Specialist British firearms manufacturer
Accuracy International Limited is a British firearms manufacturer based in Portsmouth, England. The company specializes in sniper rifles and anti-materiel rifles.
The company was founded in 1978 by a group of individuals including British Olympic shooting gold medalist Malcolm Cooper, Sarah Cooper, and Martin Kay, along with the firearms designers Dave Walls and David Caig. The company's origins are rooted in the expertise of professional international and national sport shooters.
Accuracy International's sniper rifles have found utility in a multitude of military units and police departments across the globe. Their reputation for reliability and accuracy has solidified their place as a trusted choice for precision shooting applications.[2]
Following a period of financial hardship, Accuracy International faced liquidation in 2005.[3] Nevertheless, a British consortium, helmed by the initial design duo of Dave Walls and David Caig, intervened to ensure the company's continuity. This move marked a significant turning point in the company's history, ensuring the continuation of their legacy in crafting top-tier precision firearms.
Management
As of 2014, the company is managed by two directors and owners, Tom Irwin and Dave Walls.
Production
Accuracy International introduced their new AS50 .50 BMG caliber semi-automatic rifle at the 2005 SHOT Show in Las Vegas and their new AX Series at the 2010 Shot Show in Las Vegas.
The UK government announced in March 2008 the award of a £11 million contract to produce rifles for the British Army.[4]
Distribution
Accuracy International's distribution in the United States is managed by the American division of AI, Accuracy International USA. There are only two official distributors of Accuracy International in the United States: Eurooptic and Mile High Shooting.
Similarly in the United Kingdom, there are only two official distributors of Accuracy International products: Sporting Services Ltd and Sportsman Gun Centre.
Magazine types
Different Accuracy International rifle models come with a variety of proprietary magazines.[5]
| Model
|
Caliber
|
Stacking and feeding
|
| AICS (short action)
|
.223
.308
|
Double stack, single feed
|
| AICS (long action)
|
.300 Win Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| .338 Lapua Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| AX AICS
|
.308
|
Double stack, single feed
|
| .300 Win Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| .338 Lapua Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| AE MkI (pre 2009)
|
.308
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| AE MkII/ MkIII
|
.308
|
Double stack, single feed
|
| AX rifle
|
.308
|
Double stack, staggered feed
|
| .300 Win Mag
|
Double stack, staggered feed
|
| .338 Lapua Mag
|
Double stack, staggered feed
|
| AW rifle
|
.308
|
Double stack, staggered feed
|
| .300 Win Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| .338 Lapua Mag
|
Single stack, single feed
|
| AW50, AX50
|
.50 BMG
|
Single stack, single feed
|
AICS-style magazine
The "AICS-style" short action box magazine was originally manufactured for the Accuracy International Chassis System but can now be found on several production rifles, such as the SIG Sauer CROSS,[6] the Ruger Gunsite Scout,[7] Ruger Precision Rifle,[8] some Ruger American Rifle models, and some new production models by Remington (Model 700 PCR,[9] 700 Tactical Chassis,[10] 700 Magpul,[11] and 700 Magpul Enhanced[12]). AICS-style magazines can also be found on many custom rifles, and aftermarket conversion kits (known as "bottom metals") are available for several different rifle models and are made by several different manufacturers.[13][14] Many conversion kits require fitting ("inletting") by a gunsmith.[citation needed]
