Accuracy International AW50

Last updated
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare .50
Royal Marine Sniper -HMS Southampton MOD 45145981.jpg
Royal Marine sniper with the AW50
Type Anti-materiel rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service2000-present
Used bySee Users
Production history
Manufacturer Accuracy International
Specifications
Mass15 kg w/ bipod (33 lbs)
Length1,420 mm, [1] 1,170 mm (folded) [1]
Barrel  length686 mm (27 inches) [1]

Cartridge .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) [1]
Action Bolt-action
Effective firing range1,500 m [2]
Feed systemBox magazine, 5 rounds
SightsMil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x and standard iron sights [1]

The AW50 is a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle designed by Accuracy International. It is a re-engineered version of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare L96 sniper rifle (the standard issue sniper rifle in the British forces).

Contents

Overview

The AW50 is intended to engage a variety of targets, including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps. The Picatinny rail can hold a variety of equipment; the normal sight for the AW50 is the Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II with Al Mil Dot reticle, 0.2  mrad clicks and elevation to 1500 m and laser protection. Night vision device sights such as the Simrad KN series or Hensoldt NSV 80 can also be fitted.

AW50F

The AW50F is a folding stock variant of the AW50, which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. It has a fully adjustable bipod and buttstock heel rest. Four sling loops allow shoulder and hand carrying of the rifle. [3] Weighing 15 kilograms (33 pounds), the AW50F rifle is approximately four times the weight of a typical assault rifle. The Raufoss Mk 211 (NM140 MP) .50 calibre ammunition is also heavy. The weight of the weapon, combined with a muzzle brake on the front end and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt, gives the AW50F a relatively low recoil and enhances accuracy. Most of the rifles are made in the United Kingdom. The barrels are sourced from three different manufacturers: Lothar Walther, Border and Maddco.

Users

Former

See also

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References

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