Keppeler KS-V
Overview
KS-V
KS-V chambered in .338 Lapua.
Source: www.keppeler-te.de -
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Description
Introduction
The KS-V is a modern era bullpup sniper rifle. It is produced by the German firearms manufacturer Keppeler. The KS-V was designed from the start as a tactical rifle and is not a conversion of a hunting rifle.
Design
The KS-V is a bullpup bolt-action rifle with several unique features. Unlike other bullpup rifles the magazine is not mounted behind the pistol grip, but sideways above it. The entire chassis is made out of solid aluminum. Finally the bolt design requires a very limited rotation to open. The heavy barrel is free floating and Picatinny rails are fitted for optics. The stock, pistol grip, monopod and bipod are fully adjustable.
Firepower
The KS-V is chambered for either 7.62x51mm, .300 Winchester or .338 Lapua, with three barrel lengths being available. Accuracy and range are not quoted, but given Keppeler design quality the KS-V is expected to match the best tactical rifles. Given the position of the bolt and the limited bolt angle the rate of fire is very good for a bolt action rifle. The KS-V is magazine fed, but single shot versions are available.
Users
The KS-V is currently marketed for law enforcement use and civilian precision shooting. It is said to be in limited use with European law enforcement agencies.
Variants
KS-V bullpup sniper
The KS-V Bullpup Sniper is the tactical rifle and the first KS-V to be developed. The KS-V has a unique layout and internal mechanism. In 7.62x51mm, .300 Winchester and .338 Lapua it comes with a 650mm heavy barrel. In 7.62x51mm and .300 Winchester it is also available with a short 500mm and 550mm barrel respectively.
KS-V bullpup hunter
The KS-V Bullpup Hunter is a civilian model derived from the tactical rifle. It features a shorter simplified frame with unlike the tactical rifle it has a single stage trigger. The Hunter models comes with the same barrels and calibers as the tactical rifle. Given its reduced weight and costs non-Western nations may adopt it as a tactical rifle.
Details
Related article
DSR-Precision DSR-1
The DSR-1 is contemporary German bullpup sniper rifle available in the same three calibers.