Gunwerks Lite SabR – Integrally Suppressed Bolt-Action Rifle Chambered in .338 RCM
The Skunkwerks custom firearms division of Gunwerks built a pretty interesting bolt-action rifle which they named Lite SabR. This rifle is chambered in .338 Ruger Compact Magnum (.338 RCM), has an integrally suppressed barrel and extensively utilizes light materials such as carbon fiber, titanium and magnesium. The result is an extremely lightweight yet potent, hard-hitting rig. Comparing with other rifles in their product line, Gunwerks describes the new Lite SabR as a rifle that is “light as a ClymR, but hits like the HAMR!“.
The Gunwerks Lite SabR rifle is built with the use of the company’s titanium GLR action installed into an XLR Industries Element 3.0 magnesium chassis. The chassis features a built-in bottom ARCA Swiss rail and has a folding carbon fiber adjustable stock. Another XLR Industries part used in this build is the 3D printed titanium grip which has a pretty unique webbed design.
The Lite SabR rifle is equipped with a Suppressed Weapon Systems integrally suppressed barrel that has the baffles machined right into its front portion and is completely enclosed in the titanium outer sleeve. The overall length of the barrel is 22″, however, the actual rifled portion is 14″ with the remaining eight inches being the baffles.
The Gunwerks Lite SabR rifle also comes with a TriggerTech trigger set at 2.5 lb pull weight and Accurate Mag 5-round AICS pattern detachable box magazine. The finish on the metal parts is Cerakote of Tungsten and Graphite colors. The length of the rifle with the stock deployed and folded is 42″ and 33″ respectively. As a result of using lightweight materials, the overall weight of this rifle is 7lbs (8.5 lbs with the Schmidt & Bender PMII 1.5-8×26 scope mounted).
The .338 RCM is a rimless short action cartridge created by Ruger and Hornady in 2008. Being based on the .375 Ruger case, it has quite a large case capacity and performs almost like the .338 Winchester Magnum except in a short action package. For example, .338 Win Mag and .338 RCM Hornady Superformance ammunition loaded with 225 gr SST bullets (both fired in 24″ test barrels) have advertised muzzle velocities of 2,840 fps and 2,750 fps respectively. The shorter barrel of Lite SabR is capable of pushing the 225gr bullets of the mentioned Hornady load to 2,500 fps.
The Gunwerks Lite SabR rifle is listed on the company’s website at a price point of $12,900. As in the case of many other Gunwerks rifles, the price is not for the rifle only but rather for a package which in this case includes the rifle itself, Schmidt & Bender PMII 1.5-8×26 scope mounted in Gunwerks Unity rings, 300 rounds of .338 RCM Hornady 225gr SST Superformance ammunition, Savior Equipment American Classic soft carry case and custom hard case. Due to the integral suppressor, the acquisition of this rifle requires a tax stamp. The estimated start of shipping is October 2020.
To learn more about the Gunwerks Lite SabR rifle, watch the below-embedded video.
Images by Gunwerks, www.gunwerks.com
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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If you can dream it someone can build it. Now I am not seeing the point of the lower magnification on a rifle capable of good distance. You would think maybe a higher magnification will help with range. One more question is what's the practical purpose of the rifle?
I commend you for pressing the envelope.
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Having said that, the truth of it is that no monoblock suppressor can be produced with the complex full spherical forms that provide modern maximum suppression values or accuracy, The restriction is the monoblock cutting possibilities itself. Advanced suppression requires gas redirection as well as pause. That is done through complete conical and spherical forms, as is what is efficient, slows gas and keep it moving, that is what stops hot spotting, that is what provides properly timed gas flow.Without it, the heat mirage, especially through titanium will ruin the scope view. Many have tried, it only gets to "good" never approaches superior.
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Lastly, and most importantly, it is not fair to the shooter to ever suggest that suppressing a round that is still supersonic after leaving the barrel is EVER going to let your ears "get away with it." Supersonic projectiles will always produce damage to the inner ear, again its physics and its unavoidable. Those of us that shoot these calibers know that the resulting concussions also travel up the mandible as well and can destroy the inner ears Suppression helps reduce these calibers to the point where one stands a better chance WITH hearing protection. Rifles at this level of expense, especially with suppressors need to mention accuracy provided by the design.... let alone the the resulting dBs....In the absence of that...its all talk. Again, lots of work and a fine effort, I always enjoy seeing America craftsmanship.