Barrett Model M90 and M95 (USA)

 Barrett M90 rifle.

 Barrett M95 rifle.

Data for Barrett M95 rifle

Caliber	: .50 BMG (12.7 x 99mm)
Operation	: Bolt Action
Overall Length	: 1143 mm
Barrel Length	: 737 mm
Feed Device	: 5 Round Detachable Box Magazine
Sights	: 10X Telescopic
Weight	: 9.98 kg empty, without scopeљ
Muzzle Velocity	: 854 m/s (M33 Ball)
Expected accuracy	: about 1 MOA or better with match grade ammunition
Maximum Effective Range	: about 1800 meters

The M90 rifle was developed in 1990 by the American company Barrett Firearmsco for those customers who want or needed a .50 caliber rifle but prefer a boltaction instead of the semi-automatic design, offered in the Barrett's' flagshipmodel, M82A1. The new rifle also was lighter and some30 centimeters (12") shorter than the M82A1, and also about 30% lessexpensive (comparing current MSRP of M82A1 and M95). After initial experiencewith this rifle it was replaced in production in 1995 by the slightly upgradedM95 model rifle, which is still in production. It is used by civilian long rangecompetition shooters across the world, and by various military and lawenforcement forces. It is not so popular across the government users, unlike theBarrett M82A1. In the year 1999 the M95 won the US Army competition for XM-107.50 caliber sniper rifle, and was subsequently bought by US Army in small numberfor further research and testing. The Barrett website also announces that M95rifle is used for military and law enforcement applications in at least 15 othercountries. Like the M82A1, the M95 primary application are anti-materiel andcounter-sniper operations and explosive ordnance disposal.

M90 is a manuallyoperated, bolt action rifle of bullpup layout. The rotating bolt has threemassive lugs that locks directly into the barrel. The long fluted barrel issimilar to one used in M82A1 rifle and has the same two chambers reactive muzzlebrake. The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel and consists of two parts(upper and lower), connected by the push-pins. The detachable box magazine isshallower than one found on M82A1 rifles and holds only 5 rounds. The pistolhandle ant the trigger are located just ahead of the magazine, the buttpad isattached directly to the receiver. M90 has no open iron sights, but features ascope mount on the top of the receiver. It is most commonly fitted with 10XLeupold M series telescope sights. M90 does not intended to be fired from theshoulder, and it has integral folding bipod mounted on the front end of thelower receiver.

The M95 is an improved version of the M90. It featured apistol handle and the trigger unit moved forward for 1 inch (25 mm) for betterclearance between the magazine and the pistol grip, and thus more comfortablehandling and shooting. The bolt handle is slightly redesigned and bent down andto the rear. The barrel chamber is chrome plated for better extraction andcorrosion resistance. There are also some minor improvements in the trigger /firing pin mechanism.

Dragunov SVD (Russia)

 
 Original SVD rifle with wooden furniture, right side.

 
 Original SVD rifle withwooden furniture, left side.

 
 SVD rifle, major parts and assemblies.

  SVD-S rifle with foldingbutt and polymer furniture.

 
 Russian-madehunting version of the SVD, the 7,62x54R Tigr (Tiger) rifle withnew-style plastic SVD furniture. Note that there's no bayonet lug onthe barrel.

 
Foreign SVD clones andlook-alikes: top to bottom Al Kadesih rifle (Iraq), Type 85 rifle(China) and FPK rifle (Romania). Note that only two former rifles aretrue clones of SVD; the latter one, FPK in fact is a modified Kalashnikov AK rifle restyled to look like SVD and chambered for 7,62x54R.

Caliber	: 7.62x54R
Operation	: gas operated, short stroke, rotatingbolt; semi-automatic
Weight	: 4.31kg empty with telescope
Length	: 1225 mm
Barrel Length	: 620 mm
Capacity	: 10 round detachable box magazine

Dragunov SVD wasdesigned not as a "standard" sniper rifle in its Western meaning of theterm. In fact, main role ofthe SVD in Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective range of fireof every infantry squad up to about 600 meters and to provide specialfiresupport. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class)rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper riflewas issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (SnaiperskayaVintovka Dragunova, orDragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use anykind of standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is speciallydeveloped for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet.Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.
SVD rifle is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed forheavy use. It hasbackup adjustable iron sights as a standard option, as well as abayonetmount (standard AK-47 bayonet type).
Latest modernization incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, formounted and airborne troopsa special variant was developed with folding buttsock andshortened barrel (590 mm).New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.

It mustbe noted that several countries produced SVD copies or look-alikes. Ofthose, the "true" clones (rifles that have similar internal design) areIraqui Al Kadesih rifle and Chinese Type 85 (in 7,62x54R) and NDM-86(in 7,62x51 NATO). Others, such as Romanian Romak FPK or YugoslavianZastava M76, are only look-alikes as their internal design is differentand usually based on KalsshnikovAK assault rifle. Russia also produces a civilan version ofthe SVD, known as "Tigr" (Tiger), in 7,62x54R and 7,62x51 (.308 Win).This usually  has shorter barrel, although it is available inseveral different versions. Older hunting version of the SVD, the"Medved" (Bear) is no longer produced and is quite scarce.

DragunovSVD is gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses short-stroke gaspiston, and gas chamber has a two-position manual gas regulator. Barrelis locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Receiver is machined fromsteel block. The safety is somewhat reminiscent in its appearance tothat of Kalashnikov AKassault rifle, although internal design of thetrigger unit is different, and there's no provisions for full automaticfire. Trigger unit is assembled on a separate removable base that alsoincorporates a trigger guard. The second, smaller lever, located on theright side of receiver behind the safety, is a receiver cover catch,and is sued to disassemble the gun. Standard furniture includes askeletonized wooden butt and a removable wooden handguard. Lateproduction models may feature polymer handguards and, sometimes,polymer skeletonized butt. The short SVD-S rifle is fitted withseparate pistol grip, made of plastic, and a side-folding metallicbutt. All SVD rifles are fitted with adjustable open sights, as well asproprietary side rail mount, which will accept telescopic or IR sightson quick-detachable mounts. Standard telescope sight is the 4X fixedmagnification PSO-1 with range-finding reticle. SVD rifles also areissued with carrying sling, cleaning kit and other accessories. Astandard AK-typebayonet can be installed on the barrel.

VSSK Vychlop (Russia)

12.7mm VKs / VSSK "Vychlop" large caliber silenced sniper rifle, with integral bipod and silencer, right side.

 

12.7x54mm special subsonic ammunition for VKS / VSSK "Vychlop" system, L to R: STs-130PT (sniper), STs-130PT2 (sniper with solid bronze bullet), STs-130VPS (high penetration / armor piercing). 

Caliber	: 12.7x54mm special subsonic
Operation	: manually operated, straight pull bolt action
Barrel	: n/a
Weight	: 5 kg empty, less cope and silencer
Length	: 1125 mm with integral silencer
Feed Mechanism	: 5 rounds detachable box magazine.

12.7mm VSSK (Vintovka Snayperskaya Spetsialnaya Krupnokalibernaya - special sniper rifle, large caliber) or VKS (Vintovka Krupnokalibernaya Snayperskaya - sniper rifle, large caliber) "Vychlop" (Exhaust) silenced sniper rifle is one of the most recent creations of famous Russian Instrument Design Bureau (KBP). Developed in around 2002 on special request from Russian FSB (Federal Security Service, successor of Soviet KGB), this rifle was first shown to general public only in late 2005, during arms exhibition INTERPOLITEX 2005 in Moscow. This rifle is said to be in use only by special elements of FSB and MVD, which conduct anti-terror and high importance anti-crime operation. It must be noted that rifle is known under two alternate designations, VKS or VSSK, the former appearing to be more official. The codename "Vychlop" (Exhaust) comes from the development program.

12.7mm "Vychlop" (Exhaust) silenced sniper rifle is developed for special operations that require silent firing and penetration much superior to that provided by 9mm VSS silenced sniper rifle. Typical targets for VKS / VSSK Vychlop rifle are cars, terrorists in heavy body armor or behind covers like car bodies or other thick covers. The core of the VKS / VSSK system is specially developed 12.7mm (.50 caliber) reduced power ammunition that launches bullets at subsonic muzzle velocities of about 290 meters per second (~950 fps). Case lenght of the STs-130 family is 54mm, overall length of the new 12.7mm round designated STs-130PT  is given as 97mm, significantly less that of standard Russian 12.7x108 HMG round (145mm overall length). Standard loading for this round is precision machined solid bronze projectile with pointed nose, weighting around 59 gram (910 grains) or 76 gram (1170 grains) "high penetration" AP bullet. Accuracy is claimed as 1 MOA at 100 meters range with precision bullets, and maximum effective range is given at 600 meters. High penetration bullet can defeat Russian Class 5 (US NIJ Type III / High-Powered Rifle) body armor at 100 meters or 16mm steel plate at 200 meters. The STs-130 cases are based on the .338 Lapua Magnum cases with straight (no neck), slightly tapered body.
It must be noted that the concept of dedicated.50 caliber silenced weapon with special subsonic ammunition is not new. Back in early 1990s noted American ammunition specialist J.D.Jones of SSK Industries developed a specialized 12.7mm round known as .50 Whisper. This round was based on shortened .460 Weatherby Magnum case, loaded with heavy, pointed low-drag bullet. This cartridge is intended for use in specially modified bolt action rifles (like Winchester Model 70 or Sako TRG-S) fitted with silencers. Ballistic properties of the .50 Whisper are very close to that of 12.7 STs-130 ammunition - both claimed to have accuracy of 1 MOA and decent effectiveness out to 600 meters or so. However, it is not known if any of US law enforcement agencies ever used .50 Whisper or similar guns, while VKS / VSSK was developed especially for law enforcement and militaryspecial operations use.

VKS / VSSK "Vychlop" sniper rifle is fitted with large integral silencer that can be removed for storage, transportation and maintenance. Rifle itself is built using bullpup layout; it has integral folding bipod, and adjustable shoulder pad and cheek rest. Top of the receiver is fitted with scope rail, and rifle is provided with folding back-up iron sights. VKS / VSSK "Vychlop" sniper rifle utilizes manually operated, straight pull bolt action, with rotary locking bolt head. Detachable box magazine holds five rounds of ammunition.

KSVK 12.7 mm (Russia)

Caliber(s)	: 12.7x108 mm (.50 Russian)
Operation	: manually operated, bolt action rifle
Barrel	:1000 mm
Weight	: 12 kg w/o scope
Length	: 1400 mm
Feed Mechanism	: 5 rounds detachable box mag.

The KSVK anti-materiel (or large caliber sniper) rifle was developed in the late 1990s by ZID pland, based in Kovrov, Russia. It is based on the SVN-98 12.7mm experimental rifle. Initially known as ASVK, KSVK is currently used in small numbers by varius Russian Special Operation units in Checnya as a counter-sniper rifle, capable of penetrating a brick or a thick wooden walls and disabling terrorists hiding behind it.

KSVK is a bullpup configured, bolt operated, magazine fed rifle. It is equipped with massive muzzle device which acts as an effective muzzle brake and a sound damper. KSVK is equipped with standard Russian side-mounted scope rail, and can be fitted with variety of day and night scopes. Open iron sights are installed for backup or emergency purposes.

The key problem with KSVK, and with any other 12.7mm rifles in Russia is a general unavailability of the "sniper-grade" 12.7 mm ammunition. With general issue, machine gun grade 12.7 mm ammo KSVK groups are averaged at 16 cm at 300 meters, and if a sniper quality 12.7mm ammo will become available, accuracy will increase significantly.

JS 05 anti-materiel (PR China)

12.7mm JS 05 anti-materiel / sniper , right side.

Caliber(s)	: 12.7x108mm
Operation	: Bolt Action
Barrel	: 850 mm / 33.5"
Weight	: 12.5 kg / 27.5 lbs
Length	: 1392 mm / 54.8"
Feed Mechanism	: 3 rounds detachable box magazine

The 12.7mm JS 05 anti-materiel / sniper rifle was developed in Chinaby Jianshe Group. Apparently, it is one of several designs that are tested by PLA in search for a modern anti-materiel rifle. It is possible that this rifle will be also offered for export.

The 12.7mm JS 05 anti-materiel / sniper rifle is manually operated, bolt action rifle with conventional rotary boltlocking. Bolt has dual frontal locking lugs. Barrel is equipped with the massive muzzle brake and is allowed to recoil inside the tubular receiver against the hydraulic recoil buffer, to relieve the operator from high recoil stresses. Rifle fitted with fixed buttstock, folding bipod, carrying handle and a detachable rear monopod under the butt. Feed is from detachable boxmagazines which are installed horizontally from the left side, above the pistol grip. Rifle is normally not fitted with iron (open) sights;a Picatinny-type rail is provided for installation of the telescopic or night sights.

DSR-Precision DSR 50 (Germany)

DSR-Precision DSR 50 sniper riflewith blast compensator installed.

Caliber(s)	: 12.7x99mm / .50 BMG
Operation	: bolt action
Barrel	: 800 mm
Weight	: 10.3 kg empty
Length	: 1350 mm (with blast compensator)
Feed Mechanism	: 3 rounds detachable box magazine

The DSR-Precision DSR 50 sniper rifle is manufactured in Germany by DSR-Precision GmbH. It is a scaled-up version of the DSR-1 smiper rifle made by the same company, but with certain improvements necessary to handle powerful .50 caliber ammunition, which include hydraulic recoil buffer in buttstock and special 'blast compensator' barrel attachment, which serves as a muzzle brake and also reduces flash and sound of the muzzle blast.

The DSR 50 is configured into bull-pup design, with free-floating barrel. The folding bipod is mounted onto upper rails(above the barrel), and the adjustable horisontal front grip is mounted on the lower rails (under the barrel). The rifle features fully adjustable buttsock and cheekpiece. The holder for spare magazine is installed in the front of the triggerguard to decrease reloading time.DSR 50 action features match-grade, fluted barrel that is quickly interchangeable and is fixed into receiver by three screws. The bolt features six radial lugs that lock directly into the barrel. The barrel is protected by ventilated aluminium handguard and is fitted with muzzlebrake (wery useful when firing full-power magnum loads).The trigger is two-stage, adjustable.