The fieldcraft designed to covertly
U.S. MARINES PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. CHARLES SANTAMARIA
insert, execute, and extract into/from an
“Besides reducing maintenance and logistical burdens, the MRAD allows for user-level caliber interchangeability and serviceability. It also includes a fully adjustable trigger module, which is user accessible, with a thumb-operated safety that can be configured for left- and right-hand operation. “The ambidextrous magazine release can be used intuitively while retaining a firing grip and cheek weld,” Progar added. The MRAD relies upon a bolt-action repeater operating system and is available in .338 NM, .300 NM, .338 LM, .300 WM, .308 Winchester, .260 Remington, and 6.5 Creedmore calibers, with a barrel length of 26 inches and total length of 49.4 inches. Weighing 13.10 pounds when loaded, the MRAD has a total magazine capacity of 10 rounds. Meanwhile, Barrett’s semi-automatic M107A1 .50 BMG solution continues to be operated by SOCOM and partner forces globally. Larger-caliber options such as the M107A1 also continue to be used for CT and vehicle interdiction operations, where snipers can disable mobile vehicles as well as conduct anti-materiel serials including breaching doorways from range, Progar explained. The system is capable of being fitted with the company’s own QDL suppressor, which provides the capacity to reduce noise levels from 180 to 150 decibels as well as minimize dust signature and concussion effects, increase muzzle velocity and accuracy, and reduce flash signatures. In 2013, Accuracy International USA discontinued its range of AW and AE sniper rifles to concentrate on a new range of bolt-action solutions in 2014 onward, designated AX.
area of operation remains critical to the operational effectiveness of a sniper team.
According to Accuracy International (AI) Sales Director Tom Irwin, main feature changes revolved around a “… quick-change barrel allowing for caliber changes in less than two minutes.” “Our main family is the AX Series, which also has a front rail with our Keyslot feature for adding accessories like night vision [and] laser designators,” Irwin highlighted. “The AX also has a folding stock, which folds to the right over the bolt handle hence reducing the width for carrying,” he continued, while explaining how the AT Series was also introduced as a life extension to the AW Series, also comprising a quick-change capability. Irwin described how the weapon’s caliber could be changed with the simple swap out of barrel, bolt carrier, and magazine. Available in .338 LM, .300 Winchester, and .300 WM calibers, the AXMC has an all-up weight of 15 pounds with a 27-inch barrel featuring a tactical muzzle brake. Measuring 1.25 meters (49.2 inches) in length when fully extended, the AXMC has the capacity to carry five rounds. The AX family has now been supplemented with a .50 BMG solution designated the AX50, which, according to Irwin, also features the same quick-change barrel capability. This latest addition to the Accuracy International USA inventory comprises a 26.5-pound weapon system when unloaded, with a 27-inch barrel.
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