Charlie’s brings you a near-clone solid precision rifle, modeled after the bolt action precision sniper rifle used by the elite FBI Hostage Rescue Team, based in Quantico, Virginia. The HRT team uses a number of different weapons for counterterrorism and hostage rescue situations, and the sniper rifle is one of those tools. Over the years, a number of different HRT rifles have evolved. This is the latest model used by the FBI.
This FBI HRT Rifle is designed by Potomac Armory and hand crafted by RW “Rob” Schneider, a renowned precision rifle manufacturer and gunsmith. The rifle is FBI HRT contract correct, with the substitution of a new production Remington 700 barreled action, featuring a match grade 5R rifled 20” stainless barrel, with a polished steel bolt, trued lug and Remington trigger. The stock, the Surefire muzzle device, the Badger embedded front rail and Badger trigger guard and steel magazine and Harris bipod are all FBI HRT contract correct.
The stock is HRT team specific A3-5 from McMillan Stock Company, made for Potomac Armory, under special contract arrangements. The specially made stock includes an adjustable cheek piece and six (6) quick-disconnect flush cups for sling attachments at just about any point on the stock you can imagine, as well as a bipod stud. The OD Green stock is pre-fit with precision aluminum pillars made specifically for the Remington 700 short action, and pre-fit for the Badger EFR, which is included for night vision illumination, as well as being inletted for the Badger M5 DBM trigger guard, which is installed, along with a Harris bipod.
The Remington 700 is machined from a single solid steel bar for uniformity and strength. The bolt face is recessed and locks up inside the counter-bored breach, which is surrounded by the receiver, forming three rings of steel, enclosing the .308 cartridge case head for unprecedented and proven strength. The integral extractor is sent in a groove, inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head.
The Remington factory barreled action was chosen as a great substitute for our HRT rifle, as the newer model 700 with the match grade factory installed 5R stainless barrel is a great shooter, consistently providing sub-MOA performance, and providing a price advantage over custom actions and barrels that allow Potomac and Charlie’s to offer this rifle with great performance and a solid price. The substitution of the receiver, barrel and trigger make this what we, at Charlie’s, call a “near clone.” Charlie’s often fields both clone correct and near clone rifles, where the near clone products are almost as good and as true to the design as possible, while opting for smart substitutions that save on cost, while providing a superior shooting experience, as well as a look and design very close to the actual contract rifle.
The truth is, this rifle has all the bells and whistles and will be a more accurate shooter than 90% of us. Certaintly, some shooters will benefit from a custom action and hours of gunsmith time getting just the perfect chamber and the perfect blueprinted fit of the action to the lug and the lug to the barrel. But, for most shooters, the prefit Remington factory barreled action is going to be darn close. This rifle is clearly a sub-MOA gun, and many shooters are reporting consistent 1/2 MOA shots, and this is without the benefit of the precison McMillan stock. Another manufacturer offers this rifle in contract correct with a price several thousand dollars more. We will have a similar rifle with a custom action and start with a precision barrel blank and have all the work done to it that GA Precision does, and it will be our "clone correct" model. There is a difference, but it is ever so slight. We get it. There are pragmatists and perfectionists. We love both and offer a product for each.
The rifle comes ready to shoot out of the box. The Harris 6-9 inch folding swivel bipod is installed, the barrel is threaded and a Surefire SOCOM muzzle break is installed, ready to accept a suppressor, if you choose. In addition, Rob has installed a military grade Badger Picatinny rail, making the rifle ready for you to mount a great scope. The Schmidt and Bender was the original optic, which is a great suggestion, and your Charlie’s team can suggest other great authentic alternatives like Leupold and Nightforce, and other great brands.
The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is the elite tactical unit, specializing in high-stakes situations that involve counterterrorism operations, hostage rescues, and high-risk law enforcement missions. Established in 1983, the HRT was formed to provide a full-time federal law enforcement tactical unit capable of responding to the most complex and demanding missions worldwide.
2023 saw the 30th anniversary of the HRT.
The team is composed of highly trained operators, selected from the ranks of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, as well as former special forces operators, who undergo a rigorous selection process and extensive training regimen. Training encompasses a wide range of skills, including marksmanship, negotiation tactics, close-quarters combat, and advanced medical expertise, ensuring team members are prepared for the multifaceted challenges of each mission.
Operating out of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the HRT is ready to deploy at a moment's notice. The team's notable engagements include high-profile incidents, counterterrorism operations, and protective duties during major events. Their commitment to maintaining a state of constant readiness and their capacity to operate in diverse environments underscore the HRT's role as a critical asset in national security and crisis response.
The Hostage Rescue Team is equipped with a specialized array of weapons, chosen to support their critical missions. The HRT sniper rifle, a precision instrument designed for accuracy and reliability in high-stakes situations, is one of the key weapons used by the HRT. This sniper rifle, often a highly customized bolt-action platform, is known for its exceptional precision and is used in situations where utmost accuracy is required.
Alongside the sniper rifle, the team's armory includes a variety of tactical firearms such as submachine guns for close-quarters combat and assault rifles for versatility across different operational scenarios. The HRT also employs tactical shotguns for breaching and close engagement. Each weapon is chosen for its reliability, accuracy, and adaptability to the diverse environments the HRT operates in. In fact, Charlie's offers an FBI carbine with a folding stock both in HRT SBR and HRT pistol configurations, if interested.
Tactically, the team's approach integrates these weapons with advanced technology and rigorous training, ensuring that each member can effectively engage targets with precision, maintain operational security, and adapt to the dynamics of each mission with confidence. The HRT sniper rifle, with its pinpoint accuracy and range, remains a critical tool in the team's efforts to resolve high-risk situations with precision and care.
The HRT initially adopted sniper rifles akin to those used by military counterparts, reflecting the serious nature of their missions. The early years saw the adoption of robust and reliable rifles like the Remington 700 with a wooden stock, a choice influenced by its precision and customizability, establishing a foundation for future refinements.
As tactical requirements evolved, so did the team's arsenal. The HRT then transitioned to the precision and versatility of the M24 and M40, rifles known for their adaptability and proven in combat. Collaboration with the Marines at Quantico played a pivotal role during this period, with the HRT leveraging their expertise to refine sniper tactics and equipment.
The quest for a more tailored solution led to the adoption of rifles that offered enhanced features such as improved barrel technology and sophisticated optics, aligning with the HRT's mission-specific needs. This period of evolution was marked by a focus on customization and technological integration, preparing the team for the complexities of modern operations.
Currently, the HRT employs the generation of sniper rifles, which this rifle is patterned after. Ergonomics, accuracy and tactical versatility have defined the current HRT rifle. This rifle can be custom-configured, offering superior accuracy, reliability, and modularity.
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Design | Potomac Armory authentic FBI contract with receiver substitution |
Precision Gunsmith | RW Schneider |
Caliber | .308 Winchester |
Stock | FBI contract McMillan A3-5 with adjustable cheek rest |
Action | Remington 700 SA with right-hand standard tactical knob |
Barrel | 20” Stainless 5R rifling, 1:10 twist, heavy contour, threaded 5/8”-24 |
Finish | Stock is OD Green military spec with Black action, barrel, and hardware |
Bedding | Pillar bedded with 7075-T6 embedded pillars, then skimmed with Marine Tex |
Installed Stock Hardware | Six (6) QD flush cups installed into the fiberglass stock during construction, and one bipod stud |
Trigger | Remington |
Muzzle Device | Surefire 7.62 SOCOM brake |
Top Rail | Badger Picatinny top rail for Remington 700 - 20 MOA full Picatinny Alloy |
Front Rail | Badger embedded front rail (EFR) for night vision accessories |
Bottom Metal | Badger M5 DBM (M40A5 style) trigger guard |
Magazine | Metal ACIS compatible detachable (1 magazine included) |
Weight | 11-1/2 lbs |
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!!!)
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
California residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.