Soldier holding an AW50 anti-materiel rifle. Note the rear monopod, heavy duty bipod and large muzzle brake.
Source: Ybi @ kr.blog.yahoo.com -
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The AW50 is an anti-materiel rifle of UK origin. It was developed in the late 1990's as a private venture given the increased demand for rifles chambered in .50 BMG / 12.7mm NATO. It is known as one of the heaviest and most expensive rifles in its class, but also one of the most accurate. It is replaced in production by the newer AX50.
The design of the AW50 is based on the successful Arctic Warfare series. The AW50 is much larger than the AW series and differs in many aspects. It features a much larger and thicker receiver, a very different adjustable folding stock and a fluted barrel. The cylindrical muzzle brake is reported to be highly efficient. A Picatinny rail allows a variety of optics to be installed and no iron sights are fitted.
The AW50 fires the very powerful 12.7x99mm NATO round from a 5 round box magazine. The effective range is quoted as 1.500 m. Under favorable conditions longer ranges may be achieved.
The first major user of the AW50 was the Australian military. Additionally it has been acquired by Germany, the UK and various special units that are mainly of European origin.
Two AW50 anti-materiel rifles. The early model AW50 as used by Australia is shown on top and the more widely encountered model is shown at the bottom.
Source: www.enciclopedia.com.pt -
© Copyright lies with original owner
The AW50 is an anti-material rifle based on the Arctic Warfare series, but is heavily modified. The AW50 features a much larger and thicker receiver, a very different adjustable folding stock and a fluted barrel with a cylindrical muzzle brake. The original development model was fitted with a multislotted muzzle brake, fixed stock, much heavier barrel and rear monopod that did not allow for much depression. The Australian version differs from the production model as it is fitted with a Madco barrel.
The design of the AW50 is based on the Arctic Warfare series of precision rifles. The AW50 is an upscaled version with much larger and thicker receiver, barrel and bolt system.
The AX50 replaced the AW50 on the production line. It is more modular and slightly lighter.
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