SAS Weapons - L96 Sniper Rifle

The British-made Accuracy International (AI) family of rifles are regarded by many as the best sniper rifles in the world. Several variants exist.

The earlier variant within the British Military is the L96 PM, chambered in 7.62x51mm.

The PM design was later improved in the L96A1 AW (Arctic Warfare) version, which features a 10x42 hensoldt telescopic sight and is hardened against arctic conditions.

Other variants are the AWM (known in the UK military as the L115A), chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum or .300 Winchester Magnum. An updated rifle, the L115A3 has now entered service with the UK. The A3 features a sound supressor, all-weather day sights with improved magnification, as well as special night sights. The L115A3 has been fielded by Parachute Regiment snipers as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade's deployment to Afghanistan, 2008.

A version with integrated suppressor and folding stock, the AWS, is available for use in covert scenarios. The AWS breaks down into components for carry in a special briefcase and is reportedely in use by the US Special Operations Unit, 'Delta Force', as well as the British SAS.

An anti-material rifle, the AW50, chambered in .50BGM is also in the SAS armory.

AI rifles feature a fold-out bipod under the barrel and a retractable spike in the stock for improved stability. Rounds are loaded into the breech via a bolt action - important as the operator can control the ejection of empty cases manually, a technique that helps conceal his location. The bolt-action on the rifles are designed so that an operator can reload and still keep his fix on the target through the scope.

The Special Air Service use the L96A1 AW / AWM in the counter-terrorist role and on the battlefield. Other UK military units, including the Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment, use both the L96A1 AW and the AWM (L115A/A3).

L96 PM 7.62mm 10-round magazine range:1km	AWS Suppressed
L96A1 AW 7.62mm (note spike protruding from stock)	AWM (L115A) .338 Magnum 5-round magazine range: 1.1km+

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