Accuracy International AWM
The Accuracy International AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum or AI-Arctic Warfare Magnum) is a bolt-action sniper rifle manufactured by Accuracy International designed for magnum rifle cartridges. The Accuracy International AWM is also unofficially known as the AWSM (Arctic Warfare Super Magnum), which typically denotes AWM rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.
| Accuracy International AWM | |
|---|---|
Accuracy International AWM sniper rifle with several mounting interface kits | |
| Type | Bolt action sniper rifle |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1996–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Afghanistan War Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Accuracy International |
| Produced | 1996-2013 |
| Variants | AWM-F, L115A2, and L115A3 (British Army versions) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.9 kg (15 lb 3 oz) |
| Length | 1,270 mm (4 ft 2 in) |
| Barrel length | 686 mm (27.0 in) |
| Cartridge | .300 Winchester Magnum .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Muzzle velocity | 936 m/s (3,070 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 1,100 m (1,200 yd) (.300 Winchester Magnum) 1,500 m (1,600 yd) (.338 Lapua Magnum) |
| Feed system | 5-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Detachable aperture type iron sights Day or night optics |
On 9 September 2012, Accuracy International announced that the .338 Lapua Magnum AWM rifle was phased out and replaced by the Accuracy International AXMC sniper rifle. The bolt action of the AXMC was designed to be significantly stronger and more capable of handling higher chamber pressures and temperatures and thus higher bolt thrust safely compared to the AWM and hence is longer and wider. The AXMC magazine was also appropriately enlarged to function with .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges loaded to the Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives (C.I.P.) maximum allowed overall length of 93.50 mm (3.681 in).