KNT-76 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle

KNT-76 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle is a domestically developed sniper rifle by Machine and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE), chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition and operating on a semi-automatic principle. Developed under Türkiye’s defense industry projects, the KNT-76 was specifically designed to meet the sniper requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces and security forces.

Development Process and Design Principles

The development of the KNT-76 was carried out in alignment with Türkiye’s vision for indigenous and national arms systems production. MKE transferred the technical knowledge and field experience gained from its earlier development of the MPT-76 infantry rifle to this project. The modular structure, high durability, and performance under diverse climatic conditions demonstrated by the MPT-76 served as key reference points in the design of the KNT-76.

Guided by the requirements for high precision and reliability in sniper rifles, the KNT-76 was engineered to provide a stable firing platform for long-range target engagement. During development, proven and reliable system solutions such as the gas piston system and rotary bolt locking mechanism were adopted. This ensures high shooting stability, low maintenance needs, and consistent performance even under harsh environmental conditions.

As a result of the project coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries, the KNT-76 entered serial production and by 2019, 1,200 units had been delivered. This significantly reduced Türkiye’s dependence on foreign sources for sniper rifles and enhanced its national production capability.

KNT-76 (Anadolu Agency)

Structural Features

Thanks to its semi-automatic operation, the KNT-76 enables rapid engagement of successive targets. This is particularly advantageous when tracking moving targets or during brief target transitions, providing the operator with critical time advantages. The rifle’s gas piston system limits the ingress of carbon and propellant gases into the action during operation, facilitating easier maintenance and reducing malfunctions caused by fouling.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62×51 mm NATO
• Magazine capacity: 20 rounds
• Operating Principle: Gas piston, rotary bolt locking
• Barrel Length: 508 mm
• Effective Range: 800 meters
• Muzzle Velocity: ~805 m/s (with Lapua HPS 170 gr ammunition)
• Accuracy: 1.5 MOA
• Stock: 5-position adjustable, 80 mm telescoping
• Total Length: ~1030 mm (with stock extended)
• Weight: ~5 kg

Usage Areas and Operational Role

The KNT-76 is actively employed by the Turkish Armed Forces’ combat units, the General Command of Gendarmerie, and various special operations units. The rifle’s semi-automatic design facilitates the sniper’s ability to operate effectively in multi-target and dynamic combat environments. It demonstrates high effectiveness in urban operations involving rapid target transitions, border security, and mobile unit support missions.

The design of the rifle also considers the ability to perform extended missions under diverse geographical conditions, including variable temperature and humidity environments. Thanks to its robust construction, it operates reliably in both hot desert conditions and cold, high-altitude terrains.

Modernization and the KNT-76J Model

As part of the ongoing development process, modernization efforts were conducted on the KNT-76 platform. Based on user feedback, these improvements led to the development of the KNT-76J variant. In this new version, trigger sensitivity, barrel balance, and shooting stability have been enhanced.

The stock design of the KNT-76J has been re-engineered to provide a better weight distribution. The handguard ergonomics have been improved and the trigger mechanism revised. Additionally, the muzzle flash suppressor system has been updated. As a result, the rifle’s target retention capability has increased and user comfort during prolonged firing sessions has been significantly improved. The KNT-76J model developed through these modernization efforts is now firmly established within Türkiye’s national sniper rifle family.