Russian firearms manufacturer unveils MTs-116M bolt-action sniper rifle

The Russian Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Firearms (TsKIB SOO), a subsidiary of the Tula-based Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) named after Academician A.G. Shipunov of Rostec's High-Precision Weapons holding, has unveiled the MTs-116M bolt-action sniper rifle based on a sporting firearm.

Russian Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Firearms MTs-116M bolt-action sniper rifle (Picture source Army Recognition)

The MTs-116M can be chambered for 7.62x54R, .308 Winchester (7.62x51 or STANAG 2310), .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62x67) or .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6x70) cartridges. The sniper rifle is based on a customizable stock made of composites and features a firing mechanism with adjustable length of trigger pull. The firearm has received three MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails, of which two are located on the top of the barrel and intended for a sight and a separate night detachment. The third rail in the lower front part of the stock carries a bipod. A third-leg type monopod is integrated with the lower part of the buttstock.

In the basic configuration, the MTs-116M is fitted with the DH 3-12x50 daylight optical sight made by the Dedal-NV company. The rifle also features advanced ventilation of the barrel and a button-type safety. The variants of the firearm chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum have received a triple-chamber muzzle break.

The MTs-116M has an empty weight of 6.5 kg. The rifle's barrel and overall lengths of the firearm vary depending on the cartridge. The variant of the MTs-116M chambered for 7.62x54R is fitted with a 715 mm barrel and has an overall length of 1,250 mm. The rifle chambered for .308 Winchester features a 660 mm barrel and has the same overall length. The variants of the sniper rifle chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum are fitted with 690 mm barrels and have an overall length of 1,300 mm. The MTs-116M is fed by a detachable box magazine with varying capacity: 10 7.62x54R or .308 Winchester, seven .300 Winchester Magnum or five .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.

It is noteworthy that the accuracy of the MTs-116M is less than one minute of arc (MOA) with use of sniper- or match-grade munitions. The ability to fire .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges is among the main distinctive features of the rifle.