Accuracy International AWM
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| AWM Technical summary | |
| |
|---|---|
| Cartridge |
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| Action | bolt action |
| Mass | 6.8 kg (15 lb) empty, without scope |
| Length | 1270 mm (50 in) |
| Barrel length | 686 mm (27 in) - .338 Lapua 660 mm (26 in) - .300 and 7 mm |
| Rate of fire | — |
| Feed system | 5 round box magazine |
| Effective range | 1100 m |
The AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) is a sniper rifle manufactured by Accuracy International.
Overview
The AWM is a variant of the British Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AW). It has a longer barrel and larger chamber to accommodate the larger caliber ammunition such as .338 Lapua magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum.This rifle is based on the AW with minimal changes to accommodate magnum-length cartridges. It features a detachable box magazine which holds 5 rounds. The normal cartridges for this rifle and the ones which have been accepted into NATO in AWM rifles, are .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.
Muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce recoil, jump and flash and act as a base for optional iron sights and suppressors. Normally, the AWMs are outfitted with a Mk II telescopic sight with 10x fixed power of magnification. However, Mk II's with variables magnification of either 3-12x or 4-16x can be used for shorter ranges or when a wider field of view is required.
AWM rifles are normally supplied in a metal transit case together with scope, mount, butt spacers, bipod, spare magazines, sling, cleaning and tool kits.
Magnum calibers
.338 Lapua Magnum
The AWM in .338 Lapua Magnum caliber was designed as a genuine long range system to combine the manoeuvrability of rifles chambered in the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (.308 Win) rifle with the power, range and accuracy of the .50 caliber cartridge. Compared to most .50 caliber rifles, the AWM offers considerably less rifle weight, recoil, muzzle flash, smoke and report. Although less energy is delivered at the target with .338 Lap Mag, both cartridges are equal in terms of trajectory, wind drift resistance and penetration. The .338 Lap Mag unquestionably outperforms the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (.308 Win), especially at extended ranges.The .338 Lapua Magnum is fitted with a stainless steel, fluted, 686mm (27") barrel which research has found to be the best compromise between velocity and precision on the one hand and weight and length on the other.
Ammunition types currently available for the .338 are FMJ, hollow point, AP (Armour Piercing) and API (Armour Piercing Incendiary]].
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum caliber rifle and cartridge offer a significant increase in wind resistance, level trajectory and supersonic range over the normal 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (.308 Winchester) cartridge. Despite the cartridge's greatly increased muzzle velocity, it delivers greater precision than ordinary 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition and is only slightly eclipsed by the best match-grade 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition. This significantly enhanced range and precision ensures high first-shot-hit probability to well beyond 1,100m using standard .300 Win Mag Match grade ammunition. For precision shooting Federal Gold Medal Match is the most commonly used ammunition.The .300 Win Mag AWM is fitted with a fluted, stainless steel barrel that is 660 mm (26") long for optimum velocity and nominal weight.
Service
The AWM system is in service with many police and military units throughout the world, most notably the German variant fielded by the Bundeswehr, an AWM chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum and used under the German descriptor of Scharfschützengewehr 22 (or G-22 for Gewehr 22).The British Army adopted the AW sysmtem (in .338 Lapua Magnum) as the the L115 as well as another derivative of AW system as the L96A1 (which has seen service in recent conflicts such as Operation Granby and Operation Telic).
The AW system is in use with several countries.
Technical Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Barrel length: N/A
- Barrel twist: N/A
- Barrel steel: Stainless
- Muzzle brake: N/A
- Bolt locking: 3 lugs, 60° turn
- Receiver: Integral sight rail, maximum barrel support, wrought steel
- Stock: Alloy chassis system with reinforced nylon stock support in black and green
- Striker fall: .26" (6.5 mm)
- Trigger: Multi-adjustable two stage; weight: 3.3 lbf (14.7 N) to 4 lbf (17.8 N)
- Safety mechanisms: 3-way safety catch locks firing pin and bolt, gas shroud and vents, tight-fitting enclosed bolt
- Magazine: Detachable box type
- Magazine capacity: 5
- Stock adjustment: Length (optional cheek piece)
- Bipod type and weight: Quick-detachable, multi-adjustable foldable, 1.1 lb (0.5 kg)
- Sight mounting: AI rail, low profile, one-piece mount
- Optical sights: Mil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x, 3-12V and 4-16V
- Iron sights: N/A
- Sling connection points: 4 + 1
- Overall weight: 13.2 lb (6.0 kg)
- Overall length: 47" (1,200 mm)
- Quality: ISO 9001
- Interchangeability: Full
- Expected MRBF (excluding barrel): › 20,000
- Role: Black
- Normal maximum range: 300 m (330 yd)
- Muzzle suppression: N/A
- Folding stock length reduction/weight addition: Standard 8" (200 mm)/0.44 lb (200 g)
AWM in popular culture
The AWM is a popular weapon in the computer game Counter-Strike, although it was named the "AWP" in beta versions of the game (as in Arctic Warfare Police). The gun also made an appearance in Far Cry for PC, as well as James Bond: Nightfire for Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation 2.This rifle is also the weapon of choice used by the protagonist of the book Holding the Zero, by Gerald Seymour.
The L96A1 variation was recently made an unlockable weapon in the popular PC game "Battlefield 2" from EA Games.
See also
- Accuracy International AW AE
- Accuracy International AW50F
- Accuracy International AWP
- Sniper rifle
- Counter-Strike
External links
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