Alexander Arms Ulfberht

Alexander Arms · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2013

Also known as: Ulfberht, AA Ulfberht, Alexander Ulfberht .338

Overview

The Alexander Arms Ulfberht is a semi-automatic precision rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, representing one of the most ambitious engineering undertakings in the modern firearms industry. At 19.8 pounds with a 27.5-inch fluted barrel, the Ulfberht delivers the devastating long-range performance of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge from a semi-automatic platform -- a feat previously achieved only by bolt-action rifles. The rifle employs a long-stroke piston operating system specifically designed to manage the extreme pressures and bolt thrust of the .338 Lapua cartridge. The action is built on a proprietary large-frame receiver machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, with a Magpul PRS adjustable stock and Geissele SSA two-stage trigger. The barrel extends past the modular aluminum handguard, where it is fluted to reduce weight and improve heat dissipation during sustained fire.

Specifications

Weight (empty)8981 g (316.8 oz)
Weight (loaded)9700 g (342.2 oz)
Overall Length1270 mm (50.00")
Folded Length1048 mm (41.26")
Barrel Length699 mm (27.52")
Action TypeGas Operated Long Stroke
Firing MechanismRotating Bolt
Trigger TypeTwo Stage
Trigger Pull20 N (4.5 lbf)
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity900 m/s (2953 fps)
Muzzle Energy6560 J (4838 ft·lbf)
Effective Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Maximum Range6700 m (7327 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist236 mm (9.29")
Frame MaterialAluminum Alloy
Barrel Material4140 Steel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishHard Anodized Matte Black

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 2013-present

Very limited production by Alexander Arms in Radford, Virginia.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Bill Alexander

Notes

The Ulfberht is named after the legendary Viking swords bearing the inscription '+VLFBERH+T', which were crafted from crucible steel far superior to contemporary weapons -- a fitting name for a rifle that pushes the boundaries of what a semi-automatic platform can achieve. At nearly 20 pounds, the rifle is heavy but necessarily so to manage the punishing recoil of the .338 Lapua Magnum in a semi-automatic action. The trigger pull weight is approximately 4 lbs 9 oz. The folding stock reduces the overall length from 50 inches to 41.25 inches for transport. The rifle accepts proprietary 10-round detachable box magazines.

Background

Named after the legendary medieval Viking swords inscribed '+VLFBERH+T' that were centuries ahead of their time in metallurgy, the Ulfberht rifle similarly pushes the boundaries of firearms engineering as the first commercially available semi-automatic .338 Lapua Magnum.