OSV-96

The OSV-96 (Russian: ОСВ-96) is a Russian semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle chambered for 12.7×108mm.

OSV-96
OSV-96 in MAKS-2009
Type	Anti-materiel rifle
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2000–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Syrian civil war[1] 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Production history
Designer	A.G. Shipunov
Designed	1990 (Prototype V-94) 1996 (OSV-96)
Manufacturer	KBP Instrument Design Bureau
Produced	1994 (Prototype V-94) 2000–present (OSV-96)
Variants	V-94
Specifications
Mass	12.9 kg (28 lb) w/o scope
Length	1,746 mm (68.7 in)
Barrel length	1,000 mm (39 in)
Cartridge	12.7×108mm
Action	Direct impingement gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	semi-auto
Muzzle velocity	870–910 m/s
Effective firing range	2,000 m (2,200 yd)
Feed system	5-round detachable box magazine
Sights	various mounting sniper sights and back-up iron sights

Design

The rifle is capable of engaging infantry at a distance of up to 1800 meters and can combat materiel targets at ranges up to 2500 meters. The OSV-96 can keep the shooter outside of the effective range of conventional calibers providing a distinct advantage over lower caliber rifles. Specialized high-accuracy 12.7×108mm 7N34 59.0 gram FMJ and AP sniper cartridges have been developed for Russian .50-caliber sniper rifles such as this rifle. Large caliber machine gun cartridges can also be used for firing, but with limited accuracy. With 7N34 ammunition, its accuracy is claimed as 1.5 MOA at 100 meters or better, equal to the Barrett M107.

The OSV-96 folds in half in between the barrel/chamber and receiver compartments to shorten its length for ease of transportation. The rifle features a free-floating barrel in combination with a large muzzle brake to greatly decrease its recoil.

Variants

• V-94 (В-94 «Волга») - Prototype was developed by the KBP (Instrument Design Bureau) in the early 1990s.^[2] V-94 was first revealed to the public in 1994. Initial muzzle energy is estimated to be 18860 J, while firing API ammunition (885 gr).^[3]
• OSV-96 (ОСВ-96 «Взломщик») - Developed in 1996–2000, entered service in March 2000. Design utilizes a number of improvements, such as a redesigned stock, muzzle brake, and carrying handle.^[4]
• MTs-567 (МЦ-567) - developed in 2018–2019, since August 2020 is allowed as civilian hunting weapon.^[5]

Users

•  Azerbaijan: Used by the special forces^[6]
•  Belarus: Used by the special forces^[7]
•  Egypt: Used by Egyptian special operation forces (El-Sa'ka Forces)^[8]
•  India: Used by the Indian Army.^[9]
•  Russia: Federal Security Service^[4] and Ministry of Internal Affairs^[4]
•  Syria: Used by both government and jihadist forces in the Syrian civil war^[1][10]
•  Vietnam: Used by the Vietnamese military, manufactured by the Z111 Factory as the SBT12M1 (unlicensed copy).^[11][12]

See also

• KSVK 12.7 - the OSV-96's service competitor
• Barrett M82 - American counterpart
• QBU-10 - Chinese counterpart

References

1. "La 104ème brigade de la Garde républicaine syrienne, troupe d'élite et étendard du régime de Damas". France-Soir (in French). 20 March 2017.
2. 12,7-мм снайперская винтовка В-94 (ОСВ-96) // журнал "Оружие", № 1, 2000. стр.51-52
3. Сергей Монетчиков. 12,7-мм крупнокалиберная снайперская винтовка В-94 // журнал «Братишка», ноябрь 2003
4. Сергей Монетчиков. Оружейная мастерская: Оружие российского спецназа, или крупнокалиберные снайперские винтовки Archived 15 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine // журнал «Братишка», июль 2013
5. Ростех запустил серийное производство гражданской версии "антиматериальной" винтовки // ТАСС от 10 августа 2020
6. Вадим Зайцев, Юрий Лямин. Силы специальных операций Азербайджана // журнал "Экспорт вооружений", № 4, 2021.
7. Александр Макаров. Полк высоких технологий. Силы специальных операций // журнал "Спецназ", июль 2011
8. "Египетские снайперы вооружились российскими СВДС и ОСВ-96". Российская газета (in Russian). 14 August 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
9. "Submarines, tanks, fighters, even basic rifles: Long list of Russian imports Indian forces use". ThePrint. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
10. "Syria troops besiege town near Damascus". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 26 November 2014.^{[better source needed]}
11. VCCorp.vn. "Cận cảnh súng bắn tỉa hạng nặng OSV-96 do Việt Nam sản xuất". soha.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 26 December 2022.
12. Phan Anh. "Triển lãm Quốc phòng quốc tế Việt Nam 2022". People's Army Newspaper (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 19 March 2024.

External links

• Koll, Christian (2009). Soviet Cannon - A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Arms and Ammunition in Calibres 12.7mm to 57mm. Austria: Koll. p. 71. ISBN 978-3-200-01445-9.