British Snipers get a New Rifle

British Snipers operating with the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment are to get a new rifle offering better performance at extended range.

MoD is buying 580 new AW series rifles with 0.300winmag barrels and daylight telescopic sights from Accuracy International Ltd, under a £4 million contract. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support indicated that the acquisition is part of a broader Sniper System Improvement (SSI) program designed to improve UK snipers' firepower, precision and stealth.

The new rifle fires a larger calibre bullet than the existing British sniper rifle. The type selected by the British uses a 27" barrel firing 0.338lapua (8.59mm ) ammunition to a range of 1,200 yards (1.1 km). the rifle is loaded with a five round magazine. The rifle weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and has an overall length of 50 inch (1.30 m').

The acquisition program will also address advanced, all-weather day and night sights and spotter scopes. The new weapon is expected to be fully operational by spring 2008

Large rifle picture