Vol. VIII No. 2
The Ranger Rifle: An Alternative Firearm for Conservation Law Enforcement
Kurt W. Steiner
Abstract
Conservation Law Enforcement is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, with more than a thousand Rangers killed over the last decade. Of these casualties, 58 per cent have been caused by either dangerous game or armed criminals. Despite this, it appears that only 29 per cent of Rangers worldwide carry out their duties while armed. In many instances, this is due to tight restrictions on the availability and issue of semi-automatic rifles. In countries where firearms laws restrict ready access to semi-automatic rifles, conservation agencies have often purchased and equipped their Rangers with shotguns. This article argues that, in the context of conservation law enforcement, shotguns have a range of limitations when compared to a bolt-action centrefire rifle, and that a civilian-legal ‘Ranger Rifle’—designed around law enforcement needs—is the best alternative where semi-automatic rifles are unavailable.
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Issue: Vol. VIII No. 2
Published: 31 December 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52357/armax48057
Peer-reviewed?: Yes
Keywords: Counter-poaching, law enforcement, rangers, wildlife conservation, bolt-action rifles
Bibliographic Information
Kurt W. Steiner, ‘The Ranger Rifle: An Alternative Firearm for Conservation Law Enforcement’, Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms, Vol. VIII № 2 (2022), pp. 55–72, <https://doi.org/10.52357/armax48057>.
About the Author
Kurt W. Steiner is a dedicated conservation professional with over a decade’s experience in conservation law enforcement in Africa. After serving in the Australian military, Kurt travelled to Africa, training law enforcement staff in Protected Areas across the continent, before being appointed as the first Head of Law Enforcement for the African Parks Network. This role involved standardising and enhancing counter-poaching practices in projects across eight countries, and building a professional law enforcement cadre of over 1,000 Rangers. Kurt has an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies, and now works as an independent consultant providing guidance and support on law enforcement aspects of conservation for numerous multinational bodies, national law enforcement agencies, and nature conservation organisations.