NationStates Jolt Archive

SLEEK SNIPER: AS50 Semi-Automatic Rifle

The Navy SEALs just got a new weapon for the war on terror: a .50 caliber rifle light enough to carry, and easy enough to disassemble in three minutes.

http://img82.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img82&image=soldiertechas5017bs.jpg

By David Crane
Editor, DefenseReview.com

Looks like the U.S. Navy SEALs just got a brand new tool for the War on Terror. The boys at NSWC Crane (Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana) have apparently been busy little beavers -- one of the projects they've been working on is a little .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) bad boy, the AS50 Semi-Automatic Rifle, and it's the result of NSWC Crane's teaming with Accuracy International (AI).

The objective in building this rifle was simple: with the increasing number of missions U.S. SEALs are facing that require rapid engagement of multiple targets with explosive or incendiary ammunition at extended range, an ergonomically sound, light, durable, easily transportable semi-auto anti-materiel rifle was needed. And, oh yes, accurate as well, with a Minute of Angle (MOA) of at least 1.5 (which translates to being accurate within 1.5 inches per every 100 yards of distance).

So here comes the AS50 semi-auto. How well does it fulfill the requirements listed above? Let's check it out.

Fast Assembly, Accurate Shooting

DefenseReview recently had the chance to handle (and lift) this weapon at its SHOT Show 2005 debut, and was surprised at how light it felt, for a semi-auto .50 caliber rifle. At approximately 27 pounds empty/dry weight (according to the AI representative at their booth), the AI AS50 is relatively lightweight. One of the photos DefRev caught at SHOT shows...

100-meter accuracy: The results when the AI AS50 takes multiple shots at targets from 100 meters away.

... three targets, each shot at 100 meters (see photo at right). On all three targets, all the rounds are touching.

The Accuracy International (AI) AS50 Semi-Auto Rifle was designed specifically for U.S. military Special Operations (SPECOPS) personnel/snipers. More specifically, it was designed for the U.S. Navy SEALs to provide them with anti-materiel/long-range interdiction capability, combined with fast follow-up shot capability, in a combat-rugged, lightweight weapons package that can be assembled and broken down quickly and easily, and maintained easily. Although the AS50 rifle was designed specifically for Naval SPECWAR end-users, DefenseReview has no doubt that other elements of SOCOM (USSOCOM) will be taking a good look at AI's latest .50 caliber creation. We wouldn't be surprised if U.S. NSWDG (U.S. Navy DevGroup) and certain U.S. Army Special Forces units out of Ft. Bragg, NC and Ft. Campbell, KY were already field testing the AS50 on enemy insurgents, in the Sandbox.

http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_AS50,,00.html?ESRC=soldiertech.nl

It needs more cute.

It needs more cute.
ROFL! What ... EVER! :rolleyes:

ROFL! What ... EVER! :rolleyes:

Honey, don't make me make you talk to the hand. *snakes neck as well as a white guy can*

Bleh. Guns :(

Evil gun nut :D

Sounds fun. I haven't fired a firearm since I left the state guard.

Evil gun nut :D

Sounds fun. I haven't fired a firearm since I left the state guard.
I would love to try this one. Talk about "reach out and touch someone!" :D

Honey, don't make me make you talk to the hand. *snakes neck as well as a white guy can*
Go for it, dude! :rolleyes:

Go for it, dude! :rolleyes:

Now my neck hurts. Once again, foiled by my ethnicity and Eutrusca!

It needs more cute.
can do:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Reaper2k3/prettyrifle.jpg

can do:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Reaper2k3/prettyrifle.jpg

I said "cute", not cheesy. Although I do like the smiley face.

Good Job 'I hate Cows'... Do you hate all barnyard animals??? Cuz I can convince you otherwise :fluffle:

Wanting and having are never quite the same.

What possible use would you ever have for something like this, Forrest?

What possible use would any of you have for something like this?

In my house, the best use I could think of for something like this would be to keep a door propped open, or maybe as a stake to tie tomato plants against in the spring.

Other than that, why would I, or anyone for that matter, want to keep such an obvious phallus-enhancer around the house? Would I really want guests to think I'm hung even less spectacularly than I am in actuality?

Why, Eutrusca? Why do you want one?

I said "cute", not cheesy. Although I do like the smiley face.
There's a difference?

Why, Eutrusca? Why do you want one?
Because he has a small penis

Why, Eutrusca? Why do you want one?
It's a fine piece of machinery, exemplarily engineered, and represents the state of the art. I've always loved target shooting, and this weapon represents a challenge. I've never hit a target at distances greater than about a mile, but with this rifle I just might be able to.

How's that?

Because he has a small penis
I'm with Pirate guy

I wouldn't want anyone to even see me holding one of those lest they think I have issues with the size of my genitalia.

:cool: *GASP*
must have!!!!

hmm AI the same company that make the "noob cannon" from counter strike
*love* :fluffle: :sniper: :D

X military, tarheel, dixie, male, american, loves the u.s. constitution and the president.....sure you want one. :D

SLEEK SNIPER: AS50 Semi-Automatic Rifle


That's a pretty weapon.

I got stuck with one of these:

http://world.guns.ru/assault/m16a2.jpg

:confused: I'm confused, isn't that a Barrett? Haven't they been around for some time?

Cool. But I'm still with the original Barret for coolness.

I'd love one of these. Just the devastation it could cause and the range... no fox would come after my cats ever again! Bwahahaha....

Cool. But I'm still with the original Barret for coolness.

I'd love one of these. Just the devastation it could cause and the range... no fox would come after my cats ever again! Bwahahaha....

Yeah, and if enough cat-lovers owned them, there'd be no foxes left...

Kinda makes me want to breed foxes and train 'em to hunt cats...

X military, tarheel, dixie, male, american, loves the u.s. constitution and the president.....sure you want one. :D
Hmmm. Is your prejudice showing here? And, BTW ... I've never said I love the President, and I'm not "X military," I'm an honorably discharged retired/disabled veteran.

SLEEK SNIPER: AS50 Semi-Automatic Rifle

The Navy SEALs just got a new weapon for the war on terror: a .50 caliber rifle light enough to carry, and easy enough to disassemble in three minutes.

http://img82.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img82&image=soldiertechas5017bs.jpg

Aw man...That is a beautiful peice of human engineering there my friend!

Aw man...That is a beautiful peice of human engineering there my friend!

There is no beauty in a device designed for the express purpose of discontuing the existence of one's fellows.

There is ugliness instead. True ugliness.

There is no beauty in a device designed for the express purpose of discontuing the existence of one's fellows.

There is ugliness instead. True ugliness.
bah! you know not of which you speak not be silent puny human before i smite thee! :fluffle:

bah! you know not of which you speak not be silent puny human before i smite thee! :fluffle:

Precisely!

I look at weapons as tools of war, yes. But also as craftsmanship, art, and history.

Look at the Japanese Katana, their craftsmen and wielders looked upon in as a work of art.

I look upon this weapon as a work of art...because those shmucks finally figured out how to make a .50 rifle that doesn't weigh a f***ing ton! :D

bah! you know not of which you speak not be silent puny human before i smite thee! :fluffle:

That's just the problem - all you humans're what'll get all us Sub-Gees killed, in the end...

Humans, feh. Pinkboys and Glorps, all. Even the bravest Yeti among us is still potential cannon fodder for you monkeys and your metal penii...

That's a pretty weapon.

I got stuck with one of these:

http://world.guns.ru/assault/m16a2.jpg
Yeo that beats my gun :(
http://world.guns.ru/assault/m16a2.jpg

cool, I want one too!

That sniper rifle looks slick, Eutrusca!

I dunno 'trusca. They can't trust you with a bike, I don't think they'll let you have gun.

Yeo that beats my gun :(
http://world.guns.ru/assault/m16a2.jpg

Heh ... it's the same image. I just poked around for a pic of the same weapon I was issued in the Army. They don't let you keep them, ya know. :p

Lovely, yes. But there are some worries as to whether it's ready for prime time. In a critical situation, 3'00" can easily be 2'30" too long.

I have come to the conclusion people who have an interest in guns are weird.Than you for your time.

nice rifle.

at .50 cal that thing could probably take down a rhino... so imagine what it will do to terrorists.

http://www.cyberium.net/imagine/S/weapons/wierd-shot-2.jpg

Anything beats my gun.

It's a fine piece of machinery, exemplarily engineered, and represents the state of the art. I've always loved target shooting, and this weapon represents a challenge. I've never hit a target at distances greater than about a mile, but with this rifle I just might be able to.

How's that?

Back from RL

If this makes target shooting so easy, why bother. It is a bit like trying to win a local road cycle race on a Ducati. Easy and pointless. (Ducatis have excellent engineering as well, by the way.)
I suppose as some people want cars with performance that they don't need and won't ever use, the same could apply to guns.

Well, I'm no gun nut, but that looks pretty badass.

I dunno 'trusca. They can't trust you with a bike, I don't think they'll let you have gun.
Groan! :rolleyes:

http://www.cyberium.net/imagine/S/weapons/wierd-shot-2.jpg

Anything beats my gun.
http://www.prezzybox.com/data/media/4940.jpg I know I sure do

There is no beauty in a device designed for the express purpose of discontuing the existence of one's fellows.

There is ugliness instead. True ugliness.

Ever been to the Chicago Art Institute? I grew up near there...

Bah, just give me my good ole' friend the AK47. Reliable for more than 50 years. Not to mention, on the Black Market you can buy 'em for $30 or less!

With these stats, it's hard not to like it

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs
Overall length: 870 mm
Barrel length: 415 mm
Weight, with empty magazine: AK 4,3 kg; AKM 3,14 kg
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (40 rounds box magazines and 75 rounds drums [/b]from RPK also may be used)
Cyclic rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Maximum effective range: about 400 meters

http://world.guns.ru/assault/ak.jpg

Ph33r m3!

Heh ... it's the same image. I just poked around for a pic of the same weapon I was issued in the Army. They don't let you keep them, ya know. :p
Hee well next time theres a World War Rommel can come down and say if i Had The New Zealand Division i could take over the World.
Instead of 2 Aussie Divs. :mp5: :sniper: :gundge: :sniper:
Bloody German!

SLEEK SNIPER: AS50 Semi-Automatic Rifle

The Navy SEALs just got a new weapon for the war on terror: a .50 caliber rifle light enough to carry, and easy enough to disassemble in three minutes.

http://img82.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img82&image=soldiertechas5017bs.jpg


I wonder if it's legal for moose hunting.

I wonder if it's legal for moose hunting.

Seeing as there are a significant number of hunting cartridges already available in larger calibers - the .577, .600, and .700 Nitro Express cartridges and 12 and 10 Gauge cartridges are all larger, as well as usually being heavier (depending on the exact bullet loadings).

This reminds me, I know the anti-gun activists have been trying to ban the .40 BMG rifles for several years. AFAIK, they're still legal.

And usually hunting regulations require a minimum caliber and bullet weight, not a maximum (and the maximums I of know, are for small or medium game).

So, most likely yes.

Hmmm. Is your prejudice showing here? And, BTW ... I've never said I love the President, and I'm not "X military," I'm an honorably discharged retired/disabled veteran.

No.
Sarcasm is something alien to Americans and most Europeans.

Here is what I meant to say:
Loves the president - Most Soldiers do.
Dixie - You'r from NC, right? It's a joke!
American - Gun's, bombs, military, militia etc. you got em.
X military - Retired is what I meant. You guys love guns!

P.S. I was born in NC and they don't get so wierd when talking about this. Why do you...?

No.
Sarcasm is something alien to Americans and most Europeans.

Here is what I meant to say:
Loves the president - Most Soldiers do.
Dixie - You'r from NC, right? It's a joke!
American - Gun's, bombs, military, militia etc. you got em.
X military - Retired is what I meant. You guys love guns!

P.S. I was born in NC and they don't get so wierd when talking about this. Why do you...?
Not sure what you mean, but I have become a bit more defensive since I began posting on NS. Sorry if I overreacted. :)

Not sure what you mean, but I have become a bit more defensive since I began posting on NS. Sorry if I overreacted. :)

No problem, sorry for the missunderstanding. :)