Vyper .338

## Serkhal Vyper .338

The Serkhal Vyper .338 (**Серхал Выпер**), mostly known simply as Vyper, is a semi-automatic DMR chambered in .338 Win Mag, designed and manufactured by Serkhal Concern.

## History

The origins of the Serkhal Vyper can be traced back to the early 2000s (2002-2007) when Russia was seeking to replace the dated SKS rifle from military service. Many contestants from around Russia sought this countract, but Serkhal was the overall winner of the competition. After establishing its contract, the first Vypers were introduced to the Russian military and firearm markets in 2008. Serkhal US brought the rifle stateside where it became popular over other weapon platforms.

### Adoption by Interlopers

Due to its availability on open markets, it is a popular rifle choice for new Interlopers, who laud it for its reliability. Interlopers have been known to carve a thumbhole into the stock of the rifle for a rudimentary thumbhole grip. Interloper gunsmiths also mimic the Vyper's design in their own weapons. Despite its popularity among Interlopers, however, Vypers are usually replaced with manually operated firearms.

## Design and Features

The Serkhal Vyper .338 utilizes a gas-operated semi-automatic action, a popular choice for modern rifles due to its reliability and ease of use. The barrel of the Vyper conformed to the specifications of the Russian military by including a free-floating barrel. In addition to this, the Vyper's design also allowed the barrel to be exchanged quickly and easily. However, its barrels only contain fixed attachments; barrels come pre-installed with either a muzzle brake, flash hider, or suppressor.

The Vyper is also noted for its ambidexterous controls, requiring no modification to accomodate for left or right handed shooters.

"Militarized" DMR variants of the rifle are created for military and AFUN use, which removes the iconic thumbhole stock and instead has an all-in-one pistol grip and marksman stock.

### Design post-UN Charter

When the UN Charter was established, many gun companies adjusted the design of their weapons to become compliant. Rather than going above and beyond the requirements, Serkhal Concern decided to meet the specifications and standards set forth in the UN Charter with meticulous precision. The company's engineers skillfully adjusted the design of the Vyper to just barely comply with the criteria outlined in the charter, while strategically maintaining the rifle's exceptional performance and capabilities.

One key area where this "malicious compliance" was evident was in the rifle's features, particularly the handguard and grip. According to the UN Charter, firearms equipped with certain features, such as a fully enclosing handguard or a specific type of grip, would be classified as assault weapons, which would outlaw it from civilian possession. To circumvent this classification, Serkhal Concern engineered the Vyper with a handguard that did not entirely encompass the barrel and a grip that was angled just under the specified limit to be classified as a "pistol grip."

Many critics argued that Serkhal Concern's approach was a display of defiance against the UN, while many lauded the company for standing up for consumer rights, stating that it showcased the resourcefulness of the company. In either case, this bolstered Serkhal Concern's reputation.