KSVK 12.7
Degtyarev Plant · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: KSVK, ASVK, Kord-M, 6S8
Overview
The KSVK 12.7 (Krupnokalibernaya Snayperskaya Vintovka Kovrovskaya, or Kovrov Large-Caliber Sniper Rifle) is a Russian bolt-action anti-materiel rifle chambered in 12.7x108mm. Developed at the Degtyarev Plant in Kovrov, the KSVK features a bullpup configuration that significantly reduces its overall length compared to conventional anti-materiel rifles while retaining a full 1000mm barrel. The rifle is designed to destroy light armored vehicles, radar installations, parked aircraft, and fortified positions at ranges exceeding 1000 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 12000 g (423.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 12500 g (440.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1400 mm (55.12") |
| Barrel Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16230 J (11971 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6000 m (6562 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7 Soviet, 12.7mm DShK
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Handle Safety
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Muzzle Brake, Integral Bipod, Optical Sight Mount, Recoil Buffer, Carry Handle, Anti Materiel Capability, Compact Design
Variants
- SVN-98 — Prototype
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2004 · as KSVK
- Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz)
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Syrian Civil War (2015-present)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Limited production at the Degtyarev Plant in Kovrov. Exact numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The KSVK evolved from the SVN-98 prototype and entered limited Russian military service in the early 2000s. Its bullpup layout places the action behind the pistol grip, reducing overall length to just 1400mm despite the 1000mm barrel, making it more practical for transport and use in confined spaces than conventional anti-materiel rifle layouts. The bolt-action mechanism provides better inherent accuracy than semi-automatic alternatives like the OSV-96, though at the cost of a lower rate of fire. The rifle features a large muzzle brake and internal recoil buffer system to manage the punishing recoil of the 12.7x108mm cartridge. The KSVK competes with the semi-automatic OSV-96 for the anti-materiel role in Russian service.
Background
The KSVK's bullpup design makes it one of the most compact anti-materiel rifles in the world relative to its barrel length. At just 1400mm long with a full meter-long barrel, it packs the punch of rifles nearly half a meter longer, giving Russian airborne troops and mountain infantry a heavy-hitting sniper capability they can actually carry on foot.