SSS Defence Saber
SSS Defence · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2020
Also known as: SSS Saber, Saber Mk II, 338 Saber
Overview
The SSS Defence Saber is an indigenous Indian bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, designed and manufactured by SSS Defence, a private defense company based in Bengaluru, India. First revealed at DefExpo 2020 as the Saber Mk II, the rifle is designed for modern military sniping and special law enforcement applications at ranges up to 1,500 meters and beyond. The Saber features a heavy match-grade barrel available in 24, 26, and 27-inch lengths with a 1:10 twist rate, an aluminum alloy receiver with cerakote coating, and an ambidextrous aluminum folding rear stock with fully adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull. The rifle is capable of sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition and can be field-stripped into major components for compact transport. The Saber has secured export orders, demonstrating international competitiveness for an Indian-designed precision rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7000 g (246.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7400 g (261.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1270 mm (50.00") |
| Folded Length | 980 mm (38.58") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6560 J (4838 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4000 m (4374 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary — also known as 8.6x70mm, .338 Lapua, 8.6x70mm Lapua Magnum
Features
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Heavy Match Grade Barrel, Adjustable Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheekpiece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Bipod, Picatinny Rail, Muzzle Brake, Cerakote Finish, Aluminum Receiver, Ambidextrous Controls, Multiple Barrel Lengths
Variants
- Saber Mk II — Improved
Service history
Operators
- National Security Guard · as Saber
Production
Production years: 2020-present
Manufactured by SSS Defence in Bengaluru, India. Has secured at least one export order.
Origin
Country of origin: India
Notes
The Saber made significant headlines in 2025 when an Indian National Security Guard (NSG) team using the rifle outperformed competitors armed with established Western sniper platforms including Barrett, Sako, and Accuracy International rifles at a national competition. This achievement validated India's growing indigenous small arms manufacturing capability under the Make in India defense initiative. SSS Defence has secured at least one confirmed export order for the Saber, marking it as one of the few Indian-designed small arms to achieve international sales. The Saber Mk II introduced at DefExpo 2020 featured refinements over the original design. The rifle weighs approximately 9 kg when fully equipped with optics and accessories.
Background
The Saber's victory over Western competitors at an Indian national sniper competition was a landmark moment for India's private defense manufacturing sector, proving that indigenous designs could match or exceed established international brands in precision rifle performance.