An SAS crackshot who saved civilians from terrorists at a Kenya hotel has designed and named a new pistol to help special forces troops in combat.
Sharp-shooter Christian Craighead, 46, won the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his actions during the 2019 siege, in which he took on jihadi terrorists almost single-handedly.
Christian was shot and wounded after racing to the Nairobi hotel on his day off from training Kenyan troops, repeatedly going into the hotel to rescue hostages.
The attack left 22 civilians and all five terrorists dead.
Christian, from Newcastle, says he’s put all his military and combat experience into making the ZEV Technologies OZ9 Craighead – a compact semi-automatic pistol.
He said: “The first time I shot someone in combat was with a pistol so I know the importance of a reliable sidearm. It’s important we have the right tools for the job.”
The pistol bears a bleeding heart from Captain Blackbeard’s flag – a lucky emblem for Christian – and an hourglass to show how key time is in a firefight.
It is thought the weapon will be tested by special forces in the next few weeks.
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