PGM Mini-Hecate
PGM Precision · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: PGM 338, Mini Hecate, PGM Precision Mini-Hecate
Overview
The PGM Mini-Hecate is a compact long-range precision bolt-action rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, developed by PGM Precision as a lighter and more portable alternative to their famous Hecate II .50 caliber anti-materiel rifle. Designed for French military and special forces use, the Mini-Hecate provides extreme long-range engagement capability in a package that is significantly lighter and more maneuverable than .50 caliber platforms while retaining effective engagement ranges beyond 1,500 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6200 g (218.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6600 g (232.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Folded Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 16 N (3.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 895 m/s (2936 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6490 J (4787 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Skeleton Stock |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Rail, Bipod Mount, Match Grade Barrel, Suppressor Ready, Skeleton Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2003 · as Mini-Hecate
- French GIGN
- French Foreign Legion
- Belgian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
- Mali War (2012-present)
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Military production primarily for French forces. PGM Precision was acquired by FN Herstal.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Gilles Payen
Notes
The Mini-Hecate shares the distinctive PGM Precision design language with its larger sibling, including the skeleton folding stock and fluted barrel. The rifle is designed to fill the gap between standard 7.62mm sniper rifles and the heavy .50 BMG Hecate II in French military service. PGM Precision (now part of the FN Herstal group) developed the Mini-Hecate in response to operational requirements from Afghanistan and other deployed environments where a lighter .338 Lapua platform was preferred over the heavy Hecate II.
Background
The Mini-Hecate is the younger sibling of the legendary PGM Hecate II, the massive .50 caliber rifle that has been in French military service since the 1990s. While the Hecate II earned fame as one of the most accurate .50 BMG rifles ever made, operational experience in Afghanistan demonstrated the need for a lighter long-range platform. The Mini-Hecate filled that role, giving French snipers extreme-range capability without the 14kg weight penalty of the full Hecate II.