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At a glance
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare
Measured figures
Length
Single source1,180 mm (46.5 in)[source]
Length
Single sourceConfiguration
| Specification | Accuracy International Arctic Warfare | M60 machine gun |
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| Type | Sniper rifle[source] | General-purpose machine gun Medium machine gun[source] |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom[source] | United States[source] |
| In service | 1982 (L96A1), 1988 (AW), 1990–present[source] | 1960–present[source] |
| Used by | See Users[source] |
M60 machine gunlarger figure on 2 of 5
Counts only measures both sources give with the same scope. A larger figure is not a better system.
1,105 mm (43.5 in)[source]
Caliber
Single source7.62 mm (0.308 in)[source]
Rate of fire
Single source550–650 rounds/min[source]
Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
See Users[source] |
| Wars | Iraq War War in Afghanistan Insurgency in the North Caucasus Syrian Civil War Russo-Ukrainian War[source] | Vietnam War Laotian Civil War Dominican Civil War Cambodian Civil War Moro conflict The Troubles Lebanese Civil War Cambodian–Vietnamese War Sino-Vietnamese War Salvadoran Civil War Operation Urgent Fury Operation Just Cause Persian Gulf War Operation Gothic Serpent War in Afghanistan Iraq War Cambodian–Thai border stand-off Colombian armed conflict Insurgency in the Philippines Bougainville conflict Myanmar conflict various others[source] |
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| Designed | 1982 (PM), 1983 (AW)[source] | 1952–1957[source] |
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| Manufacturer | Accuracy International[source] | Saco Defense U.S. Ordnance[source] |
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| Produced | 1982–present[source] | 1957–present[source] |
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| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO .300 Winchester Magnum .308 Winchester .338 Lapua Magnum[source] | 7.62×51mm NATO[source] |
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| Action | Bolt-action[source] | Gas-operated , short-stroke gas piston, opened rotating bolt[source] |
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| Feed system | 10-round double stack detachable box magazine (.308) 5-round single stack detachable box magazine (.300, .338)[source] | Disintegrating belt with M13 Links[source] |
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| Sights | Detachable aperture type iron sights Day or night optics[source] | Iron sights[source] |
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| Role | bolt-action sniper rifle[source] | — |
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| Source measurement | Tests with 10.89 g (168 gr) ammunition provided sub 0.5 MOA ten-shot groups at 91 m (100 yd).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · History / Original design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Some years later, the Swedish military wanted to replace the 6.5×55mm chambered m/1941B rifle with a new sniper rifle, and in the early 1990s Accuracy International introduced an upgraded version of the PM: the AW ( Arctic Warfare ) . This was the start of the Arctic Warfare name, which became the primary name of the rifle family despite its earlier names.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · History / Design evolution; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Most Arctic Warfare rifles are chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, but Accuracy International also made variants of the sniper rifle - the AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) chambered in either .300 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum , and the AW50 (Arctic Warfare .50 calibre) chambered for the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO). The sniper rifles are mounted with a muzzle brake in order to help reduce the recoil, muzzle raise and muzzle flash of the weapon.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · History / Rifle system family; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Each country's rifles differ slightly. The Swedish Psg 90 for example, uses a Hensoldt ( Zeiss ) scope and can also use sabot rounds. In 1998, the German Bundeswehr adopted the first folding-stock Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM-F) chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62×67mm) and with optics made by the German company Zeiss , and designated as the Scharfschützengewehr 22 (G22).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · History / Rifle system family; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AW's complete parts interchangeability and reliability in adverse weather conditions have made it a popular, if expensive, weapon. The rifle offers good accuracy (a capable marksman can expect ≤ 0.5 MOA consistent accuracy with appropriate ammunition), and its maximum effective range with a Schmidt & Bender 6×42 PM II scope is around 800 metres (870 yd).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · History / Rifle system family; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AW system cast steel bolt has a 0.75-inch (19.05 mm) diameter combined with gas relief holes in a 0.785 in (19.9 mm) diameter bolt body and front action bridge allowing high-pressure gases a channel of escape in the event of a cartridge-case head failure.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Design details / Features; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Firing pin travel is 0.26 in (6.6 mm) to keep lock times to a minimum.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Design details / Features; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Finally, an 11 mm (0.43 in) integral dovetail rail located above the receiver is designed to accommodate different types of optical or electro-optical sights.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Design details / Features; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The free-floating , heavy, stainless steel barrels (stainless steel resists throat erosion better than normal barrels) for the available cartridge chamberings all have a different length, groove cutting and rifling twist rate optimised for their chambering and intended ammunition. For .243 Winchester , the twist rate is 254 mm (1 in 10 in), and for .308 Winchester / 7.62×51mm NATO variants it is 305 mm (1 in 12 in), except for the suppressed-barrel variant. If the consistent accuracy requirement of an operator is no longer met, the barrel can fairly easily be renewed. This is normal practice for active high-performance precision rifle operators, who regard barrels as replaceable. The barrels are provided by Australian company Maddco Rifle Barrels (button rifled), and Scottish company Border Barrels, who cut-rifles them on Pratt & Whitney rifling benches. Twists are one turn in 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 inches for 7.62 MM depending on RFP.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Design details / Barrel; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The two-stage trigger mechanism has an adjustable trigger pull weight of 10 to 20 N (2.2 to 4.4 lb f ). The trigger assembly can be easily removed for cleaning by undoing two socket-head cap screws.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Design details / Trigger; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AICS 2.0 is a folding stock that reduces the rifle's overall length by 210 mm (8.3 in) when folded and adds 0.2 kg (0.44 lb) to the rifle's total weight.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Accuracy International Chassis System; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In April 2018, the U.S. Marine Corps announced they would be replacing the M40 sniper rifle with the Mk 13 Mod 7; the M40 had been in service with the Marines since 1966, with the latest M40A6 being upgraded in 2014. The Mk 13 chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum increases range from 1,000 metres with the M40 to 1,300 metres, giving Marine snipers similar capabilities to the U.S. Army M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle .[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Accuracy International Chassis System / Mk 13 / Mk 13 Mod 7; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The rifle from which the Arctic Warfare family was developed. In this original form, it entered service in the UK in the mid-1980s, and designated as the L96A1 (chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ). 35 suppressed guns known as the PM-SD were built and were exclusively used by UK special forces. (Two were purchased by the Metropolitan Police , but never used.)[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / PM (Precision Marksman); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Adopted as the following (All versions mentioned are chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge and uses a 10-round detachable magazine):[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AW (Arctic Warfare); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage According to the Accuracy International AW brochure, the AW can be chambered either in 7.62×51mm NATO and .243 Winchester , though on special request other calibres that will function with the AW bolt action can be fitted.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AW (Arctic Warfare); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AWP is a version intended for use by law enforcement as opposed to military, with AWP standing for Arctic Warfare Police. The most notable feature is that the distinctive frame is black instead of light green. It also has a shorter 24 in (610 mm) barrel than the AW model. The AWP is normally chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO / .308 Winchester or .243 Winchester ammunition, though it can be chambered for other cartridges. The AWP is distinct from the Accuracy International AW AE, which also has a black finish but is a cheaper non-military version of the AW series.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AWP (Arctic Warfare Police); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AWS is specifically designed for use with subsonic ammunition which, depending on the target, gives an effective maximum range of around 300 metres (330 yd). Its noise levels are similar to those generated by .22 LR match ammunition. The weapon is fitted with a special .308 Winchester / 7.62×51mm NATO 406 mm (16 in) long barrel which has a twist rate of 229 mm (1 in 9 in) and an integral suppressor. The aluminum alloy integral suppressor is fitted over the barrel and can be removed by the user. The use of supersonic ammunition is possible, but will result in accelerated barrel/suppressor combination wear and a sonic boom causes noise level increase. The AWS barrel/suppressor combination has a total length of 711 mm (28 in), which keeps the weapon's overall length within normal limits. The user can remove the barrel/suppressor combination and replace it with a standard AW or AWP barrel in about three minutes. As with all such systems, the sight will need re-zeroing after a barrel change.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AWS (Arctic Warfare Suppressed); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Covert system is essentially an AWS with a folding stock with a 305 mm (12 in) long barrel/integral suppressor combination with a 203 mm (1 in 8 in) twist rate. The aluminum alloy integral suppressor is fitted over the barrel and can be removed by the user. The user can also remove the barrel/suppressor combination and replace it with a standard much longer AW or AWP barrel. The AWC is supplied in a small suitcase which houses the rifle with the stock folded and the barrel/integral suppressor combination detached. The polymer suitcase is lined with closed-cell foam featuring cut-outs for the stock/action/optics/bipod combination, the bolt, the suppressor, a magazine and a box of ammunition. While the Covert system's compacted size is considerably smaller than that of any conventional system, its special barrel and integral suppressor keep the weapon's overall length within normal limits when deployed.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AWC (Arctic Warfare Covert); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The G22 ( Gewehr 22 or Scharfschützengewehr 22 ) by German Army , it features a folding stock and is chambered for the .300 Winchester Magnum round (designated 7.62×67mm).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) / AWM-F (Arctic Warfare Magnum Folding Stock); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AW50 was introduced in 2000 by the British and Australian armed forces and is an AW rifle re-engineered and chambered for .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Variants / AW50 (Arctic Warfare .50 calibre); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Accuracy International AE was introduced in 2001 as a cheaper, somewhat simplified, less robust version of the L96/AW series intended for law enforcement, in place of the more expensive AWP or AW models intended for military use. The round AE receiver differs from the larger, more angular AW receiver design and is lighter than in the AW models. The AE receiver is bolted with screws and can be removed as it is not permanently bonded with epoxy material to the aluminium chassis. Unlike the AW models, the AE can not be ordered in a left-handed configuration. The AE is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge and its barrel is 610 mm (24 in) long.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AE (Accuracy Enforcement); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 2009, the AE was updated to the AE Mk III. The AE Mk III sniper rifle system uses AICS 5- and 10-round magazines, has a removable trigger group, and a screw-adjustable cheekpiece. An optional 508 mm (20.0 in) barrel with muzzle brake or tactical suppressor mounting facilities and a folding chassis are available.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AE (Accuracy Enforcement) / AE Mk III; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AT is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester. It is a manual operated, bolt action sniper rifle. It features a rotary bolt with six locking lugs, arranged into three pairs at the bolt head, a polymer stock with aluminium alloy chassis, and a solid, flat-bottomed receiver made of steel, the AI (Accuracy International) muzzle brake (optional), a detachable suppressor, a 20-, 24- inch plain or threaded barrel, and a 26-inch threaded barrel only, a 10-round detachable magazine, an integral Picatinny (Mil-Std 1913) rail above the receiver for mounting various optics/scopes and an additional accessory rails can be easily bolted to the forend of the rifle for mounting various accessories, a standard stock that is made from a polymer and features fully adjustable comb and buttpad, side-folding stock that folds to the left is available, a two-stage trigger that is adjustable for trigger weight between 1.5 and 2 kg.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AT (Accuracy Tactical); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AX series comprises the multi calibre AXMC chambered either in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester, which can be reconfigured in minutes by simply changing the barrel, bolt and magazine/insert. In addition the AX series consists of the non-multi calibre AX308 chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester and the AX50 chambered in .50 BMG.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AXMC multi calibre sniper rifle is chambered either for the .338 Lapua Magnum , .300 Winchester Magnum , 7.62×51mm NATO / .308 Winchester . It features parts that dimensionally or otherwise are not interchangeable with the AW rifle series. With an AXMC calibre conversion kit, the AXMC can change calibres in minutes by exchanging the bolts, magazines and barrels. Converting to the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, an additional magazine converter must also be fitted within the magazine port to allow the use of an Accuracy International AX308 magazine. A single shroud/firing pin assembly is provided for each multi calibre weapon system and must therefore be installed into the required bolt assembly as part of the conversion procedure.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Compared to the AWM, the bolt action of the AXMC is longer and wider and the internal magazine is lengthened, allowing the unimpaired use of .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges loaded to the C.I.P. (Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Firearms Portable) maximum allowed overall length of 93.50 mm (3.681 in).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AXMC bolt is 22 mm (0.87 in) in diameter and the bolt, bolt head, locking ring and barrel tenon construction were 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 variant.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The rifle is fitted with a 27 in (686 mm) long .338 in (8.6 mm) calibre free floating fluted barrel as standard.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AXMC has a non conventional 238 mm (1:9.35 in) twist rate to adequately stabilise longer, heavier .338 calibre very-low-drag projectile designs that became more common in the 21st century.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The two-stage trigger has a new trigger shoe that can be moved for and rearwards by 0.5 in (13 mm) and has a 15 to 20 N (3.4 to 4.5 lb f ) adjustable trigger pull.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Further, the AXMC features a revised external chassis stock system with an octagonal shaped fore end which envelops the free floating barrel offering modular attachment points for user (re)movable MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny accessory rails on four sides. Several lengths of octagonal shaped fore end and Picatinny accessory rails are available as options. The folding rear of the stock can be fitted with an optional butt spike. The minimal possible length of pull was reduced compared to the AICS stocks to facilitate usage when wearing thick clothing or body armour. The stock has a left-right and height adjustable cheekpiece as standard or can be fitted with an optional quick adjustable cheekpiece. The cheekpiece contains a 4 mm hex wrench used for various adjustment, removal and (re)mounting procedures. The pistol grip can be fitted with backstraps of differing sizes that combined with the movable trigger shoe enables the trigger to be tailored to the individual shooter.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage .338 Lapua Magnum 1:9.35 in twist rate[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage .338 Norma Magnum 1:9.35 in twist rate[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage .300 Norma Magnum 1:8 in twist rate[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage .300 PRC 1:8 in twist rate[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage .300 Winchester Magnum 1:10 in twist rate[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The standard barrels are 27 in long, except the .300 Winchester Magnum which is 26 in long and feature B&T provided muzzle brakes. The rifles are on request available in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor short action chamberings, other barrel lengths and M-LOK forends.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AXMC / AXSR; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AX308 is a stand-alone 7.62×51mm NATO variant. It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester and has a smaller short action with a bolt diameter of 20 mm (0.79 in). The AX308 has a 20 MOA forward canted optical rail optimised for long range shooting.[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AX308; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The AX50 is a stand-alone .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) anti-materiel rifle variant that replaced the AW50. It has a bolt diameter of 30 mm (1.18 in).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · AX series / AX50; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Netherlands : Korps Commandotroepen , Korps Mariniers , 11th Airmobile Brigade (Netherlands) (few AW, AWC and AXMC 7.62×51mm NATO chambered arms available).[source]Accuracy International Arctic Warfare · Users (7.62×51mm NATO or smaller chamberings); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage | — |
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom[source]Inventory Origin column; table 3, row 16, cell 4; revision 1371891576; retrieved 2026-10-02 United Kingdom[source]Inventory Origin column; table 8, row 50, cell 2; revision 1377229343; retrieved 2026-10-02 United Kingdom[source]Inventory Origin column; table 3, row 50, cell 3; revision 1377349156; retrieved 2026-10-02 | — |
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| Unit cost | — | US$6,000 (M60E3)[source] |
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| Variants | — | See Variants[source] |
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| Reported operators | — |
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