From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Accuracy International AWP, with AWP standing for Artic Warfare Police. This a version of Artic Warfare sniper rifle, which itself was an improvement of the L96. The AW was devloped from the L96 as an entry in the competition for a new Swedish sniper rifle, capable of functioning in extreme cold hence the 'artic warfare' designation. The L96 had been the winner of a competion for a new British sniper rifle in the 1980s. The AW entered servie in the Swedish Army as the PSG-90, after which Britain adopted the design as well as the L96A1. The rifles succes lead to many verions being produced, among them a police version, known as the Artic Warfare Police (AWP). The most notable feature is that the distinctive frame is black colored, not a light green color. Fires 7.62mm NATO ammunition/ .308 Winchester.
See also: AW SM (also seen AWM), AW AE, AW50
