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Mauser SP66



Overview


SP66

Rear view of SP66 sniper rifle showing large adjustable stock and bolt action mechanism.
Source: www.nazarian.no - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Sniper rifle
Entered service
Late 1970's
Status
Limited service
Development
1976
Developer
Germany - Mauser
Production
1976 - 1985
Producer
Germany - Mauser
Notable users
Israel

Description


Introduction

The SP66 is a late Cold War era sniper rifle of German origin. It was developed by Mauser in the mid-1970’s from a conventional hunting rifle design. The SP66 was developed for both military and law enforcement use. The SP66 was replaced in production with the Mauser 86SR.

Design

The SP66 is based on the civilian Model 66 Super Match hunting rifle. The SP66 differs in having a fully redesigned chassis and has a multi-slotted muzzle brake. The chassis includes a highly adjustable thumbhole stock. Normally the Zeiss Diavari ZA 1.5-6z scope is fitted. A bipod is optional.

Firepower

The SP66 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from an internal 3 round magazine. The short bolt action results in relatively fast follow up shots. Accuracy reportedly is very good and the effective range is about 800 meters.

Users

The SP66 was sold to various law enforcement agencies around the world, most of them in Europe. Nowadays the SP66 has been replaced by newer models with most users, small quantities remain in use.

Variants


SP66

Side view of Mauser SP66 bolt action sniper rifle.
Source: www.world.guns.ru - © copyright lies with original owner

The Mauser SP66 was produced only in a single variant which can be easily identified by the combination of the unusual thumbhole stock and multi-slotted flash hider.

The newer Mauser 86SR looks similar since it uses the same unique pattern of muzzle brake, but the stock is made of polymer.

Details


Facts SP66
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Sniper rifle
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x51mm NATO
Feed system
Integral magazine, 3 rounds
Barrel length
730 mm
Operation
Action
Bolt action
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Bolt action
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed, adjustable
Length
1.120 mm
Weight
6.12 kg with scope and without bipod
Sights
Mechanical
No backup iron sighs
Optics
Optical sight
Accessories
Bipod
Optional

Media


Related articles


Mauser 86SR

The Mauser 86SR is a modernized variant of the SP66. It features a polymer stock and larger magazine capacity.