KBP OSV-96

History

The Russian OSV-96 is a standard compact large-caliber anti-tank/anti-material precision rifle system of conventional design. It features a large detachable magazine that inserts into the bottom of the case, a pistol grip, a padded skeletal shoulder rest, a forehand handle, an integral folding lower barrel bipod and optional optics. Long Barrel Free Floating The barrel is closed by a large slotted muzzle brake to dampen recoil. The firing action revolves around gas operation with a rotating bolt mechanism and semi-automatic rate of fire, allowing the operator to fire continuously without having to manually operate the bolt.

The box magazine holds 5 x 12.7 x 108mm bullets (equivalent to 12.7 x 99mm NATO), while the optics are backed by traditional iron sights to maintain long-range combat capability in the event of scope failure. The weapon has a total length of 1746 mm and a 1000 mm barrel, with an effective range of up to 2000 meters.

Developed in the 1990s and introduced in 1996, the weapon is currently used by Russian intelligence and special forces as well as Indian Navy special forces.

Anti-tank/anti-material rifles are a growing class of heavy weapons on the modern battlefield. These weapon types can be used to attack any type of lightly armored or hardened high-value targets or locations. Optical systems allow for precise long-range fire, and operators can activate critical systems on vehicles (such as main battle tanks) or structures, rendering them inoperable.

For what a large caliber gun is worth, these weapon types have the ability to cleanly cut through the engine block at range.

Like most anti-material rifles, the OSV-96 is an oversized heavy weapon system that requires specially trained personnel to operate. The weapon was designed to fold over the barrel/receiver for improved portability, although its size and weight remained an issue. The weapon's sustained and inherently violent recoil when firing such a large round is usually fired from a prone position, with the rifle balanced on its bipod assembly and the stock tucked into the operator's shoulder.

The OSV-96 (like all large-caliber rifles of the breed) emits a highly audible and visible blast that, in some cases, can reveal the shooter's location to the enemy. However, the sheer penetration of such a large-caliber firearm is somewhat of the opposite.

Specification

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