Mini-Hecate
Summary
| Country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | PGM Precision Company |
Technical specifications
| Mini-Hecate | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | Single shot rounds/min. |
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Magazine | 10 rounds |
| Length | 1290 mm (50.8 in) |
| Weight | 6.6 kg (14.6 lb) |
| Range | 1200 m (3937 ft) |
Description
The PGM 338, also known as PGM .338 LM or PGM Mini-Hecate .338, is a French sniper rifle developed in the early 1990s, with production starting in 1993. It is chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70mm) cartridge, which can remain supersonic out to 1200–1500 meters depending on ammunition and environmental conditions. The PGM 338 was designed to bridge the gap between lighter 7.62×51mm NATO (.308) sniper rifles, which lack sufficient range, and larger .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) anti-materiel rifles, which are less portable. Designed by Chris L. Movigliatti for PGM Précision, the rifle is manufactured by PGM Précision in France and distributed through PGM in France, Drake Associates in the United States, and Liemke Defence in Germany and other European countries. It is considered comparable in performance to the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare and Sako TRG rifles.
The PGM 338 features a rigid central metal girder chassis to minimize weight and ease maintenance. The receiver is made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and the steel bolt has three lugs that secure into a barrel extension, along with overpressure vent holes. The cold hammer forged, match-grade, fluted barrel is made by Lothar Walther and is fully floated, featuring an integrated muzzle brake that reduces recoil by 50%. The barrel has a 305 mm (1:12 inch) right-hand twist rate, optimized for 16.2 gram (250 grain) .338-calibre bullets; heavier 19.44 gram (300 grain) VLD bullets require a faster 254 mm (1:10 inch) rifling twist. Polymer forearm and pistol grip are attached to the frame. The metal buttstock has an adjustable shoulder pad for length of pull and height and folds to the left for transport. An adjustable rear folding ground spike is located under the stock. A pistol grip ensures a secure hold. The rifle has a fully adjustable two-stage trigger with a pull weight between 10 N (2.2 lbf) and 16 N (3.6 lbf). A Picatinny rail is fitted for optics and accessories, with optional emergency iron sights available. The integrated muzzle brake is detachable, but the manufacturer recommends using either the brake or a silencer. The rifle is intended for anti-personnel use at 500–1400 meters and achieves approximately 0.5 MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition. The standard magazine holds 10 rounds, with larger options available.
Users of the PGM 338 include:
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Army Special Forces of Armenia
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Chilean Army with BOE
-
Israel Special Forces
-
40th Ranger Regiment of Kenya
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GROM in Poland
The Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation and the Slovenian Armed Forces also use this rifle.