At the end of the 1950s the Italian economy was booming, thanks to both the creativity of manufacturers and the enormous boost provided by the Marshall Plan. It is not a coincidence that in this climate of general improvement in prosperity, specifically in 1959, Beretta presented the PM12 submachine gun. In Gardone Val Trompia, in the heart of the Italian arms producing region of Italy, the “Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta” (Italian Arms Factory Pietro Beretta) was prepared for modernized production.

The design and creation of the PM12 reflects the general abundance of a “can do attitude;” material, creativity and the economic resources of the time.

The PM12 looks like a very simple product to manufacture, however, its ingenious design was not cheap, let alone simple to produce. The simplicity element refers to its ease of use and not design and manufacture which combined resulted in a highly accurate firearm.

The PM12 in transport configuration. The red safety button is clearly visible and helps distinguish it from its successor the PM12S. The phosphated finish is very clear as is the shorter 20 round magazine. This model helped Beretta become a global player in the arms industry and this model was sold to many countries and produced under license in numerous others.

In order to better understand how the PM12 came to be one should take a brief look at a couple of the PM12’s predecessors.

The Beretta SMG (Sub Machine Gun) project took their cue from the “O.V.P.” (Revelli patented LMGs – Officine Villar Perosa) starting with the “18” and “18/30” models. The Gardone factory produced one of the best firearms of its day in 1938, the model 38A M.A.B. (Moschetto Automatico Beretta – Beretta Automatic Carbine).

It differed very little from the then current operating principles of SMGs using a blow back operating system with a fixed firing pin on the bolt face, however, the combination of its design, manufacturing quality and ammunition (its 9M38 is a lot more powerful than the standard NATO 9mm cartridge) made it a formidable firearm.

It shared the same shortcomings of its predecessors in that it was slightly cumbersome when used by mechanized troops.

At the beginning of the 1950s it was decided that the SMG of the future needed to be as functional as the M.A.B. as well as being far more compact and safer to transport both on troop transport as well as on foot patrol. It had to be as the User Manual stated; “simple in both design and use,” possess “very good safety features” and be of “reduced size and weight.”

Furthermore, it had to respect a few more considerations such as being exceptionally suited to “urban warfare (QCB) and dense vegetation environments,” “operational use by mechanized forces,” “special forces as well as police patrols” and “general use for enforcing public order,” all of which meant that its pistol caliber ammunition had to be accurate and effective out to at least 200m (218 yards).

In 1951 the Beretta engineer Mr. Salza was placed in charge of the PM12 project.

The M.A.B. 38/42 was an excellent rifle from a traditional design and functional point of view. Beretta opted for the “telescopic system” of barrel within the bolt to greatly reduce overall length.

THE PM12

The “Pistola Mitragliatrice” (Machine Pistol) PM12 is a 9mm Parabellum with blowback operated system which can be fired both in semi and fully automatic modes. The firing process is initiated by pulling the trigger with the bolt firmly in the fully pulled back position (i.e. fully open).

The trigger does not directly activate a hammer, it engages a bolt holding notch via a sear, which releases the bolt, which then races forward picking up a bullet from the magazine and when chambered, this is fired by the fixed firing pin. The bolt is thrown back directly by the expanding gases pressing on the case as the round travels down the barrel. As the bolt reverses, the extractor pulls the empty case back, which is then ejected via the ejection port positioned on the right of the frame, before the bolt reaches the end and the whole process is renewed.

A brief description of the blowback system might be useful for some readers. This operating system is different to that of most gas operated weapons in that they rely on gases (sometime regulated) entering the gas port and forcing a piston back which then pushes the bolt back; or in direct gas the gas enters a tube and exerts the pressure on the bolt carrier- generally these systems do not use a fixed firing pin.

A great advantage of having the barrel enclosed in the bolt, generally called a “telescopic system” is that it allows for more controlled shooting in full automatic mode as this design dampens the natural upward motion of the barrel. Another advantage of this system is its compactness as it measures a mere 16.5 inches (418mm) in length.

The compact nature of this design could well be the reason why the manufacturer decided to change the denomination of its SMG from “automatic carbine” to “automatic pistol” and to further emphasis its qualities as a weapon for use at very close range such as in buildings.

The Italian forces (military and police) stated that they would like to have a space beneath their seats (both driver and passenger seats) when recently asked what improvements could be made to their vehicles to further improve the ease of transporting the PM12S and S2s.

The front pistol grip greatly improves stability.

THE BARREL BOLT ASSEMBLY

The design of the bolt and barrel system is essentially a single functioning unit which was and still is a radical design and still represents a reference point for designers. The PM12s’s successor, the Beretta MX4, is based on the same bolt-barrel assembly principle.

Beretta’s new SMG, the MX4 has been a commercial success with minor adjustments made for certain large volume buyers and as mentioned its barrel-bolt combination is based on that of the PM12.

The PM12’s cylindrical bolt has been extracted from a solid rod of steel and is about 7.9 inches (200mm) long to which the cocking lever is firmly fixed.

The bolt has been drilled longitudinally to house the barrel and chamber section (one single mechanical piece). There is no closing breech as the end of the firing chamber simply makes contact with the bolt head with its fixed firing pin. The screw on rear cap retains the rear of the recoil spring.

The rear of the bolt is of a slightly smaller diameter than the rest so as to fit into the recoil spring. Moving forward along the bolt one finds the impressively large and powerful extractor. Thereafter, the cylinder retains the same external dimensions, however, it has been hollowed out in order to insert and extract the barrel which protrudes from a drilled hole at the front extremity of the bolt. Approximately 2/3 of the barrel’s length is housed within the bolt central cavity.

This design, combined with its notable mass and minimal moving parts shifts the center of mass far forward making it very stable when firing even with the lever on fully-automatic. Unlike the M.A.B. this design meant that there is no need for a muzzle brake.

Close up view of the muzzle and the large cocking handle to the right.

THE RECEIVER

The receiver has been moulded from sheet metal into a cylindrical shape with both ends blocked by screw-on caps, the forward one is to keep the bolt in and the other to retain the recoil spring.

The lower side of the receiver is the most complex part of the body as it houses the pistol grip, trigger assembly, magazine hold and the forgrip in an elegant but functional array.

The left side of the cylindrical receiver has a long narrow window for the cocking handle. The ejector port is housed midway along the right side of the frame.

The bases of both the fore and rear sights have been welded to the upper part of the receiver and both have large solid side walls to better resist knocks/impacts as well as doing their duty in helping to aim.

The manual safety over rides the automatic safety as can be seen as the lever cannot be depressed.

TRIGGER AND SAFETY SYSTEM

The selector lever is very functionally positioned between the top of the pistol grip and above to the back of the trigger so that it can easily be activated by the shooter’s thumb whilst gripping the weapon. There are three positions, moving anticlockwise: the “S” denotes the safety position, the “1” denotes semi-automatic mode and finally the “R” (raffica) denotes fully-automatic mode.

Unlike its predecessor the M.A.B. which has two triggers which functioned as a selector lever the PM12s has a more a classical single trigger which is housed in a large trigger guard allowing the user to shoot whilst wearing gloves. The trigger, by ways of internal levels, lowers the bolt retaining notch to commence firing.

The PM12 has two safety features, one automatic and the other manual. The early versions had a knob which had to be depressed. The safety activated by the selector lever was introduced on the PM12 S models. This change led to the commercial denomination of PM12 S.

The automatic safety is activated by the middle finger when gripping the pistol grip and the lever is positioned between the trigger guard and the pistol grip. As with similar systems, once the lever is depressed it frees the trigger mechanism and with the manual safety off the weapon is live.

When the PM12 is ready to fire the bolt is pulled back into the open position where it is blocked by the safety mechanism as it prevents the trigger from lowering the bolt catch;

With the bolt fully forward in the closed position and an empty firing chamber the bolt cannot be cocked because of a small notch activated by the safety lever.

This device makes the PM12 a very safe weapon to carry and transport as accidental discharges are not uncommon in weapons with just a safety lever but where the bolt can be unintentionally cocked.

This potential problem had been partially rectified on the later models of the M.A.B. such as the model 38/49 type 5 which had an automatic safety which was deactivated when gripping the stock of the carbine.

The manual safety overrides the automatic safety further reducing the problem of accidental loading and discharges.

The latest version of the PM12; the PM12S2 even has a third safety feature which is has been built into the cocking handle and is connected to the frame by levers and springs. This device has provided a fertile ground of heated debate between those for and against it.

By deactivating the manual safety it is now possible to deactivate the automatic safety.

THE STOCK AND GRIPS

The simple ergonomic design of the weapon including the pistol grips and stock have over time also proven to be very functional for both carrying and shooting.

The weapon has two pistol grips, the rear one which is a part of the trigger assembly and trigger guard with two polymer grip covers. The front one which is positioned close to the muzzle is a simple classic pistol grip made from steel and polymer.

The standard stock is made entirely from steel and for ease of transport which can be folded a full 180 degrees with a collapsible butt stock which extends to fore pistol grip on the right side of the frame.

The stock is folded by depressing a lever positioned just beyond the actual folding point. The folded stock almost becomes flat with the right side of the frame and only protrudes by the diameter of the rod of the stock.

Beretta has produced a number of special components such as wooden stocks and high power flashlights encased in the fore pistol grip for special operations.

The barrel with the firing chamber to the right and the notch to the left to fix the barrel to the receiver.

THE SIGHTS

The PM12S uses traditional sights. The foresights can be adjusted using a special implement for both elevation and windage. The rear sights are flip aperture sights, similar to those of the M1 carbine, with holes set at different heights so that targets can be quickly engaged at a range of 100m or 200m.

Both sights have robust protective side walls to better withstand physical abuse.

The manufacturer has also made a range of accessories to personalize the weapon as well as supports to attach variety of sights such as red dot and holographic sights.

A field stripped PM12S.

FINISHING

Four different types of finishing are used for Beretta’s PM12S. The surface of the steel bolt is treated with chromium with the small internal components are either blued or subjected to phosphate treatment. Parts that are exposed to the elements are phosphate treated and then covered in a film of epoxy resin which is essentially polymer.

The choice of the finish is dictated by the actual function of the component as well as the practicality of applying a particular finish. Ideally, all the metal components should be treated with an isolating film, however, even the small thickness of the film could hamper the movement of certain moving parts.

Generally, the phosphate treatment and films applied to the PM12 are only a few microns thick and applied to parts mainly exposed to the elements. The inside of the barrel has been treated with chromium and the external part with magnesium phosphate. The rest of the weapon is blued and all parts are routinely lubricated to improve isolation.

The only part of the weapon that is partially shiny is the bolt which has had chromium added to it via electrolysis to stiffen and make it more resistant to corrosion. This procedure is necessary as the bolt head and part of the bolt are subjected to the corrosive gases resulting from the firing of the weapon as well as the need to keep the bolt’s surface smooth to reduce the effect of friction and lower the chance of stoppages and or reduced rate of fire.

The impressive bolt with the welded coking handle, large extractor.

CONCLUSION

We asked four very experienced law enforcement officers who have extensive experience with the PM12 both as instructors but also during firefights to give a more authoritative view of the pros and cons of the PM12. The officers involved come from the Italian State Police and the Corpo dei Carabinieri. We asked each of them to briefly give their view of the weapon and have maintained their anonymity by replacing their names with letters.

A) “When I joined the Carabinieri the M.A.B. was still in use. Although it was an excellent weapon the arrival of the PM12S represented a notable improvement, especially regarding safety when on the move. The main failing of our M.A.B. was that it had no automatic safety and accidents did occur. The PM12 solved that particular problem.”

B) “The telescopic system was excellent when we needed to fire on fully automatic as it was easy to prevent the barrel from rising too much. We showed recruits just how stable and effective the PM12S was even when fired in fully automatic mode by emptying two whole 32 round magazines at targets placed 20m (65 feet) away and keeping a very tight grouping. We would teach them how to place well aimed shots at ranges beyond 100m (328 feet) in semi-automatic mode when on operations. However, it is fundamental that all recruits are given very adequate instruction in its use and fire arm safety to be able to serve the public well”

C) “It is an excellent weapon and I prefer it to a number of other weapons in our arsenal. It is an old style arm, but many special components have been made including MILSTD1913 rails to attach different devices we might need, however, it is very easy to fire instinctively and accurately with its iron sights. I do not like the third safety feature that was added to the PM12S2 as I don’t believe it is of any real use”

D) “Most of the PM12S’s critics have either had very little or no experience/training with this weapon. It really is an incredible weapon, but it requires a lot of training to be able to take full advantage of it. Having said that, it is certainly a very easy weapon to use and maintain in good working order as the design is simple and the PM12 is very robust. Our special forces within law enforcement use more modern and more sophisticated weapons. However, the PM12 is a very versatile weapon and will be in service with us for many years to come. New weapons do not improve our performance, only proper training can do that, well executed training makes the difference between a job well done and a potential disaster.”

The firing chamber with the large cut out to the right for accommodating the extractor.

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Beretta has come a long way since the original PM12 project. It is far more international, it is able to design and manufacture weapons to face the multitude of challenges we face today. Beretta has a specialist division called “Beretta Defence Technologies” which encompasses some of the best known brands forming part of the Beretta Group and collaborates globally with the military and law enforcement agencies to provide requested solutions.

A relatively new product which is a direct descendent of the PM12 is the MX4 which we will be testing shortly to closely examine the evolutionary process of this fantastic SMG.

Until there is a revolution in the arms industry where the current weapons and ammunition combination are superseded there will be a place for the venerable PM12 and its 9mm Parabellum caliber SMG ammunition.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Firing modes:	semi and fully automatic. The firing cycle is initiated from an open bolt position.
Operation system:	Blowback
Caliber:	9mm x 19 Parabellum
Ammunition:	9mm Parabellum (NATO Standard)
Muzzle velocity at V 0.5m:	430 m/s (1,411 f/s)
Kinetic Energy E at 0.5m:	77 kg/m (557 lb/ft)
Rate of fire:	550/650 rounds per minute
Length with folded stock:	418mm (16.5inches)
Length with extended stock:	660mm (26inches)
Barrel length:	200mm (7.9inches)
Rifling:	6 right turning grooves with a 1 in 9.8 inch rate of twist (1 in 250mm)
Height with a 32 round magazine:	244mm (9.6inches)
Weight without magazine:	3.200 kg (7lbs)
Weight of fully loaded magazine:	0.570 kg (1.3lbs)
Rear flip aperture sights:	100m and 200m (328ft and 656ft)
Foresight:	Adjustable for both elevation and windage.
Distance between the two sights:	285mm (11.2 inches)
Safety features:	Manual via selector lever and an automatic safety lever deactivated (middle finger) by gripping the PM12 in a readiness to shoot.
External finishing:	Treated with magnesium phosphate followed by a film of epoxy resin to improve the weapon’s resistance to corrosion and general wear and tear. The plastic parts of the pistols grips have been given a glossy black finish.

The Accuracy International AX PSR was developed to compete in USSOCOM’s solicitation H92222-09-PSR2 for a “Precision Sniper Rifle” on 15 January 2009.  The essence behind this solicitation and the numerous amendments that followed resulted in a final request for a modular rifle that could be quickly transformed from a 7.62mm to a .300 Winchester Magnum to a .338 Lapua Magnum (not necessarily in that order).  The official reason for the solicitation was to possibly replace the MK13, M40 and M24 platforms.

Owning an AX PSR allowed us to put it through its paces as we desired, with no limitations.  With the generous contribution of Fiocchi in providing us with 400 rounds of match grade (Fiocchi EXO) ammo and the use of both private and public ranges, we hope to have provided a close up view of this fantastic rifle and what it can achieve despite a major setback due to nature: very heavy snowfall the night before long range testing.

The original SOCOM solicitation stemmed from the fact that it was necessary to change/upgrade the then current sniper platforms in use in the U.S.  The principle calibers in use were the 7.62mm that was great for up to a generally accepted effective range of 800m and the .300 Winchester Magnum that was good for a few hundred more meters/yards.  The .338 Lapua Magnum (the L115A3 Accuracy International rifle) in use by the British Army was proving to be an exceptionally good extended range round, both in terms of accuracy, range and knockdown power.  It clearly did not possess the same terminal kinetic energy as a .50 BMG, however, that is hardly necessary when discussing knocking down the enemy as the .50 BMG comes into its own as an anti-material round.

Briefly, the barrels (one could expect that to mean to specifically change caliber, that is to say, barrel, bolt and magazine) within two minutes, though up to twenty minutes were noted during the go/no-go phase, the same applied to major breakdown of the weapon and subsequent reassembly.  The rifle should have a folding stock, overall maximum length not to exceed 52 inches and no individual component to exceed 40 inches and a 1913 rail was a must.  In terms of accuracy, using commercial ammunition, a maximum vertical spread (this spread was chosen to at least partially negate the lateral effect of wind) of 1 MOA (minute of arc) from 300 out 1,500 and the intervening 300m intervals was essential, no single 10 shot group should exceed 1.5 MOA.  An 80% confidence rate had to be achieved with at least 1,000 rounds fired before any potential failure.  The entire platform loaded with 5 rounds should not weigh more than 18 lbs.

The AX PSR as delivered to the client. The scope was an extra the shooter had ordered.

An important factor was that after disassembly and reassembly of the weapon, the zero should be maintained and finally, how the sniper platform should be delivered.  The major components specifically requested were: the rifle including the barrels, bolts and three magazines per caliber, sound suppressor (not in our case as sound suppressors are illegal for civilian use where we reside), mirage mitigating device, operator manual, sling, cleaning kit, bipod, drag bag and the hard carrying case.  All the above in the case the rifle tested meant a total weight (including the scope with no ammo) of about 115 pounds.

Accuracy International

Accuracy International was founded in 1978 by a group of top level competition shooters, most notably a two-time Olympic Gold medalist: Malcolm Cooper.  The idea was to produce rifles that had the precision of rifles used in top level competitions as well as have the ruggedness required by rifles used by law enforcement as well as the armed forces.  The range of rifles produced are household names for most shooters: AE, AW and the AX series.  To the best of our knowledge the only non-bolt action rifle ever produced by the company was the semiautomatic AS50 (as the name suggests, it is a .50 BMG) produced to respond to the request of a certain section of the U.S. Navy.  The rifles are used in at least 60 countries under different denominations in some cases, however, they are minor modifications.  The L115A3 (.338 Lapua Magnum rifle set an official world record confirmed kill in November 2009 at a range of 1.54 miles or 2.47km).  The company is quite right to want to maintain its reputation for being the best producer of sniper rifles in the world.

The impressive UK specification muzzle brake.

The AX PSR

The AX PSR has been designed in such a way that changing barrels is extremely simple because of the solidity of the action body and the generous dimensions of the barrel thread (a protective cover is provided for both muzzle brake and barrel thread when not attached to the rifle).  The thread has a 13/1 inch twist rate and a diameter of 1.07 inches with a length at either end of the thread and 1.18 inches at the threads.  The length of the entire barrel thread section that interlocks with the action is 1.5 inches.

The AX PSR when empty weighs in at 14.5lbs (6.6kg), fully extended it is 49.75 inches (1.26m) long, (well short of the originally required limit) and folded it is 39.5 inches (1.03m) long (just under said limit).  The trigger pull is long and smooth and is set at between 1.5kg and 2.0kg.

All the barrels are 26 inches long with four grooves and all have identical muzzle brakes attached (a UK specification in our case, clearly larger than the one for the U.S. market).  The barrels have also had a coating of specially treated ceramic paint.

A 4mm Allen (Hex) key is contained in the upper internal part of the cheek piece.  It can essentially be used to almost totally dissemble the rifle; just the screws on the scope mount are beyond its ability.

The barrels are made from match grade stainless steel (AISI416) and are all 26 inches long.  They are slightly conical with the external diameter at the muzzle being 22 mm (.88 inches) for all three calibers.  There are small but significant differences externally in order to identify the barrel even in the dark.

The 7.62mm barrel has a 1 in 12 twist rate and is identified by a single indented white dot near the muzzle; the same applies to the bolt of the 7.62mm.  The .300 Winchester Magnum barrel has a 1 in 11 twist rate and is identified by two indented yellow dots near the muzzle; again the same procedure for its bolt.  The .338 Lapua Magnum barrel has a 1 in 9.3 twist rate and is identified by three indented red dots near the muzzle and the same applies to the bolt.

This system clearly helps when changing caliber in the dark.  The magazines have also been given differentiating marks/forms to avoid loading the wrong magazine especially in the case of two similar in size magazines such as the .338LM and the .300WM.  The 7.62mm is a classic double stack magazine with no lip on the bottom, the same shape as for other Accuracy International rifles of the same caliber.  The .300WM on the other hand has a pronounced lip at the base, clearly distinguishing it from the larger .338 LM caliber as that magazine is a normal flat bottom.

The muzzle brake is very large and extremely effective.  There is very little recoil irrespective of caliber despite the Fiocchi EXO ammunition being quite potent.  As a simple test whilst shooting at the gongs, we turned the muzzle brake about 45 degrees.  The difference was impressive: with the muzzle brake set correctly, the reticle would stay on target, once changed at 500m range the reticle shifted about four to five meters.  Not a great surprise but an aspect that many underestimate when toying with muzzle brakes.  At the fore of the muzzle brake there is a ring that can be unwound and a suppressor added as well as unwinding the muzzle brake and attaching one more classically directly to the barrel.

The three different caliber bolts and their common bolt shroud and firing pin.

Changing Calibers – Barrels, Bolts and Magazines

This is surprisingly easy and took no member of the team, shooter or bystander more than ninety seconds to change caliber, i.e.: barrel, magazine and bolt and safely stow the exchanged equipment.

First, fold the stock of the rifle by depressing the release button next to the folding joint for ease of subsequent extraction and insertion of a new bolt.  Cock the bolt so that the firing pin is clearly visible, then put the safety lever to the first position (the second of the three clearly visible safety circles) and extract the bolt having depressed the bolt release catch.  Press the pin bolt and with the bolt in one hand turn the bolt shroud anticlockwise and after just over half a turn, the shroud including the firing pin will simply release.  Get the new bolt and do the reverse and insert the new bolt into position and then straighten the stock.  The bolts, as is the case with all Accuracy International bolts, are very well designed and made as well as being very robust, 0.9 inches in diameter (22mm).  One should not forget the impressive 6 front locking lugs, two sets of three, very solid and zero movement when locked and the bolts move like a dream even just slightly oiled.

Second, for ease of twisting the barrel at a right angle, the rifle was raised and the butt put on the floor after having extracted the Allen key from the cheek piece.  After a bit more than a full turn on the barrel clamping screw, the barrel could be twisted by hand and extracted.  The new barrel could then be inserted and then tightening the barrel clamping screw using the Allen key.  (Clearly, one must be careful not to overdo it and break the threads.  The recommended torque is 5.0 to 5.5 Nm.)  There is a helpful guide when screwing on the barrel to make sure that it is locked in position before using the Allen key: there is a barrel flange inspection slot painted red: by looking through that slot one can quickly check whether full contact has been made and lock the screw.  If the barrel is stuck or stiff to pull out, there is a clear flat area on both sides of the barrel just before the muzzle brake where a 22mm spanner can be used for leverage.

Third, changing magazines is the simplest part.  Depress the release catch and extract the magazine and insert the new one.  This procedure is simpler for the two magnum calibers as the magazines fit perfectly.  However, the 7.62mm magazine requires that an adapter be inserted in the same manner as a magazine.  A click will be heard once it is in position as the retaining plunger button becomes clearly visible on the extractor side of the rifle (right hand firing rifle).  In order to release the magazine, press the release button and extract the magazine as normal, then use the Allen key to depress the retaining plunger and push the adapter out.

The AX PSR is one of the only sniper platforms, if not the only one from this solicitation, that has ten round capacity magazines as standard for all three calibers with three magazines per caliber as requested provided.

The Rail and Bipod

The rail, as per USSOCOM request, is a 1913 type and made from very light but high resistance alloy.  All manner of optics and devices can be attached on all four sides of the rail.  There is plenty of space between the rails and the fully freefloating barrels within.  The rail can be released very easily by using the usual Allen key and unscrewing two retaining screws locked into the chassis, via the polymer lower chassis.  In the U.S., that is sufficient.  If using a UK style muzzle brake that should be removed, simply unscrew it with the Allen key and unwind it, this being due to the much larger muzzle brake.

The AX PSR can clearly use any type of bipod that can be attached to a rail.  In our case we have the factory bipod for the PSR, which is attached and released by simply depressing the release catch.  This particular bipod can be attached at any point along the rail by simply unscrewing the two retaining screws.  The bipod legs can be extended like that of a Harris BR bipod and either be used in a fixed position by tightening the star shaped device or free moving for uneven terrain.  It is very wide at the base and extremely low allowing for great stability.

View of the right side of the rifle.

The Receiver

This rifle, although highly modular, has one central piece that is essentially produced from a single block of steel.  The chassis, action, trigger mechanism and pistol grip are all basically housed in one block.  This makes it very robust, obviously having been designed to be able to house the largest caliber – the .338 Lapua Magnum – and it can easily accommodate the other calibers in terms of recoil and pressures.  A Picatinny rail has been incorporated onto the action and guarantees more stability for the telescopic sights especially when fixed by the mono block rings by three retaining screws and a retaining lug that fits perfectly in the rail for even more stability and safety.

The Stock

The stock has been made from high grade alloys and polymer.  The instant visual difference between this stock and that of the normal AX rifles is that this is skeletal.

The stock, despite appearing fragile, is actually solid and comfortable to grip given the multitude of adjustments that can be had in adjusting the height and horizontal distance of the cheek piece as well as extension of the butt if desired.  The butt, too, can be adjusted 360 degrees.  The rear grip is also adjustable in a horizontal direction.

The shape of the alloy part of the stock that gives the stock its strength would also seem to have been designed with the tip of the triangle towards the action and two parallel lines going to the butt in order to better spread the recoil pressure.  It is clear that the strong and light alloys have been used where mechanical stress/strain is involved and the polymer for “comfort.”

The Scope

The scope mounted on our AX PSR is the same one that won the USSOCOM contract.  It is a Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II/LP/MTC/LT with the addition of an extension with a honeycomb filter.  The model mounted on our PSR has the P4L fein (L meaning that the center of the crosshairs can be illuminated) reticle set in the second focal plane.  The click values are 1/4 MOA on both elevation and windage turrets.  This scope is essentially the same as the classical 5-25×56 PM II/LP apart from the color.  It also has a locking function by using the supplied Allen key to block the elevation and windage turrets.  The scope without the honeycomb extension weighs in at 1.15kg (about 2.53 lbs.) and is 41 cm long (16.1 inches).  The tube is 34 mm thick.  On a clear day at 800m, one can see near misses enter the snow in the mountain – not the splash but the a darkish hole of a direct entry into deep snow.

The scope is very robust and the various turrets/drums for parallax, elevation, windage and illumination can all be used easily with shooting gloves in the cold.  The same applies to the thick rubber magnification ring as well as the eyepiece diopter.

The Ammunition

We are most grateful that Fiocchi provided us with 400 rounds of very high grade competition ammunition called EXO in order to test the AX PSR.  This ammunition has been very specially designed and is produced by hand at the head office factory of Fiocchi in Lecco in northern Italy.

We received 100 rounds of .308W HPDT in 175 gr. and a further 100 rounds of .300 Win Mag HPBT in 190 gr.  We then also received two lots of 100 rounds of .338 Lapua Magnum rounds: 250gr and 300gr.

Test Procedure

As we had 400 rounds with which to do a lot of work it was decided to divide the rounds as follows for each of the four lots.  Due to the above mentioned limitations and the atrocious weather we could not replicate the original tests, especially talking it out to the full 1,500m:

• 5 rounds to zero the rifle at 100m
• 10 rounds for chronograph tests at the Vigevano shooting range whom we thank for their time and patience.  This allowed a basic ballistics table to be created to use as much ammo as possible in the tests in the range and mountains without wasting too much on “climbing” towards the target.
• 10 rds for 2 five shot groups at 100m
• 10 rds for 2 five shot groups at 300m
• 20 rds for shooting at 5×5” gongs at 500m
• 20 rds for shooting at 5 x5” gongs at 600m
• 10 rds for shooting at 5×5” gongs at 800m
• 5 rds were the most that could be spared to correct if the calculations were too far off.

When shooting at the range, we used standard procedure where each shooter attending the range has one hour, therefore, we fired our groups of 40 rds per distance in one hour including changing barrels.

All shooting was done from a prone position using the bipod with the butt against the shoulder with no other form of support such as rear bench rests, sandbags, etc. 

An important premise that should be made is that these four hundred rounds are the first that this AX PSR has fired and was taken out of the box.  Therefore, there is no breaking in of the barrel, a few rounds to zero the weapon and test the robustness of the rifle by dunking it and the scope in snow filling the magazine, chamber (partially) and muzzle brake with snow.  The first round was understandably harder than normal to chamber because of the compressed snow, however, it fired without problem and there were no stoppages and shots were on target.

The PSR’s bipod.

We had to resort to using gongs as opposed to firing groups onto paper targets as it was physically impossible go across the valley & up the side of the mountain with the targets due to the heavy overnight snow.

Results

All shooting on the mountain was filmed with HD video as we could not physically set up, let alone take down paper targets, hence the sole use of 5 by 5 inch gongs (the smallest available at all ranges).

Below are the average speeds recorded at the Campo di Tiro di Monte Varro: the main atmospherics were as follows: 21F (-6°C), 82% humidity, pressure 892 mb and elevation 996m (3,267 feet).

The following average speeds were taken at the shooting range of Vigevano: the main atmospherics were as follows: 54F (12.3°C), 74.3% humidity, pressure 1000 mb and elevation 116 m (380 feet).

The results in the mountains were surprisingly good seeing as how we had treated the rifle with a good immersion in the snow.  It took 3 shots to hit the 500 m gong from our initial 100 m zero.  We easily stayed well within the 80% confidence rate required by the USSOCOM go/no go tests, most cases we were at 100%.  Most of the shooting took place below the minimum temperature as dictated in the go/no go program: 40F.  The gongs were 5 by 5 inches; therefore, even in the worst case scenario we were well within the 1 MOA.  From video evidence, half that easily as the strikes are clearly visible especially with the .338LM rounds.  The gongs did a number of full 360 degrees that was both gratifying as a shooter and entertaining for those watching.

Then came the range tests involving 2 sets of 5-rd groups per lot at 100m & 300m.

Groupings at 100 m at 16:00-17:00, 26°F, 656 feet, 50% humidity, 1003mb.

.308W: 175 gr 12.0 mm 0.41 moa
.300WM: 190 gr 22.4 mm 0.77 moa
.338LM: 250 gr 24.3 mm 0.83 moa
(TSN Vigevano range – same atmospherics)
.338LM: 300 gr 29.4 mm 1.00 moa
(TSN Vigevano range – same atmospherics)

Groupings at 300 m at 10:00-11:00,  23° F, 656 feet, 64% humidity, 999mb.

.308W: 175 gr 48.0 mm 0.55 moa
without snap 4 rounds in 0.23moa
.300WM: 190 gr 42.0 mm 0.48 moa
.338LM: 250 gr 49.0 mm 0.56 moa
.338LM: 300 gr 46.0 mm 0.53 moa
without snap 4 rounds in 0.26moa.

The follow measurements refer to the maximum vertical spreads, which is one of the principal yardsticks as it could partially negate the effects of wind.

Groupings at 100 m at 16:00-17:00, 26° F, 656 feet, 50% humidity, 1003mb.

.308W: 175 gr 12.1 mm 0.41 moa
.300WM: 190 gr 13.3 mm 0.46 moa
.338LM: 250 gr 20.3 mm 0.70 moa
(TSN Vigevano range – same atmospherics)
.338LM: 300 gr 22.2 mm 0.76 moa
(TSN Vigevano range – same atmospherics)

Groupings at 300 m at 10:00-11:00,  23° F, 656 feet, 64% humidity, 999mb.

.308W: 175 gr 47.4 mm 0.55 moa
without snap, 4 rounds in 0.23moa
.300WM: 190 gr 34.4 mm 0.39 moa
.338LM: 250 gr 37.7 mm 0.56 moa
.338LM: 300 gr 36.4 mm 0.53 moa
without snap, 4 rounds in 0.20moa.

All the targets have been legally certified and the shooting director at Monte di Varro also confirmed the hits as well them being captured via HD video.  Clearly, the groupings are not the tightest, however, as always, the principal error is down to the shooter  

First round fired lying in the snow.

Conclusion

Testing a number of AW series rifles we were both rather skeptical of the robustness of such a skeletal design and the accuracy of having a multi-caliber firing platform not to mention not being fans of folding stocks.  After these tests, we are glad to say that we both misjudged the rifle on all counts and believe it to be a superb sniper platform.  We had a few days of total freedom and 400 rounds to test the AX PSR in a variety of atmospheric conditions and height elevations and it proved superb all-round.

One final thanks must go to Accuracy International for such a outstanding rifle that when it was zeroed at 100m all three caliber rounds ended up in the same hole.  Just as pleasing was the fact that at 300 m there was never more than a 10 cm (4 inch) difference in point of impact when firing one round per caliber at the same target.  We had initially been worried about how such different calibers with their varied ballistic properties could be fired in a user friendly manner with just one scope.

– – – – – – – –

We would like to thank the shooting range of Campo di Tiro di Monte Varro (the mountain range), especially Ernesto Fabris and Battista who risked life and limb to get myself, my colleague and the spotter up the mountain where no one else could.  Mr. Luciano Turani owner of Armeria 911 for kind permission for using their range and facilities and allowing us free reign.