As part of the 7.62×51 SpKW/D Grot Semi-Automatic Marksman Rifle User Course, soldiers from Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade spent 10 days earning qualifications as designated marksmen at the platoon level (Grotowisko-25: Grot A3 and MPS Army).
Marksman–spotter team at the firing position
The 10-day training was divided into two thematic blocks. The first, a theoretical and practical course, covered topics such as the fundamentals of designated marksman tactics in combat operations. In developing the course, its creators drew on lessons from current armed conflicts as well as the operational experience of Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade, gained during stabilization missions as part of Polish Military Contingents abroad.
At the Nowa Dęba training area, Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade conducted the first-ever course for designated marksmen of the Polish Armed Forces using SpKW/D Grot (Grot 7.62 NATO) semi-automatic precision rifles, supplied by the Łucznik–Radom Arms Factory.
Another component of the course focused on the construction and operation of the SpKW/D Grot rifle, including essential maintenance tasks such as cleaning, servicing, preservation, and mounting the optical sight. Soldiers were also introduced to the fundamentals of ballistics and precision shooting, distance estimation methods, sight adjustment calculations, weapon preparation for airdrop operations, and various tactical approaches. The tactical training covered camouflage techniques, building concealment for both personnel and equipment, as well as principles of effective observation.
During the course, soldiers zeroed their rifles, calibrated their optics, and learned to apply ballistic adjustments
The second, practical phase of the course was the live-fire module. During field exercises, soldiers zeroed their rifles and optics, learned how to measure muzzle velocity using Doppler radar systems, and worked with ballistic calculators. The next step was mastering the principles of engaging targets with the SpKW/D Grot rifle. The course concluded with precision and grouping tests at distances up to 500 meters, as well as reactive steel target engagements from unconventional shooting positions at ranges up to 600 meters.
Soldiers were required to effectively engage targets at distances ranging from 100 to 600 meters
To pass the paper target shooting tests, soldiers were required to achieve groupings under 1.5 MOA (a circle with a diameter of 22.5 cm) at a distance of 500 meters. However, in practice, nearly all participants achieved significantly tighter groupings, around 1 MOA. For shooting from unconventional positions, the requirement was to hit a steel target measuring 45 × 50 cm.
Shooting from unconventional positions behind cover
The course, organized by experienced snipers of Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade, is the first training program in the Polish Armed Forces dedicated to designated marksmen equipped with Grot 7.62 NATO semi-automatic rifles. The rifles, manufactured by the Łucznik–Radom Arms Factory, were selected by the military as successors to the aging SVD rifles. However, as the MILMAG Editorial Team has learned, the course’s in-depth content and the capabilities of the new weapon system will enable the Polish Armed Forces to develop entirely new operational competencies, both for snipers and designated marksmen.
An innovative aspect of the course was its instructional approach. Each participant was assigned a mentor who not only served as an instructor but also acted as a personal guide, supporting and advising the trainee not only during exercises but also while they worked independently or tackled complex training challenges.
During the course, instructors emphasized both weapon handling and the correct use of optical sights, including adjusting settings based on target distance and weather conditions
Under a contract signed on February 24, 2023, the Armament Agency ordered 250 sets of Grot designated marksman rifles (SKBW) chambered in 7.62 mm. The total value of the contract amounts to approximately 11 million PLN (gross).
According to information obtained by the MILMAG Editorial Team, approximately 60 of these rifle sets have been delivered to the 6th Airborne Brigade, which is currently leading the implementation of this weapon system. Last year, soldiers from the brigade underwent initial training at the Łucznik–Radom Arms Factory headquarters, where they became familiar with the design of the Grot DMR and conducted their first live-fire exercises.
The 7.62 mm Grot rifles (SKBW) were first delivered to Polish soldiers in 2024
It is worth noting that the “large Grot” is a variant of the rifle developed under the Modular Small Arms System, chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO rifle ammunition (the design can also be adapted to other rifle cartridges of similar dimensions). According to the manufacturer, the weapon shares over 80% of its components with the 5.56×45 mm NATO Grot rifle.
The rifle also retains user-level barrel exchange capability, ambidextrous configuration (with a reversible ejection system for right- or left-handed shooters), and modular compatibility, allowing the interchange of parts such as stocks, handguards, and other components.
Grot rifle in a shortened version, developed in response to the needs of airborne troops / Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski
The rifle was developed in two variants, featuring barrels measuring 508 mm (20″) and 406 mm (16″) in length. It was the shortened configuration that was delivered to soldiers of the 6th Airborne Brigade. The paratroopers’ rifles, in addition to the 406 mm barrel, feature a shortened handguard and a lightweight, folding Magpul CTR stock. The larger Grot rifles are also equipped with Magpul bipods and fitted with Schmidt & Bender PM II 3–12×56 optical sights. The optics use a first focal plane MilDot reticle, which facilitates accurate range estimation.
The author would like to thank all the soldiers of the 6th Airborne Brigade involved in organizing the course for their comprehensive presentation of the training program, as well as their patience and professionalism in answering numerous questions.