the SVN-98 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 experim
A russian soldier with the SVN-98
ental 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 terrorsists hiding behind it.
SVN-98 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. SVN-98 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 SVN-98, 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.
Specifications[]
- Caliber: 12.7x108mm
- Operation: Bolt Action
- Overall Length: 135 cm
- Barrel Length: 100 cm
- Feed Device: 5 Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Sights: Telescopic
- Weight: 11 kg
The original article can be found at SVN-98 and the edit history here.