[K5pbem] From Russia with Love

[Rob Rutherford]

http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn72-e.htm

Silenced .50 cal sniper rifle!

>From the article:
12.7mm "Vychlop" (Exhaust) silenced sniper rifle is developed for special
operations that require silent firing and penetration much superior to that
provided by 9mm VSS silenced sniper
rifle<http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn20-e.htm>.
Typical targets for VSSK Vychlop are cars, terrorists in heavy body armor or
behind covers like car bodies or other thick covers. The core of the VSSK
complex is specially developed 12.7mm (.50 caliber) reduced power ammunition
that launches bullets at subsonic muzzle velocities of about 290 meters per
second (~950 fps). Exact dimensions of the new cartridge case are not yet
published, but the overall length of the new 12.7mm round designated
STs-130PT  is given as 97mm, significantly less that of standard Russian
12.7x108 HMG round (145mm overall length). Standard loading for this round
is precision machined solid bronze projectile with pointed nose, weighting
around 59 gram (910 grains) or 76 gram (1170 grains) "high penetration"
bullet. Accuracy is claimed as 1 MOA at 100 meters range with precision
bullets, and maximum effective range is given at 600 meters. High
penetration bullet can defeat Russian Class 5 (US NIJ Type III /
High-Powered Rifle) body armor at 100 meters or 16mm steel plate at 200
meters.
It must be noted that the concept of dedicated.50 caliber silenced weapon
with special subsonic ammunition is not new. Back in early 1990s noted
American ammunition specialist J.D.Jones of SSK Industries developed a
specialized 12.7mm round known as .50 Whisper. This round was based on
shortened .460 Weatherby Magnum case, loaded with heavy, pointed low-drag
bullet. This cartridge is intended for use in specially modified bolt action
rifles (like Winchester Model 70 or Sako TRG-S) fitted with silencers.
Ballistic properties of the .50 Whisper are very close to that of
12.7STs-130 ammunition - both claimed to have accuracy of 1 MOA and
decent
effectiveness out to 600 meters or so. However, it is not known if any of US
law enforcement agencies ever used .50 Whisper or similar guns, while VSSK
was developed especially for law enforcement and military special operations
use.
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