Accuracy International AW50F
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2000
Also known as: AW50F, AW50 Folding
Overview
The Accuracy International AW50F is a bolt-action anti-materiel sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO), featuring a folding stock that distinguishes it from the standard AW50. Introduced around 2000, the AW50F was specifically developed for the Australian Defence Force requirement for a long-range anti-materiel capability with improved portability. The rifle uses a scaled-up version of the proven Arctic Warfare action with a six-lug bolt requiring only a 60-degree throw. The 690mm Maddco stainless steel barrel is fitted with a large muzzle brake to manage the substantial .50 BMG recoil. At 15 kilograms empty, the AW50F is heavy but manageable for a .50 caliber platform, and the folding stock reduces overall length from 1353mm to approximately 1105mm for transport. The rifle feeds from a 5-round detachable box magazine and is capable of engaging personnel, light vehicles, and equipment at ranges up to 1500 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 15000 g (529.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 15800 g (557.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1353 mm (53.27") |
| Folded Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 690 mm (27.17") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 17010 J (12546 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6800 m (7437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .50 BMG · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as 12.7x99mm, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Folding Stock, Muzzle Brake, Integral Bipod Mount, Suppressor Ready, Accessory Rail, Recoil Pad
Variants
- Accuracy International AW50 — Fixed Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 2000 · as AW50F
- British Armed Forces · as AW50
- Portuguese Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 2000-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Primarily produced for the Australian Defence Force.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Dave Walls
Notes
The AW50F variant was specifically developed for the Australian Defence Force, which adopted it to replace the Parker Hale M82 for long-range anti-materiel duties. The 'F' designation indicates the folding stock. The Maddco barrel is a distinguishing feature of the AW50F versus the standard AW50. The bolt features 6 lugs with a 60-degree turn. The rifle uses a 1:15 inch twist rate barrel optimized for .50 BMG ammunition.
Background
The AW50F was born from Australia's need for a portable .50 caliber anti-materiel rifle capable of being carried through dense bush. The folding stock design allowed troops to transport the massive rifle more practically in vehicles and helicopters, while maintaining the sub-MOA accuracy the Arctic Warfare family is known for.