Accuracy International AWP - Definition and Overview

Accuracy International AWP, with AWP standing for Arctic Warfare Police. This is a version of the Arctic Warfare (AW) sniper rifle, which itself was an improvement of the L96. The AW was developed from the L96 as an entry in the competition for a new Swedish sniper rifle, capable of functioning in extreme cold hence the 'arctic warfare' designation. The L96 had been the winner of a competition for a new British sniper rifle in the 1980s. The AW entered service in the Swedish Army as the PSG-90, after which Britain adopted the design as well as the L96A1. The rifle's success led to many versions being produced, among them a police version, known as the Arctic Warfare Police (AWP). The most notable feature is that the distinctive frame is black colored, not a light green color. It normally uses 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, depending on what source, though there may be other types of ammunition (such as 7 mm remington magnum,.308 Winchester, or .338 Lapua) it could be chambered for. The AWP should not be confused with Accuracy International AW AE which also has a black finish, but is a much cheaper non-military version of the AW series.

AWP in popular culture

The AWP is a very popular (although very expensive) rifle in Counter-Strike. One hit from an AWP is an almost certain kill. However, the term AWP is incorrectly yet inexorably widely used in Counter-Strike as the rifle depicted in the game is actually the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) but the differences between the rifles are minor.

See also

• Accuracy International AW SM (also seen Accuracy International AWM)
• Accuracy International AW AE
• Accuracy International AW50

External links

• Article on Rifle (http://www.world.guns.ru/sniper/sn06-e.htm)