New Sniper Rifles From Kalashnikov

Russian Kalashnikov has showcased the first prototype of its new VSV-338 high-precision modular rifle at the Army 2016 International Military and Technical Forum.

The company has also exhibited the prototype of its new SVK semi-automatic sniper rifle at the forum, Rostec announced last week.

The VSV-338 long range sniper rifle is designed for use with the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge and can be used in any weather conditions at a range of up to 1,500 meters. Kalashnikov developed this new rifle on its own initiative.

All the VSV-338 units are assembled on an aluminum alloy base plate enabling the shooter to change the barrel quickly. The rifle has a modular design.

The barrel is locked directly by a sliding-breech rotary bolt rotating at three lugs that are located symmetrically.  The adjustable two-stage trigger enables full control of the trigger and trigger pressure. The ambidextrous safety locks the bolt, sear, and trigger.

The forend of the rifle features the Key-MOD system to attach accessories such as sling loops, bipods, and detachable Picatinny rails. On the top of the receiver and forend, there are Picatinny rails that allow the shooter to attach optical and mechanicals sights, as well as night vision devices.

The rifle is equipped with a side-folding buttstock with an adjustable pull and cheek riser, and with a height-adjustable rear support. The furniture (forend cover, grip, and buttstock) is made of heavy-duty plastic and is ergonomically shaped, and thus suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.

The SVK is a compact semi-automatic sniper rifle designed in two modifications. One uses the standard Russian 7.62x54R cartridges and another modification uses the common military rifle cartridges, the NATO standard 7.62x51.

The SVK rifle features an inverted U-shaped steel receiver which hosts the suspended bolt group.  It uses a short stroke piston gas operated action and a rotary bolt locking with three radial lugs. The manually adjustable gas regulator ensures smooth and reliable operation under all conditions, with or without a sound suppressor.

The rifle is fed from detachable box magazines with a standard (10 cartridges) or high (15 or 20 cartridges) capacity.  The 7.62x54R SVK modification uses magazines that are compatible with the Dragunov sniper rifle.

The rifle has ambidextrous fire controls and an integrated Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver for the sighting systems. Open sights may also be attached to it if required. The rifle has a plastic side-folding buttstock. The standard accessories include a quick-detachable tactical sound suppressor and a detachable folding bipod. Presently, the SVK is undergoing manufacturer trials.