L115A3 Long Range Rifle

The L115A3 long range rifle is a bolt-action sniper rifle that is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. The L115A3 was introduced as part of the Sniper System Improvement Programme (SSIP), with the first weapons being fielded by 16 Air Assault Brigade in Helmand in 2008. It largely replaces the L96 and L115A1 sniper rifles previously fielded by UK forces.

The L115A3 is manufactured by Accuracy International. Among its features are:

• chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (8.59mm) with an effective range of +1,100 meters
• stainless steel, fluted, 686mm barrel
• Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II day scope with variable 5 to 25 x magnification.
• Sniper Thermal Imaging Capability (STIC) thermal scope mounted forward of the day scope allows for target acquisition at night / low-light conditions
• The weapon can be fitted with a suppressor in order to reduce muzzle flash and noise signature.
• The stock folds which makes the weapon easier to carry in a backpack.
• Adjustable cheek-pieces, a stabilizingrear monopod and an adjustable front bipod for improved shooting ergonomics
• 5-round box magazine

In 2009, a British army sniper used a L115A3 to score the longest sniper shot in history when he took out 2 Taliban machine gunners from a distance of over 2400 meters.

L115A3 Long Range Rifle with sound suppressor and Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II scope fitted.

Image by Andrew Linnett | © UK MOD / Crown Copyright 2024
Used under Open Government Licence

A sniper with the Mobility Recce Force of 1 Royal Welsh takes aim with a L115A3 long range rifle during an operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Note the the mounting bracket above the bipod - this allows for the mounting of a STIC thermal sight in front of the day scope.

Image by Maj Paul Smyth  | © UK MOD / Crown Copyright 2024
Used under Open Government Licence

A British Army sniper conducts sniper training. As seen here, the L115A3 features an adjustable cheek-piece that can be raised or lowered to best suit the shooter's facial structure.

U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger

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