Accuracy International AWM
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1996
Also known as: L115A3, SR-98, Psg 90, GLA, Arctic Warfare Magnum, AWM-F
Overview
The Accuracy International AWM is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, produced by Accuracy International since 1996. Featuring a 5-round magazine capacity, this sniper rifle offers compact firepower.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6500 g (229.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6900 g (243.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1230 mm (48.43") |
| Folded Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| 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 Single Stack Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6570 J (4846 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Folding Stock, Integral Bipod Mount, Suppressor Ready, Quick Change Barrel, Modular Stock System, Accessory Rail, Stainless Steel Construction
Variants
- Accuracy International AW — Base Model
- Accuracy International AWS — Suppressed
- Accuracy International AW50 — Anti Materiel
- Accuracy International AWM-F — Folding Stock
- L96A1 — Military Designation
- L115A1 — Military Designation
- L115A3 — Military Designation
- SR-98 — Military Designation
- Psg 90 — Military Designation
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 2007 · as L115A3
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 1998 · as SR-98
- German Kommando Spezialkräfte · adopted 1998 · as AWM-F
- Royal Netherlands Army · adopted 1996 · as GLA
- Norwegian Armed Forces · as AWM
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1988 · as Psg 90
- Irish Defence Forces
- Belgian Armed Forces
- Italian Armed Forces
- Spanish Armed Forces
- Greek Armed Forces
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Danish Armed Forces
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Malaysian Armed Forces
- Indonesian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1996-2012
Production ended in 2012, replaced by the AXMC. Exact numbers not publicly disclosed but adopted by over 30 countries.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Dave Walls
Notes
The AWM was phased out by Accuracy International in 2012 and replaced by the AXMC (Accuracy eXtreme Multi-Calibre) sniper rifle, though many military and law enforcement units continue to use the AWM. The rifle's 686mm barrel with an unconventional 279mm (1:11 inch) right-hand twist rate is specifically optimized for firing .338-calibre very-low-drag bullets up to 16.85g (260 grains). The AWM-F variant features a folding stock and was first adopted by the German Army in 1998. The rifle can maintain sub-minute-of-angle accuracy at distances up to 1,500-1,700 meters. Craig Harrison's record shot took approximately 5 seconds for the .338 Lapua Magnum rounds to reach the targets at 2,475 meters, which was 900 meters beyond the rifle's recommended effective range.
Background
In November 2009, British Army Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison used an L115A3 to achieve the longest confirmed sniper kill in history at 2,475 meters in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The .338 Lapua Magnum rounds took approximately 5 seconds to reach the targets, which were 900 meters beyond the rifle's recommended effective range.