PGM 338
The PGM 338, also known as the PGM .338 LM (LM - Lapua Magnum) or PGM Mini-Hecate .338, is French sniper rifle from the early 1990s (being produced since 1993). It uses the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70mm) cartridge, which remains supersonic up to a range of 1200–1500 m depending on the exact ammunition type and environmental conditions.
| PGM 338 | |
|---|---|
The PGM 338 | |
| Type | Sniper rifle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1993-present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Chris L. Movigliatti |
| Manufacturer | PGM Précision |
| Produced | 1993-present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.5 kg (14.33 lb) 7.3 kg (16 lb) folding stock version |
| Length | 1,286 mm (50.6 in) 1,010 mm (39.8 in) stock folded |
| Barrel length | 690 mm (27.2 in) |
| Cartridge | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s (2,953 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 1400 m |
| Feed system | 10-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | day or night optical sights back-up iron sights |
The PGM 338 is intended to fulfill a long-range anti-personnel role, and fills the capability void between the lighter 7.62×51mm NATO (.308) anti-personnel sniper rifles, which do not have the sufficient maximum effective range to be effectively used at ultra long ranges, and the larger .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) anti-materiel rifles, which lack the portability of lighter systems. The PGM 338 was designed by Chris L. Movigliatti (when he worked for PGM Précision) of the Swiss AMSD company and is produced by PGM Précision of France. The rifle is distributed directly through PGM in France, Drake Associates, Inc. of the United States and Liemke Defence in Germany and other European countries.
The PGM 338 main commercial competitors/equivalents on the high-end factory sniper rifle market are the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare and Sako TRG product lines. All these rifles are comparable performance-wise.