Introduction
The CheyTac M200 Intervention is a .408-caliber CheyTac precision rifle designed for very long-range shooting. Developed by CheyTac USA, this shooting system incorporates not only an ultra-precise firearm, but also a complete ballistic package designed to optimize projectile trajectory up to extreme distances.
Made famous by its appearance in popular culture, notably in the film Shooter and various video games, the M200 is above all a high-tech weapon used by certain special forces and snipers in scenarios where accuracy at over 2,000 meters is required.
Design and development
The M200 was developed in the early 2000s around the CheyTac Long Range Rifle System concept, a complete program that includes :
The M200 Intervention rifle
The .408 CheyTac calibre
Digital ballistic tools (ballistic computer, laser rangefinder)
Trajectory prediction software (ABC – Advanced Ballistic Computer)
The M200’s philosophy is based on the idea that precision at ultra-long range cannot rely solely on the shooter, but must be assisted by state-of-the-art technologies. This systemic approach is at the heart of the weapon’s identity.
Technical specifications
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .408 CheyTac |
| Barrel length | 29 inches (737 mm) |
| Overall length | ~1,400 mm (with silencer) |
| Weight | ~12.1 kg (without accessories) |
| Magazine capacity | 7 shots |
| Effective range | Up to 2,500 m |
| Materials | Aluminum, steel, reinforced polymer |
| Stock | Folding and adjustable |
Accuracy and ballistic performance
The M200 is designed to deliver sub-MOA accuracy well beyond 1,500 meters. The .408 CheyTac caliber, specially developed for this platform, offers an excellent compromise between :
Flight stability
High initial speed (~900 m/s)
Ability to maintain a straight trajectory over several kilometers
Thanks to its heavy, floating barrel and high-quality construction, the M200 can be fired at 2,000 – 2,500 meters in optimum conditions, with a very low dispersion factor.
Ergonomics and functionality
The CheyTac M200 is an imposing weapon, but extremely well thought-out for its category:
Adjustable stock: height, length, cheek rest
Integral Picatinny rail: for mounting high-power scopes and ballistic equipment
Mouth brake: drastically reduces recoil
Sturdy tripod: indispensable for stabilizing the shot
Rotary latch system: reliable and fluid despite the size of the gauge
The weapon can be disassembled into several sub-assemblies for easy transport, making it a modular rifle despite its size.
Comparison with other ultra-long-range rifles
| Model | Caliber | Effective range |
|---|---|---|
| CheyTac M200 | .408 CheyTac | ~2 500 m |
| Barrett M82A1 | .50 BMG | ~1 800 m |
| Accuracy Int. AXMC | .338 Lapua | ~1 500 – 1 700 m |
The M200 outperforms most conventional rifles in terms of range, thanks to the combination of the .408 CheyTac caliber and the ballistic ecosystem developed around it.
Operational use and brand awareness
Although not widely used by regular armies due to its cost and extreme specialization, the M200 has been integrated by some elite units for counter-sniping, long-range target elimination or advanced surveillance missions.
Its reputation far exceeds its actual use thanks to :
Appearing in Hollywood films
Its presence in several shooter video games (Call of Duty, Battlefield…)
Distinctive, instantly recognizable design
Conclusion
The CheyTac M200 Intervention embodies the quintessence of very long-range precision shooting. Its global system, proprietary caliber, extreme precision and futuristic aesthetics make it both an object of fascination and an exceptional operational tool.
Although reserved for very specific uses, it is an absolute reference in the world of precision rifles, a symbol of extreme innovation in the service of ballistic performance.
