Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
Rostec company Kalashnikov has unveiled the first prototype of its VSV-338 high-precision modular rifle and the prototype of its SVK semi-automatic sniper rifle.
The VSV-338 long-range sniper rifle can be used with the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, in any weather conditions at a range of up to 1,500m. The forend of the rifle features the Key-MOD system to attach accessories such as bipods, sling loops and detachable Picatinny rails to support mechanical and optical sights and night vision device attachments.
The rifle has a side-folding buttstock with an adjustable pull and cheek riser, and a height-adjustable rear support. The VSV-338 is assembled on an aluminium alloy base plate allowing the shooter to change barrels quickly. The barrel uses a sliding-breech rotary bolt as a locking mechanism; it has an adjustable two-stage trigger and ambidextrous safety locks for the bolt, trigger and sear.
The SVK is a compact semi-automatic sniper rifle designed in two modifications. One uses the NATO standard 7.62x51 cartridges and the other uses Russian 7.62x54R cartridges. The rifle is fed from detachable box magazines with a standard (10 cartridges) or high (15 or 20 cartridges) capacity.
The SVK has an inverted U-shaped steel receiver that hosts the suspended bolt group. It uses a rotary bolt locking and manually adjustable gas regulator and has a Picatinny rail to attach sighting systems.
The SVK is currently undergoing manufacturer trials.
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
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