The MG 338 general-purpose machine gun uses a short-stroke gas pistol system that has been integrated with SIG Sauer's proprietary recoil mitigation system. It utilizes an AR-style pistol grip and selector switch, ambidextrous controls, which even allows for the charging handle to be positioned on either side depending on operator preference, while its collapsible AR-style buttstock can fold up for more compact transport or for improved maneuverability in close quarters. It also features a switchable feed tray and quick-change barrel.
Effective at ranges out to 2,000 meters, the SIG Sauer MG 338 machine gun has a greater range than the M240 platoon-level machine gun. It has a rate of fire of 600 pounds and is chambered in the hard-hitting .338 Norma Magnum (8.6x63mm) round, and yet it weighs in at just around 21 pounds.