Source: Ministry of Defense
of Ukraine
A sniper belonging to the 4th. Rapid Reaction Brigade “Rubizh” (“Frontier”) who looks to be equipped with a AXMC bolt-action rifle designed and built by the British company Accuracy International. The AXMC (MC standing for Multi-Caliber) is a rifle available on the open market, typically costing well over $7,500USD or more depending on the options added and what caliber is desired. The rifle finds use by military, law enforcement, and civilian sharpshooters. Of interest, the soldier is wearing the patch of the U.S. Army's 1st. Infantry Division, known as the "Big Red One".
Ukrainian snipers are known to favor the .308 Winchester cartridge (made specifically for the civilian market) as it offers a much higher pressure and accuracy than the very similar military 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The .308 Winchester can attain velocities of up to 3,500 feet per second. Another benefit of having a rifle chambered for the .308 Winchester round is that the rifle can also utilize the military 7.62x51mm cartridge without any concerns. However, not all battle rifles using the 7.62x51mm cartridge can handle the .308 Winchester without risk of problems such as cartridge case rupture or splitting. In the hands of a trained sniper and the right conditions, the .308 Winchester round can hit targets out to .5 of a mile. The AXMC is also available in .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.
The barrel of the AXMC is made of match grade, stainless steel and uses Accuracy International's Quickloc system which permits the operator to change barrels without needing tools. The proofed steel action features a leaf spring extractor and a bolt whose handle is turned 60 degrees. The rifle has a 3-position safety along with a 2-stage trigger. From appearances, the rifle in the photograph looks to be fitted with a 27” barrel. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds.
The AXMC utilizes a configurable pistol grip (as it is detachable and easy replaced with another style) and a buttstock which offers the ability to adjust stock length. There is also an adjustable cheek piece at the top of the stock and a rear grip along the bottom of the stock. The latter can use an optional butt spike. When not needed, the stock can fold forward, resting along the right side of the rifle.
It is difficult to say what suppressor is fitted but most AX model rifles are built to accept suppressors made by the Swiss company B&T AG. Also, the AXMC has a top Picatinny rail (MIL-STD 1913). Additional rails can be added to the sides and bottom of the forend using Accuracy International's KeySlot™ system and the soldier here has added a bottom rail which supports a folding bipod. The scope mounted atop the rifle appears to be a Nightforce Optics ATACR series rifle scope.
