Accuracy International AX50
| Accuracy International AX50 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Anti-materiel rifle |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Accuracy International |
| Produced | 2010-present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 12.5 kg (27.6 lb) (with empty magazine) |
| Length | 1,370 mm (53.9 in) 1,115 mm (43.9 in) folded |
| Barrel length | 685.8 mm (27.0 in) |
| Width | 125 mm (4.92 in) 164 mm folded |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48 in) |
| Cartridge | .50 BMG |
| Action | Bolt-action Two-stage trigger, set at 1.5 to 2.0kg (3.3-4.4 1bs) |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s (2,953 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 2,500 m (2,734 yd) |
| Feed system | 5-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Standard: S&B 5-25×56 PM II telescopic sight |
The Accuracy International AX50 is a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle manufactured by British firearms company Accuracy International.
Devised as an upgrade to the AW50 rifle, the AX50 is built to withstand sustained, heavy usage and constant military deployment. It was designed to allow the operator a high level of accuracy and performance in harsh conditions.[1][2]
History
[edit]The AX50 is a variant of the AX series of sniper rifles that entered production in 2010. Designed by Accuracy International to meet the modern demands of military and police units alike, the AX50 Is designed with long range precision accuracy in mind for a more accurate anti-materiel weapon.[3]
According to Accuracy International, the development of the series was partly influenced by the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) U.S. Special Operations Command solicitation, an undertaking by the U.S. military for a new and improved Precision long range rifle. The PSR contract was ultimately granted to Remington's Modular Sniper Rifle.[4]
Design
[edit]The AX50 is a bolt-action, .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle weighing 12.5 kg (27.6 lb), and is 1,370 mm (53.9 in) in overall length with a 685.8 mm (27.0 in) free floated barrel that can be changed in less than 10 minutes. The rifle itself is built on an aluminum chassis, and has a stock which can be folded to the left to shorten the overall length of the rifle when needed, and features a two-stage trigger with a 3.3 to 4.4 lbs. adjustable pull. The receiver and bolt featuring a 60° bolt throw are made of steel. The AX50 comes with an integrated Picatinny rail as well as a "Firing pin cocking indicator" safety allowing the user to ascertain whether a cartridge is chambered.[5] Accuracy International actively promotes fitting the Schmidt & Bender PM II / MILITARY MK II product line as sighting components on their sniper rifles and sells these telescopic sights as accessories, which is rare for a rifle manufacturer.
Variants
[edit]
The AX sniper rifle series comprises variants which were designed for various cartridges.
- AXMC multi calibre sniper rifle that can be chambered either in .338 Lapua Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum or 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester when it is reconfigured by changing the 22 mm (0.87 in) diameter bolt, magazine/insert, and barrel.[6]
- AX308 non-multi calibre sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester using a 20 mm (0.79 in) diameter bolt.[7]
- AX50 non-multi calibre anti-materiel rifle chambered in 12.7×99mm NATO/.50 BMG using a 30 mm (1.18 in) diameter bolt.[8]
Users
[edit]
Cyprus: AX-50 used by the Cypriot Special Forces.[9]
Denmark: the standard anti-materiel precision rifle for the Royal Danish Army.[10]
Turkey: In service with Turkish Police Special Operation Department.[11]
United Kingdom: It has replaced the AW50.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Accuracy International AX50 SHOT 2017". Shelby Murdoc. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "SNIPER RIFLE MANUFACTURER GUIDE". The Small Arms Defense Journal. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
- ^ "Operation Pegasus Recommends AX50 .50 calibre rifle". 11 October 2015. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- ^ "SOCOM PSR contract awarded to Remington's Defense MSR". Rob Curtis. Archived from the original on March 14, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ "AX50 anti matériel rifle brochure" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 24, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ "How it works magazine article AX338 PSR sniper rifle" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 26, 2014. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
- ^ "AX308 sniper rifle brochure" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 24, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ "AX50 anti matériel rifle brochure" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 24, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ "ΔΥΝΑΜΙΚΗ ΓΡΟΘΙΑ 2018 και η πραγματικη αδυναμία των Mi-35P". 11 November 2018.
- ^ "ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL AWARDED THE DANISH ARMY CONTRACT FOR LONG RANGE PRECIDION RIFLES". Small Arms Defense journal. Archived from the original on 2017-01-03. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- ^ "Accuracy International AX50 in use with Turkish Law Enforcement". Archived from the original on 2018-04-03. Retrieved 2018-03-19.