Accuracy International AW50

The Accuracy International AW50 belongs to the same group of heavy battlefield guns that include the well-known American Barrett M82/M107 rifle. These kinds of weapon systems are charged with directly engaging armored vehicles, structures or even persons at distance and shooting heavy caliber firepower from over a mile away or even more sometimes. Regardless of their large caliber and innately enormous recoil, gunsmiths coax several key factors into such weapon systems as the AW50 to make them more convenient battlefield weapons. These additions help to hold back or organize the violent movement between successive shots while also making weapons safe for the operator to fire. Since 1978, the British firm of Accuracy International has long been in the business of developing its brand of well-known, highly-accurate tactical rifles and the AW50 for the British Army is no exemption. The rifle is a relatively new addition to the global anti-materiel rifle line in whole, having begun production in 1999. To many, the AW50 is basically a scaled-up version of the proven L96A1 sniper rifle, also by Accuracy International.

The AW50 is categorized more precisely as an “anti-materiel rifle” and uses a manually actuated, bolt-action firing system. This means that the operator ejects the spent shell casing and commences a fresh round into the firing chamber by manually operating a bolt lever along the side of the receiver. The bolt-action returns the fresh cartridge from the spring-loaded magazine and the weapon is made ready to fire as swiftly as the operator can manage the bolt. The AW50′s accuracy is supposedly out to 1.5 miles and the weapon can be ported into action by a single operator due to weight-saving features utilized in her construction. Additionally, the stock can be folded for airborne drops, dipping the weapon’s overall length by 10 inches, and no fewer than four sling attachments are provided. Construction of the weapon is such that it is designed to combat the effects of “normal” battlefield abuse, wear-and-tear and general environmental corrosion. The AW50 offers up heavy duty firepower that adds a whole new level of real time lethality.

The AW50 is chambered to fire the 12.7x99mm NATO standard cartridge (12.7mm .50 BMG) and does so through use of a 5-round detachable steel “straight” box magazine. The entire system weighs in at 30lbs sans scope, accessories and ammunition. The full running length is equal to 53.3 inches (1,350mm) while the barrel measures in at 27 inches (690mm). Optics can be fitted to a top-mounted accessories rail. A bipod is provided and utterly adaptable while effective range is listed out to 1,500 meters.

The Accuracy International AW50 is impressive despite her comparatively straight design and layout. The gun fields an integrated, folding stock design exclusively to combat the abusive nation of consistent field use and features a rear-mounted “leg” system for improved stability during long observation periods. The butt pad is spring-loaded for additional recoil suppression and comfort. The pistol grip with its rectangle trigger guard is set under the flat-sided, full length aluminum receiver to which is mounted the optional optics along the top Mil Standard 1913 rail machined accessories system.

The bolt-handle sits above the pistol group and there is a two-position safety device. The large magazine box inserts just ahead of the pistol grip and ahead of the magazine feed is the mounting for the bipod, which can collapse rearward against the underside of the fore end. The back end of the barrel sits atop the fore end grip and is encased in polymer to which accessory rails can be seen along its sides. According to the official product information details, Accuracy International assures its prospective buyers that each AW50 is factory-tested before delivery to ensure an excellent product from the first shot to the last. The AW50 has already seen combat actions in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the trained hands of Australian and British army personnel.

Specifications

Overall Length: 1350mm (53.15in)
Barrel Length: 690.00mm (27.17in)
Weight (Empty): 29.76lbs (13.50kg)
Caliber: 12.7x99mm NATO
Action: Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action
Feed: 5-round detachable box magazine
Rate-of-Fire: 5 rounds per minute
Range: 4,921ft (1,500m; 1,640yds)
Sights: Optional Optics and Night sights