AT308 RIFLE USER MANUAL Accuracy International Ltd. Portsmouth. UK. Tel + 44 (0) 23 92 67 1225 Fax + 44 (0) 23 92 69 1852 Email: ai@accuracyinternational.org Accuracy International of North America inc. Fredericksburg, VA, USA. Tel + 1 540 368 3108 Fax + 1 540 368 3109 Email: aina@accuracyinternational.us www.accuracyinternational.
ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL Accuracy International was formed in 1978 to design and build tactical rifles. The original design ethos combined two factors into a unique package. Namely the incorporation of performance enhancing features learned in Olympic and international target shooting onto a platform exhibiting full military ruggedness. The current designs faithfully follow this original concept, but also benefit from over twenty years of continuous improvement.
CONTENTS 1. SAFETY 4 1.1 SAFETY FEATURES 4 1.2 FIRING PIN COCKING INDICATOR 4 1.3 SAFETY LEVER OPERATION 5 1.4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 1.5 WARNINGS 7 1.6 SAFETY LEVER - FIELD SAFETY CHECK 7 1.7 CARTRIDGE HEADSPACE 8 2. PARTS IDENTIFICATION 9 3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 9 4. SETTING UP THE RIFLE 10 4.1 BIPOD FITTING AND OPERATION (ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL MODEL) 11 4.2 BIPOD REMOVAL AND REFITTING (HARRIS MODEL) 12 4.3 CHEEK PIECE ADJUSTMENTS 13 4.4 BUTT PAD ADJUSTMENTS 14 4.
1. SAFETY Before attempting to use or handle the rifle, this manual must be read and understood fully. This manual assumes a basic level of user familiarity with firearms and is not a replacement for user training. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT IF SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED. Always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction during handling. Never leave a weapon unattended. Always wear suitable eye and hearing protection when firing the weapon.
1.3 SAFETY LEVER OPERATION The Accuracy International AT308 rifle is fitted with a 3-position safety lever. Note: The safety lever only operates when the rifle is ‘cocked’ and does not block the trigger in any of the three positions.
1.4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING - Users and personnel responsible for the weapon must comply with the following SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. For the purposes of health and safety, all warnings and cautions must be adhered to. Safety precautions should be carried out: On initial receipt of the weapon. Before use. After use. Before maintenance or cleaning procedures Before any inspection procedure. Before any non tactical movements.
1.5 WARNINGS THE USE OF MISMATCHING ‘FIRING TRAIN’ PARTS AND ASSEMBLIES POSES A SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE AND LIMB. DO NOT FIRE THE RIFLE IF THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF THE ACTION BODY, BOLT AND BOLT / FIRING PIN ASSEMBLY DO NOT MATCH. WEAPON STATUS. When users are not aware of the weapon status, i.e. loaded, unloaded, cocked or fired, the user must assume the weapon is LOADED and carry out the SAFETY PRECAUTIONS set out in section 1.4. HANDING OVER WEAPONS.
1.7 CARTRIDGE HEADSPACE Cartridge headspace defines the distance between the bolt face and the cartridge datum reference within the chamber when the bolt is closed, as shown in the image below. This is a critical safety feature on all rifles, regardless of manufacturer. For the user’s safety and to maximise cartridge compatibility, the headspace measurement on every Accuracy International rifle is inspected before leaving the factory.
2. PARTS IDENTIFICATION SHROUD CHEEK PIECE ACTION RAIL BARREL CLAMP SCREW NIGHTVISION RAIL BIPOD SIDE ACCESSORY RAILS BOLT HANDLE BUTT PAD TRIGGER SHOE MAGAZINE 3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Calibre : .308 / 7.62x51mm Action : Front Locking, 6 lugs. Bolt : 60 degrees opening, 6mm striker fall. Trigger : 2-stage, adjustable, set between 1.5 to 2 Kg (3.3lbs - 4.4lbs). Adjustable for reach.
4. SETTING UP THE RIFLE Prior to firing, the rifle should be setup to suit the user. The rifle is customisable for length of pull and cheek piece height. To set up the rifle: Adopt the prone firing position. Adjust the bipod legs to suit terrain. Fully open the bolt. Adjust cheek piece to achieve a comfortable position and correct eye alignment with sight. If necessary, adjust the butt length (and height, if height adjustable butt option is fitted).
4.1 BIPOD FITTING AND OPERATION (ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL MODEL) To remove the bipod: Operate the bipod release catch. Pull the bipod forward out of its mounting. To fit the bipod: Offer the bipod spigot up to the mounting. Push the bipod into the mounting until the release catch engages. To deploy and adjust the legs: 1 Rotate each leg round through 90 degrees until the leg locking button engages.
2 3 4 5 6 7 DRAWING PROCEDURE TO DEF. STAN. 05-10 AND/OR BS 8888. (1) ALL BURRS & SHARP EDGES TO BE REMOVED. (2) A RADIUS OR CHAMFER OF 0.2 (MAX) IS PERMITTED IN THE CORNERS OF BLIND HOLES, RECESSES & STEPS. (3) REFERENCES TO STANDARDS & SPECS. IMPLY LATEST ISSUE. ential information belonging to ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. that the copyright & design right in this drawing belong to & remains NATIONAL LTD.
4.3 CHEEK PIECE ADJUSTMENTS The AT308 rifle is fitted with a cheek piece that can be adjusted for height and lateral position. CHEEK PIECE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCREWS CHEEKPIECE LATERAL ADJUSTMENT SCREWS To adjust the height of the cheek piece, or to remove the cheekpiece: Loosen the cheek piece adjustment screws Adjust the height of the cheek piece to the desired position, or remove as required. Tighten the cheek piece adjustment screws.
2 3 1 4 5 2 3 6 4 7 5 8 4.4 BUTT PAD ADJUSTMENTS A The AT308 length of pull can be extended by fitting butt spacers from the supplied kit. One 10mm and 20mm spacer is supplied with the rifle along with appropriate length screws to suit the desired combination. Fitting : If fitted, loosen the height adjustable butt, rotate through 90° to reveal the butt pad securing B screws and re-tighten. Using the supplied 4mm hex key, loosen and remove the two butt pad screws.
4.5 FITTING AND REMOVING ACCESSORY RAILS AND MOUNTS ACCESSORY RAIL RETAINING SCREWS KEYHOLE SLOTS Removing an accessory rail / bipod mount: Using a 4mm hex key, loosen the retaining screws until light resistance is felt, then stop do not continue to loosen. Slide the rail to the rear of the key hole slots (open end). Lift the rail clear of the chassis.
4.6 NIGHT SIGHT BRACKET FITTING AND REMOVAL: To fit the bracket: Depending on the barrel configuration it may be necessary to either remove the barrel (see section 10) or muzzle brake (see section 4.7) prior to fitting the Night Sight Bracket. The following procedure assumes the barrel is fitted. Slide the bracket down the barrel towards the mounting slot, observing the correct orientation of the bracket.
4.7 REMOVING AND REFITTING THE MUZZLE BRAKE (A.I. MODEL) Muzzle brake removal Where fitted, unscrew and remove the left-hand threaded muzzle brake thread protector. Note: If the thread protector is difficult to unscrew by hand, insert a 3 mm hexagon key through the hole in the side of the thread protector for additional leverage. Use a 4 mm hexagon key to slacken the muzzle brake retaining screw. Unscrew the muzzle brake from the barrel (anti-clockwise).
7 8 9 10 11 12 4.8 FITTING AND REMOVING RAIL MOUNTING PLATES 3 Remove the two M3 stock side screws as shown below: 4 5 6 7 8 9 Remove the left and right, blanking panels Locate the two rail mounting plates as shown below, observing the correct orientation. Note: Both the rail mounting plates and the stockside blanking panels must be correctly positioned and orientated to fit properly.
BIPOD MOUNT 4.9 SCOPE MOUNT ADJUSTMENT It is possible to adjust the position of the scope mount on the action rail for eye relief. TRIGGER SHOE REAR GRIP (1 - Correct eye relief) HEX KEY (2 - Short eye relief) LATERAL (3 - Long eye relief) ADJUSTMENT SCREW X KEY SLOT If the distance between the eye and the eyepiece is too short, then a shadow will appear at the extreme edges of the reticule, as shown in the diagram below (image 2) and the field of view will PUSH HERE be narrower.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5. FOLDING THE STOCK The AT308 rifle may be supplied with an optional folding stock to reduce overall length for transportation. To fold the stock: Ensure the rifle is safe to handle. 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 11Ensure the bolt is fully closed.14 10 15 Press the hinge release catch and fold the rear frame. Once folded, push the rear frame firmly against the pistol grip ensuring that the male catch has engaged with the female retaining catch.
6. FIELD STRIPPING THE RIFLE Before stripping the rifle, carry out the safety precautions as described in section 1.4. To field strip the rifle: Depress the magazine catch and remove the magazine (if fitted). Cover the lenses of the telescopic sight. 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 Remove the sling (if 5fitted) DRAWING PROCEDURE TO DEF. STAN. 05-10 AND/OR BS 8888. (4) ALL DIMENSIONS ARE FINISHED DIM'NS. i.e. AFTER APPLICATION OF SURFACE FINISH on belonging to ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED.
6.1 STRIPPING THE BOLT ASSEMBLY To strip the bolt assembly: Remove the bolt as per the field stripping instructions. Grasp the bolt and the shroud as shown above. Depress the pin bolt location with a thumb as shown above and turn the bolt clockwise until the shroud and the firing pin assembly can be withdrawn from the bolt body. Remove the firing pin and the shroud assembly from the bolt.
6.2 MAGAZINE STRIPPING AND REASSEMBLY STRIPPING: Press down and push forward on the rear of the magazine platform. Hold the front of the magazine platform/spring assembly with the other hand and twist the platform clockwise through approximately 45 degrees as illustrated below. Keeping the magazine platform/spring assembly twisted, pull the platform forward until it clears the magazine lips. Remove the magazine platform/spring assembly from the magazine body.
7. PREPARING AND FIRING THE RIFLE 7.1 MAGAZINE LOADING The AT308 rifle is supplied with a 10 round, double stack, detachable magazine. To load a magazine: Offer the first round onto the top of the empty magazine. Push the round down until it is caught by the magazine feed lips and platform. Push the round fully rearwards. Repeat for the next round, again pushing it fully rearwards. Load a total of 10 rounds. 7.2 LOADING THE RIFLE To load rifle: Point the rifle in a safe direction.
7.3 FIRING AND OPERATING THE RIFLE The following sequence will be of assistance when firing and operating the rifle: NOTE: Adjust the telescopic sight eyepiece to bring the reticule into sharp focus and adjust the parallax drum (where fitted) to suit the distance. Set the elevation and windage on the telescopic sight. Get into a comfortable and stable fire position. Set the safety lever to ‘FIRE’ position. Ensure correct aim, take up first stage and pull the trigger.
7.5 UNLOADING THE RIFLE Note the position of the Firing Pin Cocking Indicator (see section 1.2). If fired, use drill 1, If cocked, use drill 2. Drill 1: Unloading rifle after firing (Firing Pin Cocking Indicator shows ‘fired’) Point the weapon in a safe direction. Hold the weapon securely, do not place finger inside trigger guard. Remove magazine (if fitted). Open the bolt and fully slide to rear, ejecting the fired case.
7.6 FITTING AND REMOVAL OF THE TACTICAL SUPPRESSOR A suppressor can be fitted to rifles with a tactical (threaded) muzzle brake. To fit the suppressor: Unload the rifle and carry out safety precautions (see section 1.4). Inspect the inside of the suppressor to ensure it is clear before firing. Ensure the suppressor cover is correctly and securely fitted, if supplied.
8. STOPPAGE AND TROUBLESHOOTING DRILLS If the rifle, magazines and ammunition are kept clean and maintained correctly, few stoppages should occur. However, if the rifle does fail to fire or operate as expected, the following drills must be carried out. FAILURE TO FIRE: IF THE RIFLE FAILS TO FIRE, MAINTAIN AIM IN A SAFE DIRECTION FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE BOLT. THE CARTRIDGE’S PRIMER MAY BE BURNING SLOWLY AND MAY CAUSE WEAPON TO FIRE UNEXPECTEDLY.
8. STOPPAGE AND TROUBLESHOOTING DRILLS (CONTINUED) Obstruction in the chamber—failure to extract If a live round or empty case is present in the chamber, this must be removed. Remove the magazine. Close the bolt fully. Set the safety to the ‘1st safe’ position. Open the bolt to clear the obstruction. Check chamber is clear. Refit the magazine. Pull the bolt fully rearwards, then push forwards and close. Set the safety to the ‘Fire’ position. Continue firing.
9. TELESCOPIC SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS The AT308 Sniper Rifle can be used with any telescopic sight that is fitted to a mount or scope rings suitable for use with a STANAG / MIL-STD 1913 rail. The operation of the sight can vary between manufacturers, but are similar in operation. These notes are based on the use of a Schmidt and Bender PM II 5-25x56 (0.1mrad) telescopic sight. Elevation Drum shooting at - This drum is used to apply vertical aiming corrections necessary for different distances and firing angles.
9.1 ZEROING THE TELESCOPIC SIGHT The following procedure is provided as an example only. The same process can be used on short distance zeroing ranges as well at 100m+. Always refer to the your sight manufacturer’s instructions to ensure adjustments are carried out correctly. SHOOTING AT ANY DISTANCE WITH AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SIGHT MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, INJURY OR DEATH.
10. QUICKLOC BARREL REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT The AT308 Rifle features the Accuracy International QuickLoc® barrel system as standard. ACTION MATING FACE BARREL FLANGE QUICKLOC BARREL SCREW (4mm AF HEX KEY) WARNING DO NOT REMOVE THE QUICKLOC BARREL SCREW. DO NOT TIGHTEN THE QUICKLOC BARREL SCREW WITH THE BARREL REMOVED. To Remove the barrel: Ensure weapon is safe to handle and unloaded. Loosen the QuickLoc® barrel screw 2-3 turns - do not unscrew any further.
11. USER LEVEL MAINTENANCE The rifle has been designed to withstand active service conditions. However, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance and servicing to ensure the weapon is kept in good condition. This section covers the recommended basic cleaning and lubrication procedures that the user/ armourer should perform to maintain the weapon system’s safe and accurate functioning. 11.
11.
11.6 CLEANING THE BARREL & CHAMBER CAUTION: The suppressor MUST be removed before cleaning the barrel. To avoid damaging the muzzle, the cleaning rod or pull-through must always be inserted from the chamber end. When cleaning the bore with patches, always work in one direction, chamber to muzzle. DO NOT pull used patches back through the bore. Refer to the Bore Solvent Manufacturer’s instructions for relevant Health and Safety precautions.
11.7 CLEANING THE BARREL & CHAMBER Barrel Cleaning Procedure: Unload the rifle and carry out safety precautions. Remove the magazine, if fitted. Securely hold the rifle horizontally by a suitable means, ideally between the protected jaws of a bench vice, where available. Fold the stock. Remove the Bolt. Remove the Suppressor (if fitted). Insert the rod guide into the action body ensuring it has engaged with the bolt catch.
11.8 REMOVING HEAVY COPPER AND CARBON FOULING Whilst it is not necessary to carry out the following procedure each time the barrel is cleaned, it should be followed when a high number of rounds has been shot. Heavy copper fouling may be seen from the muzzle as a copper coloured residue, carbon fouling will be seen as a black residue between the lands. The heaviest fouling tends to occur within 12” (300mm) of the chamber.
11.9 GENERAL RIFLE CLEANING The action body should be brushed clean to remove any brass particles or dirt. The rest of the rifle should be wiped or brushed down until clean. Ancillary items such as magazines and bipods should be brushed clean and lightly oiled if required. If working in a wet environment or the weapon is to be put into storage, parts should be lightly oiled using CLP 16 or similar. 11.
12. BARREL BREAK-IN PROCEDURE Before a new rifle reaches a customer it has been already shot several rounds. The rifle is first ‘proof’ tested and then tested for function and accuracy by firing at least two five-round groups. The rifle and barrel are cleaned thoroughly after each of these processes. If the user wishes to continue a barrel break in procedure on the receipt of the new rifle, we would suggest the following, using standard ball ammunition.
