Russian Sniper Rifle Turned Syrian Commando’s Favorite

Russian Sniper Rifle Turned Syrian Commando’s Favorite

OSV-96 Sniper Rifle

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The battles in syria have been raging on ever since March 2011. In recent years, Russia has gotten into the country, and it support Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad’s Forces and his claim to the country.

Part of that support is handing over large amounts of weapons and equipment, as well as military training, to the Syrian forces.

The 12.7mm semi-automatic OSV-96 sniper rifle, developed by the renowned Tula armorers, has been used by Syrian Special Ops units since the start of the civil war and has become a go-to weapon due to its great accuracy and reliability.

The OSV-96 was unveiled to the public for the first time in the mid-1990s. Initially dubbed V-94, it was modernized and supplied to Russian Interior Ministry Troops under a new

moniker, OSV-96 “Burglar.”

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According to sputniknews.com, it is notable for its ability to fold in half for easier transport, making the sniper himself more mobile and agile, thus increases his lethality and survivability.

The Syrian armed forces acquired this high-precision weapon before the civil war broke out in that the country, but it wasn’t until July 2012 that word about the OSV-96 being used in Syria appeared in the media, during gun battles fought in Haffa.

The Russian sniper rifle OSV-96 has become a weapon of choice for Syrian Army commandos.

​It was during street battles in the city that the OSV-96 revealed itself to be a great advantage, with its powerful 12.7mm bullet making easy work of walls enemy snipers were hiding behind.

Unprotected targets were taken out at a distance of 1.8 kilometers.

The OSV-96 is supplied with day and night scopes. Its rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute. Cartridge capacity is 5 rounds. It’s weight (without optical sight) is  11.7 kilograms.

The rifle is capable of engaging infantry at a distance of up to 1800 meters and can combat material targets at ranges up to 2500 meters. As an effective anti-sniper weapon, OSV-96 keeps the shooter outside of the effective range of conventional calibers providing a distinct advantage over lower caliber rifles.