Accuracy International AWC
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production
Also known as: AWC, AI AWC, Arctic Warfare Covert
Overview
The Accuracy International AWC (Arctic Warfare Covert) is a bolt-action sniper rifle from the Arctic Warfare family, chambered in .308 Winchester and built for covert, suppressed precision shooting. It is essentially an AWS fitted with a folding stock: a short 305mm barrel/integral suppressor combination replaces the standard barrel, optimising the rifle for subsonic ammunition so its report is no louder than a rimfire match round. With the stock folded and the barrel/suppressor removed, the entire system (stock/action/optics/bipod, bolt, suppressor, a magazine and a box of ammunition) packs into a small foam-lined transit suitcase for discreet transport. In the field the shooter can remove the barrel/suppressor unit and fit a standard longer AW or AWP barrel, converting the covert rifle into a conventional AW-series sniper rifle in minutes. It retains the aluminium chassis, 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable cheek piece and butt pad, integrated bipod and 10-round detachable box magazine of the AW series.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6500 g (229.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Folded Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 498 J (367 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Folding Stock, Takedown Transit Case, Quick Change Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Butt Pad, Integrated Adjustable Bipod, Subsonic Optimized, Cold Weather Operation
Base model
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces
Production
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Marketed to military and law enforcement special operations units requiring a concealable suppressed precision rifle.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Dave Walls
Notes
The 305mm figure refers to the combined barrel and integral aluminium-alloy suppressor unit, which uses a fast 1-in-8-inch (203mm) twist to stabilise heavy subsonic projectiles. Overall length and weight are approximate and vary with barrel/suppressor configuration. Because the barrel/suppressor combination is user-removable and interchangeable with standard AW and AWP barrels, the AWC doubles as a compact covert rifle and a full-length precision rifle from a single case.
Background
The AWC was designed for operators who needed a full-power suppressed precision rifle they could carry through a city in a suitcase. With the stock folded and the barrel/suppressor unit stowed alongside the bolt and a box of subsonic ammunition, the whole rifle disappears into an innocuous foam-lined case, then reassembles in seconds for a near-silent shot.