Accuracy International SR-98
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Service · 1998
Also known as: SR98, AI AW (Australian), Sniper Rifle 98
Overview
The Accuracy International SR-98 is the Australian Defence Force service designation of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AW) bolt-action sniper rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Adopted in the late 1990s to replace the Parker-Hale M82, the SR-98 became the standard-issue sniper rifle of the Australian Army. It is built on the AW's aluminum chassis with a free-floating stainless steel barrel and 60-degree bolt throw, and is distinguished from the base AW by a threaded barrel for suppressor use, an integrated adjustable bipod, a folding stock, an adjustable butt pad, an adjustable cheek pad, and a rear monopod for stable firing positions. Feeding from a 10-round detachable box magazine, the SR-98 delivers consistent sub-MOA precision at ranges out to 800 meters and beyond.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6500 g (229.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6900 g (243.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1180 mm (46.46") |
| Folded Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| 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 | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3441 J (2538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Threaded Barrel, Suppressor Ready, Adjustable Bipod, Folding Stock, Adjustable Butt Pad, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Rear Monopod, Quick Change Barrel, Accessory Rail
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Australian Army · adopted 1998 · as SR-98
- Royal Australian Navy · as SR-98
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Australian service variant of the AW; exact procurement numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Dave Walls
Notes
SR-98 is the Australian Defence Force designation; the rifle is a variant of the Accuracy International AW family. It replaced the Parker-Hale M82 in ADF service and has been supplemented by newer systems such as the AI AX-series in the anti-materiel and long-range roles. Barrel length and overall dimensions follow the standard 7.62mm AW configuration (660mm barrel, ~1180mm overall).
Background
When the Australian Army needed a replacement for its ageing Parker-Hale M82 sniper rifles, it turned to Accuracy International's Arctic Warfare and issued it as the SR-98, adding a threaded barrel, folding stock and rear monopod so snipers could hold rock-steady positions for hours in the field.