I hope everyone gets a good laugh out of this attic rummage

https://kosmofoto.com/2016/12/zorkipedia-zenit-fotosnaiper/
I read of this Soviet Spy Rifle/Camera, the Photosniper and wanted to give it a try, so I built my own. Purchased a Rueger stock, Picatinny rail pistol grip and bipod, Vello wired remote camera trigger, later upgrading to a Nikon wireless. I shared my designs with some fellow photographers and the response was universal: “You are going to get arrested or shot for being a sniper, don’t do it.” Of course I immediately took it to the nearest rural state park to photograph birds.

How did it work? Surprisingly well actually, although I’ve not used it again, mainly due to holding up 10+lbs like a rifle for any length of time is a real killer. A Browing Automatic Rifle (BAR) is 20lbs and needs a bipod too. It is a niche tool, perhaps where one could not stand but be in a prone position, for some length of time, focused on a relatively stationary subject, because there is no panning to be had. I don’t think a user could be confused with a sniper, it’s pretty obvious what it is and I put labels all over it. Here is my Photosniper and some of the “shots” from that day!