Overview
The McMillan TAC-338 system is a highly-specialized version of the TAC-300 rifle line.
The McMillan TAC-338 system is a highly-specialized version of the TAC-300 rifle line.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the McMillan TAC-338 Sniper Rifle. Entry last updated on 2/26/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the McMillan TAC-338 Sniper Rifle. Entry last updated on 2/26/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The McMillan TAC-338 is a specialized sniper rifle developed to exacting specifications with long range lethality and precision in mind. The weapon is part of the McMillan family of TAC-300 series rifles that includes the base TAC-300, the TAC-308, the TAC-338 and the newer TAC-416 (.416 Barrett). The series has since become a proven battlefield commodity and has seen operational use by various military forces including the world-renowned United States Navy SEALs. The TAC-50 is an offshoot of the TAC line and is chambered for the uber-powerful .50 BMG cartridge as a long range anti-personnel/anti-material rifle platform. However, for precision anti-personnel service through a more compact offering, the adaptable McMillan TAC-338 is the weapon of choice.
The TAC-338 is chambered for either the .338 Lapua Magnum or .338 Norma Magnum cartridges and sports a heavy-duty, stainless steel matte-finished/match grade, free-floating hand-fitted barrel of 26.5-inch length. The barrel is finished in Dura-Coat with NP3 Electroless Nickel coating which prevents corrosion. A perforated muzzle brake is fitted over the business end of the barrel as standard though a threaded cap is available as an option. The free-floating stock features an integrated grip handle and sports an adjustable cheekpiece for comfort during long observation sorties. The TAC-338 is available in two distinct marketed forms - the TAC-338A with its conventional detachable box magazine feed and the TAC-338B with its hinged floorplate for easier unloading. Mounting positions over the receiver allow for a rail assembly to be added and, therefore, support various optics in turn. An optional adjustable bipod can be fitted at the extreme forward portion of the forend to lend additional support to the rifle station and preserve the shooter's compact prone position. An optional sling can be affixed for ease-of-transport when use of the hard or soft carrying case is prohibited. The oblong trigger ring is perfectly sized with the gloved hand in mind and the large magazine release is easily accessible from the firing hand's position. The TAC-338 ships with a trigger pull of 3lbs but is adjustable between 2.5 and 4.5lbs and fired from a 5-round magazine. The system is manually-actuated through a bolt lever fitted over the right side of the receiver. Spent shell casings are ejected to this side upon management of the lever.
The TAC-338 is chambered for either the .338 Lapua Magnum or .338 Norma Magnum cartridges and sports a heavy-duty, stainless steel matte-finished/match grade, free-floating hand-fitted barrel of 26.5-inch length. The barrel is finished in Dura-Coat with NP3 Electroless Nickel coating which prevents corrosion. A perforated muzzle brake is fitted over the business end of the barrel as standard though a threaded cap is available as an option. The free-floating stock features an integrated grip handle and sports an adjustable cheekpiece for comfort during long observation sorties. The TAC-338 is available in two distinct marketed forms - the TAC-338A with its conventional detachable box magazine feed and the TAC-338B with its hinged floorplate for easier unloading. Mounting positions over the receiver allow for a rail assembly to be added and, therefore, support various optics in turn. An optional adjustable bipod can be fitted at the extreme forward portion of the forend to lend additional support to the rifle station and preserve the shooter's compact prone position. An optional sling can be affixed for ease-of-transport when use of the hard or soft carrying case is prohibited. The oblong trigger ring is perfectly sized with the gloved hand in mind and the large magazine release is easily accessible from the firing hand's position. The TAC-338 ships with a trigger pull of 3lbs but is adjustable between 2.5 and 4.5lbs and fired from a 5-round magazine. The system is manually-actuated through a bolt lever fitted over the right side of the receiver. Spent shell casings are ejected to this side upon management of the lever.
The base TAC-338 ships with a Leupold Mk 4 3-10x40mm M1 Mil Dot scope in a 1750 series Pelican case. The bipod is a Harris HEBR Swivel Bipod adjustable between 6" and 9". The shoulder strap is a synthetic leather. A Night Force 8-32x56mm Mil Dot scope is optional as an upgrade through McMillan as is a McCann Night Vision Rail Mount and Jewell Trigger system. Additional accessories include the Elite Iron series suppressor which does not "silence" the weapon but retards some of its audible exit signature.
Specifications
YEAR: 2005
MANUFACTURER(S): McMillan Tactical Products LLC - USA
ACTION: Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action
CALIBER(S): .338 Lapua Magnum; .338 Norma Magnum
SIGHTS: Various Optics
OVERALL LENGTH: 1,220 mm (48.03 in)
BARREL LENGTH: 685 mm (26.97 in)
WEIGHT: 11.02 lb (5.00 kg)
RATE-OF-FIRE: 5 rounds-per-minute
OPERATORS: United States
Variants
• TAC-338 - Base Series Designation
• TAC-338A - Detachable box magazine
• TAC-338B - Hinged Floorplate
• TAC-338 - Base Series Designation
• TAC-338A - Detachable box magazine
• TAC-338B - Hinged Floorplate
