The goal of the Crazy Horse rifle project was to offer current military units a reliable and cost-effective modernization program for Squad Designated Marksmen (SDM) using existing M14 rifles in inventory. The Crazy Horse rifle was designed in conjunction with the
Picatinny Arsenal and the
Army Infantry School. The chamber is hand cut using chamber reamers specially designed for the M118LR round. Smith Enterprise Inc. is the only civilian rifle builder who uses these reamers. The gas system is unitized and hardened via
Melonite. The gas piston is hard chromed to tolerances to ensure a precision fit within the hardened gas cylinder. Unlike traditional M14 rifles, the front sight is mounted on the gas lock as opposed to the muzzle to allow use of a direct-connect
sound suppressor that mounts to the
Vortex Flash Hider.
Technical specifications •
Action: A
M14NM (National Match) action. •
Barrel: A medium heavy barrel, 22” or an optional 18” length, of chrome moly 4140 steel •
Rifling: A right-hand rate of twist of 1 in 10" with 4 lands and grooves. •
Stock: A USGI synthetic stock modified by Smith Enterprise with an attachable SEI cheekpiece. •
Optics: Leupold Mk4 Tactical × scopes. •
Muzzle device: A
SEI Direct Connect Vortex Sound Suppressor-capable Flash Suppressor •
Sound Suppressor: Wind Talker sound suppressor •
Bipod: A Smith Enterprise
bipod is often attached for stability during prone firing. •
Sling: M1907 sniper/target sling in either leather or synthetic material. •
Finish: Black phosphate. •
Trigger: Adjustable trigger from 2.5 to 5 lbs. •
Sight: SEI Gas Lock Front Sight (hooded)
Former users The Crazy Horse rifle was formerly in service with the
2nd Infantry Division of the US Army and the
101st Airborne Division as the M21A5. ==See also==