The 338 Lapua sniper rifle has gained immense popularity due to its remarkable accuracy and long-range capabilities. Designed to meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement professionals, competitive shooters, and avid hunters, this rifle is a testament to precision engineering and power.
Firing the best 338 Lapua sniper rifle requires a ton of skill, but that shouldn't discourage you from purchasing one and striving for that perfect long-range shot. With its exceptional design and capabilities, the 338 Lapua empowers shooters to achieve unparalleled accuracy and hit targets at extended distances.
So, if you're passionate about long-range shooting and dedicated to honing your skills, investing in the 338 Lapua sniper rifle can be a rewarding choice to pursue your shooting ambitions.
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Top 7 Best 338 Lapua Sniper Rifles 2023
Ruger Precision Rifle
True to its name, Ruger's Precision Rifle is built for highly accurate shots from a distance. Its linear recoil system and push-feed bolt action design give you the smoothest experience possible.
It has best-in-class ergonomics thanks to its incredible stock pistol grip, handguard, and bolt action lever. Even if you don't like any of them, you can replace them with any compatible parts, thanks to their modular design.
Ruger Precision Rifle 308 by Wikimedia Commons
The Precision Rifle comes with an adjustable cheek rest and pull length to suit every shooter. Its stock folds to a more compact form, which is handy for transporting a sniper rifle with an overall length of 34 inches.
Its trigger has a satisfying snap, and the weight can be adjusted on the fly without any disassembly required. This is the most reliable 338 Lapua sniper rifle available in our books.
Best Modular 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle: Barrett MRAD
It's no surprise that the Barrett MRAD is the best modular 338 Lapua Sniper rifle available today.
This is one of the rifles used by the US military today; Barrett took the utmost care to design a sniper rifle that can withstand the rigors of combat.
Thanks to its modular design, you can replace the magazine, barrel, and bolt head of the MRAD in a couple of minutes.
Its ambidextrous controls make it easy to operate, even for left-handed shooters.
The MRAD's trigger is one of the smoothest ones we've ever used, and the smooth action makes for really quick reload times.
FN Ballista 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle
Its adjustable trigger works in single and double stages, and we especially love the Southpaw-friendly magazine release. The flexible stock just feels premium, and its design minimizes the impact of its otherwise strong recoil.
FN Ballista by EuroOptic
On top of that, it has many safety features like grip drop and thumb safeties. So if money isn't an issue for you, it's really the best 338 Lapua sniper rifle.
Best Budget 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle: Savage Arms 110BA Stealth
Savage Arms were the first movers to bring the 338 to everyday civilians. Did they succeed? We'd say yes.
Vents all over its free-floating barrel dissipate excess heat, and the barrel's design ensures accurate shots even at very long distances.
It has some quirks, like the mediocre stock, but it's hard to complain about a sniper rifle retailing in the sub-$2000 range.
It's the best budget 338 Lapua sniper rifle you can buy now.
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Best Cold Weather 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle: Accuracy International AWM
Want the best cold weather 338 Lapua sniper rifle? Then, get yourself an Accuracy International AWM and thank us later.
Accuracy International named the Arctic Warfare Magnum the way they did because they built the rifle with arctic conditions in mind.
They use Magnum cartridges, which are typically larger than traditional 338 rounds.
With an effective range of 1500-1700 meters, the AWM is really built for very long distances. You can even attach an aperture type iron sight and thermal optics to better use this sniper rifle in low light.
Most Accurate 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle: Armalite AR-30A1 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle
While the Armalite AR-30A1 won't win any awards with its aesthetics, it's the most accurate 338 Lapua sniper rifle. Moreover, it's a rifle you can use in prone position shooting due to its lightweight stock.
Armalite AR-30A1 338 by Clayton Firearms
It comes with a five-round detachable stainless-steel magazine, making it stand out amongst the sea of polymer aluminum mags you'll find in other rifles. In addition, it comes with a floating barrel and a muzzle brake for a subtler recoil action.
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Weatherby Mark V Accumark
The Weatherby Mark V has the best cooling mechanism in a rifle we've ever seen. It retains its accuracy even with a cold barrel and is more lightweight than other sniper rifles we've seen.
It's so customizable that you create your own configurations on Weatherby's website before even thinking about aftermarket parts. This makes it the best bespoke 338 Lapua sniper rifle on this list.
See an elk hunt using a 338 Lapua sniper rifle in action from mattes hunter:
The best 338 Lapua sniper rifles boast top-notch accuracy and precision over long distances. So whether you're targeting a big game or trying to win your next shooting competition, these picks will never get you down.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle
Advantages
- Outstanding long-range accuracy
- Excellent terminal ballistics
- Versatile cartridge for various applications
- Widely available ammunition and components
- Proven performance in military and law enforcement operations
Disadvantages
- High recoil, requiring proper technique and equipment
- Expensive ammunition compared to other cartridges
- Heavyweight rifles, limiting maneuverability in certain scenarios
338 Lapua Key Features
Let's delve into the key features that set the best 338 Lapua Sniper Rifles apart from the rest:
- Accuracy: The hallmark of a great sniper rifle is its ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy. The best 338 Lapua Sniper Rifles are engineered with precision barrels, advanced muzzle devices, and effective recoil management systems. These features work harmoniously to minimize bullet dispersion, reduce recoil, and enhance accuracy.
- Range: Long-range engagements require rifles with exceptional range capabilities. 338 Lapua Sniper Rifles excel in this area, allowing shooters to effectively engage targets at extended distances. Combining the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge and the rifle's inherent design characteristics enables precise shots at remarkable ranges.
- Build Quality: Sniper rifles need to withstand harsh environments and demanding conditions. The best 338 Lapua Sniper Rifles are constructed with robust materials and meticulous craftsmanship. They exhibit superior build quality, ensuring reliability, durability, and consistent performance even in adverse situations.
Selecting the best 338 Lapua Sniper Rifle is paramount for achieving ultimate precision and accuracy in long-range shooting. These rifles offer unparalleled performance, allowing marksmen to precisely hit targets at extended distances. Factors such as accuracy, range, and build quality play a vital role in determining the superiority of a sniper rifle.
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