By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

All photos and video clips contained in this article were shot by DefenseReview.com (DR), and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these materials. The photos and video clips were shot with a Canon PowerShot S90 10-megapixel digital camera (still camera with video capability).

June 23, 2011

DefenseReview (DR) can’t WAIT to start putting rounds downrange with this gun. We initially reported on the Micor Defense Leader 50 compact, lightweight bullpup semi-auto (semi-automatic) gas-operated .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) sniper/anti-materiel rifle in late February after photographing and handling it at SHOT Show 2011 in Las Vegas. Our assessment then was that if it works as advertised, it’s going to be one BADASS war tool, and that assessment hasn’t changed after seeing the gun again recently at the 2011 International Infantry & Joint Services Small Arms Systems Symposium, Exhibition & Firing Demonstration.

The Micor Leader 50 bullpup semi-auto .50 BMG sniper rifle represents an evolution/revolution in military-grade/application semi-auto .50 BMG rifles to make them single man-packable (man-portable) and deployable in any envioronment and terrain. The only real competition the Leader 50 appears to have is the Sero Gepard GM6 Lynx, which is also a compact and lightweight .50 BMG rifle. However, the GM6 Lynx is a long-recoil-operated weapon, so it’s intended primarily for the the anti-materiel role rather than the sniper role.

By contrast, the Micor Leader 50 is a gas-operated rifle, so it should be capable of significantly greater accuracy than the GM6 Lynx, at least in theory.

The Micor Defense Leader 50 also enjoys a 5-round capacity advantage over the Sero Gepard GM6 Lynx (10-round box magazine Leader 50 vs. 5-round mag), coupled with an approx. 8-lb (8-pound) weight advantage (approx. 17 lbs vs. 25.35 lbs/11.5 kg).

Micor Defense also displayed a very interesting aluminum-tipped precision .50BMG round (see accompanying photos) made by the illustrious masters of lethal mayhem at PNW Arms Weapons Science that’s designed to allow you to dial the Leader 50 right into station WKILL on the terminally ballistic radio dial out to 1500-2000 yards, and perhaps even beyond. There’s nothing quite like making bad guys explode at 1500+ yards in terms of psychological impact on the enemy, especially since said enemy will actually see their fellow combatants’ bodies deflagrate before hearing the respective gunshots. A good .50 BMG sniper rifle/scope/ammo combo combines maximum physical effect on target with a corresponding maximum psychological effect on the enemy as a whole. It’s a tough weapon system to beat in that regard. It’s also a morale booster for the sniper, and force multiplier for the good guys.

Defense Review is hoping to be able to T&E the Leader 50 on the range within the next 6 months to confirm the weapon’s viability for ultra-long-range sniping applications. Until then, we’ll say this: If the Leader proves reliable, accurate and durable under adverse conditions and high round count, and the trigger’s good, the MICOR Defense Leader 50 rifle/PNW Arms ammo combo has the potential to be a long-range lethality game-changer for 21st-Century infantry warfare, and the most important development in .50 BMG rifles since the Barrett M82A1 “Light Fifty” recoil-operated .50 BMG rifle, precursor to the Barrett M107A1 rifle, was first introduced in 1982. Time, testing, and field performance will tell.

The MICOR Defense Leader 50 rifle will be available to military, law enforcement, and civilian end-users. Introductory MSRP is estimated at approx. $6,800 USD.

Micor Defense Leader 50 Rifle Data and Specs from Data Sheet:

“Advantages:

- Maraging steel barrel extension and bolt.
- The bolt head is triangular in design with a 45° locking rotation. Together these features give the Leader 50 ™ one of the strongest actions used in small arms.
- Annular Short-stroke gas piston surrounding the barrel eliminates muzzle climb, allowing quicker sight recovery.
- It also incorporates a 3 position regulator.
- Dust cover minimizes dirt and debris entering the action.
- 10-round detachable box magazine of proprietary design.
- Chrome Vanadium MIL-SPEC barrel.
- Low recoil impulse.
- Gun Length: 39”
- Barrel Length: 24”
- Weight: 17 pounds (dry/empty)

Design Benefits:

- Lighter weight weapon, easier for users to handle.
- Can be discharged from positions other than prone.
- Shorter length optimizes rapid deployment from vehicles.
- Compact size makes it easier to store inside vehicles or vessels.
- Allows for multiple shots on rapidly moving targets.”

MICOR Defense Leader 50 Rifle Data Sheet (Click Here)

MICOR Defense Leader 50 Rifle Page (Click Here)

Check out some of Oleg Volk’s photos of the Leader 50 here.

Company Contact Info:

MICOR Defense, Inc.
P.O. Box 2175
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: 256-560-0770
Fax: 256-341-0002
Email Contact Form: https://micordefense.3dcartstores.com/crm.asp?action=contactus
Website: http://www.micordefense.com
Leader 50 Rifle Page: http://www.micordefense.com/Leader-50trade_ep_41.html

Charles St George
President
Leader Propulsion
Email: leader50bmg@gmail.com

PNW Arms LLC
1085 12th Ave NW STE D9
Issaquah, WA 98027
1.855.PNWARMS (1.855.768.2767) – Toll free
1.425.651.4100 – Direct
1.425.651.4102 – Fax
Email Sales: sales@pnwarms.com
Email Customer Service: service@pnwarms.com
Website: http://www.pnwarms.com

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