L96A1
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Service · 1982
Also known as: Accuracy International PM, Arctic Warfare, AW, AWP, L118A1, Psg 90, SR-98, G22
Overview
The L96A1 is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Accuracy International since 1982. Featuring a 10-round magazine capacity, this sniper rifle offers adequate firepower for defensive carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6500 g (229.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1124 mm (44.25") |
| Barrel Length | 655 mm (25.79") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3430 J (2530 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1100 m (1203 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Adjustable Bipod, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Buttpad, Stainless Steel Barrel, Modular Stock System
Variants
- Arctic Warfare (AW) — Improved
- Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) — Police
- Arctic Warfare Suppressed (AWS) — Suppressed
- Arctic Warfare Folding (AWF) — Folding Stock
- Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) — Magnum
- Arctic Warfare AW50 — Anti Materiel
- L118A1 — Military Designation
- Psg 90 — Military Designation
- SR-98 — Military Designation
- G22 — Military Designation
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1984
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1988 · as Psg 90
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 2000 · as SR-98
- German Armed Forces · adopted 1998 · as G22
- French Armed Forces
- Belgian Armed Forces
- Indonesian Armed Forces
- Irish Defence Forces
- Latvian National Armed Forces
- Malaysian Armed Forces
- Royal Norwegian Army
- Royal Netherlands Army
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Singapore Armed Forces
- Spanish Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Falklands War (1982-1982)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1982-present
The L96/Arctic Warfare family has been adopted by over 70 countries. Exact production numbers undisclosed by Accuracy International.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Malcolm Cooper
Notes
The L96A1 designation specifically refers to the original Accuracy International PM in British Army service. The later Arctic Warfare (AW) variant was adopted as the L118A1 and incorporated improvements for cold-weather reliability, including a redesigned bolt to prevent ice buildup. The rifle uses a Schmidt & Bender 6x42mm PM II telescope sight as standard in British service. The L96A1 established Accuracy International's reputation for extreme accuracy and reliability, with the platform consistently achieving sub-MOA accuracy. The chassis stock system was revolutionary at its time of introduction, providing a rigid and weatherproof alternative to traditional wooden stocks that could warp in adverse conditions. Early production rifles reportedly experienced some manufacturing quality issues, though these were resolved in subsequent batches. The L96 family has been used in conflicts including the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War.
Background
The L96A1 was designed by Malcolm Cooper, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in shooting, who founded Accuracy International specifically to win the British Army's sniper rifle competition. Its revolutionary aluminum chassis stock system replaced traditional wooden stocks and became the industry standard for precision rifles worldwide.