OTs-48K

OTs-48K sniper rifle (Russia)

 

Caliber(s): 7.62x54R
Operation: manually operated, rotary bolt action
Barrel: 730 mm
Weight: 5.5 kg
Length: 1000 mm
Feed Mechanism: 5 rounds integral box magazine

 

The OTs-48K (ОЦ-48К) sniper rifle was designed around 2000 as an attempt to make use of many surplus obsolete Mosin M1891/30 rifles which are still held in storage in Russia. Developed and manufactured "on order" by Central Design Bureau for Sporting and Hunting Arms (TSKIB SOO) in the city of Tula, this rifle is said to be in limited use by some Russian law enforcement agencies.

OTs-48K (ОЦ-48К) sniper rifle uses receiver and barrel taken from old Mosin M1891/30 sniper rifles. Old stocks and furniture were discarded, and new, bullpup-style stock was installed, along with appropriate linkage for the trigger. For faster reloading, bolt handle is fitted with endender that has additional handle, conveniently placed in front of the pistol grip. The downside of this system is that it makes bolt operation somewhat harder due to additional weight and friction. Old, integral box magazine of the Mosin design is retained, and due to the forward placement of the scope it can be loaded using stripper clips. Rifle is fitted with new set of sights, including iron sights on folding bases, and a side rail which accepts Russian-standard scope mounts. The 7X PKS-07U scope is standard, and a PKN-03 night-vision scope can be used for night-time missions. For comfortable firing, rifle is fitted with rubber buttpad, cheek rest above the bolt group, and an integral folding bipod which folds up into the groove in the forend when not in use. Exact accuracy of this weapon is not known, but is believed to be around 1 MOA when using 7.62x54R 7N1 sniper ammunition.