7.72 mm L96A1 sniper rifle

The L96A1 is a bolt single-shot rifle, and uses detachable box magazines with ten-round capacity. The rifle is usually fitted with a 6x or 10x telescopic sight, and equipped with a silencer. There are many variants of this gun, including anti-terrorism variant and it is believed to be one of the most accurate guns ever made. In the hands of a trained sniper, the L96A1 can kill at ranges of 1000 meters.

Production: The L96A1 began production in 1985 and, as of 1999, was still being manufactured.

Manufacturer: Accuracy International, PO Box 81, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

Service: The L96A1 is the standard sniper rifle for the British military forces. It is used by infantry units, Royal Marines and Special Forces. As of 1999, Accuracy International had delivered 1,212 units of this weapon to the British Army.  Several African, Middle East and Asian armies also use this rifle.

Cartridge: 7.62 X 51 NATO

Operation: bolt action, single shot

Feed: magazine

Weight: 6.5 kg (14.3 pounds)

Length: 1.124 m (44.3 inches)

Barrel Length: 655 mm (25.8 inches)

Sights: 6 X 42 telescope

Source: Jane's publications (Infantry Weapons, 1999-2000)