what type of rifle is used in biathlon

Biathletes use a small‑bore .22 caliber rifle specifically built for the sport, not a typical hunting or military rifle.

Quick Scoop

• The standard biathlon rifle is chambered in .22 Long Rifle ( .22 LR ).

• It is a manual‑action rifle, almost always a straight‑pull or very fast bolt action so athletes can cycle shots quickly while staying in position.

• Competition rules require a minimum weight of about 3.5 kg (around 7.7 lb), so the rifle is stable but still light enough to carry while skiing.

• It uses 5‑round magazines, matching the five targets athletes must hit at each shooting stage.

• The rifles have specialized stocks, slings, and open “peep” sights designed for quick shouldering and accurate shooting in both prone and standing positions, often in cold and snowy conditions.

In short, when people ask “what type of rifle is used in biathlon,” the answer is: a purpose‑built .22 LR small‑bore straight‑pull/bolt‑action rifle that meets strict weight and configuration rules set by the sport’s governing bodies.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.