Until recently, Russian small arms were known mostly for their ruggedness, durability and reliability, even under the harshest conditions. Outstanding accuracy was rarely mentioned in relation to Russian (and before that, Soviet) small arms, but this changed several years ago. In 2010, a small group of precision shooting enthusiasts, backed by several private investors, bought an abandoned manufacturing building in Moscow. Less than a year later, this building became the home for a unique small arms manufacturer known as ORSIS. The flagship rifle in the ORSIS product line is the T-5000 tactical sniper rifle.

RELATED: Behind the Scenes at the ORSIS Factory In Moscow

The trigger was the best I’ve ever tried—the trigger pull was short and crisp, breaking cleanly at 2.2 pounds. Operating the bolt was smooth and fast. I shot the rifle in five-round strings and my best groups measured a tad less than 1 inch across. This translates to slightly less than 1-MOA accuracy, and this was my first ever attempt at shooting a real precision rifle (my previous “sniper rifle” experience was limited mostly to the Russian Army-issued 7.62mm Dragunov SVD semi-automatic rifle). With more experienced shooters firing this rifle, 0.5-MOA or better accuracy is the norm, even at extended ranges.

Read on to find out about some of its best features.

1. Inherent Accuracy: With proper ammunition, 0.5 MOA is a norm, and even 0.3 MOA can be routinely achieved with some effort.

2. Ruggedness & Reliability: The ORSIS T-5000 passed extremely demanding Russian Army small arms tests with very promising results.

3. Precision Barrels: ORSIS makes stainless steel barrels that can be ordered from the factory in any conceivable chambering, profile, rifling and twist rate.

4. Threaded Muzzle: This can accept various muzzle devices, including muzzle brakes, flash suppressors and sound suppressors.

5. Rigid Stock: The sturdy aluminum alloy stock features steel bedding inserts to hold the action in place.