The Unique Story of an Iraqi Designated DMR

Few firearms in modern military history carry as unique and storied a background as Iraq's Tabuk Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). The Tabuk DMR, produced by Al-Qadissiya Establishments of Iraq, is one of the most distinctive AK-pattern variants ever fielded - and its story is deeply tied to the political and military history of Iraq under Saddam Hussein.

Origins of the Tabuk DMR

The use and production of AK-series rifles spread widely across the globe following the Cold War era, and Iraq was no exception. Iraq both imported and manufactured its own versions of the Kalashnikov-pattern rifle. One particularly interesting variant was the Tabuk, a rifle that had a history directly tied to Saddam Hussein's military ambitions.

The Tabuk served as Iraq's designated marksman's rifle. In contrast to standard infantry rifles, a DMR fills the gap between a regular assault rifle and a true sniper rifle, providing platoon-level precision fire capability out to extended ranges. The Designated Marksman is a specialized role within an infantry unit, armed with a semi-automatic weapon firing full-power rifle cartridges.

The Tabuk's Unique Design

The Iraqi Tabuk DMR is chambered in 7.62x39mm and features a distinctively long barrel compared to standard AK variants. It uses either a PSO or Zrak scope (based on a pattern tested by Yugoslavia but never officially adopted by that country). The rifle features a distinctive cutout stock design that makes it visually identifiable.

Unique to the Iraqi military was this "sniper" model - a long-barreled 7.62x39mm rifle with this distinctive stock design. While the cartridge itself limits true long-range precision compared to dedicated 7.62x54R or 7.62 NATO sniper platforms, the Tabuk DMR was an effective tool for extending the accurate range of Iraqi infantry beyond what standard AK rifles could achieve.

Combat Use

The Tabuk DMR saw extensive combat use through multiple Iraqi conflicts. It proved to be a lethal performer in urban battlefield environments where its semi-automatic capability offered advantages over bolt-action alternatives. Coalition forces encountered these rifles throughout both Gulf Wars and during the Iraq War, with many examples being captured and studied by Western military analysts.

Legacy and Collector Interest

Today, the Tabuk DMR represents an important piece of Cold War and modern military history. Firearms enthusiasts and collectors are drawn to these rare Iraqi-manufactured AK variants for their historical significance and unique design features. The unusual scope mount systems, the long barrel configuration, and the connection to Saddam Hussein's military machine make them genuinely rare pieces.

For those interested in military surplus firearms and historical weapons, the Tabuk DMR stands as one of the most fascinating designated marksman rifles ever produced in the Middle East, representing a uniquely Iraqi chapter in the broader global story of the AK platform.