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| L96A1 International PM |
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| L96A1 International PM |
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| A Sniper with an International PM |
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| Another Sniper |
| In the early 1980's the British Army started the search for the replacement of the aging L42 Enfield sniper rifles. Main compettitors were british companies, Parker-Hale with their model 82 bolt action rifle, and Accuracy International, with their PM rifle. Eventually, the PM rifle won the competition and was accepted by the British Army under the designation of L96. One of the most notorious features of the PM rifle was the design of the stock. Instead of the solid polymer or wooden stock, PM/L96 used the hollow polymer stock, made from two halves and assembled around aluminium bedding block, that extends to whole stock length. L96 also was equipped with backup iron sights. In the mid-1980's Sweden forces began their own quest for the new sniper rifles, that could survive heavy nordic environments. The AI again became the winner in this race with the improved L96 design, named "Arctic Warfare". In 1988 they also adopted this improved design under the designation of L96A1, as well as many other militaries and Law Enforcement agencies around the world. In 1998, the Bundeswehr (German Army) also adopted the AW Super MAgnum rifle chambered in .300 Winchester MAgnum (German Designation 7.62X67mm) as Scharfschutzengewehre (sniper rifle - German) G22. Built by Accuracy International of Portsmouth, England, this line of rifles is among the best of the world of sniper rifles today. This can shoot less than a 2" (51mm) grouping at distances of 600yards (550m), using boat-tail match ammunition. Arctic Warfare is a line of 5 rifles. Original Arctic Warfare was designed for the British Military. It gained its desgination be special anti-icing features, allowing sniper operations to be carried out under Arctic conditions as low as -40C (-10F)! Other models are Police (AWP), Suppressed (AWS), Folding (AWF), and Super Magnum (AW SM). Three first rifles designed for 7.62mm NATO ammunition, while Super Magnum can be chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington MAgnum. AW has a 26" (660mm) barrel, AWP has a 24" (609mm). AW SM barrels are available in lengths from 24" (609mm) to 27" (686mm). The standard scopes supplies by Accuracy International are Smidt&Bender 3-12X variable or the Leupold Mark 4 fixed 10X scope. Calibre: L96, AW, AW Police, AW Folding: 7.62mm NATO (.308 Win); Super Magnum: .338 Lapua (8.60X70mm), .300 Win MAg, 7mm Rem Mag. Action: Bolt Action Overall Length: 1270mm Barrel Length: 686mm (.338 Lapua), 660mm (.300 and 7mm) Weight: 6.8 kg empty without scope Effective Range: 800m for 7.62mm NATO, 1100m+ for Mag cartridges Rate of Fire: Feed: 5 round detachable box magazine Muzzle Velocity: |