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BULGARIAN MILITARY
A notable Moscow Arms Company has launched the production of its cutting-edge Specter sniper rifles. According to the announcement shared by the Russian news outlet RT, these rifles were developed with significant input from snipers actively serving in air defense zones. The design team incorporated the military’s experience and specific operational needs into the product. The factory testing cycle was completed swiftly, even under extremely harsh conditions, critical contamination, and intense stress. This accelerated testing process ensures the reliability and performance of the rifles in the field.
Thanks to the use of innovative materials in the stock, the rifle’s strength has been enhanced without adding extra weight, as reported by Russian media. Moreover, the new bolt group, made from hardened martensitic steel with a high-tech coating, increases the reliability of the rifle. This advancement not only extends the bolt’s service life and ensures smooth operation but also reduces wear on moving parts.
The safety features and high-quality manufacturing of the breech group enable snipers to use powerful ammunition, shoot from elevated positions, and utilize new high-energy calibers such as the .33XC, according to the Moscow Arms Company. “The design of the ejection port and magazine feed port accommodates COAL 102 mm ammunition [referring to overall cartridge length], as well as high ballistic coefficient [BC] bullets, including longer inverted bullets. The Specter’s design and its customizable chamber allow for guaranteed compatibility with both rifle-specific and various manufacturers’ ammunition,” stated the press release.
With precision manufacturing that employs computer-controlled machines and factory adjustments, the rifle achieves “extreme shooting accuracy” at ultra-long distances on small targets. Available in multiple modifications, the Specter Tactical Sniper System is built for combat use and can fire .338 LM, .33XC, .300 NM, and .300 PRC ammunition. Meanwhile, the Specter Sport, chambered in 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor, is tailored for sport shooting.
At the wishes of snipers
Yaroslav Tabolsky, the general director of the Moscow Arms Company, recently shared in an RT interview that BespokeGun rifles are now in the hands of soldiers from numerous specialized units within the Russian Armed Forces.
One notable example is the Raptor Tactical .338 LM sniper rifle, which is utilized in the air defense sector. This rifle can effectively strike targets at distances up to 1,850 meters. Without additional accessories, the weapon weighs 7.1 kg, and its shooting accuracy “does not exceed 0.3 arc minutes, often reaching as low as 0.1,” according to the head of the arms enterprise.
Tabolsky highlights that one of this rifle’s main advantages is its minimal recoil impulse. “This feature is crucial not only for achieving high-precision shots but also for preserving the shooter’s health. We’ve managed to reduce the recoil impulse through design solutions already utilized globally and some original innovations,” the company’s general director explained.
He also mentioned that BespokeGun’s developers maintain constant communication with the product’s users, considering all feedback from snipers in the Ukraine conflict zone. “This feedback primarily pertains to equipping the firing systems with new devices and accessories. Despite a significant number of delivered units and extensive operational experience, we haven’t received a single complaint from our military regarding the Raptor Tactical,” Tabolsky emphasized.
Military observer Alexander Butyrin noted that the Raptor Tactical has proven itself during the military operations in Ukraine. “This rifle was first used during a special operation. Previously, it hadn’t been in service with the armed forces. It is evidently superior to Soviet-era models, like the SVD, and is comparable to modern rifles from companies like Lobaev and Orsis,” the expert commented in an RT interview.
Competition is only good
Weapons expert and head of the Lazarev Tactical Channel, Konstantin Lazarev, recently discussed the impressive quality of the Specter rifle with RT. “While details about the Specter are sparse, it’s evident that this rifle is crafted to exceptionally high standards. Its design is reminiscent of the Raptor Tactical, particularly its stock. This bolt-action rifle from BespokeGun has proven itself with outstanding accuracy. Additionally, the smooth operation of its bolt is noteworthy,” Lazarev explained.
Analyst Alexander Butyrin also believes the Specter will find strong demand in the market, which currently has a high need for sniper weapons due to ongoing military operations. “Given the current operations, the demand for sniper weapons is quite significant. The rifle meets all modern tactical and technical standards. We’re now waiting for the first batch to arrive on the front lines, where it will undergo direct combat testing. After that, minor design tweaks may be necessary,” Butyrin stated.
Experts have also noted a rise in private manufacturers of sniper weapons in Russia recently. “Competition is always beneficial. For example, Lobaev has been in the market for a long time, starting with sniper rifles before supplying the military. Their products have consistently received positive feedback. The increasing number of private arms manufacturers is positively affecting the overall product quality,” Butyrin added.
Konstantin Lazarev shares this view, asserting that the market benefits greatly from the emergence of private arms manufacturers. “The expansion of the Russian civilian weapons market positively impacts military weapon production. The establishment of new facilities fosters competition, leading to improved product quality as companies strive to capture market share and customer interest,” Lazarev concluded.