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I decided to write a quick post about the Accuracy International Rifle. It incorporates thoughts on the Artic Warfare and the Artic Warfare SuperMagnum and also the American Edition (AE).
When the late Malcolm Cooper (former Olympic rifle gold metal shooter) wanted to build a sniper rifle system for the British and Nato countries, he started from a clean slate and used his experience as a champion shooter to put together what he thought would work for military purposes. I took interest in this odd looking rifle when the British and some Nato countries did some initial test and evaluation trials of this rifle system before adopting it.
I acquired a few of the early models when they first come into the country. Many of the rifles that initial came into the US were brought in for purposes of 'T&E' by military units like the Marines and different LE agencies.
I have shot the Remington 700 system for many years. About 2 decades of shooting centerfire bolt rifles, I always seem to find myself going back to my Accuracy International rifles. Why I asked myself? Here is what I came up with:
1) The 'old school' ergonomics seems to fit me well.
2) Spacers allow for easy change for length of pull even for small people (kids)
3) Short bolt throw (and angle of unlocking at about 60 degrees)
4) Precision machining of the bolt -- feels like a well made European surgical instrument
5) Did I tell you they are extremely accurate and consistent (precise)? The round impacts are very repeatable as many can 'stack' the boolits on top of each other at distance.
6) THE Most reliable and most copied magazine system (Badger Ordinance and others have copied this system for most rifle systems including Rem 700 bottom metal)
7) Semi-Modular configuration -- you can change out your rifle barrel (even calibre in the AWSM) with an action wrench and barrel clamp.
8) Extremely robust action -- designed to take a fall and harsh environment without failures.
9) Positive extraction with claw type extractor
10) Did I tell you they are extremely accurate and consistent (precise)?
Features I particularly like are the 2.0 system with folding stock and adjustable cheekpiece and the Rigid squared unitized action that will sustain military drop tests yet still function and near zero repeatability (look at the AI sales person bounce the rifle in the enclosed video link).
In combination with a precise first focal plane high end scope like Schmidt and Bender, and this is the benchmark which other precision rifle/sniper systems aspire to match.
Here is the video and background that made me a believer about AI AW rifles about 15yrs ago:
Here is the video about the family of AI rifles (the big brother AWSM)
Here is a story about the 1.57 mile shot with an AI AWSM: however, hollywood does not use the actual rifle.
10 Quick Precision Shots -- fast cycling and short lift ejection:
Here is a commercial for Viper Skin, an alternative to the thumbhole stock and allows the option for shooters who prefer the pistol grip.
You won't find this rifle at your local store.
It's rare in most ranges.
But if you see one, strike up a conversation with the owner and learn more about this special precision rifle system. It's that special.
It's akin to the finest European/German surgical instruments - you can feel the difference. If you are in Hollywood -- it's just like your Ferrari (or as for me your M-BMW, AMG-Merk, or Mr. Porsche)
Thanks for reading this post.
DD
When the late Malcolm Cooper (former Olympic rifle gold metal shooter) wanted to build a sniper rifle system for the British and Nato countries, he started from a clean slate and used his experience as a champion shooter to put together what he thought would work for military purposes. I took interest in this odd looking rifle when the British and some Nato countries did some initial test and evaluation trials of this rifle system before adopting it.
I acquired a few of the early models when they first come into the country. Many of the rifles that initial came into the US were brought in for purposes of 'T&E' by military units like the Marines and different LE agencies.
I have shot the Remington 700 system for many years. About 2 decades of shooting centerfire bolt rifles, I always seem to find myself going back to my Accuracy International rifles. Why I asked myself? Here is what I came up with:
1) The 'old school' ergonomics seems to fit me well.
2) Spacers allow for easy change for length of pull even for small people (kids)
3) Short bolt throw (and angle of unlocking at about 60 degrees)
4) Precision machining of the bolt -- feels like a well made European surgical instrument
5) Did I tell you they are extremely accurate and consistent (precise)? The round impacts are very repeatable as many can 'stack' the boolits on top of each other at distance.
6) THE Most reliable and most copied magazine system (Badger Ordinance and others have copied this system for most rifle systems including Rem 700 bottom metal)
7) Semi-Modular configuration -- you can change out your rifle barrel (even calibre in the AWSM) with an action wrench and barrel clamp.
8) Extremely robust action -- designed to take a fall and harsh environment without failures.
9) Positive extraction with claw type extractor
10) Did I tell you they are extremely accurate and consistent (precise)?
Features I particularly like are the 2.0 system with folding stock and adjustable cheekpiece and the Rigid squared unitized action that will sustain military drop tests yet still function and near zero repeatability (look at the AI sales person bounce the rifle in the enclosed video link).
In combination with a precise first focal plane high end scope like Schmidt and Bender, and this is the benchmark which other precision rifle/sniper systems aspire to match.
Here is the video and background that made me a believer about AI AW rifles about 15yrs ago:
Here is the video about the family of AI rifles (the big brother AWSM)
Here is a story about the 1.57 mile shot with an AI AWSM: however, hollywood does not use the actual rifle.
10 Quick Precision Shots -- fast cycling and short lift ejection:
Here is a commercial for Viper Skin, an alternative to the thumbhole stock and allows the option for shooters who prefer the pistol grip.
You won't find this rifle at your local store.
It's rare in most ranges.
But if you see one, strike up a conversation with the owner and learn more about this special precision rifle system. It's that special.
It's akin to the finest European/German surgical instruments - you can feel the difference. If you are in Hollywood -- it's just like your Ferrari (or as for me your M-BMW, AMG-Merk, or Mr. Porsche)
Thanks for reading this post.
DD
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