Russian Sniper Rifles and Units

GarryB wrote:I find admitting when I make a mistake and learning new stuff is the best way to deal with it.

Glad the people here are all interested in discussion and learning and it is not about ego.

Zivo wrote:I just noticed the T-5000 was missing its bolt during that photoshoot.

GarryB wrote:The key is transonic bullet speed.

When bullets change from supersonic to subsonic speed they can be quite erratic and their accuracy can suffer.

For most modern 308s that speed transition is between 800m and 1,000m or so, though a special long range bullet of optimum shape can improve it.

The problem for most armies however is that their standard 308s are accurate and effective to 800-900m or so, and a decent rifle costs $5-$8 thousands dollars and weighs about 6-7kgs. The other weapons they commonly have are 50 cal weapons that can weigh from 12-15kgs that have effective ranges up to 2km or more but as well as being heavy are very expensive... often $20-$25 thousand dollars.

The 338 LM round in its original form was optimised for the 1,000-1,200m range in a rifle that weighs 8-10kgs and costs $10-$12 thousand dollars.

It basically fills a gap in range performance and also in weight and cost.

If you want to shoot at vehicles or targets wearing body armour at max range then a 50 cal or even 57 cal can do the job, but if you want to just sit out of small arms fire range but not carry a rifle that weighs so much it needs two men to carry it then a 338LM fits that gap.

The new 338LM probably has an effective range of 1.5km so in many cases targets that would otherwise have required a heavy expensive 50 cal can be taken with a lighter cheaper rifle.

GarryB wrote:Other than the black synthetic stock it looks pretty standard.

The bolt to operate the weapon is visible in front of the guys hand on the pistol grip.

This weapon is a bolt action bullpup rifle with a 5 shot mag in 12.7 x 108mm.

A very potent weapon, though not optimised for long ranges.