MTs-566
TsKIB SOO · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2018
Overview
The MTs-566 is a Russian semi-automatic precision (designated marksman) rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, developed by TsKIB SOO (the Central Design and Research Bureau for Sporting and Hunting Arms) in Tula. Derived from the OTs-129 marksman rifle designed for a Russian military requirement, it uses a short-stroke gas piston mounted above the barrel with a rotating bolt, and feeds from 10-round AR-10/PMAG-pattern magazines. It has a 600mm barrel, a monolithic aluminum-alloy receiver with a removable steel-lined barrel, a side-folding stock, folding iron sights, and full-length Picatinny rails. Marketed to Russian civilian hunters, it also appeared in combat use in Ukraine from 2023.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1190 mm (46.85") |
| Folded Length | 875 mm (34.45") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Manual Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Monolithic Aluminum Receiver, Removable Barrel, Side Folding Stock, Folding Iron Sights, Full Length Top Picatinny Rail, Quad Rail Forend, Ambidextrous Controls, Threaded Muzzle, Ar10 Pattern Magazines
Service history
Operators
- Wagner Group · adopted 2023
- Russian Airborne Forces · adopted 2023
Conflicts
- Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Low-volume production by TsKIB SOO; certified as a hunting weapon in Russia and issued in limited numbers to military and paramilitary units
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
Sources give the empty weight as 4.6-4.8 kg and overall length around 1190mm (875mm folded). Reported to be capable of roughly 1 MOA accuracy with match ammunition; snipers have reported engagements out to 700-1000 m.
Background
First shown publicly around 2018 as a hunting rifle, the MTs-566 unexpectedly turned up on the front line in Ukraine in 2023, first documented in the hands of Wagner Group snipers around Bakhmut before being seen with Russian airborne units.