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Accuracy International L96A1
The Accuracy International L96A1 is the standard sniper rifle of the British Army.
By Staff Writer
The L96A1 is an Accuracy International-produced sniper rifle and currently the sniper rifle of choice for the British Army. The L96 features an adjustable butt, integrated adjustable bipod and static iron sights (though a 6x42 Schmidt & Bender scope was issued standard in original production models). The L96 originally competed successfully against the Parker-Hale Model 85 rifle in the mid-1980's to become the standard British Army sniper rifle, replacing the aged Lee-Enfield L42A1 series. The engineering process incorporated light alloys, plastic and metal into the design. This melding allowed for greater field abuse (the weapon could take a good deal of external punishment but still keep the internal components in good working order).
Designed to achieve first-round hit at 600 meters and "harassing fire" out to 1,100 total meters, the Accuracy International L96 sniper rifle has been upgraded with a new x3-x12 x50 sight and spotting scope. Select units also field the L115A1 Long range Rifle (LRR), which fires an 8.59mm bullet, heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96 and less likely to be deflected over extremely long ranges. The L96A1's free-floating barrel is constructed of stainless steel and can be changed in 5 minutes. The system itself is designed to allow the single user the ability to carry out all but the most major repairs by himself in the field with the necessary tools being three Allen wrenches and a screwdriver.
The L96A1 is chambered to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge from a 10-round detachable box magazine. An adjustable bipod is fitted forward under the barrel. The weapon features a muzzle velocity of 2,790 feet per second. The L96A1 can also be issued with a variety of scope mounts, collapsible stock and silencer and is available on the commercial market. A military .50 caliber (12.7mm) model is also available.
The L96 is part of the larger Accuracy International "Arctic Warfare" line of rifles for use by military, special forces and law enforcement branches. The L96A1 is the British Army designation of the Accuracy International PM ("Precision Marksman") model entered into competition to become the standard British sniper rifle.
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Last Updated: 11/2/2009
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| Specifications for the Accuracy International L96A1 |
 Operation: |
Action: Turnbolt Bolt-Action
Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Feed System: 10-Round Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity: 2,790ft/sec (850m/sec)
Effective Range: 3,608ft (1,100m; 1,203yds)
Sights: Fixed; 6x42 Schmidt & Bender Telescope
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| Dimensions: |
Overall Length: 1,124mm (44.25in)
Barrel Length: 655mm (25.79in)
Empty Weight: 6.5kg (14.33lbs)
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| Variants |
PM "Precision Marksman" - Accuracy International Naming Convention for British Army rifle competition.
AW "Arctic Warfare" - Upgraded PM model; special cold weather de-icing featured; 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO forms.
AWF "Arctic Warfare Folding" - Side-folding stock of polymer.
AWP "Arctic Warfare Police" - Improved "Arctic Warfare" Model for use by law enforcement.
AWS "Arctic Warfare Suppressed" - Compatibility with subsonic ammunition.
AWC "Arctic Warfare Covert" - AWS model with folding stock; Delta Force and SAS use.
AWM "Arctic Warfare Magnum" - Chambered for 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges.
AWSM "Arctic Warfare Super Magnum" - Chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge.
AW50 "Arctic Warfare .50 Caliber" - Based on AW; chambered for .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO ammunition.
AW50F - Based on AW50; Australian designation; folding stock; Madco barrel.
AS50 "Arctic Semi-Automatic .50 Caliber" - US Navy Seal use.
AE "Accuracy Enforcement" - Less Expensive Law Enforcement Model; 7.62x51 NATO; 610mm barrel.
AICS "Accuracy International Chassis System" 1.0 - Fixed cheek-piece.
AICS "Accuracy International Chassis System" 1.5 - Adjustable cheek-piece.
AICS "Accuracy International Chassis System" 2.0 - Folding stock; 210mm barrel length; adjustable cheek-piece.
L96A1 - British Army Designation of PM model
L115A1 - British Designation of AWSM; .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge.
L115A3 - "Improved" L115A1 model.
L118A1 - British Army Designation of AWP model; 3-12x50 PM II Schmidt & Bender telescopic sights.
Psg 90 - Swedish Designation of AW model; Hensoldt (Zeiss) scope; sabot round capability.
G22 - Germany Army Designation of AWM; folding stock; .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge (7.62x67mm).
SR-98 - AW model for Australian military and police forces; folding stock.
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