AS50

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AS50
Type	Sniper rifle
Place of origin	Great Britain
Service history
In service	2006-
Used by	U.S., UK, Republic of Ireland and others
Wars	Iraq War
Production history
Designed	2005 or 2006
Produced	2006
Number built	Unknown
Variants	1 AS50
Specifications
Weight	31 lb (14.1 kg) (no scope/sight, empty mag)
Length	53.9" (1369 mm)
Barrel length	692 mm

Cartridge	12.7 x 99 mm NATO 5 rounds,
Caliber	12.7 mm .50 BMG
Action	Direct Impingement
Rate of fire	semi-automatic
Effective range	ca. 2000 YDS

The AS50 .50 BMG sniper/anti-material rifle is the latest creation of British firearms producer Accuracy International. The rifle was specially developed for the US SOCOM and is in use with the navy SEALs. The AS50 enables operators to engage targets at very long range with high accuracy using explosive or incendiary ammunition. The AS50 employs a gas operated semi-automatic action for rapid fire engagement of multiple targets. The rifle is also highly transportable, ergonomic and lightweight. It can be disassembled in less than three minutes and serviced without tools.

The rifle boasts an accuracy of 1.5 MOA, impressive for a semi-auto .50 caliber rifle. The barrel is free floated and features a dual chamber muzzle brake to reduce recoil, which is lower than that of the AW50 bolt action .50 BMG rifle. The two-part machined steel receiver features an integral accessory rail for the mounting of optical sights. Two additional rails are mounted on the sides of the short barrel shroud. An adjustable bipod and rear support leg/hand grip allow for stable shooting. This weapon is proven to accurately hit a target over a mile away. The low recoil system built in the back of the rifle can allow it to fire auto while still retaining its accuracy.

The AS50 weighs 14.1kg empty and holds 5 rounds of .50 BMG in a single stack removable box magazine.

Featured on the show Future Weapons.