VKS sniper rifle

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.

The 12.7×55mm VKS silenced sniper rifle is intended for special operations that require silent firing 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.