The AX50 is a high-caliber 12.7×99mm (.50 BMG) anti-materiel rifle developed in the United Kingdom. Designed for long-range precision engagements against both personnel and equipment, the AX50 is intended for military and special forces operations. Its robust construction, exceptional accuracy, and ability to defeat lightly armored targets make it a critical asset in modern tactical arsenals.
- Caliber: 12.7×99mm NATO (.50 BMG)
- Operation: Bolt-action with a single-shot or magazine-fed system depending on configuration
- Barrel Length: Approximately 686 mm (27 inches), optimized for long-range accuracy
- Effective Range: Up to 1,500–2,000 meters against personnel and soft-skinned vehicles; armor-piercing rounds can reach lightly armored vehicles at similar distances
- Weight: Around 14–15 kg (unloaded), balancing stability with transportability
- Construction: Heavy-duty receiver and barrel, adjustable stock, and reinforced bipod for recoil absorption and shooting stability
Design Highlights
- Precision Engineering: AX50 is designed for extreme long-range precision, featuring a rigid barrel and advanced muzzle brake to reduce recoil.
- Modular Components: Adjustable cheek rest, buttstock, and Picatinny rails allow mounting optics, scopes, and other tactical accessories.
- Recoil Management: Heavy-duty bipod and shoulder pad systems absorb the substantial recoil produced by the .50 BMG round.
- Ammunition Flexibility: Capable of firing armor-piercing, incendiary, and high-explosive rounds depending on mission requirements.
Operational Use
The AX50 is primarily employed by UK special operations forces and military marksmen for anti-materiel and counter-sniper operations. It is effective against vehicles, radar systems, fuel depots, and fortified positions, in addition to traditional long-range sniper targets. Its combination of power and precision allows operators to engage high-value targets from safe distances while minimizing exposure.
System Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | United Kingdom |
| Type | Anti-Materiel / Long-Range Sniper Rifle |
| Caliber | 12.7×99mm NATO (.50 BMG) |
| Operation | Bolt-action |
| Barrel Length | ~686 mm (27 in) |
| Effective Range | 1,500–2,000 m |
| Weight | ~14–15 kg unloaded |
| Key Features | Adjustable stock, bipod, Picatinny rails, recoil mitigation |
| Primary Role | Anti-materiel, long-range precision engagements |
The AX50 combines power, accuracy, and tactical adaptability, making it one of the most effective British long-range anti-materiel rifles. Its ability to neutralize equipment and personnel at extreme distances gives operators a significant strategic advantage in both conventional and special operations scenarios.
