VKS Vykhlop

VKS (ВКС) or VSSK (ВССК) is a Russian bullpup, straight-pull bolt-action, magazine-fed sniper rifle chambered for the 12.7×55mm STs-130 subsonic round. The weapon is also known by the name VSSK and the additional name Vykhlop (Выхлоп), "Exhaust", which comes from the development program. It was developed in around 2002 for the special force units of FSB.

VKS
The VKS sniper rifle
Type	Bullpup sniper rifle
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2004–present
Used by	Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation[citation needed]
Production history
Designer	CKIB SOO (Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons)
Designed	2002
Manufacturer	CKIB SOO (Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons)
Produced	2002
Specifications
Mass	7 kg (total weight)
Length	1120 mm (overall length with suppressor)
Barrel length	450 mm
Width	220 mm
Height	220 mm
Cartridge	12.7×55mm STs-130
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	300 m/s
Effective firing range	600 m
Feed system	5-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Folding iron sights or telescopic sight, Picatinny rail available for various optics

The 12.7×55mm VKS silenced sniper rifle is intended for special operations that require silent firing^[1] and penetration much superior to that provided by 9×39mm VSS silenced sniper rifle. Typical targets for the VKS are combatants in heavy body armor or behind cover. The weapon uses an integral suppressor.

Design

The special round has an overall length of 97 mm. The accuracy is claimed as 1 minute of arc at a 100-meter range with precision bullets.

Cartridge variants:

• STs-130 (СЦ-130) - standard
• STs-130U (СЦ-130У) - for training
• STs-130PT (СЦ-130ПТ) - increased accuracy (59 gram bullet)
• STs-130PT2 (СЦ-130ПТ2) - increased accuracy (solid bronze bullet)
• STs-130VPS (СЦ-130ВПС) - increased penetration (76 gram bullet). Capable of penetrating 16 mm of steel at 200 meters, or body armor up to GOST 5 at 100 meters.^[1]