Accuracy International: A little piece of Sniper/Precision Rifle history

[BimmerFreak]

Anyone a student of modern sniper systems?

This rifle represents an amazing piece of modern sniper systems, and was built, and last shot by Mr. Malcolm Cooper, Founder of Accuracy International

Letter of authenticity from Colonel Chip Curl

Accuracy International AW Rifle Kit No. 93AW1064

February 25, 2009

Rifle History;

I purchased this rifle from Malcolm Cooper (deceased), the founder and President of Accuracy International in 1993 while I was stationed in the UK. Malcolm was and may still be the only person to have won Olympic gold medals in the three position small bore event. Among other things, my military duties in the UK included the location and evaluation of weapons and technologies existing in the UK that would offer standardization opportunities with the US Army. Malcolm designed the Accuracy International rifle to be a sniper rifle from the beginning. Many of the innovations of his design have been copied and incorporated into other weapons. An earlier version of this rifle was in use as the British Army primary sniper rifle. The quality and accuracy of the Accuracy International rifle was well known in Europe at the time but not well understood in the US.

I became an advocate of this rifle and in the process, developed a friendship with Malcolm

Cooper. This rifle was one of ten he prepped for shipment to the US in an attempt to enter the US market. In May, 1993, Malcolm and I went to Bisley, the British equivalent of Camp Perry, to sight in the scope for each of the ten rifles prior to exporting them. For this particular rifle, I worked the manual targets while he fired and adjusted the scope. At that time, the ten rifles were referred to as AW Police (AWP), were black and did not have muzzle brakes. Although muzzle brakes were standard on the British sniper rifles, the initial ten rifles did not have muzzle brakes because Malcolm believed that muzzle brakes were not common in the US at the time and that installing them would be a distraction. Malcolm and I had many conversations about his rifle and I often compared it to the US Army M24 Sniper Rifle. He knew that I most impressed by the AW and before I returned to the US, Malcolm offered to sell one of the ten original rifles to me. I readily accepted the offer and asked him to install the muzzle brake to which he agreed.

This rifle is unique in that it was the first production for introduction to the US and the only one of the first series with a muzzle brake. It has not been fired or a round chambered since Malcolm fired it at Bisley. As indicated on the invoice (which is in British Pounds), all available options were included with this rifle. When I picked up the rifle from the factory, Malcolm told me about a book recently published with a scenario in which the 338 Lapua version of his rifle was used in an attempt to assassinate Saddam Hussein. The name of that book is written on the back of the invoice.

The following items were included at the time of purchase.

Forend Rail

AI Bipod

AI Transit Metal Case

Hand stop/Bipod Mount

Maintenance Kit

Extra AW Magazine

Action Cover

Iron Foresight Assembly

Iron Rear Sight (Disc Style)

Schmidt and Bender 3x12 Scope

AI Standard Scope Mount

50MM Scope Shade

AI Military Shooting/Carry Sling

This rifle is complete and in its original condition.

Louis J “Chip†Curl, III

Colonel, US Army, (Ret)

Gunbroker Auction with more pictures:

Accuracy International: fired by Malcolm Cooper : Bolt Action at GunBroker.com

[Verne]

That is very interesting. Really like the history behind firearms.

This something you are wanting to add to your collection?

[BimmerFreak]

Its part of our inventory.

We also have the following high end sniper rigs available:

Sako TRG 42 in 338LM

Blaser R93 Tactical 2 in both 300win mag and 308

Nighthawk Custom Tactical 308

Plus we have the more common stuff like Remington R5, 700LTR, 700SPS, Desert Recon VTR, etc, etc ,etc

[titan14]

"Low-end" prices?

[Guest Tennesseewood]

I ran Accuracy International North America/worked with Malcolm Cooper for 6 years till he passed away. I do not recall him ever mentioning a Colonel Curl.... but the rifle is a nice 93 edition and certainly could have been fired by Malcolm. I went over to the factory twice and both times Malcolm and I hauled 15/20 rifles to Bisley for accuracy testing.

Good Luck with your sale.

[BimmerFreak]

I ran Accuracy International North America/worked with Malcolm Cooper for 6 years till he passed away. I do not recall him ever mentioning a Colonel Curl.... but the rifle is a nice 93 edition and certainly could have been fired by Malcolm. I went over to the factory twice and both times Malcolm and I hauled 15/20 rifles to Bisley for accuracy testing.

Good Luck with your sale.

I dont know if you are doubting the provenance of this rifle, or if you are simply stating you worked for AI from 95 to 2001, but this accuracy of Colonel Curls claims are above reproach.

[TNRobocop]

Damn you get your pissy fast.

He stated that he just hadn't heard of him, not that any doubts were thrown on the authenticity.

Sounds like he worked there and had some first hand knowledge of the company and weapon systems is all.

[BimmerFreak]

Damn you get your pissy fast.

He stated that he just hadn't heard of him, not that any doubts were thrown on the authenticity.

Sounds like he worked there and had some first hand knowledge of the company and weapon systems is all.

Not pissy at all.

Point is, the guy states he worked for AI 2 years after this rifle was purchased in England by Col. Curl, so I dont know what the objective of his statement was.

Have a good day Shawn.

[TGO David]

Nice. Let's keep the advertising speak to the Vendor forums, though. I do appreciate you sharing the pics of the rifle and the letter of authenticity in the Long Guns forum however.

Now for the truly important question: I'm assuming that due to it's collector value you haven't... but have you shot it?

[BimmerFreak]

Nice. Let's keep the advertising speak to the Vendor forums, though. I do appreciate you sharing the pics of the rifle and the letter of authenticity in the Long Guns forum however.

Now for the truly important question: I'm assuming that due to it's collector value you haven't... but have you shot it?

I wish

Sadly, it hasnt had a round chambered since Malcolm fired it in 1993.

[TGO David]

All the better for it's intrinsic value I guess.

Is it on display at the shop for people to stop by and drool over?

[BimmerFreak]

All the better for it's intrinsic value I guess.

Is it on display at the shop for people to stop by and drool over?

Its in the War Room.

[Guest Tennesseewood]

Like I said nice rifle. One correction Malcolm Cooper did not ever build any rifles. Neil Braisher has assembled all of the Accuracy International rifles.

Bring some of your stuff and shoot our Monday evening 1000 yard league at Oak Ridge Sportsman Association.

[TGO David]

If I lived closer to Oak Ridge, my decision to buy a precision rifle would be so much easier.

[Guest Moss88hunter]

Just out of curiosity what does something like this run for?

Evan

[BimmerFreak]

New AWP systems spec'd in similar fashion will run around 10k

This is offered at a premium over that price given it's history.

*but like anything; it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

[Guest gcrookston]

Joe -- you and your junky old army guns...

[Fadex]

Joe...do you find all the cool toys yourself or do they come to you at this point??!! Man...first the Perazzi and now this...I'm in the wrong line of business...lol

[BimmerFreak]

Joe...do you find all the cool toys yourself or do they come to you at this point??!! Man...first the Perazzi and now this...I'm in the wrong line of business...lol

The sellers normally seek us out.