- The unsuppressed marvel
- A legend from its tip…
- To its butt.
The L118A1 is that one rifle resting within the UKSF armouries that radiates an aura of secrecy. While the rifle itself isn’t that specific as it’s an early Arctic Warfare rifle, the photos are more than scarce. Selected to replace the older Precision Marksman as the main 7.62 bolt action sniper rifle for both SAS and SBS, the L118A1 was named after it’s main intended use : the Counter Terrorism Sniper Rifle.
While this project is still underway as I need to source an AI small side accessory rail and the iconic picatinny bubble level, I’m already happy of where it stands for now as a fully working clone.
The unsuppressed marvel
The real L118A1 can swap between fully suppressed and normal barrel depending on the situation. Choosing which to portray was a tough choice between the easy-ish way (Tokyo Marui’s AWS and its suppressed barrel) and the hell march that is finding an uncorrectly named Tanaka L96 with its tapered barrel. I decided on the latter specifically for that barrel that no other airsoft manufacturers produces.
Parts and accessories used :
- Accuracy International adjustable buttpad
- Accuracy International buttpad extender
- Accuracy International AW receiver top rail
- Accuracy International L118A1 QD scope mount with SIMRAD top ring (dedicated post)
- Schmidt & Bender L17A1 stand-in*
- Accuracy International AW hand stop with bipod mount
- Parker Hale spigot bipod stand-in*
- Ares AW338 bipod
- Accuracy International tactical 7.62 muzzle brake
A legend from its tip…
To its butt.
While it isn’t a derogatory item, the AI adjustable buttpad is a luxury accessory in a world of precision. While the usual riding height can be fine-tuned, so is the angle. The pad can lean from left to right.
Contrary to most modern precision rifles the stock lengh can’t be adjusted on the fly. Instead, a set of spacers can be used. The one that fit me best was the 40mm one.