Kalashnikov Concern unveiled its VSV-338 bolt-action sniper rifle at Army 2016 in Moscow, Russia. The rifle is chambered in the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70 mm) round. VSV-338 has a combat weight of 7.2 kg, a length of 1,100 mm, a muzzle velocity of 860 m/s, an effective range of 1,500 m, and a magazine capacity of 5 rounds. VSV-338 features free-floating barrel, an adjustable trigger, Picatinny rail on the top of the upper receiver with a Key-Mod forend , a stock made of composite materials, an ergonomic pistol grip with a heavy palm shelf, and a folding stock with folding third leg.
Interesting to note is that we’ve never run across a Russian military rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. Is it a change in philosophy or is there an expectation of NATO country sales. This is a first prototype so we’re anxious to see what the production version looks like. For the time being let just say that it has all of the right bells and whistles.
