OTs-48K

TsKIB SOO · Sniper Rifle · Limited Production · 2000

Also known as: OTs-48, Modernized Mosin Bullpup

Overview

The OTs-48K is a Russian suppressor-compatible bullpup sniper rifle developed around 2000 by the Central Design Bureau for Sporting and Hunting Arms (TsKIB SOO) in Tula. Built on surplus Mosin-Nagant M1891/30 bolt actions, the OTs-48K represents a pragmatic approach to providing capable sniper rifles by reusing millions of surplus Mosin actions that remain in Russian military storage. The bullpup configuration with appropriate trigger linkage significantly shortens the overall length while retaining the full 730mm barrel, and the rifle accepts a PBS suppressor in place of its standard flash hider. Chambered in the venerable 7.62x54mmR cartridge, the OTs-48K is reportedly in limited use by some Russian law enforcement agencies.

Specifications

Weight (empty)5500 g (194.0 oz)
Overall Length1000 mm (39.37")
Barrel Length730 mm (28.74")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity786 m/s (2579 fps)
Muzzle Energy2998 J (2211 ft·lbf)
Effective Range800 m (875 yd)
Maximum Range1200 m (1312 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist240 mm (9.45")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishBlack Phosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2000-present

Limited production for Russian law enforcement. Exact numbers unknown.

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Notes

The OTs-48K uses the proven Mosin-Nagant rotary bolt action, one of the most battle-tested mechanisms in firearms history. The bullpup stock includes a trigger linkage system to connect the forward trigger to the rear-mounted action. The standard optical sight is the 7x PKS-07U scope, and a PKN-03 night-vision scope can be used for nocturnal operations. The integral folding bipod folds into a groove in the forend when not in use. Accuracy is estimated at approximately 1 MOA with 7N1 sniper-grade 7.62x54R ammunition. The 'K' in OTs-48K denotes the compact bullpup variant; the standard OTs-48 features a conventional stock configuration. The PBS suppressor attachment is optional and threads onto the muzzle in place of the flash hider.

Background

The OTs-48K is a testament to Russian military pragmatism: rather than designing an entirely new sniper rifle, engineers at TsKIB SOO took the 130-year-old Mosin-Nagant action, already available by the millions in storage, and wrapped it in a modern bullpup chassis with suppressor capability. The result is a functional sniper rifle built from perhaps the most widely produced bolt action in history.