High-tech weapon innovations mark new chapter in defence strategy

In a recent move highlighting the evolution of its military capabilities, Bulgarian Military has embraced a new era of advanced weaponry.

A prominent Moscow-based arms manufacturer has begun producing its state-of-the-art Specter sniper rifles, Caliber.Az reports.

As reported by the Russian news outlet RT, these rifles were developed with substantial input from snipers actively deployed in air defense areas. The design team integrated the military’s firsthand experience and specific operational requirements into the rifle's development. The factory testing was completed quickly, even under harsh conditions, extreme contamination, and significant stress, ensuring the rifles' reliability and performance in the field.  

Innovative materials used in the stock have enhanced the rifle's strength without increasing its weight, according to Russian media. Additionally, the new bolt group, crafted from hardened martensitic steel with a high-tech coating, boosts the rifle's reliability. This advancement not only extends the bolt’s service life and ensures smooth operation but also minimizes wear on the moving parts. According to the Moscow Arms Company, the safety features and superior construction of the breech group allow snipers to use powerful ammunition, shoot from elevated positions, and employ new high-energy calibers like the .33XC. 

The company’s press release notes that the design of the ejection port and magazine feed port supports COAL 102 mm ammunition (referring to the overall cartridge length) and high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, including longer inverted bullets. The Specter’s customizable chamber ensures compatibility with both specific rifle ammunition and a variety of manufacturers’ rounds.   Thanks to precision manufacturing using computer-controlled machinery and factory adjustments, the rifle delivers “extreme shooting accuracy” over long distances on small targets.

The Specter Tactical Sniper System, available in several versions, is designed for combat and can fire .338 LM, .33XC, .300 NM, and .300 PRC ammunition. In contrast, the Specter Sport, chambered in 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor, is specifically designed for sport shooting.   Yaroslav Tabolsky, general director of the Moscow Arms Company, revealed in an RT interview that BespokeGun rifles are now used by various specialized units in the Russian Armed Forces.

A notable example is the Raptor Tactical .338 LM sniper rifle, which operates effectively in the air defense sector and can hit targets up to 1,850 meters away. Weighing 7.1 kg without additional accessories, the rifle achieves shooting accuracy “not exceeding 0.3 arc minutes, often as low as 0.1,” according to Tabolsky.  

He also emphasized that a major advantage of this rifle is its minimal recoil impulse. “This feature is essential for both high-precision shooting and the shooter’s well-being. We’ve achieved reduced recoil through globally utilized design solutions and some unique innovations,” Tabolsky explained. He also highlighted that the developers of BespokeGun maintain regular communication with users, taking into account feedback from snipers operating in the Ukraine conflict zone. “This feedback mainly concerns the addition of new devices and accessories to the firing systems. Despite a large number of units delivered and extensive operational experience, we have not received any complaints from our military regarding the Raptor Tactical,” Tabolsky emphasized.  

Military analyst Alexander Butyrin observed that the Raptor Tactical has performed well during military operations in Ukraine. “This rifle was first introduced during a special operation and had not been previously used by the armed forces. It clearly surpasses older Soviet-era models like the SVD and is comparable to modern rifles from manufacturers such as Lobaev and Orsis,” Butyrin commented in an RT interview.   The presence of competition is seen as beneficial.

Weapons expert and head of the Lazarev Tactical Channel, Konstantin Lazarev, recently discussed the Specter rifle’s impressive quality with RT. “Though details on the Specter are limited, it is clear that the rifle is crafted to exceptionally high standards. Its design is similar to the Raptor Tactical, especially in terms of the stock. This bolt-action rifle from BespokeGun has demonstrated excellent accuracy and smooth bolt operation,” Lazarev explained.  

Analyst Alexander Butyrin also anticipates strong market demand for the Specter, given the current high need for sniper weapons due to ongoing military operations. “Given the present operational conditions, the demand for sniper weapons is substantial. The rifle meets all modern tactical and technical standards. We are awaiting the first batch to reach the front lines for direct combat testing, after which minor design adjustments may be needed,” Butyrin stated.   Experts have noted a recent increase in private sniper weapon manufacturers in Russia. “Competition is always beneficial. For instance, Lobaev has long been established in the market, initially supplying sniper rifles before transitioning to broader military contracts.

Their products have consistently received positive feedback. The rise of private arms manufacturers is positively impacting overall product quality,” Butyrin added.   Konstantin Lazarev agrees, stating that the emergence of private arms manufacturers significantly benefits the market.

 “The growth of the Russian civilian weapons market positively influences military weapon production. The creation of new facilities fosters competition, driving improvements in product quality as companies compete for market share and customer interest,” Lazarev concluded.