Accuracy International L115A3
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: L115A3 Long Range Rifle, AI AWM (British service), Super Magnum
Overview
The Accuracy International L115A3 is a British bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, adopted as the L115A3 Long Range Rifle under the UK Sniper System Improvement Programme. Based on the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM), it features a 686mm fluted stainless-steel barrel, folding stock, adjustable cheek-piece, bipod and rear monopod, a modified muzzle brake that accepts a suppressor, and a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II day scope. Firing a heavy 8.59mm projectile at roughly 936 m/s, it is effective well beyond 1,100 metres and is regarded as one of the most accurate long-range military sniper rifles in service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1270 mm (50.00") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Single Stack Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 936 m/s (3071 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6785 J (5004 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2475 m (2707 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary · 8.6x70mm — also known as 8.6x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag, .338 LM
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Fluted Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Bipod, Rear Monopod, Muzzle Brake, Suppressor Ready, Schmidt Bender 5-25x56 Pm Ii Scope, Picatinny Rail
Base model
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 2008 · as L115A3
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 2007-present
Procured by the UK MOD from 2007; fielded operationally from 2008.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Accuracy International
Notes
In 2009 in Helmand Province, British Army sniper Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison used an L115A3 to record what was at the time the longest confirmed combat sniper kills in history, engaging two Taliban machine-gunners at approximately 2,475 metres.
Background
The L115A3's reputation was cemented in November 2009 when Craig Harrison killed two Taliban insurgents at 2,475 m (2,707 yd) and disabled their machine gun with a third round, exceeding the previous record set by Rob Furlong and standing as the longest confirmed sniper kill until 2017.