Accuracy International AWP (PICS)

Z

Zak Smith

New member
A while back I bought an Accuracy International AWP in 308WIN as my primary precision bolt rifle. I couldn't be happer with its performance. Historically, this rifle was designed as the UK's sniper rifle in the early 80's. It's designed to be accurate, durable, reliable, with most parts field-replacable (even the barrel).

The heart of the design is the frame sub-structure which is permanently bonded to the action proper:
[ link to LARGER image ]

What you normally think of as the stock is merely a pair of plastic/polymer "skins" which screw together as clam-shell halves from each side:
[ link to LARGER image ]

[ link to LARGER image ]

The rifle is holding up to its accuracy reputation (yes, I usually shoot 5 shot groups, we were in a hurry this day),
[ link to LARGER image ]

I shoot it in long range games like our Sporting Rifle Match (Raton) and sniper/tactical matches like the ITRC and SP Snipers Challenge.
[ link to LARGER image ]

The computer-produced trajectory data adjusted for elevation and actual velocity for the 155gr Lapuas was dead-on out to 730 yards at the March SRM. This factory load shoots the 155gr Scenar with a BC of 0.508 at 2820fps +/- 10fps. It has less drop and drift than a 175SMK @ 2700fps. Replicating that load with reloads is easy using the same bullet in Lapua cases (fired) and either VV-N140, Varget, or N550. The barrel is very tolerant to loads, and shoots almost anything accurately. I threw together some 175gr and 155gr SMK loads from a friend the first time out and they shot half minute or better (5 shot), with no rifle specific load development.

[ link to LARGER image ]

Mags in double-stack configuration hold 10 rounds of 308, and are detachable. The barrel is a 24" 1:12" twist. Barrels can be switched in one's basement with no instruments and basic tools. Tolerances are held such that any action, barrel, and bolt can be put together with a 99% chance of it headspacing OK. The trigger is a military 2-stage with about a 3# second stage, and basically no let off.

AI also has the AWM300 model in 300WM, the ASM338 model in 338 Lapua, which are based on the same longer receiver size. The AW (26") and AWP (24") models are both based on the 308-length shorter action.

-z
 
Last edited:
M

MTMilitiaman

New member
It's not the same, but you can get left-handed AICS stocks for a Rem 700 action.
Click to expand...

Are you sure? I could find no mention of even a left-handed chasis system anywhere I looked. I think if I found one, I'd be far more interested in adding a short-action precision rifle to my inventory. It might even take priority over the FAL that is currently on my "must have" list.
 
1

12-34hom

New member
Ai

One of those in a 300 Winchester mag would be an excellent weapon system.

I read that they have gone out of business, any truth to that rumor?

12-34hom
 
Z

Zak Smith

New member
AI was in financial trouble, but has been repurchased by some people related to the company, so they are "back in business" now.

A friend of mine has the AWM300 (300WM) and it's sweet rifle. The best bullet going for 300WM is the 210gr Berger VLD, with a 0.64BC. It blows the 190gr SMK out of the water with respect to wind drift (or lack thereof).

The nice thing about the AWM300 is that you can convert it over to 338 Lapua with just a bolt, barrel, and I think magazine change, with AI's barrel change kit in your basement (no instruments or gunsmithing). If I were going to that action, I think I'd go 338.

Code: 
_Bullet_           _BC_ _MV_         0     400     800    1200 | YARDS
338LM 300SMK      0.77* 2850 >   -0.00    4.23   14.90   28.26 | drop (moa)
338LM 250SCNR     0.675 2950 >   -0.00    4.00   14.32   27.64 | drop (moa)
7RM 168gr VLD     0.648 2950 >   -0.00    4.03   14.51   28.18 | drop (moa)
300WM 190gr SMK   0.53* 2970 >   -0.00    4.13   15.33   30.95 | drop (moa)
300WM 210gr VLD   0.640 2900 >   -0.00    4.20   15.13   29.48 | drop (moa)

338LM 300SMK      0.77* 2850 >    0.00    5.35   23.00   56.03 | wind (inches)
338LM 250SCNR     0.675 2950 >    0.00    5.85   25.37   62.31 | wind (inches)
7RM 168gr VLD     0.648 2950 >    0.00    6.12   26.61   65.65 | wind (inches)
300WM 190gr SMK   0.53* 2970 >    0.00    7.49   33.31   84.37 | wind (inches)
300WM 210gr VLD   0.640 2900 >    0.00    6.35   27.71   68.49 | wind (inches)
 
R

rbernie

New member
The heart of the design is the frame sub-structure which is permanently bonded to the action proper:
Click to expand...
That is a phenomenally cool concept. Way outta my league, $$ and otherwise, but still....

I wish the new owners the best.
 
Z

Zak Smith

New member
You can also buy 718 Combo #6's (Biggie Size) at Wendy's. ;)

I used to own a Barrett M99, but now own a GAP/McMillan 50 (both actually cheaper than this AI, if you ignore ammo cost). Neither is as nice a rifle, nor shoots as well. That's not disparaging any of them, just an honest comparison. The Barrett M82 semi-auto 50 (around $8k) is not really a precision rifle; they generally shoot 1.5-2 MOA.

You can get a comparable rifle built around a 700-type action for $2000-3500 by someone like GAP or HD Rifles, but then what you have is a really nice 700-based rifle built from custom fit components, with nothing field replacable and non-interchangable barrels.

-z
 
O

OBIWAN

New member
Can you get onion rings instead of fries for that price?

Seriously, if it was all about $$$ we would all be shooting surplus 7.62 x 54

I think your total investment would be less than a trip to Wendy's
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top