Accuracy International AWM
From Free net encyclopedia
| Caliber | .338 Lapua (8.60x70 mm) / .300 Win Mag / 7 mm Rem Mag |
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| Operation | Bolt action |
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| Length | 50 in (1270 mm) |
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| Mass | 15.0 lb (6.8 kg) empty without telescope |
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| Barrel | 27 in (686 mm) .338 Lapua/ 26 in (660 mm) .300 and 7 mm |
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| Twist, Right Hand | 1 turn in 8 in (203 mm) .338 Lapua/ 1 turn in 10 in (254 mm) .300 and 7 mm |
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| Magazine Capacity | 5 round box magazine |
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| Maximum Effective Range | 1100+ m |
The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum (also seen Accuracy International AW SM) is a variant of the British Accuracy International Arctic Warfare upgraded with a longer rifle barrel and a bigger chamber to accommodate the larger caliber ammunition such as the .338 Lapua magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum. The AWM system is in service with many police and military units throughout the world, most notably the German variant fielded by the Bundeswehr, an AWM chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum and used under the German descriptor of G-22 (Gewehr 22). Another derivative of Accuracy International's AW system is the L96A1, a rifle currently in use with the British Army, seeing service in recent conflicts such as the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This rifle is based on the AW with minimal changes to accommodate magnum-length cartridges. It features a detachable box magazine which holds 5 rounds. The normal cartridges for this rifle and the ones which have been accepted into NATO in AWM rifles, are .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.
Muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce recoil, jump and flash and act as a base for optional iron sights and suppressors. Normally, the AWMs are outfitted with a fixed power Mk II 10x. However, variables 3-12x and 4-16x Mk II can be used if close work and wide field of view are required. AWM rifles are normally supplied in a metal transit case together with scope, mount, butt spacers, bipod, spare magazines, sling, cleaning and tool kits.
The .300 Winchester Magnum caliber rifle and cartridge offer a significant increase in wind resistance, level trajectory and supersonic range over the normal 7.62x51 NATO cartridge. Despite the cartridge's greatly increased muzzle velocity, it delivers greater precision than ordinary 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Winchester) ammunition and is only slightly eclipsed by the best match-grade 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Win). This significantly enhanced supersonic range and precision ensures high first-shot-hit probability to well beyond 1,100m using standard .300 Win Mag Match grade ammunition. Federal Gold Medal Match is the most commonly used loading in this caliber for precision shooting.
The .300 Win Mag AWM is fitted with a fluted, stainless steel barrel that is 660 mm (26") long for optimum velocity and nominal weight.
The .338 Lapua Magnum caliber rifle and cartridge were designed as a genuine long range system to reconcile the maneuverablility of the .308 Win with the power, range and accuracy of the .50 caliber. Compared to most .50 caliber rifles, the .338 Lap Mag offers considerably less rifle weight, recoil, muzzle flash, smoke and report. Although less energy is delivered at the target with .338 Lap Mag, both cartridges are equal in terms of trajectory, wind drift resistance and penetration. The .338 Lap Mag unquestionably outperforms the .308 Win, especially at extended ranges. The .338 Lapua Magnum is fitted with a stainless steel, fluted, 686mm (27") barrel which research has found to yield the best velocity and precision without the penalties of weight and length.
Ammunition types currently available for the .338 are FMJ, hollow point ball, AP and API.
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AWM Technical Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Barrel length: N/A
- Barrel twist: N/A
- Barrel steel: Stainless
- Muzzle brake: N/A
- Bolt locking: 3 lugs, 60° turn
- Receiver: Integral sight rail, maximum barrel support, wrought steel
- Stock: Alloy chassis system with reinforced nylon stock support in black and green
- Striker fall: .26" (6.5 mm)
- Trigger: Multi-adjustable two stage; weight: 3.3 lbf (14.7 N) to 4 lbf (17.8 N)
- Safety mechanisms: 3-way safety catch locks firing pin and bolt, gas shroud and vents, tight-fitting enclosed bolt
- Magazine: Detachable box type
- Magazine capacity: 5
- Stock adjustment: Length (optional cheek piece)
- Bipod type and weight: Quick-detachable, multi-adjustable foldable, 1.1 lb (0.5 kg)
- Sight mounting: AI rail, low profile, one-piece mount
- Optical sights: Mil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x, 3-12V and 4-16V
- Iron sights: N/A
- Sling connection points: 4 + 1
- Overall weight: 13.2 lb (6.0 kg)
- Overall length: 47" (1,200 mm)
- Quality: ISO 9001
- Interchangeability: Full
- Expected MRBF (excluding barrel): › 20,000
- Role: Black
- Normal maximum range: 300 m (330 yd)
- Muzzle suppression: N/A
- Folding stock length reduction/weight addition: Standard 8" (200 mm)/0.44 lb (200 g)
AWM in popular culture
It should also be noted that the AWM is a popular weapon in the computer game Counter-Strike, although it was named the "AWP" in beta versions of the game (presumably the creator mistook one for the other). The gun also made an appearance in Far Cry for PC, as well as James Bond: Nightfire for XBox, GameCube and PlayStation 2.
See also
- Accuracy International AW AE
- Accuracy International AW50F
- Accuracy International AWP
- Sniper rifle
- Counter-Strike