Mauser SP66

Mauser SP 66 sniper rifle.
Mauser SP 66 sniper rifle.

 

Mauser 66 hunting rifle, which served as a starting point for a sniper weapon.
Mauser 66 hunting rifle, which served as a starting point for a sniper weapon.

 

Caliber(s): 7.62x51mm NATO (.308Win)
Operation: manual; rotating bolt action
Length: 1120 mm
Barrel: 730 mm 
Weight: 6.12 kg empty with Zeiss scope
Feed Mechanism: 3 rounds integral box magazine

 

The Mauser SP66 sniper rifle had been developed fomMauser Model 66 Super Match sporting rifle circa 1976. It was widelyused by various military and police forces from many countries,including Germany, Italy and Israel. Currently some of the SP 66 rifles arestill in service, but production had been ceased circa 1985 with the introduction of the Mauser 86 SR.

Mauser SP66 (like all other Model 66 Mauser rifles)is based on short-throw bolt action, developed by Gehmann. In thisaction bolt has two frontal lugs that engage the barrel extension,which is screwed onto the barrel. Unlike the famous standard Mausercation, the Gehmann bolt has cocking handle near the front end of thebolt, and the receiver has a split bridge. The magazine is integral andholds only 3 rounds. The thumbhole stock is made from laminated woodand is ajustable for lenght of pull and position of the cheekpad.Heavy, macth-grade barrel is equipped with combined muzzle brake/flashhider. Mauser SP66 in standard configuration has no iron sights andcomes with Zeiss Diavari ZA 1.5-6X variable power scope.