Using a 13-year-old gun and bullets from the Soviet era, shooter Sergei Martynov easily won the men’s 50 metre prone rifle with a world-record score yesterday to give Belarus their first gold medal of the Olympics.

The 44-year-old, who serves in the air force at home, scored 705.5 to finish ahead of Belgium’s Lionel Cox on 701.2 with Slovenia’s Rajmond Debevec third on 701.

The mark bettered that of previous world record holder Germany’s Christian Klees, who scored 704.8 at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

“I am absolutely delighted. This will mean everything to my country,” Martynov said through an interpreter, before going off to smoke a cigarette.

“I have been over 15 years in this discipline and it is one of the best feelings.”

The Belarussian was using a 1999 rifle and rounds that were made in 1985, a combination that brought him bronze medals in the discipline at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games.

“A rifle isn’t a wife but you have to look after it and give it tender, loving care,” Martynov said of his prized possession.

“I’m not exactly prejudice against any recently made rifles or rounds, it is just when you choose you choose something that feels more comfortable.”

“I have a (new) rifle back at home but when you are getting ready for the Olympic Games it is too late to change anything so I am yet to lay my hands on it.”