This year's MSPO will see the debut of the new 8.6 mm SKW-338 semi-automatic sniper rifle developed by OBRSM Tarnów. This time the weapon is going to be shown as a mock-up only. This is another design for the .338 Lapua Magnum round developed by the Tarnów company, after Alex-338 magazine sniper rifle.
Work on SKW-338 commenced in 2010, placing OBRSM at the forefront of manufacturers who develop 8.6 mm x 70 ammunition semi-automatic weapons. Sniper rifles for this round have an established position in the arsenals of western countries, complementing or completely replacing 7.62 mm precision rifles. So far, however, only bolt-action rifles were made. It was only recently that renowned makers started developing semi-automatic rifles firing .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition.
The SKW-338 project is going to be completed in 2012. The new design, similar to earlier rifles developed by OBRSM (Tor, Bor and Alex-338) is in bullpup design, with the magazine positioned aft of the pistol grip. This allows the longest barrel possible for the shortest overall length of the weapon.
SKW-338 uses long stroke gas piston operation. The upper receiver will be made of titanium alloy, while the lower receiver and the barrel sleeve made of plastic. The former extends into a support with a rail mount. The barrel will be fitted with a sophisticated muzzle device acting as a muzzle brake, sound suppressor and flash hider. The weapon will be fed from a 10-round magazine, attached quickly in its slot with help of a guide aft of the pistol grip.