View source for PGM 338

{{Infobox weapon
|name=PGM 338
| image= Mini Hecate 338.jpg
|caption=The PGM 338
|type=[[Sniper rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|service= 1993-present
|wars=
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=Chris L. Movigliatti
|number=
|length={{convert|1286|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br/> {{convert|1010|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded
|action=[[Bolt-action]]
| image_size = 300
|origin= [[France]]
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|used_by= See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
|design_date=
|manufacturer=[[PGM Précision]]
|production_date= 1993-present
|variants=
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight={{convert|6.5|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<br/> {{convert|7.3|kg|abbr=on}} folding stock version
|part_length={{convert|690|mm|abbr=on|1}}
|crew=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=[[.338 Lapua Magnum]]
|caliber=
|rate=
|velocity={{convert|900|m/s|0|abbr=on}}
|range=1400 m
|max_range=
|feed=10-round detachable box [[magazine (firearm)|magazine]]
|sights= day or night optical sights<br/>back-up iron sights
}}

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).<ref>{{cite web |title=PGM 338  Mini-Hecate |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/1336-PGM+338 |website=WeaponSystems.net |publisher=WeaponSystems.net |access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref> 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.

The PGM 338 is intended to fulfill a long-range [[Anti-personnel weapon|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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}}

==Design details==
Like its larger brother - the [[PGM Hécate II]] (chambered in .50 BMG), the PGM 338 is structured around a central rigid metal girder chassis, giving it a skeletal "barebones" appearance to minimize weight and simplify maintenance.

The [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] is made from a high quality [[7075 aluminum|7075]] aircraft-grade [[aluminum]] [[alloy]], while the [[steel]] bolt has three lugs that lock into a [[Gun barrel|barrel]] extension. It also has overpressure vent holes allowing high-pressure gases a channel of escape in the rare event of a cartridge case head failure. The barrel was designed by the German firm Lothar Walther and is cold hammer forged. The match grade [[Fluting (firearms)|fluted]] barrel is mounted fully floated and sports an integrated [[muzzle brake]] with a 50% recoil reduction effectiveness. The [[gun barrel|barrel]] features a non-conventional 305&nbsp;mm (1:12 in) right-hand twist rate optimized for firing 16.2 gram (250 grain) .338-calibre [[very-low-drag bullet]]s (VLD). Longer, heavier VLD bullets, like the Sierra HPBT MatchKing 19.44 gram (300 grain) projectile require a 254&nbsp;mm (1:10 in) rifling twist rate.

The furniture (pistol grip and forearm) is made from a [[polymer]] material and is mounted to the frame. The [[Stock (firearm)|buttstock]] is made from metal and has an adjustable shoulder pad for comfortable aiming and minimizing the effects of [[recoil]] on the operator. It is also adjustable for the [[length of pull]] and height, and can be folded to the left side of the receiver to reduce the overall dimensions of the rifle and make it more portable. An adjustable rear folding ground spike under the stock helps to keep the rifle in a stable position for extended periods of time and is most effective when coupled with the folding [[bipod]] support under the rifle barrel. A [[pistol grip]] is used for comfortable wielding of the weapon, especially during prolonged periods of time during which the operator must be immediately ready to open fire.

The rifle has a fully adjustable two-stage [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] featuring an adjustable trigger pull weight of {{convert|10|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} to {{convert|16|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} that can be adjusted by an armourer and a fast lock time.

The PGM 338 is fitted with a [[Picatinny rail]] so that it may be equipped with a wide range of commercial and [[NATO]]-standard optical sights, lights, night vision equipment and other tactical accessories. It also has an optional set of emergency [[iron sight]]s to be used in case of the failure of the primary sight.

[[Image:Mini Hecate-338 Lapua Magnum.JPG|thumb|PGM 338 rifle.]]

Normally muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce [[recoil]], jump and flash. The PGM factory muzzle brakes are however detachable if a user does not wish to use it. In order to preserve an optimal shooting comfort, the factory advises to avoid firing without the muzzle brake or [[Suppressor|silencer]] attached.<ref>PGM .338 LM User Manual</ref>

The PGM 338 is primarily intended for anti-personnel sniper work at distances between 500 and 1400 m, and can consistently achieve an accuracy of about 0.5 [[Minute of arc|MOA]] with match-grade ammunition when employed by a qualified marksman. At distances below 500 m, the .338 Lapua Magnum would be too powerful for anti-personnel use and cause [[overpenetration]] in most circumstances, unless deep material [[penetration (weapons)|penetration]] is required. At distances beyond 1200 m, the standard .338 Lapua Magnum bullets enter the transonic velocity region, thus significantly degrading its accuracy, but remaining somewhat reliable up to 1500 m.

The rifle is most often used with a 10-round box magazine, although larger capacity magazines are also available.

Factory accessories are: PGM sound-suppressor, ergonomic wooden grip, kit consisting of a long [[Picatinny rail]] and side Picatinny rails, PGM telescopic sight mounts, PGM back-up iron sights, transport case with formed foam and a carrying sling.

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
*{{flag|Armenia}}: Used by Army Special Forces<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GFWA63a0bE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1GFWA63a0bE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Armenian Army Sniper Rifles|work=YouTube|accessdate=26 October 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Azerbaijan reacts to French and British arms sales to Armenia|url=http://en.apa.az/xeber_azerbaijan_reacts_to_french_and_british__238692.html|agency=APA|date=1 February 2016|access-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204032810/http://en.apa.az/xeber_azerbaijan_reacts_to_french_and_british__238692.html|archive-date=4 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Chile}}: [[Chilean Army]]<ref>[http://chiledefense.blogspot.cl/2010_09_01_archive.html?m=1/ Chile defense]</ref> with [[Lautaro Special Operations Brigade|BOE]]
*{{flag|Israel}}: Israel Special Forces<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://isayeret.com/content/weapons/sws/pgm/article.shtml |title=isayeret.com |access-date=7 June 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160725131509/http://isayeret.com/content/weapons/sws/pgm/article.shtml |archive-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{flag|Kenya}}: Used by the 40th Ranger Regiment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.africa/2024/08/kenyan-special-forces-fields-french-made-pgm-338-sniper-rifle/|title=Kenyan Special Forces fields French-made PGM 338 sniper rifle|publisher=Military Africa|date=2024-08-03|author=Patrick Kenyette}}</ref>
*{{flag|Poland}}: [[GROM]].{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
*{{flag|Singapore}}: [[Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/2122008/singapur.asp |title=Singapurske Specijalne Postrojbe |language=Croatian |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |accessdate=2009-10-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015052841/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/2122008/singapur.asp |archivedate=15 October 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*{{flag|Slovenia}}: [[Slovenian Armed Forces]].<ref>[http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/armament-and-equipment/light-infantry-and-support-armament/86-mm-mini-hecate-sniper-rifle/  8.6 mm Mini Hecate Sniper Rifle]</ref>

==See also==
{{Commons|PGM Mini Hécate .338}}
*[[PGM Ultima Ratio]]
*[[PGM Hécate II]]
*[[Brügger & Thomet APR]] a Swiss sniper rifle that was developed based on the PGM sniper rifles.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101116013944/http://www.pgmprecision.com/index.php?page=pgm338&hl=en_US PGM Précision]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100511083945/http://www.drakeassociates.us/content/pgmweaponsystems Drake Associates]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110715074318/http://www.pgmprecision.com/uploads/pdf/pgm338_2008_en.pdf PGM 338 data sheet]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110715074446/http://www.pgmprecision.com/uploads/pdf/manuels/user_manual_pgm338.pdf User Manual PGM .338 LM]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100826064318/http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn47-e.htm Modern Firearms]
*[http://uvson308.free.fr/photogallery/PGM338/thumb.html PGM 338 image collection]
*[http://uvson308.free.fr/photogallery/TRGvsPGM/thumb.html TRG-42 vs. PGM 338 comparison]
*[http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/socom-psr-contenders/ SOCOM PSR Contenders by Tom Beckstrand]
*[http://www.tactical-life.com/online/special-weapons/pgm-precision-338-lapua-mag/ PGM  PRECISION .338 LAPUA MAG Drake Associates' PGM 338 by Charlie Cutshaw]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140517214722/http://lk-defence.de/ PGM Germany]

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pgm 338}}
[[Category:.338 Lapua Magnum rifles]]
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles of France]]
[[Category:Sniper rifles of France]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s]]