A prominent Moscow arms manufacturer has begun producing its advanced Specter sniper rifles. According to an announcement by the Russian news outlet RT, these rifles were designed with significant input from snipers actively serving in air defense zones. The design team incorporated the military’s real-world experience and specific operational requirements into the product. The factory testing process was completed quickly, even under extreme conditions, severe contamination, and intense stress, ensuring the rifles’ reliability and performance in the field.
Russian media reports that the rifle’s strength has been enhanced by using innovative materials in the stock, without adding extra weight. Additionally, the new bolt group, crafted from hardened martensitic steel with a high-tech coating, increases the rifle’s reliability. This improvement extends the bolt’s lifespan, ensures smooth operation, and reduces wear on moving parts.
The Moscow Arms Company also highlighted the rifle’s safety features and high-quality manufacturing, enabling snipers to use powerful ammunition, shoot from elevated positions, and utilize new high-energy calibers like the .33XC. “The design of the ejection port and magazine feed port accommodates COAL 102 mm ammunition [overall cartridge length], as well as high ballistic coefficient [BC] bullets, including longer inverted bullets. The Specter’s design and its customizable chamber ensure compatibility with both rifle-specific and various manufacturers’ ammunition,” according to the press release.
Precision manufacturing, using computer-controlled machines and factory adjustments, allows the rifle to achieve “extreme shooting accuracy” at ultra-long distances on small targets. The Specter Tactical Sniper System, available in several modifications, is designed 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.
Yaroslav Tabolsky, the general director of the Moscow Arms Company, shared in an interview with RT that BespokeGun rifles are now in the hands of soldiers from several specialized units within the Russian Armed Forces. One notable example is the Raptor Tactical .338 LM sniper rifle, used in the air defense sector. This rifle can effectively hit targets up to 1,850 meters away and, without additional accessories, weighs 7.1 kg, with shooting accuracy “not exceeding 0.3 arc minutes, often reaching as low as 0.1,” according to the company’s general director.
Tabolsky also noted that one of the rifle’s key advantages is its minimal recoil impulse. “This feature is essential 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,” he explained.
He further mentioned that BespokeGun’s developers maintain constant communication with users, considering feedback from snipers in the Ukraine conflict zone. “This feedback mainly concerns equipping the firing systems with new devices and accessories. Despite a large 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 pointed out that the Raptor Tactical has proven its worth during military operations in Ukraine. “This rifle was first used during a special operation. Previously, it wasn’t in service with the armed forces. It is clearly superior to Soviet-era models like the SVD and is comparable to modern rifles from companies like Lobaev and Orsis,” he commented in an interview with RT.
Weapons expert and Lazarev Tactical Channel head Konstantin Lazarev also discussed the impressive quality of the Specter rifle with RT. “While details about the Specter are limited, it’s clear that this rifle is crafted to exceptionally high standards. Its design resembles the Raptor Tactical, particularly its stock. This bolt-action rifle from BespokeGun has demonstrated outstanding accuracy. Additionally, the smooth operation of its bolt is noteworthy,” Lazarev explained.
Analyst Alexander Butyrin believes the Specter will be in strong demand, given the current high need for sniper weapons due to ongoing military operations. “Given the ongoing operations, the demand for sniper weapons is significant. The rifle meets all modern tactical and technical standards. We’re now awaiting the first batch to reach the front lines, where it will undergo direct combat testing. Afterward, minor design tweaks may be necessary,” Butyrin stated.
Experts have also observed a rise in private manufacturers of sniper weapons in Russia recently. “Competition is always beneficial. For instance, 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 growing number of private arms manufacturers is positively impacting overall product quality,” Butyrin added.
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 affects 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,” concluded Lazarev .
