Accuracy International AWP
|
|
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. This weapon is said to be used only by novices that are not able to handle the more "manly" assault weapon combat.
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)