooting.jpg|thumb|right|Three-time Olympian Jeremy Teela practices shooting with his Anschütz Fortner rifle at a summer biathlon event in Utah, USA.]]
[[File:Tina Bachmann.JPG|thumb|right|German Tina Bachmann with her Anschütz Fortner biathlon rifle in .22 Long Rifle. Notice her support hand holding against a raiser block.]]
A '''Biathlon rifle''' is a specialized [[Engineering:Rifle|rifle]] designed for use in a biathlon event. Specialist biathlon rifles are ultra lightweight, and usually equipped with [[Engineering:Bolt action#Straight pull|straight-pull]] actions, integrated magazine carriers, and ergonomic stock designs suitable for both prone and standing positions.<ref>[http://www.accurateshooter.com/competition/anatomy-of-an-olympic-biathlon-rifle/ Anatomy of an Olympic Biathlon Rifle]</ref>

== Sanctioning bodies ==
Biathlon rifles are usually built to comply with technical regulations of a competition sanctioning body. The most well known is the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which holds competitions in winter biathlon, which is part of the Winter Olympics, as well as summer biathlon events.

Other biathlon sanctioning bodies and their competitions include:
* Finnish Hunters' Association: Moose Biathlon and Moose Shooting with Cross-Country Running.
* International Shooting Sport Federation: Target Sprint.
* International Military Sports Council (CISM): Military patrol, as well as biathlon based on IBU rules.
* International Biathlon Orienteering Federation: Orienteering shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cbo.czweb.org/zaklad.php|title=CZECH BIATHLON ORIENTEERING|work=cbo.czweb.org|access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.biathlonorienteering.se/IBOFrules2010.pdf|title=Archived copy|access-date=2019-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051833/http://www.biathlonorienteering.se/IBOFrules2010.pdf|archive-date=2017-12-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Nordic Field Biathlon and Nordic shooting with cross-country running, arranged by the National Rifle Association of Norway and the Swedish Shooting Sport Federation.

== Technical ==
[[File:Izhmash 7-4 Biathlon Rifle in Gun Case.jpg|thumb|right|Izhmash 7-4 biathlon rifle in a transport case.]]

=== Stock ===
Biathlon stocks tend to be built for performance, and often have some unique ergonomic design features compared to traditional rifle stocks. One of these features is the shape of the pistol grip, which often has a distinct thumb rest, allowing the thumb of the firing hand to rest pointing upwards. This helps isolate the movement of the trigger finger from the movement of the thumb, which are known to have a tendency to move together as a form of sympathetic reflex.<ref>[http://heim.ifi.uio.no/ronny/GamleBPK/Pistolskyting/Skyteteknikk/TrainingGuide/chapter_01 Gamle Bærum Pistolklubb - 1 Minimum Arc of Movement]</ref><ref>[http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/7-trigger-control-errors-and-how-to-fix-them/law-enforcement-defense-security MultiBrief: 7 trigger control errors and how to fix them]</ref><ref>[https://loadoutroom.com/thearmsguide/five-drills-trigger-finger-isolation-anticipating-recoil-milking-sympathetic-squeeze/ Five Drills for Trigger Finger Isolation: Anticipating Recoil, Milking and Sympathetic Squeeze - The Loadout Room]</ref> Biathlon stocks are often ergonomically shaped for both the [[Biology:Prone position|prone]] and [[Engineering:Shooting#Standing (or offhand)|standing position]], and often have a distinct raiser block for the standing position. To aid in prone shooting, a hand-stop is often attached to the stock, as well as pouches for carrying extra magazines and modules for carrying extra single rounds.

=== Carrying harness and sling ===
The [[Engineering:Sling (firearms)|shooting sling]] is usually only attached to the forearm of the rifle, and has a hook which quickly can be attached to the athlete's arm before shooting and detached before skiing.

The carrying harness is usually attached both to the forearm and butt of the stock allowing the athlete to comfortably carry the rifle on the back. The carrying harness usually does not double as a shooting support.<ref>[http://maverickbiathlon.com/Harness%20How%20To%20Guide.pdf Maverick Biathlon - Harness How To Guide]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftyyFdLjVeg YouTube - Biathlon Carrying Harness]</ref> The carrying harness is designed to let the biathlete carry the rifle with minimal hindrance, and in such a way, increase performance in the ski track.

<gallery class="center" widths="250px" heights="250px">
File:Lillehammer 2016 Biathlon mixed relay (24903587200).jpg|Prone shooting utilizing the hand stop and shooting sling. (Notice the carrying harness not being used as a shooting sling).
File:Coline Varcin at Biathlon WC 2015 Nové Město.jpg|Competitor transporting the rifle on the back using a carrying harness.
File:Jeremy Teela in biathlon - men's sprint at 2010 Winter Olympics 5.jpg|US Biathlete at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
</gallery>

=== Equipment weight limit ===
For IBU competitions, the total weight of the unloaded rifle has to be between {{convert|3.5|and|7.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The current weight limit was established around the 1986 season after Glen Eberle had showed the world a new and lighter stock design. At that time olympic biathlon rifles usually weighed well over 5&nbsp;kg, and it was a common belief that a rifle needed to be somewhat heavy in order to be stable enough to shoot accurately, particularly with the fast heart rate and shortness of breath experienced during a biathlon race. Another contribution to the relatively high weight was to make the stocks stronger, since biathlon stocks commonly were known to be at risk of breaking around the pistol grip area when the athlete fell. Eberle set out to make a stronger and lighter design, and received a research grant from the United States Olympic Committee. He consulted engineers, biomechanical experts and [[Organization:National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] scientists, and the work resulted in a design which combined wood of [[Biology:Picea sitchensis|Sitka spruce]] and carbon fiber composite materials.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Eberlestock|url=http://www.eberlestock.com:80/About%20Eberlestock.htm|publisher=Eberlestock|accessdate=3 July 2019|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123031733/http://www.eberlestock.com/About%20Eberlestock.htm|archivedate=23 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This resulted in a biathlon stock that was 1.6&nbsp;kg lighter than any on the market, a substantial weight saving on a 20&nbsp;km biathlon race. In addition to being easier to carry while skiing, Eberle also felt he had demonstrated that an athlete with a lightweight, but well balanced and ergonomically correct rifle, would shoot better than with the conventional heavy rifles. The Eberle stock quickly became popular, with most athletes competing with either the Eberle stock or similar designs. After some initial resistance, the world biathlon governing body accepted the new low weight design, and used it as a standard for the current 3.5&nbsp;kg limit.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Original Eberle Stock|url=http://eberlestock.com/original_eberle_stock.htm|publisher=Eberlestock|accessdate=3 July 2019|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216131140/http://eberlestock.com/original_eberle_stock.htm|archivedate=16 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

It is not uncommon for athletes to add extra weights to the front of the barrel (i.e. 100 grams), thereby making for more steady aiming by moving the balance point of the rifle forward.<ref>[https://www.swp.de/suedwesten/staedte/ulm/fast-alle-biathleten-in-sotschi-schiessen-mit-ulmer-waffen-von-anschuetz-17529315.html Fast alle Biathleten in Sotschi schießen mit Ulmer Waffen von Anschütz | Südwest Presse Online]</ref>

=== Action and trigger ===
Straight pull and toggle actions are popular. In IBU competitions, conventional bolt actions are still used to some extent, but usually only as an affordable alternative for beginners. IBU rules require that the trigger pull weight must be at least {{convert|500|g|lb|abbr=on}}. A [[Engineering:Safety (firearms)#Manual safety|manual safety]] is not required.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

Fullbore bolt-action rifles are typically used in moose biathlon and Nordic field biathlon competitions. Nordic field biathlon rules stipulate a minimum trigger pull of {{convert|1500|g|lb|abbr=on}} in the diopter classes, and {{convert|1000|g|lb|abbr=on}} in the scope classes.

During skiing, the bolt is normally kept closed to prevent snow from entering the action either due to precipitation or in case the athlete falls. Snow entering the action could cause issues with precision or with cycling the action, or in the worst case cause a safety issue.

=== Ammunition ===
Smallbore biathlon rifles used today are usually chambered for the .22 LR (5.6×15&nbsp;mmR) cartridge. Temperatures below {{convert|0|C|F|abbr=on}} can have a significant effect on the reliability and accuracy of most rimfire firearms and ammunition, and some manufacturers therefore certify their production rifles by recording [[Engineering:Shot grouping|group sizes]] at for example {{convert|-20|and|20|C|F|abbr=on}}. Special purpose cold weather biathlon ammunition is also available, and the ammunition lot used should ideally also be cold-tested in the particular rifle to ensure that the combination of rifle and ammunition gives a good precision.

IBU competitions, such as in biathlon at the Winter Olympics, uses the .22 LR cartridge only. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge was standardized for IBU biathlon competitions in 1978. Current rules require that the muzzle velocity must not exceed 360&nbsp;m/s, and the bullet must weigh between 2.55 and 2.75 grams.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} .22 LR is also the only approved cartridge in the Nordic field biathlon smallbore class. The .17 HMR cartridge is permitted in the moose biathlon smallbore class, and is predominant due to better ballistics at 100 meters.

In fullbore moose biathlon and Nordic field biathlon, [[Engineering:6.5×55mm Swedish|6.5×55 mm]] and .308 Winchester are the most common cartridges. Any cartridge up to [[Engineering:7.92×57mm Mauser|8×57mm]] is permitted in the scope class of Nordic field biathlon, however, the cartridge should be suitable for the targets and firing distances, which can be 1&nbsp;[[Milliradian|mrad]] (3.4 moa) sized targets anywhere from 100 to 600 meters.

=== Sights ===
The sights need to be rugged in order to keep the zero in case the competitor falls, and often have added protection to keep snow from entering the sight.

In IBU competitions, only non-magnified [[Engineering:Diopter sight|diopter rear]] and [[Engineering:Globe sight|globe front sights]] are permitted. Most classes in Nordic field biathlon are also restricted to diopter sights. An eyecup (blinder) is often used instead of eye protection, but this is an optional feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.anchoragenordicski.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CoachesEducation.pdf|title=US Biathlon Association Coaches' Education|last=Staff|website=www.anchoragenordicski.com|publisher=US Biathlon|pages=6|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref> Globe front sight inserts used in IBU competitions usually have aperture openings between 2.8 and 3.4&nbsp;mm.<ref>[http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Trening/Skyteteknikk2.pdf Shooting Technique - Presentation by Lars Håkonsen, Bø Skiskyttarlag 2006/2008]</ref> Most Russian rear sights are adjusted following the counterclockwise (CCW) convention, while German diopter sights often are adjusted clockwise (CW).<ref>[http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Diverse_dokumenter/Skiskytterskolen_revidert_2012.pdf Vital Biathlon School - Revised in 2007 by Roar Nilsen. Revised again in 2012.]</ref>

Scope sights are permitted in moose biathlon competitions, as well as in the scope class in Nordic field biathlon. In moose biathlon, the shooting is performed standing at a distance of 100 meters. Magnification of the scope sight can be chosen at the preference of the competitor. For example, scopes with variable magnification between 4-12 or 8-20 are common. Experienced competitors have a tendency to shoot with the scope set to a higher magnification than beginners. In Nordic ski field shooting, the firing distances can be the same as in Nordic field shooting, i.e. between 100 and 600 meters.

The amount of sight adjustment performed with one click varies with type of firearm. Competition air and smallbore rifles typically have finer sight adjustments. In fullbore biathlon, both optical and iron sights usually have 0.1&nbsp;mrad (0.3&nbsp;MOA) adjustments.

=== Barrel length ===
[[File:Rifles (4907363187).jpg|thumb|right|Various biathlon rifles of different lengths placed in a rifle rack.]]
In IBU, the competition rules does not specify the barrel length and total length of the firearm, and firearms designers have therefore optimized these parameters to achieve optimal and stable performance from the ammunition across different weather conditions. Barrel lengths are usually around {{convert|50|to|55|cm|in|abbr=on}}, and the overall length is usually around {{convert|1|m|in|abbr=on}}. Many .22 LR barrels used in biathlon feature a [[Engineering:Choke (firearms)|choked]] (constricted) muzzle, presumably to achieve better performance in cold weather.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Choked muzzles are also commonly seen in other high precision competition rifles, like in free rifle (ISSF 50 meter prone and three positions).

In moose biathlon, barrel length must be within the legal requirements for hunting moose. In the Nordic field biathlon diopter class, only three standard barrel lengths are approved ({{convert|67|,|70|and|74|cm|in|abbr=on}}). No barrel length restrictions apply to the scope class in Nordic field biathlon.

=== Maintenance ===
Maintenance of biathlon rifles in general follows the common principles of firearm maintenance. This includes checking that all screws are properly tightened ([[Engineering:Stock (firearms)|stock]], [[Engineering:Receiver (firearms)|action]], sights, sling, carrying harness and accessories), inspecting the stock for cracks and lubricating all gliding parts.<ref>[https://dfsgrasrot.no/aadal-skytterlag/article/puss-og-behandling-av-kal22-vaapen DFS Grasrot - Puss og behandling av .22 LR våpen (11 Sep 2018)]</ref>

After long use of .22 LR rifles, lead deposits can have a tendency to build up in the receiver, which can require more thorough cleaning once in a while to ensure continued precision and smooth operation without jams.<ref name="tssl"/> A dirty action is seldom an issue on fullbore biathlon rifles, except for some self loading designs.

Some special considerations include if the biathlon rifle has been used in cold temperatures, in which case [[Physics:Condensation|condensation]] may form on the cold surfaces of the firearm when it is taken inside. Wet weather may also cause moisture on the firearm. In such cases, it is common to dry and "[[Biology:Acclimatization|acclimatize]]" the firearm in room temperature for a short while (i.e. an hour) before applying lubricant. The bolt and any snow covers should then be left open to help remove moisture.<ref name="tssl">[https://tssl.no/info/utstyrsmoring/puss-og-stell-av-vapen/ Puss og stell av våpen | Tromsø skiskytterlag] (English: Firearm maintenance | Tromsø Biathlon Club)</ref>

During a competition, exchange of broken firearm to a spare one is only possible after inspection and with the permission of the Range Master.<ref>[https://www.t-online.de/sport/id_21511680/gewicht-nicht-mehr-als-sechs-kilo.html Biathlon - The rifle | t-online.de]</ref>

== Models ==
=== Smallbore ===
;Anschütz:
[[File:Ben Woolley.jpg|thumb|right|British biathlete Ben Woolley firing with his Anschütz Fortner biathlon rifle during a summer biathlon training in 2008 or 2009.]]
The current sport standard is the Anschütz 1827 Fortner, which is reported to be used by an estimated 97% of biathlon competitors worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.range365.com/biathlon-rifles-very-specialized-firearm |title=Biathlon Rifles: A Very Specialized Firearm |access-date=2018-02-22 |archive-date=2019-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702105626/https://www.range365.com/biathlon-rifles-very-specialized-firearm/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The design dates back to 1984, when Peter Fortner was having beers with Peter Angerer from West Germany who recently had taken the individual biathlon gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics.<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/16/meet-the-entrepreneurs-behind-obscure-olympic-gear.html Meet the entrepreneurs behind obscure Olympic gear]</ref> Angerer expressed that he wanted a rifle which could match those used by Soviet and East German competitors. Fortner took the challenge and within a few months developed and patented what was to become known as the "Fortner action", with the 1827 Fortner introduced around 1984.<ref>[https://qz.com/54254/this-german-invention-is-used-in-95-of-rifles-in-biathlons/ This German invention is used in 95% of rifles in biathlon — Quartz]</ref> The Fortner action is produced by Fortner Waffen under licence from Anschütz, and are marketed as Anschütz rifles.

The 1827F has a [[Engineering:Lock time|lock time]] around 1.7 milliseconds,<ref name="bobbitt">[https://yarchive.net/gun/rifle/lock_time.html Lock time by Bart Bobbitt]</ref> giving a total time of around 4 milliseconds from activation of trigger to the bullet exiting the barrel.<ref>[http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5%3FproduktID%3D267%26menu%3D99%26sprache%3D1%26produktShow%3Ddetail J.G. ANSCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KG - Biathlon] «With the extremely light firing pin with only 4 mm travel this rifle got an extremely short locktime of 4 ms, i. e. that the bullet left the barrel after 4 ms after the shot had been released by the trigger. It is of utmost importance for the shooter that the bullet leaves the barrel as fast as possible after shot release to reduce aiming mistakes.»</ref> The straight pull mechanism uses 6 ball bearings to lock the bolt. The action has an external safety.

The main competitor to the Anschütz 1827F today is the 7-3 and 7-4 Series toggle rifles made by the Russian company Izhmash,<ref>[https://qz.com/54254/this-german-invention-is-used-in-95-of-rifles-in-biathlons/ This German invention is used in 95% of rifles in biathlon — Quartz] «Fortner only has one Russian competitor, Izhmash»</ref> and both mechanisms require only around a 2.5 [[Kilogram-force|kilogram-force]] to cycle, and can be cycled in under 1 second. However, with the Fortner straight pull action, the shooter closes the bolt using their thumb, allowing the index finger to get on the trigger blade faster.<ref>[http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/biathlon/ Biathlon « Daily Bulletin, published 3 May 2018]</ref> Anschütz Fortner rifles come with a two-stage trigger adjustable from {{convert|90|to|650|g|lboz|abbr=on}}.<ref name="sporting">[http://www.sportingshooter.com.au/news/test-report-anschutz-1727-fortner-17-hmr-sporter Test Report: Anschutz 1727 Fortner .17 HMR Sporter - Sporting Shooter]</ref>

Other biathlon rifles formerly produced by Anschütz include the Anschütz 1427B Biathlon built on a Match 54 14XX action,<ref>Talo Dist. 1983</ref>{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} the Anschütz 1827 (not to be confused with the 1827 Fortner) built on a Match 54 18XX action<ref name="Anschütx parts list 1984"/>{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} and the Anschütz 64R Biathlon built on a Match 64 action.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

;Izhmash:
[[File:Izhmash (3366942410).jpg|thumb|right|An Izhmash smallbore biathlon rifle.]]
In 1970, Izhmash started producing the liqhtweight traditional bolt action Bi-4 rifle ({{ill|ru:БИ-4|ru|БИ-4 (винтовка)|vertical-align=sup}}) in 5.6×15&nbsp;mmR (.22&nbsp;LR), which was produced until 1978. For a while, only traditional bolt-action mechanisms were permitted, but this restriction was removed towards the end of the 1970s.{{when|date=February 2019}} In 1976, the Finns presented the first rimfire rifle with a toggle action called Finnbiathlon, allowing for faster reloading.<ref name="shooting-ua">[http://www.shooting-ua.com/arm-books/arm_book_138.htm Rifles for biathlon. What are shooting at the Olympics biathletes. Biathlon and weapons for biathlon]</ref> Izhmash soon followed and presented their version of a rimfire toggle action later in 1976, a mechanism which is still used today on Izhmash sport, hunting and tactical rifles. In 1977, when international biathlon standardized the .22 LR caliber, Izhmash released Bi-6 bolt action rimfire rifle.<ref name="rostec">[https://rostec.ru/en/news/4137/ History of the Olympic Rifle] "in 1977 [...] Izhevsk engineers quickly responded to the new rules, and within the same year released Bi-6 rifle for rimfire cartridges"</ref> When some of the restrictions on action types were lifted somewhere around 1980,<ref name="rostec"/> Izhmash took the lead by introducing the Izhmash Bi-7 side-toggle rifle in 1979. The Bi-7 had a weight of 4.0&nbsp;kg, had a 60&nbsp;cm long barrel, 111&nbsp;cm overall length and an sight radius between 81 and 83&nbsp;cm.<ref name="mgssk"/> The trigger pull weight was adjustable between 200 and 1000 grams.<ref name="mgssk"/> Soviet athletes went to the Biathlon event at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid using Bi 7-2 straight pull rifles, and won most medals. The Bi 7-2 rifle set itself apart from the previous Bi 7 toggle series with the introduction of a new barrel locking system which allowed for an increased rate of fire. Across the 1980s, the design proved very successful with Soviet athletes taking the relay gold medales in three successive Olympics.

The Bi 7-2 ({{ill|ru:BI-7-2 rifle|ru|Биатлон-7-2|vertical-align=sup}}) became the basis for the development of the next rifles in Izhmash Biathlon series, Bi 7-3 and 7–4, which was used in the 1990s by both Russian and foreign competitors, including Germans. The Soviet teams used Izhmash rifles exclusively until the early 1990s, when the difficult Russian economy had a profound effect on development and production at Izhmash.<ref name="gunsa"/> Some Russian athletes began using Austrian Anschütz rifles, and Izhmash also produced their Bi 7-4A rifles using Anschütz barrels. Updated Bi 7-4 rifles were still used at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Izhmash's production facilities have since been vastly modernized and improved, and today have inhouse production again of complete rifles. The mechanism is meant to be a simple, reliable and precise construction, and can be dry fired without risk of firing pin damage as long as magazine is not inserted. Bi 7-4 serial production rifles have been steadily refined across the years, with major upgrades in parts like the barrel, stock and sights. Some special versions have also been made.<ref name="rostec"/> Models now come with two stage triggers adjustable from 300 to 2000 grams. Some examples of top international biathletes currently competing with Izhmash rifles are Evgeniy Garanichev, Yana Romanova, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Olga Vilukhina and Olga Podchufarova. After interest from the Norwegian Biathlon Association, the Bi 7-3 Cadet rifle has been developed to suit the needs of beginner biathletes. The stock is designed for athletes of the age 9 to 15 years, with an adjustable cheek rest and length of pull.

The 7–4 series is a pure competition rifle featuring a more complicated and fully adjustable trigger which can be dry fired, while today's 7–2 series comes with a non adjustable trigger and some design simplifications compared to the 7-4 (some early 7-2 models had a two-stage fully adjustable trigger{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}). The 7–3 series is an in-between model which combines some features from the 7-2 and 7–4. Parts such as different triggers and toggle assemblies are not necessarily interchangeable across models.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} All modern Izhmash biathlon rifles feature an external safety.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

;Suhl / Krico:
A unique design is the Suhl 626 and 626-1 lever action developed in [[Place:East Germany|East Germany]] of which there only was around a couple of hundred produced, and the similar{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Krico 360SII<ref name="gundigest360s2"/> later produced in the reunited Germany of which there only was around fifty made.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} The action is unique in that it is cycled by the rotating the pistol grip approximately 15 degrees. The rifle had a 54&nbsp;cm barrel length, weighed about 4.2&nbsp;kg and had a trigger pull around 500 grams. The stock was made of walnut, and was available in a black epoxy finish.<ref name="Carpenteri">[https://books.google.com/books?id=iFuCDwAAQBAJ Gun Trader's Guide to Rifles: A Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Reference for Modern Rifles with Current Market Values, Stephen D. Carpenteri, Simon and Schuster, 1 Oct 2013, section on Krico]</ref> The rifle was reportedly discontinued because the biathlon teams considered the price to be too high.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101119085527/http://altiusguns.com/services/custom/krico.html Altius Handcrafted Firearms: Maple laminate with Krico action]</ref> One of the last times the rifle was used at an Olympic level was at the 2006 Winter Olympics by Sven Fischer where he took gold in the Men's sprint|Men's 7.5&nbsp;km Sprint

Another model produced by Krico was the 360S "straight pull" (sometimes referred to as S1 or SI),<ref name="gundigest360s"/> which was mechanically equivalent to the Suhl 628 model. The Suhl 628 model has the same action type like the Izhmas small bore biathlon rifles.

;Lakefield:
Lakefield 90B Biathlon was manufactured from 1991 to 1995 in Ontario, Canada by Lake Field Arms Ltd., which was acquired by Savage Arms, Inc. during late 1994. The rifle had an overall length of {{cvt|101|cm|in}}, a barrel length of {{cvt|53|cm|in}}, weighed {{cvt|3.75|kg|lbs}}, and was also available in a left handed version. The rifle had a one piece hardwood stock with a [[Engineering:UIT rail|UIT rail]] and came with a handstop, and came with peep sights having 1/4&nbsp;[[Minute and second of arc|moa]] (0.073&nbsp;[[Milliradian|mrad]]) click adjustments. The action had a thumb operated safety.

;ORSIS:
[[File:ARMS & Hunting 2013 exhibition (530-07).jpg|thumb|right|ORSIS Biathlon .22 LR (middle) presented at the 2013 Arms & Hunting exhibition in Moscow.]]
The ORSIS Biathlon .22 LR rifle was designed to be as close to the IBU weight limit of 3.5&nbsp;kg as possible, and to have an adjustable stock design made of aluminum alloy and laminate wood to able to suit the body of any athlete.<ref>[https://www.arms-expo.ru/news/archive/sostoyalas-prezentaciya-biatlonnoy-vintovki-orsis-rossiyskim-treneram-po-biatlonu-predstavili-novye-modeli-orsis-biathlon01-10-2013-09-44-00/ The presentation of the ORSIS biathlon rifle took place. New ORSIS BIATHLON models presented to Russian biathlon coaches - WEAPONS OF RUSSIA Information agency]</ref> Prototypes were made between 2011 and 2013, and was shown to biathlon coaches at an exhibition in December 2013.

;Other:
There are also biathlon air rifles (4.5&nbsp;mm) used for summer biathlon, target sprint and training at 10 meters.
* {{flagicon|Great Britain}} Air Arms MPR Biathlon<ref>[https://www.air-arms.co.uk/mpr-biathlon.html MPR Biathlon - Target Rifles | Air Arms]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Germany}} Anschütz 2027 Summer Biathlon
* {{flagicon|Russia}} Baikal MP 571K PCP
* {{flagicon|Germany}} Feinwerkbau P75 Biathlon<ref>[https://www.feinwerkbau.de/en/Sporting-Weapons/Air-Rifles/Model-P75-summer-biathlon Details_P75 | Feinwerkbau GmbH]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} FX Airguns Biathlon MkII<ref>[https://fxairguns.com/rifles/biathlon-ii/ FX Biathlon Air Rifle - FX Airguns]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Germany}} Haenel Biathlon B96
* {{flagicon|Russia}} Izhmash Bi 7-5<ref>[https://kalashnikov.com/product/firearms/sporting-firearms/bi-7-5.html Rifle sports pneumatic "Biathlon-7-5"]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Austria}} Steyr LGB 1 Biathlon<ref>[https://www.steyr-sport.com/en/steyr-lgb-1-biathlon STEYR SPORT | Steyr LGB 1 Biathlon]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Germany}} Walther LG400 Target Sprint<ref>[https://www.carl-walther.com/products/sporting-arms/air-rifles/2824710.html 2824710 » LG400 Target Sprint right + left]</ref>

<gallery class="center" widths="225px" heights="200px">
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1984-0203-026, Holger Wick.jpg|East German biathlete Holger Wick with his Suhl rifle.
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0123-001, Kerstin Mohring, Antje Misersky.jpg|East German biathletes Kerstin Mohring (front) and Antje Harvey (back) with their Suhl rifles.
Defense.gov photo essay 070403-D-1142M-018.jpg|A Feinwerkbau biathlon air rifle with laminated woodstock.
</gallery>

==== List of smallbore rifles ====
;Some well known smallbore (.22&nbsp;LR/5.6×15&nbsp;mmR) biathlon rifles:
<!-- If you wish to add a biathlon rifle, please respect ordering by year of introduction -->
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Name
!Years <br/>produced
!Country of origin
|-
|Anschütz 1403 Biathlon<ref name="pmulcahy"/>
||1964 -current
|{{flag|West Germany}}
|-
|Anschütz 1427B<ref>Anschutz 1975 Sport Jagwaffen Catalog</ref>
|{{flag|West Germany}} 
|-
|Anschütz 1827B<ref name="pmulcahy">[https://www.pmulcahy.com/bolt-action_sporting_rifles/german_ba_spr_a.htm German Bolt-Action Sporting Rifles A]</ref>
|1982-<ref name="Carpenteri"/>
|{{flag|West Germany}} 
|-
|Anschütz 64R Biathlon
||1964 -current
|{{flag|West Germany}}
|-
|Izhmash Bi-4
|1970-1978
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|-
|Sako P72
|1972-?
|{{flag|Finland}} 
|-
|Finnbiathlon
|1976-1984<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lynxrifles.fi/about/ |title=About - Lynx Rifles |access-date=2019-01-18 |archive-date=2021-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306110641/http://lynxrifles.fi/about/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|{{flag|Finland}} 
|-
|Izhmash Bi-6
|1977-?
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|-
|Sako P78/M78
|1978-1986?
|{{flag|Finland}} 
|-
|Izhmash Bi-7
|1978-1980<ref name="mgssk">[http://en.mgssk.ru/dlinnostvolnoe/ The BI-7 sporting rifle - Moscow Municipal Sports and Shooting Range]</ref>
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|-
|Suhl 626/629
|1980s-?
|{{flag|East Germany}} 
|-
|Izhmash 7-2{{ill|ru:Биатлон-7-2|ru|Биатлон-7-2|vertical-align=sup}}
|1980-1983 (small scale) <br/>1983-1991 (serially)
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|-
|CBC Linha Impala Model 422 Biathlon 
|1983-1993
|{{flag|Brazil}}
|-
|Anschütz 1827 Fortner
|1984<ref name="sporting"/><ref name="Anschütx parts list 1984">Anschütx parts list 1984</ref>-current
|{{flag|West Germany}}, and later in <br/>{{flag|Germany}}
|-
|Voere 1007 Biathlon
|1984-1986<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=RWSCDwAAQBAJ Shooter's Bible and Gun Trader's Guide Box Set, Jay Cassell, Robert A. Sadowski, Simon and Schuster, 18 Oct 2016]</ref>
|{{flag|Austria}}
|-
|Izhmash CM-2 <br/>(Standard or Cadet)
|?
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|-
|Izhmash 7-2-KO
|1990s?-current
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|Izhmash 7-3
|1990s?-current
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|Anschütz 1403B<ref>[http://www.usedprice.com/items/guns-and-scopes/anschutz/rifle/1403b-biathlon-307250.html 1403B Biathlon Rifle by Anschutz Valuation Report]</ref>
|{{flag|Germany}} 
|-
|Lakefield 90B Biathlon
|1991-1995
|{{flag|Canada}}
|-
|Izhmash 7-4
|1991-current<ref name="shooting-ua"/>
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|Krico 360s
|1991-?<ref name="gundigest360s">[https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/krico/7497/model-360s-biathlon-rifle/ Krico Model 360s Biathlon Rifle :: Gun Values by Gun Digest]|</ref>
|{{flag|Germany}} 
|-
|Krico 360S2
|1991-1996<ref name="gundigest360s2">[https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/krico/7498/model-360s2-biathlon-rifle/ Krico Model 360s2 Biathlon Rifle :: Gun Values by Gun Digest]</ref><ref>[http://www.catalogoarmi.it/arma/Carabina-Krico-360-S-II-Biathlon-5056 Carabina Krico modello 360 S II Biathlon (5056)]</ref>
|{{flag|Germany}}
|-
|Savage 900b Biathlon<ref>[https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/savage-arms-corporation/11904/model-900b-mdash-biathlon/ Savage Arms Corporation Model 900b—biathlon :: Gun Values by Gun Digest]</ref>
|1996-2002<ref>[https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/savage-arms-corporation/model-900-series/ Savage Arms Corporation Model 900 Series Models :: Gun Values by Gun Digest]</ref>
|{{flag|United States}} 
|-
|Marlin 2000/2000L Biathlon
|2000-2001
|{{flag|United States}} 
|-
|Izhmash 7-3 Cadet
|2000s?-current
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|Savage MKII FVT <br/>(popular for biathlon conversion)<ref>[https://www.biathlon-nsw.com/biathlon-rifles-about Biathlon NSW, Australian Biathlon's Branch - Biathlon Rifles - guide to]</ref>
|{{flag|United States}} 
|-
|ORSIS Biathlon
|2011-2013 <br/>(only prototypes)<ref>{{cite web|title=Orsis Announce Biathlon Rifle|url=http://survincity.com/2013/12/the-presentation-of-the-biathlon-rifles-orsis/|date=December 2013|accessdate=2014-12-09}}</ref>
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|Izhmash Bi 7-7
|Expected 2019<ref>[https://en.kalashnikov.media/article/sport/kalashnikov-planiruet-zapustit-seriynoe-proizvodstvo-biatlonnoy-vintovki-bi-7-7-v-2019-godu Kalashnikov plans to launch mass production of the Bi-7-7 biathlon rifle in 2019]</ref>
|{{flag|Russia}} 
|-
|}

===Fullbore===
[[File:Klas Lestander in Squaw Valley 1960.jpg|thumb|right|Klas Lestander from Sweden became the world's first Olympic champion in Biathlon at the 1960 Olympics. Biathletes at that time used high-power centerfire rifles, normally in caliber 7.62 mm.]]
[[File:Firing at targets 141205-A-ID878-285.jpg|thumb|right|Soldiers in the U.S. Army 5th Infantry Regiment during a fullbore biathlon competition in Alaska December 2014.]]

The predecessor of biathlon, military patrol, was fired with fullbore rifles, and was part of the 1924 Olympics, as well as a demonstration event in 1928, 1936 and 1948.

From the start of the modern biathlon in 1958 until 1965, international competitions were held exclusively using high power centerfire cartridges (such as the .30-06 and [[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]). Fullbore biathlon was part of the Winter Olympic Games in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976. Fullbore World Championships were held from Saalfelden 1958 to Vingrom 1977, with Lake Placid 1973 being the first time the World Championships took place outside [[Earth:Europe|Europe]].<ref>*[http://sports123.com/bia/index.html Sports 123 biathlon results]</ref> Caliber discussions was a recurring subject, and there was a long trend of different nations moving towards various 6.5&nbsp;mm or smaller calibers. In 1976 it was decided by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) that all international championships starting from 1 January 1978 would be conducted using the .22 Long Rifle (LR) smallbore caliber.<ref>Våre skiskyttere, part 4, chapter 13 "Våpentype og -kaliber", page</ref> The last major championship using fullbore rifles was the 1977 World Championship in Vingrom, {{wipe|Norway}}.<ref>FULLT HUS - eventyret norsk skiskyting, Del 1: Ut av skoge - inn i stua, side 25</ref> From 1978, .22 LR smallbore was the official caliber in international biathlon. High power centerfire cartridges are, however, still used today in Nordic field biathlon and moose biathlon competitions.

In 1960, the sole event was the men's 20&nbsp;km individual, with shooting at the four distances of 100, 150, 200 and 250 meters. From 1963, all biathletes switched to cartridges based on the 6.5&nbsp;mm projectile.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} As a result, the Soviet Union developed the Bi-6.5 rifle and the new cartridge .220 Russian(5.6×39mm) (which would later lead to development of the famous [[Engineering:5.45×39mm|5.45×39mm]] military cartridge). The newly developed 5.6×39mm cartridge was also used in 100 meter running deer competitions in specially developed sport rifles such as the MBO-1M and MBO-2 ({{ill|МБО-2|ru|vertical-align=sup}}) straight pull rifles, as well as the MBO-3 pump rifle.<ref>[https://en.kalashnikov.media/article/weapons/mbo-3-temp-neizvestnaya-sportivnaya-vintovka MBO-3 Temp: The unknown sport rifle]</ref>

In 1966, with the addition of the relay event, the target distance was reduced to 150&nbsp;m. The shooting range was reduced to 50&nbsp;m in 1978 with the standardization of the rimfire cartridge, and the self-indicating targets used today made their debut at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

While international biathlon switched to smallbore, Nordic field biathlon and moose biathlon continued to use fullbore rifles. Currently only iron sights are permitted in field biathlon, and the firearm must be on an approved list. In moose biathlon however, any scope and fullbore rifle legal for moose hunting are permitted, and the ammunition also has to satisfy the legal kinetic energy requirement for hunting moose.

;American fullbore rifles:
The [[Engineering:Winchester Model 70|Winchester Model 70]] in caliber .30-06, .308 Win and .243 Win has been used by U.S. athletes.<ref>"1960 Winter Olympics, The", David C. Antonucci, Arcadia Publishing, 2013 - 127 pages</ref>

;Austrian fullbore rifles:
Austrian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1964, 1968 and 1976 Olympics.

;British fullbore rifles:
British biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics.

;Bulgarian fullbore rifles:
Bulgarian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1976 Olympics.

;Canadian fullbore rifles:
Canadian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1968 Olympics.

During the 1950s, the Ross straight-pull rifle became well known at the biathlon and running deer competition circuits in Europe. Visiting shooters at the 1958 World Championships in Moscow had the opportunity to borrow Ross rifles converted to the [[Engineering:7.62×54mmR|7.62x54R]] Soviet cartridge. Ross rifles with slings, target sights and 3-position stocks were used with success by Soviet biathletes.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

;Czechoslovakian fullbore rifles:
Czechoslovakian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics.

;Finnish fullbore rifles:
[[File:Mosin-Nagant M1939 - Finland - AM.006968.jpg|thumb|225px|Soviet Mosin Nagant (pictured) were used as a basis for the Finnish M28-57 biathlon rifle]]

Finnish biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics, and at the 1965, 1969, 1974, 1975 and 1977 World Championships. ''Ampumahiihtokivääri'' is the Finnish word for biathlon rifle. Fullbore biathlon competitions are still held in Finland to this day in moose biathlon.

;French fullbore rifles:
French biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics. At the 1962 World Championship and 1964 Olympics, French athletes used Swedish rifles with folding stocks.<ref name="Rifleman1962"/>

;German fullbore rifles:
West and East Germany sent a joint team competing as the United Team of Germany at the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Winter Olympics. Separate teams competed in 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988.

East Germany competed as a separate team at the 1965, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1977 World Championships.

Examples of manufacturers who made German biathlon rifles were Anschütz and Walther.<ref name="deb">[https://de.deborahnormansoprano.com/sport-i-fitnes/103508-biatlonnaya-vintovka-vidy-i-osobennosti.html Biathlongewehr: Arten und Eigenschaften]</ref> In 1975, before the 1976 Winter Olympics in [[Place:Innsbruck|Innsbruck]], Austria, the West German team contacted Anschütz with the aim to develop a more competitive rifle. The .222 Rem centerfire cartridge was selected, and Anschütz fullbore biathlon rifles (1530{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}) were made based on the design of the smallbore Anschütz 54 model.<ref name="merkur">[https://www.merkur.de/lokales/regionen/zielscheiben-noch-selbst-aufgeblasen-649465.html Die Zielscheiben noch selbst aufgeblasen | Regionen] "We had to inflate the shooting targets ourselves." Article with German biathlete Claus Gehrke showing the rifle he used at the 1976 Winter Olympics</ref>

;Hungarian fullbore rifles:
Hungarian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1960 Olympics

;Italian fullbore rifles:
Italian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.

;Japanese fullbore rifles:
Japanese biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics. At the 1964 Olympics, Japanese athletes used Swedish rifles with folding stocks.<ref name="Rifleman1962"/>

;Mongolian fullbore rifles:
Mongolian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics

;Norwegian fullbore rifles:
So called HV-Mauser's were popular in Norway during the early days of modern biathlon competitions, which were captured WW2 German [[Engineering:Karabiner 98k|Mauser K98k]] rifles rechambered to .30-06 Springfield (7.62x63&nbsp;mm) by Kongsberg våpenfabrikk in the early 1950s.<ref>[http://www.kvf.no/guns-rifler.php Rifler produsert ved Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk]</ref> However, the short sight radius of the HV-Mauser made precise aiming difficult, so competitors soon rebuilt and modernized their rifles by adding a longer barrel and diopter sights, usually with globe inserts.<ref>Sne - ski - skudd: om norske skiskyttere, page 108</ref>

Contrary to other forms of shooting within DFS, biathlon competitions allowed the use of custom built rifles.<ref name="Våre skiskyttere, Utstyr, page 4">Våre skiskyttere, Utstyr, page 4</ref> Most Norwegian custom built rifles were based on either the [[Engineering:Mauser M59|Mauser M59]] or [[Engineering:Mauser M67|M67]] standard rifles otherwise used in DFS, which were modified to suit the preferences of the athlete. There was never any large scale serial production of dedicated fullbore biathlon rifles in Norway, but a common recipe for a custom build was to start with a Mauser mechanism with a 19&nbsp;mm barrel profile, and add diopter sights such as either Kongsberg Elit, Söderin or Redfield. Most preferred the 6.5×55 mm caliber, but the [[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]] caliber was also used by many.

Special biathlon stock designs mimicking those seen in free rifle at the time also started to become common. A cottage industry emerged, with for example aftermarket stocks based on balsa wood being produced. These were lightweight and ergonomically shaped, and were produced mainly for the M67, but also to some extent for the M59 and Krag-Jørgensen.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} However, custom stock designs were not permitted in Nordic Bullseye and Field shooting competitions. Some competitors solved this by having two sets of stocks for their rifle; one to be used for Bullseye and Field competitions in the summer, and a biathlon stock for the winter season.

By 1970, most Norwegian athletes preferred the 6.5×55 mm and [[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]] calibers, and top competitors had begun using dedicated shooting slings and carrying harnesses, as well as dedicated ammunition belts for easier carry and access. At the 1975 Norwegian Biathlon Championship, over half of the competitors used custom fullbore biathlon rifles built to their own specifications. Almost all custom rifles were built in the 6.5x55 mm caliber. A considerable amount of shooters also competed with stock rifles, mostly the Kongsberg M/67 F1 sharpshooter rifle, but also the Kongsberg M59 and Kongsberg M59 F1. A few athletes competed with other rifles (both stock and custom), such as the Sako L 579 biathlon.<ref>Skiskyting i Norge: belyst ved en spørreundersøkelse av deltakerne i NM-uka i skiskyting i 1975, page 102</ref> In total more than 5 or 6 different types of calibers were used at the 1975 Norwegian Championship, including .30-06 Springfield, .243 Win and others.<ref name="Våre skiskyttere, Utstyr, page 4"/><ref>page 102</ref> Towards the end of the fullbore caliber era, smaller fullbore calibers such as the .223 Remington became more widespread in use.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} For example, Sako Vixen rifles in .223 Rem were used by some Norwegian competitions, equipped with an ergonomic stock and a modern biathlon carrying harness.

Aftermarket stocks and custom fullbore biathlon rifles continued to be permitted in Nordic field biathlon competitions during a transitional period until 31 December 2010, after which only standard rifles approved for other competitions in DFS has been permitted in field biathlon competitions,<ref>[https://s3-mittlag-prod.cmd.as/production/uploads/attachment/file/18131/Regelverk_skifeltogskogslp2007.pdf Regelverk for skifelt og skogsløp 2007 - 9.50 Overgangsordning (English: 2007 Competition Rules for Nordic field biathlon - Rule 9.50: Transitional Period)]</ref> which in practice means only Sig Sauer 200 STR.

<gallery class="center" widths="225px" heights="167px">
Gevär m1939 - 8x57mmIS - AM.089193.jpg|"HV-Mauser's" (captured [[Engineering:Karabiner 98k|Karabiner 98k]]'s) were popular in Norway during the early days of modern biathlon competitions.
Kongsberg M59 rifle.jpg|A Norwegian [[Engineering:Mauser M59|Mauser M59]].
SIG Sauer 200 STR.jpg|Sig Sauer 200 STR, the current standard rifle in Nordic field biathlon.
</gallery>

;Polish fullbore rifles:
Polish biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics, and at the 1965, 1966, 1967, 1971 and 1975 World Championships.

;Romanian fullbore rifles:
Romanian biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1968, 1972 Olympics and 1976 Olympics, and at the 1965 and 1974 World Championships

;Soviet fullbore rifles:
In 1958, Soviet athletes competed in the first world championship in Austria using the standard [[Engineering:Mosin–Nagant|Mosin]] rifle, but already returned in 1959 using the specially designed Bi-59 biathlon rifle<ref name="gunsa">[http://gunsa.ru/biathlon-rifles.html The history of Russian biathlon rifles]</ref> built by Shestryakov (А. С. Шестериков) at Izhmash by modyfing the standard Mosin rifle with a new barrel, stock and diopter sight. At the 1960 Winter Olympics 20 km individual, Soviet biathlete Alexander Privalov won the bronze medal using the Bi-59 rifle. In 1961 the Soviet team received a new biathlon rifle called Bi-7,62, where 7.62 refers to the caliber used.<ref name="gunsa"/> Some of the improvements were added covers protecting the muzzle and diopter sight from snow and debris. The Bi-59 and Bi-7,62 would both continue to be used by Soviet athletes in competitions until the end of the 1970s.<ref name="gunsa"/> Bi-6,5 and BiL-6,5 ({{ill|ru:БиЛ-6,5|ru|БиЛ-6,5|vertical-align=sup}}) in rifles (the latter based on a hunting carbine) were later Soviet fullbore biathlon developments in 6.5&nbsp;mm caliber aimed at reducing recoil and weight. The Bi-5 rifle was introduced in 1971,{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}, and was used by Soviet athletes to take gold medals in 1972 and 1976.<ref>[https://kalashnikov.com/brand/izhmash/history/ AO Concern "Kalashnikov" / Brands / Izhmash / History]</ref> The Bi-5 was produced serially between 1973 and 1975, but was only used for competitions inside the Soviet Union. The rifle had its world debut at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, with the impressive results of Nikolay Kruglov taking the individual gold medal as well as the Soviet team winning the relay.<ref name="tfb"/>

;Swedish fullbore rifles:
[[File:Skidskyttegevär Mauser m1896 right left noBG.jpg|thumb|225px|Mauser m/1896 biathlon rifle chambered in 6.5×55mm]]

Various models of the Swedish Carl Gustav biathlon rifles were popular.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}} In the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, Klas Lestander from Sweden won the first olympic biathlon event using the Carl Gustaf CG-62 rifle. The rifle was available in both 7.62 NATO and 6.5×55mm, and was dubbed the "rifle with the folding butt" due to its m/45 style folding stock.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.collectorbookstore.com/Crown-Jewels-The-Mauser-in-Sweden-p/ang-2016-9780889352834-x3.htm |title=Crown Jewels: The Mauser in Sweden by Dana Jones |access-date=2019-02-02 |archive-date=2019-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202153644/https://www.collectorbookstore.com/Crown-Jewels-The-Mauser-in-Sweden-p/ang-2016-9780889352834-x3.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the 1962 World Championships, another folding stock rifle called m/Salla was used instead by both the Swedish and French teams.<ref name="Rifleman1962">American Rifleman magazine, June 1962</ref> In the Biathlon event at the 1964 Winter Olympics in [[Place:Innsbruck|Innsbruck]], Austria, the Swedish folding stock rifle would again be used by both the Swedish, French and Japanese teams. The main advantage of having a folder was easier carry, but the design soon disappeared from the competition circuit due to the development of new carrying harnesses. Biathlon in Sweden was long governed by the Swedish Multisport Association (''Svenska Mångkampsförbundet'', formerly ''Sveriges militära idrottsförbund''), as opposed to the FSR. Therefore, there were some Swedish biathlon rifles which were not approved for other types of competitions within the FSR, like for example the Carl Gustaf CG-67 (Skidskyttegevär CG-67).

;Swiss fullbore rifles:
Swiss biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1976 Olympics. The WF Bern Precision Carbine (''Präzisionskarabiner'') Model 74B was built in 1974 according to international biathlon competition rules, and chambered for the [[Engineering:7.5×55mm Swiss|7.5×55mm]] cartridge. It is based on a K31 action, with the main differences being diopter sights, a heavy barrel, anatomic stock with a rubber buttpad and an adjustable two stage trigger.<ref>[https://kesslerauktionen.ch/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/katalogch13.pdf Präzisionskarabiner, Waffenfabrik Bern Modell 74B (Biathlon), Page 32, Item 13183 | 13. Spezialwaffenauktion - Kessler Auktionen AG]</ref><ref>[https://kesslerauktionen.ch/wp-content/uploads/katalogch18.pdf Präzisionskarabiner, WF Bern Mod. 74B (Biathlon), Page 79, Item 18819 | 18. Spezialwaffenauktion - Kessler Auktionen AG]</ref>

Other special K31 variants are the Präzisionskarabiner Modell 65<ref>[https://digitaltmuseum.se/011024423914/karbin-m-1931-65-schweiz Karbin m/1931-65 Schweiz - Armémuseum / DigitaltMuseum]</ref> and 70B, which differed from more common civilian K31 versions having more modifications as permitted by UIPMB (biathlon) and UIT (free rifle) competition rules. This compared to more common civilian K31 versions used in Swiss shooting matches, which are similar to those issued by the military except for aftermarket diopter sights.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

<gallery class="center" widths="225px" heights="167px">
K31 Dioptre W+F.JPG|K31 with civilian [[Engineering:Diopter sight|diopter rear sight]].
Präzisionskarabiner modell 65 Schweiz, recht.jpg|Präzisionskarabiner Modell 65
Präzisionskarabiner modell 65 Schweiz, links.jpg|Präzisionskarabiner Modell 65
K31 Tunnel W+F.JPG|K31 with civilian [[Engineering:Globe sight|globe front sight]].
</gallery>

;Taiwanese fullbore rifles:
Taiwanese (Republic of China) biathletes competed with fullbore rifles at the 1976 Olympics.

==== List of fullbore rifles ====
;Fullbore biathlon rifles by country:
<!-- If you wish to add a biathlon rifle, please respect ordering by year of introduction -->
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Name
![[Engineering:Cartridge (firearms)|Cartridge]](s)
!Years <br/>produced
!Country of origin
!Used by
|-
|Krag-Jørgensen
|6.5×55mm
|1893–1950s
|{{flag|Norway}}
|Formerly used by Norwegian biathletes in biathlon and field biathlon, but less popular than Mauser's.
|-
|Mauser m/96
|6.5×55mm
|1895–1948
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Mosin-Nagant Vostok
|[[Engineering:7.62×54mmR|7.62×54mmR]]
|1891–1965
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|Standard rifle for Soviet biathletes in the 1960s and 70's<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Ross rifle
|.303 Brit
|1950s
|{{flag|Canada}}
|Used by Canadian biathletes in the 1950s.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
|-
|Izhmash Biathlon-59
|[[Engineering:7.62×54mmR|7.62×54mmR]]
|1959
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|Standard rifle for Soviet biathletes in the 1960s and 70's.<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/> (See ru:wiki).
|-
|[[Engineering:Mauser M59|Mauser M59]]
|6.5×55mm, <br/>[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]
|1959–1967
|{{flag|Norway}}
|Formerly used by Norwegian biathletes (both stock and custom)<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-62
|6.5×55mm
|1962
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Folding stock rifle formerly used by Swedish biathletes.<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-63 (63S, 63E)<ref>[https://www.bundukibooks.com.au/Crown-Jewels-The-Mauser-in-Sweden-Jones-p/ma20.htm Crown Jewels, The Mauser in Sweden, A Century of Accuracy and Precision by Dana Jones, Collector Grade Publications | Bunduki Books Online Bookstore]</ref>
|6.5×55mm
|1963
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes.<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/> Most Swedish shooters used CG- 63 rifles until arrival of the Scandinavian Target Rifle in 1990.
|-
|[[Engineering:Mannlicher–Schönauer|Mannlicher–Schönauer]] Biathlon Gewehr N.O.<ref name="deb"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.waffengebraucht.at/waffen/kugelrepetierer/mannlicher-schoenauer-mod-no-biathlon-308-win--135535 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208172036/https://www.waffengebraucht.at/waffen/kugelrepetierer/mannlicher-schoenauer-mod-no-biathlon-308-win--135535 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |title=Kugelrepetierer {{!}} Waffengebraucht.at - Mannlicher-Schönauer Mod. NO Biathlon, .308 Win. |date=December 8, 2019 |accessdate=December 8, 2019}}</ref>
|.308 Win, [[Engineering:6.5×54mm Mannlicher–Schönauer|6.5×54mm]]
|1952-1972
|{{flag|Austria}}
|Custom made biathlon rifles were made with straight buttstocks in two variants. A prototype folding stock was also made. Around 18 biathlon rifles were made in 1955 for the German Bundeswehr team, as well as around 20 for the Austrian Bundesheer team.
|-
|[[Engineering:Mauser M67|Mauser M67]]
|6.5×55mm, <br/>[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]
|1967–1990s
|{{flag|Norway}}
|Formerly used by Norwegian biathletes in biathlon and field biathlon (both stock and custom)
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-67<br/>(Skidskyttegevär CG-67)
|6.5×55mm
|1967
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/> Were not approved for field biathlon competitions in FSR.
|-
|Automatgevär m/42 Ljungman
|6.5×55mm
|1942–1960s
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Präzisionskarabiner 70B
|[[Engineering:7.5×55mm Swiss|7.5×55mm Swiss]]
|{{flag|Switzerland}}
|K31 based Präzisionskarabiner 70 B variant was used by Swiss athletes in fullbore biathlon competitions.<ref name="TL">[https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/karabiner-1931-and-switzerlands-classic-military-rifles/ Karabiner 1931 and Switzerland’s Classic Military Rifles]</ref><ref name="swissri">[http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/SGN/index.html Reprint of Shotgun News Article]</ref>
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-73
|6.5×55mm
|1973
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-74
|6.5×55mm
|1974
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes
|-
|Präzisionskarabiner 74B
|[[Engineering:7.5×55mm Swiss|7.5×55mm Swiss]]
|1974-?<ref>[https://www.swisswaffen.com/praezisionskarabiner-74/pk74/weecjos8raki Rifle Details Präzisionskarabiner 74]</ref>
|{{flag|Switzerland}}
|K31 based Präzisionskarabiner 74 B variant was used by Swiss athletes in fullbore biathlon competitions.<ref name="TL"/><ref name="swissri"/>
|-
|.222 Rem
|1976-1977
|{{flag|West Germany}}
|Used by West-German biathletes in 1976.<ref name="merkur"/>
|-
|Carl Gustaf CG-80
|6.5×55mm
|1980
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Sako Forester L579
|6×52mm<ref>[https://www.asejaera.fi/asekauppa/tuote/sako-forester-biathlon-243-win-kivaari/43052/ Sako Forester Biathlon 243 win kivääri - asejaera.fi verkkokauppa]</ref>
|1957–?
|{{flag|Finland}}
|Formerly used by Finnish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/><ref name="deb"/>
|-
|Mosin Nagant M28-57
|[[Engineering:7.62×54mmR|7.62×54mmR]]
|1957-?
|{{flag|Finland}}
|Formerly used by Finnish biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/>
|-
|Winchester Model 70
|6×52mm, <br/>[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]
|1936–1963
|{{flag|USA}}
|Formerly used by American biathletes<ref name="onlygunsandmoney">
[http://onlygunsandmoney.blogspot.com/2014/02/when-biathlon-rifles-really-could-be.html No Lawyers - Only Guns and Money: When Biathlon Rifles Really Could Be Used For "Military Patrol"]</ref>
|-
|Izhmash Bi-7,62
|[[Engineering:7.62×54mmR|7.62×54mmR]]
|1961–1970
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|Standard rifle for Soviet biathletes in the 1960s and 70's.<ref name="onlygunsandmoney"/> Commercially produced, 1700 manufactured.(ru:wiki)
|-
|Izhmash Bi-6,5
|6.5×54mmR<ref>[https://joesalter.ca/products/mosin-nagant-vostock-biathlon-rifle-C295 Mosin Nagant Vostock Biathlon Rifle]</ref>
|1964-1970
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|Later fullbore biathlon developments aimed at reducing recoil and weight, following rule changes in 1963.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Commercial variants [[Finance:Foreign trade of the Soviet Union|made for export]] were marked as "Vostok". 
|-
|Sako Vixen L461
|.223 Rem
|1970s
|{{flag|Finland}}
|Formerly used by Finnish and Norwegian biathletes.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
|-
|Izhmash Bi-5
|5.6×39mm
|1973–1975<ref name="tfb">[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/01/10/5-45x39-small-but-perfect-a-history-of-development/ 5.45x39: Small But Perfect, A History of Development (Part 1) -The Firearm Blog]</ref>
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|Later fullbore biathlon developments aimed at reducing recoil and weight
|-
|Lakelander
|.308 Win
|
|{{flag|Finland}}
|A moose biathlon variant of the Lakelander was produced for moose biathlon competitions<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120623074050/https://www.jaktojagare.se/se/article_print.php?id=375440 Jakt & Jägare - Den tragiska Varbergersagan] "Gjord för älgskidskytte" [..] "Denna har enligt broschyren tung profilerad specialpipa, anatomiskt formad stock i plast och undertill en aluminiumskena för snabbkoppling av skjutrem. Vikt: 3,8 kilo. Bössan är avsedd för den udda sporten älgskidskytte, som utvecklades i Finland på 1970-talet.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lynxrifles.fi/about/ |title=About {{!}} Lynx Rifles |access-date=2019-01-18 |archive-date=2021-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306110641/http://lynxrifles.fi/about/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|FSR-89
|6.5×55mm
|1989
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|Formerly used by Swedish biathletes, although to a small degree due to the foreseen arrival of the Scandinavian Target Rifle in 1990. Ultrashort cocking piece.
|-
|Sig Sauer 200 STR
|6.5×55mm
|1990–current
|{{flag|Germany}}
|Current standard rifle in field biathlon and Nordic shooting with cross-country running.
|-
|[[Engineering:SIG Sauer 205|Sig Sauer 205 Biathlon]]
|[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]
|1994–2007
|{{flag|Germany}}
|Model developed for moose biathlon competitions in Finland.
|-
|[[Engineering:Tikka T3|Tikka T3]] Sporter
|[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 NATO]]
|2011-current<ref>[http://sporting-rifle.com/reviews/tikka-t3-review-2/ Tikka T3 Review | Sporting Rifle magazine]</ref>
|{{flag|Finland}}
|Used in moose biathlon competitions in Finland.
|-
|}

== See also ==
* Biathlon at the Winter Olympics
* Lynx 94, a modern biathlon style fullbore rifle
* [[Engineering:List of straight pull rifles|List of straight pull rifles]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://bora.uib.no/bitstream/handle/1956/19948/Idrettsmann-og-skytter---En-historisk-unders-kelse-av-skiskytingens-utvikling-og-organisering-i-Norge-f-r-1930.pdf Athlete and shooter - A historical study of the development and organization of biathlon in Norway before 1930 (Original title: Idrettsmann og skytter - En historisk undersøkelse av skiskytingens utvikling og organisering i Norge før 1930), University of Bergen, 2019]
* Biathlon (1979) by Arthur E. Stegen, published by National Rifle Association of America
* [https://www.range365.com/biathlon-rifles-very-specialized-firearm Biathlon Rifles: A Very Specialized Firearm | Range365] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702105626/https://www.range365.com/biathlon-rifles-very-specialized-firearm/ |date=2019-07-02 }}
* [https://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=152&sprache=1 J.G. ANSCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KG - The History of Biathlon Rifles]
* [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10156024237820336 Footage from the 1963 World Cup in Seefeld, Tirol, featuring shooting with fullbore rifles]

[[Category:Rifles]]

{{Sourceattribution|Biathlon rifle}}