L118A2: Accuracy International Arctic Warfare

/ forgottenweapons
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After the British adoption of the Accuracy International PM as the L96A1 sniper rifle, other nations began to give a very serious look at the company and its rifles. One of the first was Sweden, which requested a rifle like the PM/L96 but with a few changes to better suit the northern environment of Scandinavia. The bolt body surface area was reduced with scalloped relief cut to prevent ice form locking up the bolt, and a 3-position safety designed to allow the bolt to be cycled while still locking the trigger. Use of the rifle with gloves was eased by increasing the size of the stock thumbhole and giving the magazine floor plates protruding grasping tabs. The result was an excellent rifle, and was adopted into service by the Swedes in 7.62mm NATO, becoming known as the Accuracy International "Arctic Warfare."
British special forces took note of the improvements, and opted to purchase some of the Arctic Warfare rifles themselves. While the weapon was formally classified as the L118A1 (fixed stock) and L118A2 (folding stock), only very small numbers were acquired and it did not replace the L96. The rifles were in fact simply commercial AW rifles sold to the UK, not specially made. A number of features were added over the basic commercial model including improved bipod mounting options and a rear monopod foot, and in British service they were issued with a wide selection of additional kit. This included both thermal and image-intensifying (aka night vision) optics to mount in front of the L17A1 3-12x Schmidt & Bender scopes, backup iron sights, thermal straps, and suppressors.
Although only used in small numbers, the L118 rifle would be the transitional weapon leading to the L96's eventual replacement by the .338 Lapua Magnum Arctic Warfare Magnum as the L115. Thanks to Steve Houghton, for providing me access to this rifle! If you are interested in learning more, I highly recommend checking out Steve's newly released book, "The British Sniper: A Century of Evolution". It can be found at:
www.swiftandbo...
Contact:
Forgotten Weapons
PO Box 87647
Tucson, AZ 85754

[@isakthabro8233]

“Considered a "high risk, high reward" weapon due to its high powers but slow firing rate, reload speed, and movement speed, the AWP is one of the most used weapons in the Counter-Strike series.”

[@cloudli4217]

When you see this gun in real world, just realize so unreal you can hold this gun steady with only your hands in CS.

[@riks081]

To be fair the Arctic Warfare Police version of the gun is shorter and lighter. Games are still pretty unrealistic when it comes down to it, though.

[@andrewmoore7022]

@@riks081 yeah but in CS it's a standard Arctic warfare in all but name

[@Drrolfski]

Maybe it would be a nice idea to make a video explaining common sniper cartridges (7.62 NATO, .300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, .50 BMG, etc) and their specific uses in the military.

[@derpy4335]

rolf ski i would love to see that, so far all I know is 7.62 is strictly infantry and has a high velocity whole still being able to inflict alot of damage.

[@jasonmhite]

And a second one on some of the more exotic, special purpose sniper cartridges throughout the years. I'm sure there are a ton of weird ones that I've never heard of.

[@JohnE9999]

@jad beydoun It can be (and sometimes is) used for sniping, though.

[@zalathihel]

@jad beydoun exactly what i was gonna say XD it's an anti material cartirdge. it's not designed for accuracy. for fucks sake Browning Machine Gun. it was designed for mg's. it's hard hitting but you'll be lucky to hit the broadside of a barn. it weighs SO MUCH and its muzzle velocity is relatively low to its weight making t hard to get any precise long range shots. 338 though. great speed to weight´t ratio and is developed solely for precision at long tange

[@leetucker5788]

dont forget 7.62x54r

[@megablademe4930]

Can’t belive a virtual AWP was sold for more money than an actual AWP. (I’m talking about a factory new Souvenir AWP | Dragon Lore that was sold for 68,000$)

[@bbsonjohn]

well, the actual one has default skin.

[@deimos7784]

@@bbsonjohn this is a golden comment

[@mr.meeseeks2246]

This weapon is a prime example of a manufacturer thinking of every possible variable a marksman could encounter, an absolutely wonderful and thought through product

[@alexhulea2735]

i swear this gun got more coverage in Counterstrike than in real life :D

[@anordinarynobody2443]

It's because it is a sniper that was adopted by most counter-terrorism units

[@ChrisGugliuzza]

@@olisk-jy9rz more than 10 guns in cs

[@FiNiTe_weeb]

@@olisk-jy9rz Yea I wouldn't call a game with over a million current players (as I'm writing this) a "nerds only" game, you must really hate videogames.

[@sannidhyabalkote9536]

@@FiNiTe_weeb leave that guy, we know the coverage of the $5000 decoy

[@instantoatmeal3644]

olisk you are slow

[@Ditendo64]

I couldn't wait for this video, and now I can't wait for the L115 keep up the great content!

[@sulvik122]

Shot that rifle when I did my military service in Sweden, was designated as the psg-90. From 300 meters you couldn’t miss!

[@darthkek1953]

Paul Harrell holds group at 300 yards with an iron-sight shotgun firing 1 oz slugs. This beast is intended for the 2-3 *kilometre* range.

[@sulvik122]

I know, I wasn’t issued with it but we got to try it from 300 meter that was the longest range on that range. The snipers in the battalion had to have a good collection from 1 800 to earn their mark. I had the Swedish version of the FN FNC. I did make a good grouping on torso targets from 600 meters with iron sights with that baby.

[@PojebanyWladyslaw]

My favourite sniper rifle has been finaly reviewed! My life is complete, thank you, very cool!

[@rztrzt]

Are you going to test this or the L115 at a range? Would love to see that.

[@zestmeister7729]

rztrzt Yes but please without silencer

[@gunnarjohnson9369]

Ganjalf The Green with and without

[@fitnready4]

A friend of mine used these rifles as a Royal Marine sniper, If I recall correctly they used the .338 Lapua. He said they would go out in pairs for literally 4-5 days crawling through gorse bushes with this rife AND their L85A2 personal weapon in a 'drag bag'.

[@JericoLionhearth]

That's the L115. Good rifle. Held a world record for longest shot at one point.

[@fitnready4]

@@JericoLionhearth Yes you are correct - the L115, I asked him (naively) about a .50 cal, but he told me the best sniper round was easily the .338 Lapua. Basically he laughed when I mentioned the .50 cal! (I'm not any type of expert TBH)

[@JericoLionhearth]

@@fitnready4 you don't need to be an expert to appreciate firearms. Please thank him for his service for me.

[@duncancunningham5505]

The l115 in 300 magnum A4 spec has greater range and accuracy than the 338 lap a1-a3 spec lapua but only spec ops have the A4 so far

[@davedeville6540]

The original Swedish Psg90 actually came with "Kikarsikte 90" a fixed 10x42 Hensoldt scope. In 2011 the rifle system was modernised into Psg90B and came with a 3-12x50 by Schmidt & Bender. One of the more interesting things about the Psg90 is the 7,62 sk ptr 10 prick which was a sub caliber bullet catridge.

[@Javin12345]

me: sees the thumbnail and starts reading title my brain: CLICK NOW THERE'S AN AWP

[@BSOE3058]

Gun Jesus is preaching in very long range...

[@turbogerbil2935]

My A2 is an 02 batch, and predates most of those attachments. It also has the original style of steel transit case, and the earlier version of S&B PMII without parallex adjustment to the left. Although my rifle is 17-something years old, the button for the folding stock has only just worn enough to be usable by a normal human thumb - they are usually so stiff that they have to be pushed in with a wooden block or similar. Incidentally, although the AW has been out of production for many years now, AI did recently make a brand new one-off batch for aficionados.

[@lazyking7444]

Loving these videos. I never even heard about a "mirage strap" so cool! Keep it up.

[@alexandersalazar4003]

Remington/Bushmaster ACR!! C'mon even the manufacturer has forgotten this weapon!!

[@blackirish781]

Those bolt cut-outs make a lot of sense. Especially because you are going to be breathing right beside the back of the bolt letting condensation and then ice build up no matter how clean and dry you try to keep the rifle.

[@TrueWizard88]

I didn't know AI had ties to lego.

[@Shimpriv]

And now the image intensification scope snaps on like a little lego...

[@1337penguinman]

Maybe. But Eugene Stoner owned stock.

[@Zefferum]

I like the term sound moderator, it makes a lot of sense to me.

[@Tentacl]

Memories os CS o the Lan Hoyse circa 2000 intensifies. That weapon is the reason I first heard about Lapua Magnum.

[@selfco8142]

WOW, what a fantastic rifle, those guys at Accuracy International really thought of everything a sniper could wish for, Brilliant!

[@ninaakari5181]

I would love to see Sako TRG-42 video. The ultimate arctic sniper rifle

[@annoyedchef7124]

Yeap. We had those in Sissikomppania.

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

Ahhhh, so nice to see small business flourish! “Two guys in a shed” LTD is the greatest thing ever.

[@MoraFermi]

Every mall ninja's dream rifle. So many accessories to hang off of it!

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Wow, what a rifle. Thanks for this.

[@issackliener3065]

So many functions to the rifle I'm surprised it doesn't do your taxes as well

[@TheInflicted]

That would be the Accuracy International L118CPA.

[@Krankynator]

It actually does, Ian just didn't want to make the video any longer than it already was.

[@strydom666]

All those accessories makes it seem like a fun gun to get for Christmas.

[@thomasarcher4034]

As usual, an excellent and thorough presentation.

[@Wien1938]

L115! Looking forward to that one! :)

[@stevenhoman2253]

Thanks Ian, what a brilliant weapon. So well thought out. I've never seen the mirage shield feature, however it would make particular sense in its natural environment. Again, well thought out from the outset, so unlike the standard British automatic rifle with all its woes and initial flaws. Sometimes I think the boffins who have been designing weaponry for their army fell asleep at the wheel. The quartermasters must have felt the same shame as the armorers? Post Enfield, I guess since Britain owns H&K a suitable weapon they should be the preferred supplier for the next upgrade?

[@eliane2743]

Watching the video I was wondering what the blue things on the left of the screen were. And then I recognised them and it brought back childhood memories of cleaning sessions after hunting; I think I can even smell the oil.

[@thetruthseeker5549]

I recently bought the Steve Houghton book and can vouch for it; if Your into this, it's full of good stuff.

[@lelelel8614]

*Cycling through inventory while bhoping to mid intensifies*

[@nigelft]

Note about the Steve Houghton book: quite aside from being excellent, it has only a 2,000 number print run, for the signed version, iirc. I got mine #779, so get it whilst it's available ...

[@pamelahoughton8890]

😊

[@nigelft]

@@pamelahoughton8890 I forgot to say, to thank Steve for the very kind email exchange we had, and thank you for your patience during his two years of sweat he put into writing and producing his book.

[@pamelahoughton8890]

😊 I’m just here to keep him fed and watered while he gets on with his Passion. They say behind every great man is a patient and understanding woman! 😂 and at least I got an acknowledgement in his wonderful book.......and got to meet Ian! Thankyou, I’ve passed your sentiments on to him.

[@Xrilliam762]

I like Ian's collection of butt plugs on the left, there in the back :D Classic Ian!!!! On a real note, this gun is a true piece for a collection.

[@garykozdrajr.3689]

I need you and LGR to do a collab of using weapon-related peripherals on really old computer games or something, or at least of you bringing actual historical information/facts into a game he reviews that use firearms. It is your destiny. Great content as always, sir.

[@Bladsmith]

y tho

[@edwardcullen1739]

It's nice that you're able to cover UK firearms - obviously, because of the 2A, there's a LOT *more* guns from the US, so it's (understandably) easy for one to forget that we've been making things-that-kill-people for longer than the US has been a country and that, occasionally, it shows... :)

[@daedalus6433]

He did the AKU-94 back in the day tho xd

[@kdavis1521]

And now the UK buys our "things-that-kill-people" :)

[@Lowlandlord]

@@kdavis1521 Not your rifles, and you buy your rifles from a Belgian company under the condition they are assembled in North Carolina (which is an example of socialism and protectionism btw, American jobs paid for by the American government), so don't get too puffed up about your "things-that-kill-people". US and British special forces also prefer our Canadian versions of "your" rifles. The shit you guys sell tend to be missiles. No one uses your tanks or vehicles, only the Conservatives in my country want to get into your over-costed fighter planes, which is a political issue in Canada going back decades.

[@kdavis1521]

@@Lowlandlord Lol the UK absolutely buys American rifles, usually for their special forces. FN America, a subsidiary of FN Herstal, won a bid to manufacture the M16. FN America is headquartered in South (not North) Carolina, so no shit the rifles would be manufactured in South Carolina. It's not some added condition where they wanted to manufacture them somewhere else, but the US government forced them to do it in South Carolina. Also LMFAO at you thinking that's "socialism and protectionism," do you even know what those words mean? 🤣 First off, EVERY country's military is socialized, as in it's funded by the government, so I guess we're all socialists according to you? Protectionism has to do with tariffs and regulations on imported goods, so clearly this doesn't apply here for reasons that should be obvious even to you. "American jobs paid for by the American government," so you think that's socialist or...? America has a public sector like literally every country, it doesn't make us socialist and it's not even an "example of socialism." You really don't know what socialism is, do you? Don't feel too bad, that's actually very typical of people who claim to be socialists. What makes this criticism so ironic and hilarious is that the Canadian military buys their rifles from Colt, an American company. So you really don't have a leg to stand on when talking about militaries buying their weapons from other countries. Also you guys didn't even design your rifles, you literally just took an M16, made very slight cosmetic changes with the stock or rail, and then acted like you built a completely unique rifle. Lol I'm not nearly as "puffed up" as you and that Brit I was replying to. "US and British special forces also prefer our Canadian versions of 'your' rifles." Yeah I'm definitely gonna need a source on that. Also why did you put "your" in quotes? The M16 was designed by the US from the ground up, unlike the Canadian C7 which is just an unoriginal ripoff. We literally sell more tanks and military vehicles than any other country by far. We're the biggest arms exporter in general and it's not even close. The amount of arms Canada exports is in the hundreds of dollars, converted to American currency that's tens of dollars. "only the Conservatives in my country want to get into your over-costed fighter planes" They're expensive because they're the best in the world, but I'm sure Canada is fine with their current cheap and shitty fighter jets. It's not like you'll be using them anyways.

[@54356776]

@@kdavis1521 British special forces definitely use the Canadian variants of the m4 including the h&k design. Britain has never used the M16 in any capacity whatsoever. I'm not getting into any trivial dispute but the other guy is correct about Britain not buying American rifles and selecting the Canadian variants. The information is readily available online , not to mention the fact that many of us (especially if you're american) know the guys that do the job. Also it's pretty common for countries to assign their own designation to any weapon system such as the numerous weapons the U.S has adopted and given them corresponding model numbers. It doesn't mean that they then claim to have invented the thing. The M1 Garand was made from scratch by a Canadian and it carries his name (he didn't receive a penny for it either) but nobody argues about it being an American rifle. Edited for auto correct inventing words.

[@BLOEDVLEK]

I always get the feeling watching these videos that Ian doesn't research and prepare notes for his videos that he is just so insanely knowledgeable that he just knows all the things he speaks about.

[@meeperdudeify]

How do you think he knows it then?

[@deamonsoal25]

This is like the Swiss Army knife of sniper rifles

[@oldtimehockey7324]

Thanks Martin

[@limbro6307]

It's not forgotten, I think about it often. It's such a nice looking rifle.

[@minhtfresh3195]

This is the coolest Looking sniper rifle ever

[@johnbarron4843]

Wow this rifle is amazing

[@maxvandenbergnl]

>Forgotten weapons >Proceeds to present the most iconic sniper rifle of all time.

[@JuanMatteoReal]

Literally my favorite modern bolt-action rifle

[@Sicarius_Avindar]

Regardless of how or where you saw this Rifle, games, real life, whatever. It's fucking cool.

[@brennanferguson3537]

Why do you blur out threading on the suppressor?

[@billdberger7407]

youtube doesn't allow any footage of a silencer being installed or removed from a gun, no I'm not making that up.

[@RhodokTribesman]

​@@billdberger7407Neoliberal conservatives when neoliberal societies do neoliberal things "🙈🙉🙊"

[@sugardaddy9721]

How is this a Forgotten weapon? This is the most iconic sniper rifle.

[@warphammer]

Showed this to my SO due to Counterstrike meme, since they played back in the day. When the 'moderator' was mentioned, the reply was "Because you use this to ban noobs."

[@Limescale12]

2 weeks ago?

[@bllau]

@@Limescale12 Patreon.

[@NM-wd7kx]

@@Limescale12 patreon

[@crewcutter2030]

Now you just a desert eagle to switch to when you miss.

[@paulm2467]

Miss with this rifle and you're just a poor shot.

[@repletereplete8002]

Green to keep the men mean.

[@robertthomas3777]

Swooning! Amazing. I think it’s a ‘Transformer’.

[@Harap-Alb.]

Iconic* not forgotten

[@filanfyretracker]

its like a gaming PC of rifles, If you can think of it this gun has an accessory for it.

[@Shloomy_Shloms]

David Kearns but can I add a rifle to my PC? Or vice versa?

[@filanfyretracker]

@@Shloomy_Shloms I dunno of a practical way to add a rifle to a PC, Though some bigger cases sure would make a stable shooting platform. given the direction of technology though, I suspect one day we will see a phone mount and some attachment that splits off the optics so people can stream their day at the range from view of the scope.

[@masonhales]

When I served my 4 years on dust2 I used this bad boy

[@mikedee6173]

Thank you Ian.

[@Durlano]

for me,this will always be the best looking sniper rifle of all time

[@cacheman]

I've always liked the profile of this rifle.

[@donaldasayers]

A bubble level is such a useful addition to any rifle that I have never understood why it is not built into the scope so that the bubble is visible through the 'scope. (Yes I do know that only means the scope is level not the gun, but once the scope is set up properly in its rings the scope is not going to move.)

[@Astilath]

What muppet designed that accessory case?! "Sorry, this is the smallest case we could make. The practically indestructible metal rails need a lot of padding"...

[@oddursigurdsson9637]

Those cases are standard so they just cut padding instead of making a case specifically for some random shit like that lol

[@Mctwitchkid]

I wouldn’t say forgotten just yearned for...

[@PaletoB]

Fun fact, the Swedish have a sub caliber ammunition but your suppose to remove the muzzlebreak since the sabbot might hit it.

[@MtnBadger]

YES, please, with all the extras. *reaching for check book*

[@lavrentivs9891]

Fired the swedish version PSG-90 on occasion while in the Army and Homeguard, very good rifle

[@dragonsword7370]

Very slick rifle!

[@dramaturgius]

Im p/ Sure it is not legal to thread off a left hand threaded muzzle device with the right hand. savage af.

[@hansdampf2284]

after a shot you have to grab the knive and back to the gun to cycle the rifle faster

[@WH250398]

007 Nightfire... Memories.

[@dyronecarver8906]

With all the Counter Strike I have played in my life, there is no way I couldn't give this video a thumbs up.

[@taylorwest6986]

Oh, come on! I'm trying to get some sleep! Oh well, thanks anyway.

[@FoXWoR]

Thank You for sharing! Very fascinating!

[@Godzillaborg21]

A marriage of modern considerations without sacrificing the ascetic beauty of the rifle. I miss this in more modern designs.

[@combustinghandshakes8617]

What an orgasmic weapon of utter and mass destruction.

[@Killchain82]

I love the AW! I would like to say that it is still the best precision rifle system the military can get...AT/AX too

[@stefanostman5496]

Greatest bolt action rifle ever made.

[@RB-zn5hf]

Accuracy International AT rifle (308): $5,200 Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-12x50: $3,800 Thumbhole stock: $80

[@uzzlzzlzzlzzlzzl1415]

Beautiful sniper rifle!

[@P00RKN00W]

I have this and a desert eagle in my closet. Only bad thing is that, when I wake up, it’s not there anymore 🥺

[@ankou3730]

Clever thinking putting thumbscrews on the rifle, doubles as a torture device 7:04

[@dingus153]

Australia also uses the AW as the AW50F and the SR-98 models

[@kreed1004]

Sweden said: we want one. what's that you say? no I don't plan to ever shoot it. can we have some made?

[@stevenavison9684]

The uk is known for its outstanding guns we are a nation of shed engineering geniuses imagine what we could achieve if we had a US BUDGET .great video

[@stevenavison9684]

@Samuel Bilskie yeah sure Boris that's why they done so well in two world wars😁

[@weirdscience8341]

@Brotato Chip germany took on so many diffrent countrys in ww1 and ww2 annnnnd nearly won i dont know what that means but they make great guns the hk psg1 for instance ohhh god there good

[@Dovoline3]

Everyone's all like "oh cool it's the AWP!". No, no this isn't the AWP. It's an Arctic Warfare, yes, but the AWP we all know and love is the Super Magnum, which came after the standard Arctic Warfare.

[@amaze1746]

Wrong, the AWP is the Arctic Warfare Police. For you guessed it counter terrorist police.

[@Dovoline3]

@@amaze1746 Yes, the actual, real-life AWP is the Arctic Warfare Police. When most people talk about the AWP they're talking about the Arctic Warfare Super Magnum, which got featured as the AWP in the original Counter-Strike and the name's kind of stuck to it since. I don't think the Police variant has ever actually gotten any exposure beyond advertising to police forces.

[@VoidHxnter]

50% comments: actual gun enthusiasts Other 50%: CS:GO fans

[@davidiancrux]

I want a supercut of just him threading on attachments

[@Scrambles2112]

Ah yes, maxim and his famous suppressor? Moderator? Oh right, silencer!!

[@petere7197]

If only it would silence anything. My experience is that "moderators", or "silencers" could turn the sound of a thunderclap into a door being slammed ferociously, or of a close motorcycle backfire into the same half a block away. If you think a "silencer" with a supersonic bullet, makes a pfffft sound, like in the movies, they really don't. It IS a moderator.

[@Frankdude72]

Interesting, the NSN on the L17A1 scope has for it's country of manufacture code: "99" for the UK, instead of the "12" that indicates Germany.

[@da12thMonkey]

The NCB "country code" is assigned based on the agency that added the item to the NATO database. It's not necessarily the manufacturer that does this. It's often the end user or the company that is prime contractor to the end user. In this case it would be AI, since the UK-spec scopes were contracted through AI to S&B, or the UK Ministry of Defence themselves who cataloged the item.

[@billykhoabillykhoa7844]

KennyS is really good with this gun

[@benjerry6442]

That weapon is the ultimate in, minimalist, future prove, all options on board, platforms ever made. A item of manufacturing genius. I read the UK blocked an AI order by the Russian Spetsnaz for 140 of the L118A2 AW orders, in the open market at the time it was an acceptable order but the Ukraine affair brought a halt before delivery.

[@SafetyProMalta]

Wow....just plain wow!

[@Eye_Exist]

counter-strike players holding their breath to know if Ian will mention CS on this review

[@jbuckley2546]

The Special Oat Service? They get the best biscuits in the British Army.

[@generic4581]

You should make a video on the l119a2/colt canada c8 iur, it may be just another ar 15 but one with a good reputation with high tier special forces like the SAS or jtf2

[@dankdark974]

Jeez thats the total package

[@-Cold-World]

Beautiful weapon!

[@Khronic_Khaos]

Everyone is talking about CS:GO, but still forgetting Black Ops 1 😔

[@Harshal378]

Me: This gun is a one-shot kill on head, body, shoulder, legs you name it.

[@joshuat6124]

Disappointed that Gun Jesus didn't demonstrate the crouch-jump, no-scope head-shot.

[@unab84]

The price tag on this has to be stratospheric....