A new rifle has been acquired for British troops in Afghanistan that the country's Ministry of Defence will improve the long-range firepower available on the front line. The L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle will fire a 7.62x51mm round and will enhance accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights with the Taliban. The weapon will be used by some of the best shots in the infantry. More than 400 of the semi-automatic Sharpshooter rifles have been bought as a GBP1.5 million Urgent Operational Requirement. It is the first new infantry combat rifle to be issued to troops for more than 20 years.