OSV-96 is a high-caliber sniper rifle chambered with 12.7x108mm round, developed in Russian Federation. It's prototype V-94 "Volga", was deloped by "KBP Tula" in early 1990s and first shown in 1994. The main differences from the prototype are the muzzle brake design, the form of stock and a carrying handle. Currently, OSV-96 is in service with MVD Spetsnaz, the FSB and other security agencies of Russian Federation.

ConstructionEdit

The rifle is self-loading, automatics works by removal of powder gases from the barrel, lock by turning the bolt by its four lugs, directly behind the barrel, which allows to unload receiver and make it folding around the front end, just behind the point of attachment of the barrel.

Folding is necessary because, when combat-ready, the rifle is extremely long and uncomfortable to store and transport (the breech section of the barrel and receiver are overlapped to prevent clogging). The rifle has a long muzzle brake - flash suppressor. The rifle is equipped with a bipod, mounted on a special console attached to the front (folding together with the barrel) of the receiver. The bipod allows you to turn it on the barrel in the longitudinal plane, so the rifle can be used on any surface. However, the bipod (and handle for transporting) are attached directly to the barrel, which does not affect the accuracy the best way . Stock is made ​​of wood and has a rubber shock-absorbing cushion, length and height is not adjustable. The rifle is not designed to shoot handheld and does not have the forearm. OSV-96 can be equipped with various optical and night sights.

Optical sight POS 13x60Edit

Optical sniper sight POS 13x60 is designed for shooting at small-sized and well-camouflaged targets at a distance of 2000 m

A special feature is the displayed range and a permanent location of the brand in the center of the lens when shooting at any range.

• Magnification - 13 times
• Field of view - 60 degrees
• Eye relief distance - 110 mm
• Dimensions - unknown
• Weight - 3.5 kg

Purpose and combat characteristicsEdit

The rifle is designed to engage lightly armored and unarmored targets at distances up to 2000 m, and the the enemy personnel behind cover and personal protection at distances up to 1000 m. Shooting sniper bullets at 100 m series of 4-5 shots, shows less than 50 mm dissipation diameter (SVD has a 1.5 times worse result). The initial energy of the bullet fired from the OSV-96 exceeds that of the SVD about 5 times and is about 18.860 J.

One of the drawbacks of the rifle is too loud bang, therefore it is recommended to shoot in the headphones.

There was found a leaked video of a Russian counter-sniper, shooting separatist militants with OSV-96 from distances up to 1000m. The rifle shown its terrible power - the shots tore them apart.

ReferencesEdit

• Description on the KBP Tula website
• Description on the TSKIB SOO website
• Modern high caliber sniper rifles