Accuracy International AWSM
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1996
Also known as: Arctic Warfare Super Magnum, AWM-F, L115A1, L115A3
Overview
The Accuracy International AWSM (Arctic Warfare Super Magnum) is a British bolt-action sniper rifle chambered primarily in .338 Lapua Magnum, developed from the Arctic Warfare family to bridge the range gap between 7.62mm sniper rifles and .50 BMG anti-materiel rifles. Built around an aluminium chassis with a flat-bottomed action bedded to it, it feeds from a 5-round detachable box magazine and delivers sub-0.5 MOA accuracy with an effective range beyond 1,500 metres. The British military adopted it as the L115 long-range rifle series.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1270 mm (50.00") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6570 J (4846 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Aluminium Chassis, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheekpiece, Adjustable Buttpad, Integral Bipod Mount, Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Scope Rail, Free Floating Barrel
Variants
- Accuracy International L115A3 - Military Designation
- Accuracy International AWM - Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1997 · as L115A1
- Netherlands Armed Forces · as AWSM
- Australian Army
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1996-present
Adopted by numerous militaries; exact totals not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Malcolm Cooper
Notes
The AWSM is the .338 Lapua Magnum member of the Arctic Warfare Magnum line (the AWM being offered in .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum). It forms the basis of the British L115A1/A3, with which Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison set a then-record confirmed kill at 2,475 m in Afghanistan in 2009.
Background
A British Army L115A3 built on the AWSM platform held the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill for years after Craig Harrison downed two Taliban machine-gunners at 2,475 metres in Helmand Province in 2009 - shots that travelled for nearly three seconds before impact.