A few days ago we reported the news of the LAAD Defense and Security 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, an important international trade fair event that saw the participation of several Italian defense companies. Among these, HTI.CENTER, a Milanese company specialized in the development and production of high-precision individual weapons, aroused particular interest.
The design approach adopted by the company is based on the creation of “tailor-made” weapon systems, adaptable to the specific needs of the armed forces, state or private security agencies, special forces, as well as enthusiasts of precision hunting and sports shooting.
HTI.CENTER designs and manufactures rifles bolt action for long range (LR) and extreme range (ELR) shooting, using both standard NATO calibers (7.62x51mm, .338 Lapua Magnum, .50 BMG) and more recently developed calibers, such as 6.5, 7mm and .300 PRC developed by Hornady, recently adopted also by the US SOCOM.
The proposed range is divided into three different dimensional platforms (XR, XLR and XXLR), designed to respond to various tactical employment needs.
The company's catalog also includes assault rifles based on the AK and M4 platforms, chambered in the new .277 SigFury (6.8x51mm) caliber, featuring short-stroke gas-operated systems.
The range is completed with customized versions of semi-automatic pistols derived from models Glock, appropriately adapted for specific operational needs.
At LAAD, HTI.CENTER presented a new loading technology, designed to innovate the precision rifle sector. This solution, as illustrated by the company, is aimed at overcoming some intrinsic mechanical limits of traditional systems. bolt action, in particular those related to the temperature variation resulting from rapid fire succession and wear of moving parts.
Although the system bolt action remains a consolidated reference for precision shooting, HTI.CENTER intends to propose a valid alternative for specific applications.
The technical principle that inspired this development is based on the philosophy according to which "everything that isn't there doesn't break or wear out". With this in mind, the system was developed "monolithic block" o "barrel lock/barrel block", which allows the barrel to be clamped in a longitudinal vice aligned with extreme precision to the bolt. The linearity of the movement facilitates the loading of the cartridge, which is housed in the breech without the need for a barrel extension, minimizing vibrations and heat transmission.
The rifles are also designed to allow for quick modular barrel replacement, without the need for special tools. This feature responds to the operational needs of both special forces, engaged in variable tactical scenarios, and those of sports shooters engaged in disciplines such as Precision Rifle Series (PRS), where the modularity and consistent ergonomics of the platform are particularly appreciated. The system allows you to change caliber while maintaining the same chassis and the same ergonomics, changing only the barrel and the bolt head.
The structure of the loading group inspired the development of a new monolithic frame, made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, anodized type 3 class 2 according to military standards (MIL-SPEC). The stock and the forend are obtained from a single longitudinal block of material, on which guides are obtained Picatinny along the entire upper and lateral surface.
This type of manufacturing, carried out using CNC technology, guarantees high standards of precision and robustness, as highlighted in the .416 calibre models, in which despite the length exceeding one metre, the weight remains containedThe union between the barrel and the frame is ensured by a M6 screw clamp, with a tightening torque of 10 Nm.
Even the accessories, such as the adjustable stock with micrometric adjustment monopod and the trapezoidal front bipod, are specifically designed for each model, ensuring optimal ergonomics and functionality.
All components developed by HTI.CENTER are covered by regularly filed patents, to protect the innovations introduced.
In DOT section of our YouTube channel a technical-operational analysis of HTI.CENTER products will be available soon.
Images: author / HTI.CENTER
