Russia Unveils Its Most Powerful Sniper Rifle: Features and Specifications

The DXL-5 uses .50 BMG calibre ammunition, which is popular among NATO armies and employed by snipers to stop light armoured vehicles from distances of up to two kilometres.

According to Weapon Illustrated Magazine, for instance, if a sniper targets the engine of a Humvee at such a distance with an armour-piercing round, the vehicle becomes inoperable and is stopped.

The DXL-5 is set to join the well-known family of DXL sniper rifles, which currently includes two other models — the DXL-3 and DXL-4.

According to Yuri Sinichkin, chief engineer at Lobaev Arms, the DXL-5 is better suited for engaging large-scale targets than for striking enemy troops on the battlefield. Although the .50 calibre round is much more powerful than those used in other sniper rifles, it is not as accurate as .375 or .408 calibre bullets.

Lobaev Arms recently conducted the first field tests of the DXL-5 sniper rifle. The weapon demonstrated accuracy of less than 1 MOA (Minute of Angle), meaning that the dispersion of three bullets fired from a distance of 100 metres was less than three centimetres.

The stock of the DXL-5 is equipped with a special shock absorber that significantly reduces recoil. The rifle is described as one of the smoothest-shooting .50 BMG sniper rifles currently available on the market.

According to Sinichkin, this feature helps improve the shooter’s accuracy — particularly when aiming at very distant targets.

At present, several DXL-5 sniper rifles are being manufactured for a Middle Eastern client. Lobaev Arms is also developing a new model based on the DXL-5, capable of hitting targets at distances of up to seven kilometres. The rifle’s reliable effective range is stated to be around three kilometres, which still makes it a powerful weapon.

To engage targets at seven kilometres, modifications will be made to the DXL-5 rifle, and new supersonic bullets specially designed for this weapon will be used. Testing of this model is planned for the spring of next year.

Lobaev Arms has identified foreign militaries as the primary customers for the DXL-5 sniper rifle. The price of one DXL-5 rifle without an optical scope has been set at $25,000. According to the company, the technologies used in the DXL-5 rifle and its new supersonic ammunition — which will be tested next spring — could significantly enhance sniper capabilities.

What snipers say about the DXL-5

Andrey Piskunov, a special-forces instructor, believes the DXL-5 marks a step forward for Russian arms manufacturers, but he does not think the new rifle will surpass foreign weapons in quality.

He said it is still too early to judge whether military forces will be willing to replace their current rifles with this new model, for several reasons.

First, the DXL-5 remains a relatively raw weapon and must undergo real-world battlefield testing. User feedback needs to be collected, and the manufacturer must address all possible issues that may arise.

Another concern is the rifle’s price. The $25,000 price tag surprised Piskunov, who described it as an expensive product.