Inside Look: SIG Sauer MG 338 Machine Gun

Published on January 20, 2020
Duration: 4:00

This expert overview of the SIG Sauer MG 338, presented by Jason St. John, Director of Defense Strategies at SIG Sauer, details its operational features. Key takeaways include its .338 Norma Magnum caliber for enhanced lethality, a weight advantage over the M240, advanced recoil mitigation, ambidextrous controls, a unique side-loading mechanism, and a quick-change barrel system. The design prioritizes optics compatibility with a side-opening feed tray.

Quick Summary

The SIG Sauer MG 338 machine gun fires .338 Norma Magnum rounds, offering enhanced lethality and an effective range of 1200-1500 meters. It weighs 21.4 lbs, is lighter than the M240, and features a recoil mitigation system reducing felt recoil significantly. Ambidextrous controls and a side-opening feed tray cover for optic clearance are key design elements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Live Fire
  2. 00:14SIG Sauer MG 338 Overview
  3. 00:45Caliber and Lethality
  4. 01:11Weight and Recoil
  5. 01:45Ergonomics and Ambidextrous Features
  6. 02:08Unique Loading Mechanism
  7. 02:42Magazine and Barrel Systems
  8. 03:26Optics Compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber does the SIG Sauer MG 338 machine gun fire?

The SIG Sauer MG 338 machine gun fires the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge. This caliber is noted for providing double the lethality of 7.62mm systems and offers an effective range between 1200 and 1500 meters.

How does the SIG Sauer MG 338 compare in weight and recoil to other machine guns?

Weighing 21.4 lbs, the MG 338 is lighter than the M240. Its recoil mitigation system is designed to reduce felt recoil to a level only slightly greater than that of a standard M4 rifle.

What are the key ergonomic and operational features of the SIG Sauer MG 338?

The MG 338 boasts ambidextrous feed and charging capabilities, allowing operation from either the left or right side. It also features a unique loading mechanism that enables feeding with the feed tray cover closed.

Why does the SIG Sauer MG 338 have a side-opening feed tray cover?

The feed tray cover opens to the side, rather than the front, to prevent interference with mounted optics, such as inline sights, thermal imagers, or night vision devices, ensuring better usability.

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