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Accuracy International AW50

1999 MODERN SPECIAL FORCES

History of Accuracy International AW50

The Accuracy International AW50 belongs to the Heavy Field Artillery Alliance with the famous American Barrett M82/M107 rifle. These weapon systems are tasked with directly engaging armored vehicles, buildings and even people within range, delivering lethal doses of large-caliber fire from a mile (and in some cases more) away.

Despite their large caliber and inherently massive recoil, firearm manufacturers are developing several key elements in weapon systems like the AW50 to make them more manageable battlefield instruments. These increases help to calm, or at least - control the violent back/back movement between successive shots, while also making the gun safe for the operator to fire. British company Accuracy International has been developing its well-known brand of high-precision tactical rifles since 1978, and the British Army's AW50 is no exception.

The rifle is a relatively new addition to the entire global family of anti-material rifles, which began production in 1999. For many, the AW50 is essentially an enlarged version of the proven L96A1 sniper rifle, also from Accuracy International.

The AW50 is more accurately classified as an "anti-material rifle" and uses a manually operated bolt-breech firing system. This means that the operator ejects the spent case and inserts the new case into the firing chamber by manually operating the bolt lever on the side of the receiver (weapon body). The bolt breech returns fresh bullets from the spring-loaded magazine and the gun is ready as soon as the operator can maneuver the bolt.

The AW50 is reported to be accurate to 1.5 miles, and due to the weight-saving features used in its construction, the weapon can be fielded by a single operator. Additionally, the stock can be folded for mid-air drops, reducing the overall length of the weapon by 10 inches, and no fewer than four sling brackets are available. The weapon is designed to resist the effects of "normal" battlefield abuse, wear and tear and general environmental corrosion.

The AW50 delivers massive firepower that takes real-time lethality to a whole new level.

The AW50 is designed to fire the standard 12.7x99mm NATO cartridge (12.7mm, 50 BMG) and does so by using a 5-round detachable steel magazine. Bullets can be armor-piercing, explosive or incendiary in nature, allowing some flexibility on the battlefield when choosing a target. The entire system weighs 30 pounds without scopes, accessories and ammunition. Her overall barrel length is 1,350 mm (53.3 in), while her barrel size is 690 mm (27 in).

Optics are optional and are mounted on top-mounted accessory rails. Additional accessories can be attached to the sides of the front end. A bipod is included and is fully adjustable, while the effective range is specified at 1,500 meters.

The Accuracy International AW50 is impressive despite its relatively traditional design and layout. It features an integrated, collapsible stock designed to combat nationwide abuse and a rear-mounted "leg" system for enhanced stability during extended viewing.

The shock pads are spring loaded for increased recoil absorption and comfort. The pistol grip and its elongated trigger guard (with a fully adjustable two-stage trigger system) sit beneath a flat aluminum housing that mounts optional optics along a Mil Standard 1913 upper rail attachment system. The bolt handle is located above the pistol group and has two positions for safety. The large magazine case is inserted in front of the pistol grip, and in front of the magazine feeder is the mount for the bipod, which folds back under the front flap. The rear end of the barrel sits on the fore grip and is wrapped in polymer with accessory rails visible on the side.

The large, thick, heavy, free-floating, matching mass barrel sticks out nicely from the receiver and is capped by a large muzzle brake with double baffles - the latter reducing recoil and muzzle flash. Using the included barrel replacement kit, a trained operator can replace an AW50 barrel in under ten minutes.

The entire AW50 is ergonomically designed for smoother operation. The AW50 is second to none with its low-visibility green and black livery, large-caliber ammunition, and self-guided, high-precision fire performance.

According to official product information, Accuracy International assures potential buyers that every AW50 is factory tested before delivery to ensure a top-notch product from the first shot to the last. The AW50 has seen combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in the hands of trained Australian and British military personnel.