The Ukrainian military captured a rare Russian “Vykhlop” (VKS sniper rifle – ed.) 12.7 mm sniper rifle.

It is reported that a Russian large-caliber rifle was discovered in the Kharkiv region. It had likely belonged to Rosgvardia`s SOBR (Special Rapid Response Unit – ed.) fighters.

This silent large-caliber sniper rifle is designed with the bullpup layout.

The public information suggests that the “Vykhlop” rifle was manufactured in small amounts and is in service with the Special Operation Command of the FSS of Russia.

The main purpose of the sniper rifle is the sound-moderate destruction of targets at ranges of up to 600 meters.

At the same time, using a bullet with a subsonic initial speed (circa 290-295 m/s – ed.) in combination with an effective silencer provides a significant decrease in the sound level of the shot (the volume of the shot is 123 dB – ed.).

The ammunition of these weapons also requires special attention.

Three types of special large-caliber 12.7×55mm line SC-130 cartridges with subsonic bullet speed are used for live firing:

• sniper SC-130PT – increased accuracy (59-gram bullet);
• SC-130PT2 – increased accuracy (solid bronze bullet);
• a high penetration sniper SC-130VPS with an armor-piercing bullet with a thermally strong core protruding from the shell;
• a training SC-130PU designed to train and verify the operation of weapon mechanisms.

Greater efficiency is achieved using heavy bullets weighing 59 grams (cartridge SC-130PT of increased accuracy) and even 76 grams (cartridge SC-130VPS of increased penetration).

The SC-130PT cartridge has a claimed shot accuracy of 25mm at a range of 100 meters. The SC-130VPS cartridge has a guaranteed penetration of 16mm steel plate at a range of 200 meters or a Class 5 heavy body armor of protection at a range of 100 meters.

VSSK “Vykhlop” is built in the bullpup layout and has an integral silencer removed during transporting or cleaning.

It is equipped with a manual reloading mechanism and a longitudinally sliding bolt controlled by the handle on the right side of the rifle. A single-row detached box magazine holds 5 rounds.