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| {{short description |Type of rifle used for long-range engagements against enemy personnel}} | |||
| ] sniper rifle used by the ].]] | |||
| {{More footnotes needed|date=April 2023}}] ] is capable of 0.5 ] accuracy to maximal effective range of about 800 meters. The M24 was the ] standard-issue sniper rifle from 1988 to 2010.]] | |||
| ] series of sniper rifles is standard issue in the armies of several countries, including those of Britain, Ireland, and German (picture shows a rifle of the ]).]] | |||
| A '''sniper rifle''' is a high-precision, ] ]. Requirements include high accuracy, reliability, and mobility, concealment, and optics, for ], ] and surveillance uses by military ]s. The modern sniper rifle is a portable shoulder-fired rifle with either a ] or ] ], fitted with a ] for extreme accuracy and chambered for a high-ballistic performance ] ]. | |||
| A '''sniper rifle''' is a somewhat vague class of ] purpose-built, customized, or adopted to fulfill requirements for power, accuracy, range, and stealth as needed by ]s and ]s in the deliberate and selective engagement of specific targets. | |||
| There is usually very little distinction between rifles used for ], and rifles used for any other activity that requires a moderate degree of reliability and accuracy. Most ] ] rifles, including obsolete antiques, can be used for sniping with little or no modification. However, these rifles typically have capabilities quite different most other types of ]. | |||
| This article will focus on aspects of rifles that are well-suited for sniping or sharpshooting, with some specific information on important models of rifles. | |||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| The ] was arguably the first long-range sniper rifle in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/whitworth-rifle.html|title=Whitworth Rifle}}</ref> Designed in 1854 by Sir ], a prominent British engineer, it used barrels with ]al ], which meant that the projectile did not have to "bite" into the rifling grooves as with conventional rifling. His rifle was far more accurate than the ], which had shown weaknesses during the ]. At trials in 1857, which tested the accuracy and range of both weapons, Whitworth's design outperformed the Enfield at a rate of about three to one.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} The Whitworth rifle was able to hit the target at a range of 2,000 yards (around 1,830 meters), whereas the Enfield could only manage it at a distance of 1,400 yards (around 1,280 meters).<ref>''Minutes of proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Volume 19''. Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain).</ref> During the ], ] were tasked to kill Union field artillery crews, and were responsible for killing ]—one of the highest-ranking officers killed during the Civil War—at the ].{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} | |||
| ] bolt-action sniper rifle with telescopic site, 1941]] | |||
| {{sectstub}} | |||
| {{see also|sniper}} | |||
| During the Crimean War, the first optical sights were designed for fitting onto the rifles. Much of this pioneering work was the brainchild of a Colonel D. Davidson, using optical sights produced by ] of ]. This allowed a ] to more accurately observe and target objects at a greater distance than ever before.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COCIaPM2_ksC&q=Battle+of+Freeman%27s+Farm+sniping|title=Out of Nowhere: A history of the military sniper, from the Sharpshooter to Afghanistan|author=Pegler, Martin|year=2011|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781849088756|access-date=2013-11-18}}</ref> The telescopic sight, or scope, was originally fixed and could not be adjusted, which therefore limited its range. By the 1870s, the perfection of ] magazine rifles led to sniper rifles having "effective accurate" ranges of up to a mile away from their target.<ref>Raudzens, George (1990). "War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History". ''The Journal of Military History'', vol. 54, no. 4, p. 415.</ref> | |||
| The military role of ''sniper'' dates back hundreds of years, but the ''sniper rifle'' is a much more recent development. Advances in technology, specifically that of ]s and more accurate manufacturing allowed armies to equip specially trained soldiers with rifles that would enable them to deliver precise shots over greater distances than regular ]. The rifle itself could be a standard (at first typically a ]), but fitted with a telescopic sight it would become a sniper rifle. | |||
| ===20th century=== | |||
| Only since the beginning of the ] have specially adapted sniper rifles come to the fore and during the ] armies on all sides had specially trained snipers equipped with special sniper rifles. | |||
| During the ], the latest breech-loading rifles with ] and ] were used by both sides. The British were equipped with the ] rifle, while the Boers had received the latest ] rifles from Germany. In the open terrain of ], the marksman was a crucial component in battle. The ] was a British Army unit formed in 1899 that was renowned for the expert marksmanship and stalking skills of its personnel. The men wore ]s for camouflage and were expertly skilled in observation. ] said of them that "keener men never lived".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snipercentral.com/lovat.phtml|title=Lovat Scouts, Sharpshooters – United Kingdom|date=20 March 2020 }}</ref> After the Boer War, the Scouts became the first official sniper unit in the British Army. | |||
| It was not until World War I that sniper rifles began to be used more regularly in battle and certain soldiers given specialized training to use such a rifle. In Germany, these trained snipers were given rifles with telescopic sights, which illuminated at night in order to improve their accuracy.<ref>Pegler, Martin. ''Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2010, p. 31.</ref> German ]s fitted the scope above the barrel for optimal accuracy.<ref>Pegler, Martin (2010). ''Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 36 {{ISBN?}}</ref> | |||
| ==Types== | |||
| Sniper rifles can typically be divided into one of three classes, military, police or anti-materiel rifles although highly specialized rifles are sometimes employed for sniping like suitcase-portable rifles ("assassination rifles"), scoped rifle-caliber pistols such as the ], ultra-quiet suppressed .22 caliber rifles or even remote controlled rifles. | |||
| ] with 4×36 ] ZF39 ].]] | |||
| ===Military=== | |||
| ] with ]]] | |||
| Sniper rifles aimed at military service often sacrifice ultimate accuracy for durability and reliability under battlefield conditions. Military snipers might also be required to carry their rifles – along with other equipment – for long distances and as such weight considerations are very important. Military organizations often operate under strict budgetary constraints which could influence the type and quality of sniper rifles just as it would any other weapon system. | |||
| ] rifles - usually semi-automatic, but not always are a closely related type of weapon. Meant to extend the range of ordinary soldiers, and may be nearly as accurate as normal sniper rifles. | |||
| Counter-sniper rifles are similar rifles, but they tend to be semi-automatic, only 2 to 4 MOA accuracy and designed for putting several rounds in an area where a sniper is suspected to be hiding as opposed to a single precisely placed shot. | |||
| During World War I, the accuracy of the sniper rifle was greatly improved.<ref>Pegler, Martin (2004). ''Out Of Nowhere: A History Of The Military Sniper''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 222. {{ISBN?}}</ref> By the end of World War II, snipers were reported to provide "reasonable accuracy" over {{convert|600|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} with anything over this range being unpredictable.<ref name="TelescopicSights">"Telescopic Sights For Rifles." ''The British Medical Journal''. vol. 1, no. 2891, 1916, p. 765.</ref> It was during World War I and II that the word ‘sniper’ began to be used commonly, whereas previously those who were armed with sniper rifles were referred to as sharpshooters or marksmen.<ref>Pegler, Martin (2004). ''Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 16.</ref> | |||
| Typical examples of military sniper rifles: | |||
| These marksmen, wielding sniper rifles such as the ] and ], had a drastic and demoralizing effect on the battlefield.<ref>Pegler, Martin. Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2004, p. 19.</ref> Soldiers would often remain hidden in ] or ] so as not to expose themselves to the deadly accuracy of a sniper. Some soldiers even began to disregard orders from commanding officers to protect against potential harm, which thus broke down the ] on the battlefield.<ref>Pegler, Martin (2004). ''Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, pp. 19–20.</ref> The sniper rifle soon acquired the reputation of being one of the most effective and ruthless weapons of war.<ref>Raudzens, George (1990). "War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History". ''The Journal of Military History''. vol. 54, no. 4, p. 420.</ref> | |||
| *] bolt-action rifle used by ] | |||
| *] used by former Soviet alligned states. | |||
| Though sniper rifles had proved to be extremely effective in combat, there was still a great reluctance in many militaries to adopt a trained sniper ].<ref name="PeglerMartin">Pegler, Martin (2010). ''Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 6.</ref> To effectively use a sniper rifle, a soldier had to go through particularly rigorous training, and most trainees did not make it past the first week.<ref>Lebleu, Jon (2008). ''Long Rifle: One Man's Deadly Sniper Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan''. Guilford: The Lyons Press, p. 11.</ref> Sniper training was also so expensive to conduct that, even until as recently as 1970, the reasoning for having trained snipers as a part of an army was deemed questionable.<ref name="PeglerMartin" /> In Britain, sniper rifles were not seen as being an integral part of an army until after the Germans boasted of their success with sniper teams during the early months of World War I. British army advisors supposed that the telescopic sights attached to sniper rifles were too easily damaged and thus not well suited for military use.<ref name="TelescopicSights" /> However, they soon realized that these telescopic sights could be improved and made sturdy enough to withstand a sniper rifle shot.<ref name="TelescopicSights" /> | |||
| ===Police=== | |||
| ] | |||
| Typically sniper rifles used by police forces differ from military sniper rifles in the following ways: | |||
| *They tend to be less powerful to limit collateral damage or injury (e.g. ] (or ]) instead of ] (.308 Winchester)) | |||
| *They tend to be shorter to make them more maneuverable | |||
| *They can be heavier, because weight is of less concern | |||
| *They can be more accurate and complicated in design, because durability is of less concern | |||
| *They can be more expensive because of fewer budgetary restrictions on police departments | |||
| ] era sniper rifles, US Army ] (top) and USMC ] (bottom)]] | |||
| Some of the first examples of sniper rifles designed specifically to meet police requirements were those designed to meet ] Police requirements following on the ] at the ]. The ] is one of the rifles designed to meet these criteria and is still often referred to as a typical of this type of sniper rifle. The ] is another example of a rifle aimed at law enforcement rather than military agencies. | |||
| Sniper rifles have continued to be used consistently throughout the later part of the 20th century in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East as an integral part of the modern style of ]. | |||
| === |
===21st century=== | ||
| The durability, accuracy and power of sniper rifles circa 2010 are beyond anything in use even ten years prior, and dwarf those of World War II sniper rifles.<ref>Pegler, Martin (2010). ''Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 75.</ref> Modern sniper rifles are very reliable and are able to fire repeatedly without losing accuracy, whereas earlier sniper rifles were more liable to lose accuracy due to ].<ref name="PopenkerMax">Popenker, Max (2001). "Modern sniper rifles". ''World Guns''.</ref> Sniper rifles continue to be adapted and improved upon, with the effective range of sniper rifles (c. 2001) exceeding {{convert|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}, making them one of the most accurate and efficient weapons in use.<ref name="PopenkerMax" /> | |||
| These rifles also tend to be semi-automatic, but are distinct enough to be classified as a different. These rifles are of a larger caliber like ] or even 20 mm and designed to be used against materiel targets such as vehicles or building, but can obviously also be used against personnel. Most designs are not portable by a single person, or if they are, they heavily restrict the amount of equipment such a person can carry. Therefore they are seldom deployed by a single person but more often by 2- or 3-member teams. | |||
| ==Classification== | |||
| Typical examples include: | |||
| Modern sniper rifles can be divided into two basic classes: military and law enforcement.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} | |||
| *] (US) | |||
| *] (South African, in 20 mm or 14.5 mm) | |||
| ===Military=== | |||
| ==Distinguishing Characteristics== | |||
| ] ] with an ], during sniper training]] | |||
| Sniper rifles can vary widely depending on the specific tasks the sniper rifle is intended to perform. The single most important characteristic that sets a sniper rifle apart of other military or police small arms is the fitment of a powerful telescopic sight easily distinguishable from smaller optical aiming devices found on some modern assault rifles and submachine guns. | |||
| Sniper rifles manufactured for military service are often designed for very high durability, range, reliability, sturdiness, serviceability, and repairability under adverse environmental and combat conditions, at the sacrifice of a small degree of accuracy. Military snipers and sharpshooters may also be required to carry their rifles and other equipment for long distances, making it important to minimize weight. Military organizations often operate under strict budget constraints, which influences the type and quality of sniper rifles they purchase. | |||
| Other characteristics that may distinguish a sniper rifle from other ] are: | |||
| === Law enforcement === | |||
| * The presence of a ] | |||
| Sniper rifles built or modified for use in law enforcement are generally required to have the greatest possible accuracy, but do not need to have as long a range. | |||
| * The caliber is usually more capable, with greater range and accuracy | |||
| * ] or ] actions, which are largely obsolete in military weapons. | |||
| * Overall weapon length is unusually long<ref name="weaponlengthcountersniper">''The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers'', ], 1993. The information about counter sniper operations describes techniques for identifying snipers amongst groups of other soldiers. The most easily recognizable feature of a sniper from a great distance is the fact that the sniper's rifle is longer than all the others.</ref> | |||
| * Stock designed for firing from a ] | |||
| Law enforcement-specific rifles are usually used in non-combat (often urban) environments, so they do not have the requirement to be as hardy or portable as military versions; they may also be smaller due to the decrease in required range. | |||
| * Fitted with a ], especially if small caliber such as ] | |||
| * The range of accessories carried with the rifle | |||
| Some of the first sniper rifles designed specifically to meet police and other law-enforcement requirements were developed for ] police after the ] at the ]. Many police services and law enforcement organizations (such as the ]) now use rifles designed for law enforcement purposes. | |||
| ===Caliber=== | |||
| Nothing is of more importance in a sniper rifle than the selection of a caliber. The caliber determines nearly all of it's other features and capabilities, and sets hard limitations on how it can be used. The following is a short list of only some of the issues that are affected by the caliber chosen: | |||
| The ] is one rifle specifically designed to meet these criteria and is often referred to as an ideal example of this type of sniper rifle. The ] was built for, and is marketed to, law enforcement rather than military agencies. | |||
| * Engagement range | |||
| * Types of targets that can be effectively engaged | |||
| * Sniper speed and range on foot, due to weight issues | |||
| * Cost, and consequently, the number of rifles purchased and employed | |||
| * Collateral damage risk in police settings due to overpenetration | |||
| In a military setting, logistical concerns are the primary determinant of the caliber used, so sniper rifles are usually limited to rifle cartridges commonly used by the military force employing the rifle. Since large national militaries generally change slowly, military rifle ammunition is frequently battle-tested, and well-studied by ammunition and firearms experts. Consequently, police forces tend to follow military practices in choosing a sniper rifle caliber instead of trying to break new ground with less-perfected (but possibly better) ammunition. | |||
| == Distinguishing characteristics == | |||
| Before the introduction of the ] in the 1950s, standard military calibers utilized were the ] (US), ] (Britain) and ] (Germany). The .30-06 Springfield continued in service with ] snipers during the ] in the ], well after general adoption of the 7.62 × 51 mm. At the present time, in both the West and within ], ] (''.308 Winchester'') is the current primary caliber of choice for over 90% of military and police sniper rifles{{fact}}. | |||
| ] | |||
| ] reticle<br />1 – Lead/deflection scale<br />2 – Main targeting chevron<br />3 – Bullet drop chevrons<br />4 – Rangefinder]] | |||
| The features of a sniper rifle can vary widely depending on the specific tasks it is intended to perform. Features that may distinguish a sniper rifle from other weapons are the presence of a ], unusually long overall length,<ref name="weaponlengthcountersniper">] (1993). ''The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers'': "The information about counter-sniper operations describes techniques for identifying snipers amongst groups of other soldiers. The most easily recognizable feature of a sniper from a great distance is the fact that the sniper's rifle is longer than all the others".</ref> a stock designed for firing from a ], and the presence of a ] and other accessories. | |||
| === Telescopic sight === | |||
| Worldwide the trend is similar. The preferred sniper rifle in ] is another .30 caliber military cartridge - the ], which has similar performance to the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO. This cartridge was introduced in ] and both Russian sniper rifles of the modern era, the ] and the ], are chambered for it. | |||
| Perhaps the single most important characteristic that sets a sniper rifle apart from other military or police small arms is the mounting of a ], which is relatively easy to distinguish from smaller optical aiming devices found on some modern ]s and ]s (such as ]s). The telescopic sights used on sniper rifles differ from other optical sights in that they offer much greater magnification (more than 4× and up to 40×) and have a much larger ] (40 to 50 mm in diameter) for a brighter image. | |||
| Most telescopic lenses employed in military or police roles also have special ]s to aid with judgment of distance, which is an important factor in accurate shot placement due to the bullet's trajectory. | |||
| Certain commercial cartridges designed without the logistical constraints of most armies and only performance in mind have also gained popularity in the 1990s, these include the ] and ]. These cartridges outperform 7.62 × 51 mm NATO in terms of effective range and ballistic performance. Though they are not as powerful as the .50 calibre, they also don't suffer any weight penalty as is the case for rifles chambered for the .50 calibre and as such they offer a significant improvement over rifles chambered for the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO. | |||
| ===Action=== | === Action === | ||
| The choice between ] and ], usually ] or ] for the latter, is usually determined by specific requirements of the sniper's role in a particular organization, with each design having advantages and disadvantages. For a given cartridge, a bolt-action rifle is cheaper to build and maintain, more reliable, and lighter, due to fewer moving parts in the mechanism. In addition, the absence of uncontrolled automatic cartridge case ejection helps avoid revealing the shooter's position. Semi-automatic weapons can serve both as a ] and sniper rifle, and allow for a greater rate (and hence volume) of fire. As such rifles may be modified service rifles, an additional benefit can be commonality of operation with the issued infantry rifle. A bolt action is most commonly used in both military and police roles due to its higher accuracy and ease of maintenance. ] operators tend to prefer semi-automatic rifles over bolt-action rifles for certain applications such as detonating ] from a safe distance and penetrating reinforced structures that enemy ]s are using as cover. | |||
| ] bolt-action ] sniper rifle]] | |||
| ] sniper rifle. The bolt handle is held in the shooter's hand and is not visible in this photo.]] | |||
| A ] rifle ] is less specialized than a typical military sniper rifle, often only intended to extend the range of a group of soldiers. Therefore, when a semi-automatic action is used, it is due to an overlap with the roles of standard-issue weapons. There may also be additional ] advantages if the DMR uses the same ammunition as the more common standard-issue weapons. These rifles enable a higher volume of fire, but sacrifice some long-range accuracy. They are frequently built from existing ] ]s or assault rifles, often simply by adding a telescopic sight and adjustable stock. | |||
| ] firing his bolt-action ]. Note the bolt near the sniper's trigger-finger]] | |||
| A police semi-automatic sniper rifle may be used in situations that require a single sniper to engage multiple targets in quick succession; military semi-automatics, such as the ], are used in similar "target-rich" environments. | |||
| ] (or ]) rifle. Note the large magazine descending below the action and the lack of a manually operated bolt handle]] | |||
| === Magazine === | |||
| The choice between ] and ] is usually determined by specific requirements of the sniper's role as envisioned in a particular organization with each design having advantages and disadvantages. | |||
| ] rifle with ] cartridges used by an Italian soldier in ].]] | |||
| In a military setting, logistical concerns are the primary determinant of the cartridge used, so sniper rifles are usually limited to rifle cartridges commonly used by the military force employing the rifle and ] ammunition. Since large national militaries generally change slowly, military rifle ammunition is frequently battle-tested and well-studied by ammunition and firearms experts. Consequently, police forces tend to follow military practices in choosing a sniper rifle cartridge instead of trying to break new ground with less-perfected (but possibly better) ammunition. | |||
| Before the introduction of the standard ] (.308 Winchester) cartridge in the 1950s, standard military cartridges were the ] (7.62×63mm) (United States), ] (7.7×56mmR) (United Kingdom), and ] (Germany). The .30-06 Springfield continued in service with U.S. Marine Corps snipers during the ] in the 1970s, well after general adoption of the 7.62×51mm. At the present time,{{when|date=April 2023}} in both the ] and within ], the 7.62×51mm is currently the primary cartridge of choice for military and police sniper rifles. | |||
| For a given cartridge, a bolt-action rifle has the following advantages: | |||
| Worldwide, the trend is similar. The preferred sniper cartridge in Russia is another .30 caliber military cartridge, the ], which has slightly superior performance to the 7.62×51mm, although the rimmed design limits reliability compared to the latter cartridge. This cartridge was introduced in 1891, and both Russian sniper rifles of the modern era, the ] and the ], are chambered for it. | |||
| * Cheaper to build and cheaper to maintain | |||
| * More accurate since there are no moving parts | |||
| * Longer effective range since no gas is utilized in operating the action | |||
| * Better stealth since there are no ejected cases or noisy moving parts | |||
| * More versatile fire-positioning since there is no need for a large magazine | |||
| * More reliable, with fewer components that may fail or become jammed | |||
| * Lighter weight, once again due to fewer components | |||
| Certain commercial cartridges designed with only performance in mind, without the logistical constraints of most armies, have also gained popularity in the 1990s. These include the ] (7.2×64mm), ] (7.62×67mm), and the ] (8.6×70mm). These cartridges offer better ballistic performance and greater effective range than the 7.62×51mm. Though they are not as powerful as .50 caliber cartridges, rifles chambered for these cartridges are not as heavy as those chambered for .50 caliber ammunition, and are significantly more powerful than rifles chambered for 7.62×51mm.<ref>Williams, Anthony G. </ref> | |||
| For semi-automatic actions, the following advantages are available: | |||
| ] (Special Applications Scoped Rifle), a .50-caliber anti-materiel rifle also used as a sniper rifle]] | |||
| * Cross-purpose use as both a battle rifle and a sniper rifle | |||
| * Greater volume of fire when needed in a suppressing support role | |||
| * Faster followup shots (important in law enforcement) | |||
| Snipers may also employ ]s in sniping roles against targets such as vehicles, equipment and structures, or for the long-range destruction of explosive devices; these rifles may also be used against personnel. | |||
| A bolt-action is the most commonly used in both military and police sniper rifles due to it's more numerous advantages over a semi-automtics. | |||
| Anti-materiel rifles tend to be semi-automatic and of a larger caliber than other rifles, using cartridges such as the ] (12.7×99mm), ], ], and ]. These large cartridges are required to be able to fire projectiles containing payloads such as explosives, armor-piercing cores, incendiaries or combinations of these, such as the ] projectile. Due to the considerable size and weight of anti-materiel rifles, two- or three-man sniper teams become necessary. | |||
| In military usage, bolt-actions are used almost exclusively. Anti-materiel applications such as mine clearing and ] actions see higher usage of semi-automatics. | |||
| === Barrel === | |||
| A semi-automatic ] rifle (DMR) is less specialized than a typical military sniper rifle, often only intended to extend the range of a group of soldiers, and so when a semi-automatic action is used it is due to it's ability to cross-over into roles similar to the roles of standard issue weapons. There may also be additional ] advantages if the DMR uses to same ammunition as the more common standard issue weapons. These rifles enable a higher volume of fire, but sacrifice some long range accuracy. They are frequently built from existing ] ]s or ]s. | |||
| ]s are normally of precise manufacture and of a heavier cross section than more traditional barrels, in order to reduce the change in impact points between a first shot from a cold barrel and a follow-up shot from a warm barrel. Unlike many battle and assault rifles, the bores are usually not chromed to avoid inaccuracy due to an uneven treatment. | |||
| When installed, barrels are often ]—installed so that the barrel contacts the rest of the rifle only at the receiver. A free-floating barrel avoids contact with the fore-end of the ] by the barrel itself, sling, bipod, or the sniper's hands that can interfere with barrel harmonics. The end of the barrel is usually crowned or machined to form a rebated area around the muzzle proper to avoid asymmetry or damage, and consequent inaccuracy. | |||
| In police usage, even in situations where a semi-automatic may seem to have advantages, a police force may instead prefer to employ several snipers armed with bolt-action rifles, rather than only one sniper armed with a semi-automatic. This operational decision will allow the individual snipers to devote more attention to the careful placement of each shot. | |||
| External longitudinal ] that contributes to heat dissipation by increasing the surface area, while simultaneously decreasing the weight of the barrel, is sometimes used on sniper rifle barrels. | |||
| A police semi-automatic sniper rifle may be used in a fast moving raid, or in an uncontrolled situation that will require the sniper to engage multiple targets in quick succession. These rifles tend to be used comparatively rarely due to the danger that a faster-firing semi-automatic may present to innocent bystanders. The flight time of the bullet combined with the limited field of view of a sniper peering through a scope may allow an innocent victim to cross into a bullet's path, similar to what happened in the ]. | |||
| Sniper-rifle barrels may also utilize a threaded muzzle or combination device (] or ] and attachment mount) to allow the fitting of a ]. These suppressors often have a means of adjusting the point of impact while fitted. | |||
| ===Barrel=== | |||
| {{sectstub}} | |||
| Military sniper rifles tend to have longer barrels of around 23.5 inches (600 mm) to allow the cartridge propellant to fully burn and get the highest bullet velocity. This also reduces muzzle-flash, helping to keep the sniper concealed. Some police sniper rifles have shorter barrels to make them easier to handle. The shorter ranges at which police operate permit lower bullet velocities. The effect of barrel length on accuracy is negligible. | |||
| Military sniper rifles tend to have barrel lengths of {{Convert|24|in|mm|abbr=unit|order=flip}} or longer to allow the cartridge propellant to fully burn, reducing the amount of revealing muzzle flash and increasing muzzle velocity. Police sniper rifles may use shorter barrels to improve handling characteristics. The shorter barrels' muzzle velocity loss is unimportant at closer ranges; the impact velocity of the bullet is more than sufficient. | |||
| ===Stock=== | |||
| ] showing adjustable cheek piece.]] | |||
| The most common special feature of a sniper rifle stock is the adjustable ''cheek piece'' where the shooter's cheek meets the rear of the stock. For most rifles equipped with a telescopic sight it is necessary to have this area raised slightly, because the telescope is higher than ] and a rifle shooter should steady his cheek against a rifle while aiming. A cheek piece is simply a section of the stock that can be adjusted up or down to the correct height to suit the individual shooter. To further aid this individual fitment, the stock can sometimes also be adjust for length, often by varying the number of ''butt pad'' inserts at the rear of the stock where it meets the shooter's shoulder. | |||
| === Stock === | |||
| A permanently fixed or removable ] attached to the rifle's front stock (''forend'') is another non-standard, but critical piece of equipment. It acts as a steady and level object on which to rest the rifle which aids in accuracy. | |||
| The most common special feature of a sniper rifle ] is the adjustable cheek piece, where the shooter's cheek meets the rear of the stock. For most rifles equipped with a telescopic sight, this area is raised slightly because the telescope is positioned higher than ], and can sometimes be adjusted up or down to suit the individual shooter. To further aid this individual fitting, the stock can sometimes also be adjusted for length, often by varying the number of inserts at the rear of the stock where it meets the shooter's shoulder. If the stock is manufactured from wood, environmental conditions or operational use may ], causing slight alignment or barrel harmonics changes over time and altering the point of impact. Stocks manufactured from polymers and metal alloys are less susceptible to point of impact shifting from environmental conditions. Sniper stocks are typically designed to avoid making contact with the barrel of the weapon to minimize the effects of environmental inconstancies. Modern sniper rifle stocks tend to be designed around a rigid chassis, offer user adjustability to allow shooters of various sizes and shapes to tailor the stock to their personal preferences, and modular attachment points to accommodate low-light and daylight aiming optics, laser designators, and other accessories without the need for custom-made mounting interface kits. | |||
| <gallery widths="300" heights="100" class="center"> | |||
| ===Telescopic sight=== | |||
| File:Steyr SSG 69.jpg|] <small>(1969)</small> with classic shaped polymer stock with removable spacers to adjust the length of pull. | |||
| ] | |||
| File:L42A1-Large.png|] <small>(1970)</small> with classic shaped wooden stock with cheek piece and free floating barrel. The L42A1 was a conversion of ] No. 4 Mk1(T) and No. 4 Mk1*(T) ]. | |||
| {{main|telescopic sight}} | |||
| File:IDF-M24-SWS-2018.jpg|] <small>(1988)</small> with classic shaped polymer stock with adjustable length of pull. | |||
| File:AWM-338-white.jpg|] <small>(1996)</small> based on an aluminum alloy ] stock with fully adjustable side-folding thumb hole polymer stock side panels and custom ] mounting interface. | |||
| File:XM2010 November 2010.jpg|] <small>(2011)</small> "M24 SWS total conversion upgrade" based on an aluminum alloy chassis stock with fully adjustable side-folding buttstock and tubular handguard offering ] attachment points. | |||
| File:MK 22 Sniper rifle.jpg|] (MK 22 PSR) <small>(2013)</small> multi-caliber modular sniper rifle based on an aluminum alloy chassis stock with fully adjustable side-folding buttstock and a front offering rail interface system attachment points, with mounted Picatinny rails for tactical attachments. | |||
| </gallery> | |||
| === Accessories === | |||
| A telescopic sight allows a person to see farther by virtue of the magnified image it offers and therefore aim the rifle more accurately. | |||
| An adjustable ] is often fitted on the rifle, used by the sniper to achieve better stability when standing, kneeling, or sitting. The sniper uses the sling to "lock in" by wrapping their non-firing arm into the sling, keeping that arm still. | |||
| The telescopic sights used on sniper rifles differ from other optical aiming devices in that they offer much greater magnification (more then 4x and up to 10–20x) and much larger objective lenses (40 mm in diameter). | |||
| Most telescopic lenses employed in military or police roles have special markings to aid the shot with the judgement of distance which is an important factor in accurate shot placement (due the curved trajectory of a bullet's path). | |||
| ], such as ]s, ]s, and ], are also regularly used to aid and improve stability and reduce operator fatigue. | |||
| ===Suppressor=== | |||
| {{sectstub}} | |||
| {{main|Suppressor}} | |||
| Shooting bags are also commonly used to help stabilize the rifle or to provide an adjustable base. | |||
| ===Accessories=== | |||
| {{sectstub}} | |||
| Almost all modern sniper rifles are used in conjunction with accessories that are specifically designed for sniping, and so the type of accessories used will usually differentiate a rifle intended to be used for sniping from other nearly identical rifles. Namely, differences will be seen in the types of stocks, sights, and carrying gear used. | |||
| == Capabilities ==<!-- This section is linked from ] --> | |||
| ==Accurizing and Maintenance== | |||
| {{sectstub}} | |||
| {{main|accurizing}} | |||
| In the case of rifles designed specifically for sniping the same procedures or techniques applied to any rifle to achieve long range accuracy is used. Some of these techniques are described in the article on ] a firearm and could include the following: | |||
| *A "free-floating barrel" where the barrel is attached to the rifle at a single point, screwed into the action without touching the stock. | |||
| *Heavier barrels to increase the resonant frequency (again) and slow the rate of heating, which reduces thermal distortion of the barrel as more rounds are shot. This also increases the weight of the rifle, thus reducing the felt recoil. | |||
| *Fluting on heavier barrels help maintain the desired characteristics of a heavy barrel, but reduces the weight of the barrel. | |||
| *The end of the barrel may be counter-sunk a few millimetres to protect the critical exit-end of the rifling from damage. | |||
| === Accuracy === | |||
| When standard rifles are adapted for use as a sniper rifle common improvements on the action or internals include: | |||
| ] extreme spread levels against a human torso at 800 m (left) and a human head at 100 m (right)]] | |||
| *Polishing the trigger ] to improve the feel of the trigger pull and therefore the shooter's trigger control. | |||
| ] | |||
| *A low-mass (often titanium) hammer and ] reduce the time between the trigger pull and the primer ignition (called ''lock time''). By reducing this time between the trigger being pulled and the bullet release, it reduces the distance that a human being's irreducible quiver can move the point of aim. | |||
| ] sniper rifle has an accuracy guarantee of 0.25 MOA (0.07 ])]] | |||
| A military-issue battle rifle or ] is usually capable of between 3–6 ] (0.9–1.7 ]) accuracy.<ref>{{cite book |title=Military Technologies of the World |first=Tae-Woo |last=Lee |year=2009 |page=237 |volume=2 |publisher=Praeger Security International |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1IogkgEACAAJ |isbn=978-0275995393}}</ref> A standard-issue military sniper rifle is typically capable of 1–3 MOA (0.3–0.9 mrad) accuracy, with a police sniper rifle capable of 0.25–1.5 MOA (0.1–0.4 mrad) accuracy. For comparison, a competition target or ] may be capable of accuracy up to 0.15–0.3 MOA (0.04–0.09 mrad). | |||
| ==Capabilities== | |||
| When examined individually, the capabilities of a sniper rifle may not seem unique, or even particularly extraordinary compared to other types of firearms. In some categories where a sniper rifle is commonly thought to excel, the sniper rifle may actually be inferior to the weapons the sniper rifle is expected to compete with. | |||
| A 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) average extreme spread (the center-to-center distance between the two most distant bullet holes) for a 5-shot group translates into a 69% probability that the bullet's point of impact will be in a ] with a diameter of {{convert|23.3|cm|abbr=on}} at {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="bobwheeler">{{cite web |url=http://www.bobwheeler.com/guns/GroupStat.pdf |title=Statistical notes on rifle group patterns |first=Robert E. |last=Wheeler |author-link=Robert E. Wheeler |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926154900/http://www.bobwheeler.com/guns/GroupStat.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2006 |access-date=25 February 2019 |pages=21 |work=bobwheeler.com}}</ref> This average extreme spread for a 5-shot group and the accompanying hit probability are considered sufficient for effectively hitting a human at an 800-meter distance. | |||
| However, the seeming disadvantages of a sniper rifle, such as slow rate of fire, can become advantages due to the stealthy manner in which the sniper rifle is employed. | |||
| In 1982, a U.S. Army draft requirement for a Sniper Weapon System was: "The System will: (6) Have an accuracy of no more than 0.75 MOA (0.2 mrad) for a 5-shot group at 1,500 meters when fired from a supported, non-benchrest position".<ref name="AMSAA">{{cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA228398.pdf |title=AMSAA Technical Report No. 461 |access-date=17 August 2013 |date=May 1990 |first=Jonathan M. Jr. |last=Weaver |work=U.S. Army Materiel System Analysis Activity |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201183811/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA228398&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf |archive-date=1 December 2012 |url-status=live |pages=166}}</ref> The ] Sniper Weapon System adopted in 1988 has a stated maximum effective range of 800 meters and a maximum allowed average mean radius (AMR) of 1.9 inches at 300 yards from a machine rest, which corresponds to a 0.6 MOA (0.17 mrad) extreme spread for a 5-shot group when using 7.62×51mm M118 Special Ball cartridges.<ref name="bobwheeler"/><ref name="enotus">{{cite web |url=http://enotus.blog.tut.by/2009/04/09/rasseivanie-vyistrelov-kuchnost-pokazateli-i-zavisimost/ |language=ru |title=рассеивание попаданий. кучность. показатели и зависимость. |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=25 February 2019 |work=Enotus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001111040/http://enotus.blog.tut.by/2009/04/09/rasseivanie-vyistrelov-kuchnost-pokazateli-i-zavisimost |archive-date=1 October 2009}}</ref><ref name="MIL-R-71126(AR)">{{cite web |url=http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-R/MIL-R-71126_7029/ |title=MIL-R-71126(AR) |work=everyspec.com |access-date=26 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
| When taken as a whole, the subtle advantages possessed by a sniper rifle can allow a sniper to dominate an enemy who possesses far greater fighting capability. However, since sniping is a specialized role, it must be noted that the success of a sniper depends more on the level of skills and training than on the particular rifle used<ref name="skillsvsrifle">Before ] was issued a rifle built for sniping, he was already a very successful sniper, having killed 32 Axis soldiers with only the standard-issue ] rifle . After being issued a sniper rifle, Zaitsev defeated 11 better-equipped German snipers, including one specifically sent to hunt him down.</ref>, especially when faced with opponents trained to deal with snipers | |||
| A 2008 United States military market survey for a ] (PSR) called for 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) extreme vertical spread for all shots in a 5-round group fired at targets at 300, 600, 900, 1,200 and 1,500 meters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tacticalgunfan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257&Itemid=1 |title=US Special Operations Considers A ".338" Sniper Rifle |date=27 June 2008 |access-date=25 February 2019 |work=Tactical Gun Fan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606091031/http://www.tacticalgunfan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257&Itemid=1 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |publisher=OutdoorsFan Media |agency=InterMedia Outdoors, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=7c3671c8b65d782bbbfe7da8228f827e&_cview=1 |title=Precession Sniper Rifle – Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR |work=Fbo.gov |date=17 June 2008 |access-date=17 August 2013 |first=Richard A |last=Byrd |publisher=] Desk}}</ref> In 2009, a ] market survey called for a 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) extreme vertical spread for all shots in a 10-round group fired at targets at 300, 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 meters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8d443a1c66be88df1e9f29112e711e8a&tab=core&_cview=0&cck=1&au=&ck= |title=Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) – Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR2 |work=Fbo.gov |date=13 February 2009 |access-date=17 August 2013 |first1=Verdetta J. |last1=Weaver |first2=Dorothy E. |last2=Lewis |publisher=] Desk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Beckstrand |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/socom-psr-contenders/ |title=SOCOM PSR Contenders |work=Tactical-life.com |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=17 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605083044/http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/socom-psr-contenders |archive-date=5 June 2009 |publisher=Harris Tactical Group}}</ref> The 2009 Precision Sniper Rifle requirements state that the PSR, when fired without a suppressor, shall provide a confidence factor of 80% that the weapon and ammunition combination is capable of holding 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) extreme vertical spread, calculated from 150 ten-round groups that were fired unsuppressed. No individual group was to exceed 1.5 MOA (0.42 mrad) extreme vertical spread. All accuracy was taken at the 1,500 meter point.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/download/972/972ebf42b8869a5469f37660a30b073d/PSR_Draft_Go-NoGo_090115.pdf |title=Precision Sniper Rifles Systems (PSR) Draft Go/No-Go Requirements |access-date=17 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630021834/https://www.fbo.gov/download/972/972ebf42b8869a5469f37660a30b073d/PSR_Draft_Go-NoGo_090115.pdf |archive-date=30 June 2017 |work=Fbo.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/download/60e/60eec70724f486966d24767ced0559e3/PSR_Questionnaire_090126.pdf |title=Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Vendor Questionnaire |access-date=17 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630030629/https://www.fbo.gov/download/60e/60eec70724f486966d24767ced0559e3/PSR_Questionnaire_090126.pdf |archive-date=30 June 2017 |work=Fbo.gov}}</ref> | |||
| ===Accuracy=== | |||
| Contrary to popular belief, sniper rifles are not necessarily characterized by exceptional accuracy, especially when compared to civilian sporting rifles, though they nearly always match or exceed the capabilites of other types of rifles in the military and police categories. | |||
| In 2008, the US military adopted the ], which has a maximum allowed extreme spread of 1.8 MOA (0.5 mrad) for a 5-shot group on 300 feet, using M118LR ammunition or equivalent.<ref name="bobwheeler"/><ref name="enotus"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-PRF/MIL-PRF+%28030000+-+79999%29/MIL-PRF-32316_AMENDMENT-1_25025/ |access-date=February 19, 2011 |title=MIL-PRF-32316 (w/Amendment 1), Performance Specification: Rifle, 7.62mm: Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) – M110 (05 Oct 2009) |work=everyspec.com}}</ref> In 2010, the maximum bullet dispersion requirement for the ] corresponded<ref name="bobwheeler"/><ref name="enotus"/> to 1.4 MOA (0.39 mrad) extreme spread for 5 shot group on 100 meters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=0d5c4ebc69fbb9bd9f37b47f8b0e1cef&tab=core&_cview=1 |title=M24 Sniper Weapon System Reconfiguration |work=Fbo.gov |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=17 August 2013 |publisher=] Desk |first=David |last=Street}}</ref> In 2011, the US military adapted the .300 Winchester Magnum ], which had to meet an accuracy requirement to fire ≤ 1 MOA/0.28 mrad (less than a 2-inch shot group at 200 yards) before being released for fielding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sniper-rifles/usa/xm2010-esr-e.html |title=XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle / M2010 ESR (USA) |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229042305/http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sniper-rifles/usa/xm2010-esr-e.html |archive-date=29 December 2010 |work=World Guns|date=24 December 2010 }}</ref> | |||
| US Military standards call for only 1 ] accuracy from a standard issue sniper rifle, since accuracy is sacrificed in favor of low cost and reliability in harsh environments, as well as ease of care, operation, and maintenance. This level of accuracy roughly translates into a variance in the bullet's point of impact of 8 inches at 800 yards which is considered sufficent to ensure a high probability of hitting a human shape at that distance. | |||
| Although accuracy standards for police rifles do not widely exist, rifles are frequently seen with accuracy levels from 0.5 to 1.5 MOA (0.2–0.5 mrad).<ref name="fbi">{{cite web |quote=The ], a national-level policing organization, has recently specified an accuracy level of 0.5 MOA for 5 shots at 100 yd for sniper rifles issued to their ] teams |last=Johnson |first=Dan |url=http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/pair_042205/index.html |title=Precision Pair |work=Guns & Ammo |date=February 2005 |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050427053318/http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/pair_042205/index.html |archive-date=27 April 2005 |publisher=Primedia Enthusiast Magazine}}</ref> For typical policing situations, an extreme spread accuracy level no better than 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) is usually all that is required, as police typically employ their rifles at shorter ranges.<ref name="policerange1">{{cite web |quote=Minimum documented range is 5 yards, maximum documented range is 187 yards: ''Police Sniper Utilization Survey'', ], 2006, full report available to military and law enforcement agencies only. |url=http://www.swatdigest.com/archives/arch_policesniper.html |title=Police Sniper Utilization Survey |first=Derrick D. |last=Bartlett |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928073549/http://www.swatdigest.com/archives/arch_policesniper.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 |work=Swat Digest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americansniper.org/new_page_12.htm |quote=Some information publicly available from ''The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers'', ], 1993. |work=American Sniper Association |access-date=25 February 2019 |title=Sniper Utilization Survey}}</ref> At {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} or less, a rifle with a relatively low accuracy of only 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) should be able to repeatedly hit a 3 cm (1.2 inch) target. A 3 cm diameter target is smaller than the ], which is targeted by police snipers for its quick killing effect.<ref name="policebrainstemtarget">{{cite web |title=Police Sniper Training |first=John |last=Plaster |author-link=John Plaster |date=September 1990 |url=http://www.emergency.com/polcsnpr.htm |publisher=Minnesota National Guard Counter Sniper School |work=The Police Operations Page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927211223/http://www.emergency.com/polcsnpr.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> | |||
| Although accuracy standards for police rifles do not widely exist, they are frequently seen with accuracy levels from 1.5 MOA to as high as .5 MOA<ref name="fbi">The ], a national-level policing organization, has recently specified an accuracy level of .5 MOA for sniper rifles issued to their ] teams: Johnson, D: ''Precision Pair'', Guns & Ammo, February 2005. </ref> - and occasionally as high as .25 MOA in the most expensive models. | |||
| === Maximum effective range === | |||
| However, it is interesting to note that in the realm of police usage, average, or even below average accuracy is usually all that is technically required. This is because police typically employ their rifles at very short ranges.<ref name="policerange1">Minimum documented range is 5 yards, maximum documented range is 187 yards: ''Police Sniper Utilization Survey'', ], 2006, full report available to military and law enforcement agencies only.</ref> <ref name="policerange2">Some information publically available from ''The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers'', ], 1993.</ref> At 70 meters or less, nearly any inexpensive rifle with a relatively low accuracy of only 1 MOA should be able to repeatedly hit a 1 inch target. One inch is approximately the size of a man's thumb, which is smaller than the ], the most prized target of a police sniper.<ref name="policebrainstemtarget">''Police Sniper Training, ], 1990.</ref> Some would argue that police agencies buy rifles with capabilities that exceed basic requirements in order to bolster their credibility under public scrutiny.<ref name="policebuyexpensiveguns">Private discussion with Mike Rescigno, owner of Tactical Operations, Inc., a leading American manufacturer of guaranteed .25 MOA police sniper rifles, approximately May 2002. Major John Plaster frequently touches on the topic in his writings and training materials as well. See: ''The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers''.</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float: right; margin-left: 10px" name=Cartridge/range | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Cartridge | |||
| ! Maximum effective<br /> range (m)<ref>Approximate maximum effective ranges of common cartridges when used in an adequately accurate rifle system with special long-range high accuracy ammunition at ] sea level conditions </ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 600–800 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 600–800 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 800–1,000 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 800–1,000 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 900–1,200 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1,200–1,500 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1,500–2,000 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1,500–2,000 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1,800–2,300 | |||
| |} | |||
| Unlike police sniper rifles, military sniper rifles tend to be employed at the greatest possible distances, so that range advantages, like an increased difficulty to spot and engage the sniper, can be exploited. | |||
| List of typical accuracies, for comparison: | |||
| The most popular military sniper rifles (in terms of numbers in service) are chambered for 7.62 mm (0.30 inch) caliber ammunition, such as 7.62×51mm and ]. Since sniper rifles of this class must compete with several other types of military weapons with similar range, snipers invariably must employ skilled ] to conceal their position.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} | |||
| * A common pistol may be capable of between 15 MOA and 30 MOA accuracy | |||
| * A military issue ] or ] is usually capable of between 3 MOA and 6 MOA accuracy | |||
| * Civilian or police semi-automatic rifles are typically capable of less than 1 MOA to 4 MOA accuracy | |||
| * A common hunting rifle may be capable of .5 to 3 MOA accuracy | |||
| * A police sniper rifle is typically capable of .25 to 1.5 MOA accuracy | |||
| * A standard issue military sniper rifle is typically capable of .5 to 2 MOA accuracy | |||
| * A competition target rifle may be capable of accuracy levels of .1 MOA or better | |||
| * Rifles designed for scientific testing of ammunition may be so accurate that sophisticated computer equipment is required to measure their accuracy | |||
| The recent trend in specialized military sniper rifles is towards larger calibers that offer relatively favorable hit probabilities at greater range with anti-personnel cartridges, such as .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, and anti-materiel cartridges, such as ], ], and ]. This allows snipers to take fewer risks and spend less time finding concealment when facing enemies that are not equipped with similar weapons. | |||
| ===Maximum Effective Range === | |||
| Sniper rifles are sometimes characterized as having exceptionally great range capability, compared to other ], but this is not necessarily true. | |||
| Maximum range claims made by military organizations and materiel manufacturers regarding sniper weapon systems are not based on consistent or strictly scientific criteria. The problem is that the bullet only interacts after a relatively long flight path with the target (which can also be a materiel target for a sniper bullet). This implies that variables such as the minimal required hit probability, local atmospheric conditions, properties and velocity of the employed bullet (parts), properties of the target, and the desired terminal effect are major relevant factors that determine the maximum effective range of the employed system. | |||
| For example, police snipers usually employ their rifles at very short ranges, frequently under 50 meters, which is within the range of common pistols. In police sniping, not only is long range generally not required, but it is frequently not even desired, especially if there are innocent bystanders further beyond the intended target. | |||
| == See also == | |||
| Unlike police sniper rifles, military sniper rifles tend to be employed at the greatest possible distances so that range advantages, if any, can be exploited. ], ], ] rifles, ] rifles, and sometimes even mass-fire from several ] can reach or even greatly exceed the range of a sniper rifle. | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ;Related military roles | |||
| The most popular military sniper rifles (in terms of the numbers in service) are chambered for some type .30 caliber ammunition, such as ] (.308 Winchester), or similar. Since sniper rifles of this class must compete with several other types of military weapons with similar range, snipers invariably must employ skilled ] to conceal their exact positions, and avoid being killed. | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ;Related military weapons | |||
| The recent trend in specialized military sniper rifles is towards larger calibers that have greater range, such as ] and ]. This allows snipers to take fewer risks, and spend less time finding concealment, when facing enemies that are not equipped with similar weapons. | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| Approximate maximum effective ranges of common ammunition when used in a sniper rifle. Lower figures are typical, higher figures are under ideal conditions: | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] - 400m to 600m | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] - 600m | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] - 800m to 1000m | |||
| * ] - 900m to 1100m | |||
| * ] - 1200m to 1500m | |||
| * ] - 1500m to possibly 2000m | |||
| ===Range vs. Accuracy=== | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| Sniper rifles are considered ineffective beyond the distance at which the bullet impact point is no longer guaranteed to be within a '']''<ref name="targetcirclemath">The equations that describe the approximate relationships between range, accuracy, and the target circle, as used in this section, are as follows: | |||
| * Target Circle Inches X Accuracy ] = Range Meters | |||
| * Range Meters / Accuracy ] = Target Circle Inches | |||
| Also note that "target circle" is used exclusively even when "cone of fire" or "group size" may technically be more accurate. These terms have subtle differences that are not important for the purpose of this section, and they are left out to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity in illustrations and examples that have been intentionally simplified. | |||
| See also: ], ], and ]</ref> smaller than the target on the first shot. In other words, if the range is slightly too great, the bullet is not guaranteed to strike within the target circle, leading to the possibility that a miss could occur that might endanger the sniper's mission, and perhaps even the sniper's life. At such ranges, other small arms may be preferred over sniper rifles, even though the situation may otherwise be an ideal job for a sniper rifle. | |||
| A ] using the same ammunition as a sniper rifle can be effective far beyond the range of a sniper rifle, due to lower accuracy requirements for effective use. For example, in ] roles a sniper might spot a target that is out of range for a sniper rifle, and so the sniper may need to call upon a machine gunner to attack it. | |||
| Here is a simplified example to illustrate why, counterintuitively, a less accurate weapon of the same ] may actually have a greater effective range than a sniper rifle: | |||
| For human targets in military sniping, snipers do not aim at the ''person'', instead they aim at a ''target circle'' on the person. The circle is typically about 8 inches in diameter, corresponding to an imaginary circle on the vital area of a man's chest. For a ] (.308 Winchester) sniper rifle capable of 1 MOA accuracy, the maximum effective range - the range at which the bullet impact point is guaranteed to be within an 8 inch circle on the first shot - is about 800 meters. | |||
| In contrast, a ] machine gun with a low accuracy of only 6 MOA will typically have a greater maximum effective range of about 1100 meters. At that range and accuracy, a machine gun will have a large target circle of about 6.6 meters. The machine gun's target circle is much larger than the human target due to it's rapid fire capability, which allows a machine gun to strike with 1 or more hits and numerous misses at random locations within the target circle. | |||
| While a machine gun's large target circle means that it's range can be longer than a sniper rifle's, the corresponding disadvantage is that the machine gun may need to fire dozens, and perhaps hundreds of rounds before scoring a hit<ref name="sniperrifleaccuracyvsmachinegun">Note that the design of a weapon is more likely to determine it's effective range than the maximum range of it's ammunition. The maximum range of the ] ammunition in the above example is a comparatively tremendous 3725 meters, and both machine guns and sniper rifles are not able to use even half of the maximum range of the ammunition effectively, largely due to unpredictable atmospheric disturbance of the bullet flight path. | |||
| The very large ''maximum range'' of the ammunition is tightly constrained by the much smaller ''maximum effective range'' of the rifle/ammunition combo. This is true for nearly all modern ]s.</ref>. | |||
| ==Notable sniper rifles== | |||
| {{main|List of sniper rifles}} | |||
| ===Modern bolt-action=== | |||
| *] standard issue of the ] - adapted from ] | |||
| *] standard issue of the ] - adapted from ] | |||
| *], in service with: | |||
| **] as ''L96A1'' | |||
| **] as '']'' | |||
| **] as ''Scharfschützengewehr 22'' (''G22'') | |||
| ===Modern semi-automatic=== | |||
| * ] - purpose built | |||
| * ] - purpose built | |||
| * ] (adapted from ]) | |||
| * ] - adapted from ] | |||
| * ] - adapted from ] | |||
| * ] - adapted from ] | |||
| ===Historical=== | |||
| Examples of rifles fitted with telescopic sights to serve as sniper rifles in both World War I and World War II: | |||
| *]( Germany) | |||
| *] (Russia) | |||
| *] (US) | |||
| *] (Japan) | |||
| *] (Australia) | |||
| *](Britain) | |||
| ==References and Notes== | |||
| <div class="references-small"> | |||
| <references /> | |||
| </div> | |||
| ==Further reading== | |||
| *{{cite book|author=Tobias, Ronald|title=They Shoot to Kill: A Psycho-History of Criminal Sniping|publisher=Paladin Press|location=Boulder, Colorado|year=1981|id=ISBN 0873642074}} | |||
| *{{cite book|author=De Haas, Frank|title=Bolt Action Rifles|publisher=Krause Publications|location=|year=1995|id=ISBN 0873491688}} | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| == |
== Notes == | ||
| {{Reflist|30em}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| == References == | |||
| ===Issues surrounding sniper rifles=== | |||
| {{refbegin|40em}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Tobias, Ronald|title=They Shoot to Kill: A Psycho-History of Criminal Sniping|publisher=Paladin Press|location=Boulder, Colorado|year=1981|isbn=0-87364-207-4}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * {{cite book|author=De Haas, Frank|title=Bolt Action Rifles|publisher=Krause Publications|year=1995|isbn=0-87349-168-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/Bolt_Action_Rifles_3rd_Edition}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Lebleu, Jon|title=Long Rifle: One Man's Deadly Sniper Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan|publisher=The Lyons Press|location=Guilford|year=2008|isbn=978-1599214405}} | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Pegler, Martin|title=Out of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper|publisher=Osprey Publishing|location=Oxford|year=2004|isbn=978-1846031403}} | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Pegler, Martin|title=Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century|publisher=Osprey Publishing|location=Oxford|year=2010|isbn=978-1849083980}} | |||
| * {{cite journal|title=Minutes of proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers|publisher=Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain)|volume= 19|year=1860}} | |||
| * {{cite journal|author=Raudzens, George|title=War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History|journal=The Journal of Military History|volume=54|year=1990|pages=403–434|issue=4|doi=10.2307/1986064|jstor=1986064}} | |||
| * {{cite journal|title=Telescopic Sights for Rifles|publisher=The British Medical Journal|volume=1|year=1916|page=765|issue=2891}} | |||
| * {{cite web|author=Popenker, Max|title=Modern Sniper Rifles|year=2001|url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/modern-sniper-rifles/}} | |||
| * {{cite web |author1=Violence Policy Center |title=One Shot, One Kill: Civilian Sales of Military Sniper Rifles |url=http://vpc.org/graphics/snipcov2.pdf |date=May 1999}} | |||
| {{refend}} | |||
| ==External links== | == External links == | ||
| {{commons category|Sniper rifles}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | * | ||
| * {{snd}}Detailed overview of the accurization process for a .25 MOA rifle | |||
| * - Article on it's use by the Israeli military | |||
| * , by barrel maker ] | |||
| * - Detailed overview of the accurization process for a .25 MOA rifle | |||
| * | |||
| * - by famous barrel maker ] | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| {{Firearms}} | |||
| ] | |||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Sniper Rifle}} | |||
| ] | |||
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Latest revision as of 00:26, 25 December 2024
Type of rifle used for long-range engagements against enemy personnel | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
A sniper rifle is a high-precision, long-range rifle. Requirements include high accuracy, reliability, and mobility, concealment, and optics, for anti-personnel, anti-materiel and surveillance uses by military snipers. The modern sniper rifle is a portable shoulder-fired rifle with either a bolt action or semi-automatic action, fitted with a telescopic sight for extreme accuracy and chambered for a high-ballistic performance centerfire cartridge.
History
The Whitworth rifle was arguably the first long-range sniper rifle in the world. Designed in 1854 by Sir Joseph Whitworth, a prominent British engineer, it used barrels with hexagonal polygonal rifling, which meant that the projectile did not have to "bite" into the rifling grooves as with conventional rifling. His rifle was far more accurate than the Pattern 1853 Enfield, which had shown weaknesses during the Crimean War. At trials in 1857, which tested the accuracy and range of both weapons, Whitworth's design outperformed the Enfield at a rate of about three to one. The Whitworth rifle was able to hit the target at a range of 2,000 yards (around 1,830 meters), whereas the Enfield could only manage it at a distance of 1,400 yards (around 1,280 meters). During the American Civil War, Confederate sharpshooters equipped with Whitworth rifles were tasked to kill Union field artillery crews, and were responsible for killing Major General John Sedgwick—one of the highest-ranking officers killed during the Civil War—at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
During the Crimean War, the first optical sights were designed for fitting onto the rifles. Much of this pioneering work was the brainchild of a Colonel D. Davidson, using optical sights produced by Chance Brothers of Birmingham. This allowed a marksman to more accurately observe and target objects at a greater distance than ever before. The telescopic sight, or scope, was originally fixed and could not be adjusted, which therefore limited its range. By the 1870s, the perfection of breech loading magazine rifles led to sniper rifles having "effective accurate" ranges of up to a mile away from their target.
20th century
During the Second Boer War, the latest breech-loading rifles with magazines and smokeless powder were used by both sides. The British were equipped with the Lee–Metford rifle, while the Boers had received the latest Mauser Model 1895 rifles from Germany. In the open terrain of South Africa, the marksman was a crucial component in battle. The Lovat Scouts was a British Army unit formed in 1899 that was renowned for the expert marksmanship and stalking skills of its personnel. The men wore ghillie suits for camouflage and were expertly skilled in observation. Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard said of them that "keener men never lived". After the Boer War, the Scouts became the first official sniper unit in the British Army.
It was not until World War I that sniper rifles began to be used more regularly in battle and certain soldiers given specialized training to use such a rifle. In Germany, these trained snipers were given rifles with telescopic sights, which illuminated at night in order to improve their accuracy. German gunsmiths fitted the scope above the barrel for optimal accuracy.
During World War I, the accuracy of the sniper rifle was greatly improved. By the end of World War II, snipers were reported to provide "reasonable accuracy" over 600 m (656 yd) with anything over this range being unpredictable. It was during World War I and II that the word ‘sniper’ began to be used commonly, whereas previously those who were armed with sniper rifles were referred to as sharpshooters or marksmen. These marksmen, wielding sniper rifles such as the Karabiner 98k and Mosin–Nagant Model 1891/30 sniper rifle, had a drastic and demoralizing effect on the battlefield. Soldiers would often remain hidden in foxholes or trenches so as not to expose themselves to the deadly accuracy of a sniper. Some soldiers even began to disregard orders from commanding officers to protect against potential harm, which thus broke down the chain of command on the battlefield. The sniper rifle soon acquired the reputation of being one of the most effective and ruthless weapons of war.
Though sniper rifles had proved to be extremely effective in combat, there was still a great reluctance in many militaries to adopt a trained sniper regiment. To effectively use a sniper rifle, a soldier had to go through particularly rigorous training, and most trainees did not make it past the first week. Sniper training was also so expensive to conduct that, even until as recently as 1970, the reasoning for having trained snipers as a part of an army was deemed questionable. In Britain, sniper rifles were not seen as being an integral part of an army until after the Germans boasted of their success with sniper teams during the early months of World War I. British army advisors supposed that the telescopic sights attached to sniper rifles were too easily damaged and thus not well suited for military use. However, they soon realized that these telescopic sights could be improved and made sturdy enough to withstand a sniper rifle shot.
Sniper rifles have continued to be used consistently throughout the later part of the 20th century in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East as an integral part of the modern style of guerrilla warfare.
21st century
The durability, accuracy and power of sniper rifles circa 2010 are beyond anything in use even ten years prior, and dwarf those of World War II sniper rifles. Modern sniper rifles are very reliable and are able to fire repeatedly without losing accuracy, whereas earlier sniper rifles were more liable to lose accuracy due to wear and tear. Sniper rifles continue to be adapted and improved upon, with the effective range of sniper rifles (c. 2001) exceeding 1,000 m (1,094 yd), making them one of the most accurate and efficient weapons in use.
Classification
Modern sniper rifles can be divided into two basic classes: military and law enforcement.
Military
Sniper rifles manufactured for military service are often designed for very high durability, range, reliability, sturdiness, serviceability, and repairability under adverse environmental and combat conditions, at the sacrifice of a small degree of accuracy. Military snipers and sharpshooters may also be required to carry their rifles and other equipment for long distances, making it important to minimize weight. Military organizations often operate under strict budget constraints, which influences the type and quality of sniper rifles they purchase.
Law enforcement
Sniper rifles built or modified for use in law enforcement are generally required to have the greatest possible accuracy, but do not need to have as long a range.
Law enforcement-specific rifles are usually used in non-combat (often urban) environments, so they do not have the requirement to be as hardy or portable as military versions; they may also be smaller due to the decrease in required range.
Some of the first sniper rifles designed specifically to meet police and other law-enforcement requirements were developed for West German police after the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. Many police services and law enforcement organizations (such as the U.S. Secret Service) now use rifles designed for law enforcement purposes.
The Heckler & Koch PSG1 is one rifle specifically designed to meet these criteria and is often referred to as an ideal example of this type of sniper rifle. The FN Special Police Rifle was built for, and is marketed to, law enforcement rather than military agencies.
Distinguishing characteristics
1 – Lead/deflection scale
2 – Main targeting chevron
3 – Bullet drop chevrons
4 – Rangefinder
The features of a sniper rifle can vary widely depending on the specific tasks it is intended to perform. Features that may distinguish a sniper rifle from other weapons are the presence of a telescopic sight, unusually long overall length, a stock designed for firing from a prone position, and the presence of a bipod and other accessories.
Telescopic sight
Perhaps the single most important characteristic that sets a sniper rifle apart from other military or police small arms is the mounting of a telescopic sight, which is relatively easy to distinguish from smaller optical aiming devices found on some modern assault rifles and submachine guns (such as reflector sights). The telescopic sights used on sniper rifles differ from other optical sights in that they offer much greater magnification (more than 4× and up to 40×) and have a much larger objective lens (40 to 50 mm in diameter) for a brighter image.
Most telescopic lenses employed in military or police roles also have special reticles to aid with judgment of distance, which is an important factor in accurate shot placement due to the bullet's trajectory.
Action
The choice between bolt-action and semi-automatic, usually recoil operation or gas operation for the latter, is usually determined by specific requirements of the sniper's role in a particular organization, with each design having advantages and disadvantages. For a given cartridge, a bolt-action rifle is cheaper to build and maintain, more reliable, and lighter, due to fewer moving parts in the mechanism. In addition, the absence of uncontrolled automatic cartridge case ejection helps avoid revealing the shooter's position. Semi-automatic weapons can serve both as a battle rifle and sniper rifle, and allow for a greater rate (and hence volume) of fire. As such rifles may be modified service rifles, an additional benefit can be commonality of operation with the issued infantry rifle. A bolt action is most commonly used in both military and police roles due to its higher accuracy and ease of maintenance. Special forces operators tend to prefer semi-automatic rifles over bolt-action rifles for certain applications such as detonating unexploded ordnance from a safe distance and penetrating reinforced structures that enemy combatants are using as cover.
A designated marksman rifle (DMR) is less specialized than a typical military sniper rifle, often only intended to extend the range of a group of soldiers. Therefore, when a semi-automatic action is used, it is due to an overlap with the roles of standard-issue weapons. There may also be additional logistical advantages if the DMR uses the same ammunition as the more common standard-issue weapons. These rifles enable a higher volume of fire, but sacrifice some long-range accuracy. They are frequently built from existing selective fire battle rifles or assault rifles, often simply by adding a telescopic sight and adjustable stock.
A police semi-automatic sniper rifle may be used in situations that require a single sniper to engage multiple targets in quick succession; military semi-automatics, such as the M110 SASS, are used in similar "target-rich" environments.
Magazine
In a military setting, logistical concerns are the primary determinant of the cartridge used, so sniper rifles are usually limited to rifle cartridges commonly used by the military force employing the rifle and match grade ammunition. Since large national militaries generally change slowly, military rifle ammunition is frequently battle-tested and well-studied by ammunition and firearms experts. Consequently, police forces tend to follow military practices in choosing a sniper rifle cartridge instead of trying to break new ground with less-perfected (but possibly better) ammunition.
Before the introduction of the standard 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) cartridge in the 1950s, standard military cartridges were the .30-06 Springfield (7.62×63mm) (United States), .303 British (7.7×56mmR) (United Kingdom), and 7.92×57 mm Mauser (Germany). The .30-06 Springfield continued in service with U.S. Marine Corps snipers during the Vietnam War in the 1970s, well after general adoption of the 7.62×51mm. At the present time, in both the Western world and within NATO, the 7.62×51mm is currently the primary cartridge of choice for military and police sniper rifles.
Worldwide, the trend is similar. The preferred sniper cartridge in Russia is another .30 caliber military cartridge, the 7.62×54mmR, which has slightly superior performance to the 7.62×51mm, although the rimmed design limits reliability compared to the latter cartridge. This cartridge was introduced in 1891, and both Russian sniper rifles of the modern era, the Mosin–Nagant and the SVD, are chambered for it.
Certain commercial cartridges designed with only performance in mind, without the logistical constraints of most armies, have also gained popularity in the 1990s. These include the 7mm Remington Magnum (7.2×64mm), .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62×67mm), and the .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70mm). These cartridges offer better ballistic performance and greater effective range than the 7.62×51mm. Though they are not as powerful as .50 caliber cartridges, rifles chambered for these cartridges are not as heavy as those chambered for .50 caliber ammunition, and are significantly more powerful than rifles chambered for 7.62×51mm.
Snipers may also employ anti-materiel rifles in sniping roles against targets such as vehicles, equipment and structures, or for the long-range destruction of explosive devices; these rifles may also be used against personnel.
Anti-materiel rifles tend to be semi-automatic and of a larger caliber than other rifles, using cartridges such as the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm), 12.7×108mm, 14.5×114mm, and 20mm. These large cartridges are required to be able to fire projectiles containing payloads such as explosives, armor-piercing cores, incendiaries or combinations of these, such as the Raufoss Mk 211 projectile. Due to the considerable size and weight of anti-materiel rifles, two- or three-man sniper teams become necessary.
Barrel
Barrels are normally of precise manufacture and of a heavier cross section than more traditional barrels, in order to reduce the change in impact points between a first shot from a cold barrel and a follow-up shot from a warm barrel. Unlike many battle and assault rifles, the bores are usually not chromed to avoid inaccuracy due to an uneven treatment.
When installed, barrels are often free-floating—installed so that the barrel contacts the rest of the rifle only at the receiver. A free-floating barrel avoids contact with the fore-end of the stock by the barrel itself, sling, bipod, or the sniper's hands that can interfere with barrel harmonics. The end of the barrel is usually crowned or machined to form a rebated area around the muzzle proper to avoid asymmetry or damage, and consequent inaccuracy.
External longitudinal fluting that contributes to heat dissipation by increasing the surface area, while simultaneously decreasing the weight of the barrel, is sometimes used on sniper rifle barrels.
Sniper-rifle barrels may also utilize a threaded muzzle or combination device (muzzle brake or flash suppressor and attachment mount) to allow the fitting of a suppressor. These suppressors often have a means of adjusting the point of impact while fitted.
Military sniper rifles tend to have barrel lengths of 610 mm (24 in) or longer to allow the cartridge propellant to fully burn, reducing the amount of revealing muzzle flash and increasing muzzle velocity. Police sniper rifles may use shorter barrels to improve handling characteristics. The shorter barrels' muzzle velocity loss is unimportant at closer ranges; the impact velocity of the bullet is more than sufficient.
Stock
The most common special feature of a sniper rifle stock is the adjustable cheek piece, where the shooter's cheek meets the rear of the stock. For most rifles equipped with a telescopic sight, this area is raised slightly because the telescope is positioned higher than iron sights, and can sometimes be adjusted up or down to suit the individual shooter. To further aid this individual fitting, the stock can sometimes also be adjusted for length, often by varying the number of inserts at the rear of the stock where it meets the shooter's shoulder. If the stock is manufactured from wood, environmental conditions or operational use may warp the wood, causing slight alignment or barrel harmonics changes over time and altering the point of impact. Stocks manufactured from polymers and metal alloys are less susceptible to point of impact shifting from environmental conditions. Sniper stocks are typically designed to avoid making contact with the barrel of the weapon to minimize the effects of environmental inconstancies. Modern sniper rifle stocks tend to be designed around a rigid chassis, offer user adjustability to allow shooters of various sizes and shapes to tailor the stock to their personal preferences, and modular attachment points to accommodate low-light and daylight aiming optics, laser designators, and other accessories without the need for custom-made mounting interface kits.
-
Steyr SSG 69 PI (1969) with classic shaped polymer stock with removable spacers to adjust the length of pull.
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L42A1 (1970) with classic shaped wooden stock with cheek piece and free floating barrel. The L42A1 was a conversion of Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk1(T) and No. 4 Mk1*(T) World War II-era British sniper rifles.
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M24 SWS (1988) with classic shaped polymer stock with adjustable length of pull.
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Accuracy International AWM (1996) based on an aluminum alloy chassis stock with fully adjustable side-folding thumb hole polymer stock side panels and custom Picatinny rail mounting interface.
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M2010 ESR (2011) "M24 SWS total conversion upgrade" based on an aluminum alloy chassis stock with fully adjustable side-folding buttstock and tubular handguard offering rail integration system attachment points.
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Barrett MRAD (MK 22 PSR) (2013) multi-caliber modular sniper rifle based on an aluminum alloy chassis stock with fully adjustable side-folding buttstock and a front offering rail interface system attachment points, with mounted Picatinny rails for tactical attachments.
Accessories
An adjustable sling is often fitted on the rifle, used by the sniper to achieve better stability when standing, kneeling, or sitting. The sniper uses the sling to "lock in" by wrapping their non-firing arm into the sling, keeping that arm still.
Non-static weapon mounts, such as bipods, monopods, and shooting sticks, are also regularly used to aid and improve stability and reduce operator fatigue.
Shooting bags are also commonly used to help stabilize the rifle or to provide an adjustable base.
Capabilities
Accuracy
A military-issue battle rifle or assault rifle is usually capable of between 3–6 minute of angle (0.9–1.7 milliradian) accuracy. A standard-issue military sniper rifle is typically capable of 1–3 MOA (0.3–0.9 mrad) accuracy, with a police sniper rifle capable of 0.25–1.5 MOA (0.1–0.4 mrad) accuracy. For comparison, a competition target or benchrest rifle may be capable of accuracy up to 0.15–0.3 MOA (0.04–0.09 mrad).
A 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) average extreme spread (the center-to-center distance between the two most distant bullet holes) for a 5-shot group translates into a 69% probability that the bullet's point of impact will be in a target circle with a diameter of 23.3 cm (9.2 in) at 800 m (875 yd). This average extreme spread for a 5-shot group and the accompanying hit probability are considered sufficient for effectively hitting a human at an 800-meter distance.
In 1982, a U.S. Army draft requirement for a Sniper Weapon System was: "The System will: (6) Have an accuracy of no more than 0.75 MOA (0.2 mrad) for a 5-shot group at 1,500 meters when fired from a supported, non-benchrest position". The M24 Sniper Weapon System adopted in 1988 has a stated maximum effective range of 800 meters and a maximum allowed average mean radius (AMR) of 1.9 inches at 300 yards from a machine rest, which corresponds to a 0.6 MOA (0.17 mrad) extreme spread for a 5-shot group when using 7.62×51mm M118 Special Ball cartridges.
A 2008 United States military market survey for a Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) called for 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) extreme vertical spread for all shots in a 5-round group fired at targets at 300, 600, 900, 1,200 and 1,500 meters. In 2009, a United States Special Operations Command market survey called for a 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) extreme vertical spread for all shots in a 10-round group fired at targets at 300, 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 meters. The 2009 Precision Sniper Rifle requirements state that the PSR, when fired without a suppressor, shall provide a confidence factor of 80% that the weapon and ammunition combination is capable of holding 1 MOA (0.28 mrad) extreme vertical spread, calculated from 150 ten-round groups that were fired unsuppressed. No individual group was to exceed 1.5 MOA (0.42 mrad) extreme vertical spread. All accuracy was taken at the 1,500 meter point.
In 2008, the US military adopted the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, which has a maximum allowed extreme spread of 1.8 MOA (0.5 mrad) for a 5-shot group on 300 feet, using M118LR ammunition or equivalent. In 2010, the maximum bullet dispersion requirement for the M24 .300 Winchester Magnum corresponded to 1.4 MOA (0.39 mrad) extreme spread for 5 shot group on 100 meters. In 2011, the US military adapted the .300 Winchester Magnum M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle, which had to meet an accuracy requirement to fire ≤ 1 MOA/0.28 mrad (less than a 2-inch shot group at 200 yards) before being released for fielding.
Although accuracy standards for police rifles do not widely exist, rifles are frequently seen with accuracy levels from 0.5 to 1.5 MOA (0.2–0.5 mrad). For typical policing situations, an extreme spread accuracy level no better than 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) is usually all that is required, as police typically employ their rifles at shorter ranges. At 100 m (109 yd) or less, a rifle with a relatively low accuracy of only 1 MOA (0.3 mrad) should be able to repeatedly hit a 3 cm (1.2 inch) target. A 3 cm diameter target is smaller than the brain stem, which is targeted by police snipers for its quick killing effect.
Maximum effective range
| Cartridge | Maximum effective range (m) |
|---|---|
| 5.45×39mm | 600–800 |
| 5.56×45mm NATO | 600–800 |
| 7.62×51mm NATO | 800–1,000 |
| 7.62×54mmR | 800–1,000 |
| .300 Winchester Magnum | 900–1,200 |
| .338 Lapua Magnum | 1,200–1,500 |
| 12.7×99mm NATO | 1,500–2,000 |
| 12.7×108mm | 1,500–2,000 |
| 14.5×114mm | 1,800–2,300 |
Unlike police sniper rifles, military sniper rifles tend to be employed at the greatest possible distances, so that range advantages, like an increased difficulty to spot and engage the sniper, can be exploited.
The most popular military sniper rifles (in terms of numbers in service) are chambered for 7.62 mm (0.30 inch) caliber ammunition, such as 7.62×51mm and 7.62×54mm R. Since sniper rifles of this class must compete with several other types of military weapons with similar range, snipers invariably must employ skilled fieldcraft to conceal their position.
The recent trend in specialized military sniper rifles is towards larger calibers that offer relatively favorable hit probabilities at greater range with anti-personnel cartridges, such as .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, and anti-materiel cartridges, such as 12.7×99mm, 12.7×108mm, and 14.5×114mm. This allows snipers to take fewer risks and spend less time finding concealment when facing enemies that are not equipped with similar weapons.
Maximum range claims made by military organizations and materiel manufacturers regarding sniper weapon systems are not based on consistent or strictly scientific criteria. The problem is that the bullet only interacts after a relatively long flight path with the target (which can also be a materiel target for a sniper bullet). This implies that variables such as the minimal required hit probability, local atmospheric conditions, properties and velocity of the employed bullet (parts), properties of the target, and the desired terminal effect are major relevant factors that determine the maximum effective range of the employed system.
See also
- List of sniper rifles
- Longest recorded sniper kills
- Long range shooting
- Precision-guided firearm
- Fully powered cartridge
- Related military roles
- Related military weapons
- Anti-materiel rifle
- Anti-tank rifle
- Assault rifle
- Battle rifle
- Carbine rifle
- Designated marksman rifle
Notes
- "Whitworth Rifle".
- Minutes of proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Volume 19. Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain).
- Pegler, Martin (2011). Out of Nowhere: A history of the military sniper, from the Sharpshooter to Afghanistan. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781849088756. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- Raudzens, George (1990). "War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History". The Journal of Military History, vol. 54, no. 4, p. 415.
- "Lovat Scouts, Sharpshooters – United Kingdom". 20 March 2020.
- Pegler, Martin. Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2010, p. 31.
- Pegler, Martin (2010). Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 36
- Pegler, Martin (2004). Out Of Nowhere: A History Of The Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 222.
- ^ "Telescopic Sights For Rifles." The British Medical Journal. vol. 1, no. 2891, 1916, p. 765.
- Pegler, Martin (2004). Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 16.
- Pegler, Martin. Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2004, p. 19.
- Pegler, Martin (2004). Out Of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, pp. 19–20.
- Raudzens, George (1990). "War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History". The Journal of Military History. vol. 54, no. 4, p. 420.
- ^ Pegler, Martin (2010). Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 6.
- Lebleu, Jon (2008). Long Rifle: One Man's Deadly Sniper Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Guilford: The Lyons Press, p. 11.
- Pegler, Martin (2010). Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, p. 75.
- ^ Popenker, Max (2001). "Modern sniper rifles". World Guns.
- Plaster, John L. (1993). The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers: "The information about counter-sniper operations describes techniques for identifying snipers amongst groups of other soldiers. The most easily recognizable feature of a sniper from a great distance is the fact that the sniper's rifle is longer than all the others".
- Williams, Anthony G. Cartridges for Long-Range Sniping Rifles.
- Lee, Tae-Woo (2009). Military Technologies of the World. Vol. 2. Praeger Security International. p. 237. ISBN 978-0275995393.
- ^ Wheeler, Robert E. "Statistical notes on rifle group patterns" (PDF). bobwheeler.com. p. 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 September 2006. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- Weaver, Jonathan M. Jr. (May 1990). "AMSAA Technical Report No. 461" (PDF). U.S. Army Materiel System Analysis Activity. p. 166. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 December 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ^ "рассеивание попаданий. кучность. показатели и зависимость". Enotus (in Russian). 4 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- "MIL-R-71126(AR)". everyspec.com. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- "US Special Operations Considers A ".338" Sniper Rifle". Tactical Gun Fan. OutdoorsFan Media. InterMedia Outdoors, Inc. 27 June 2008. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- Byrd, Richard A (17 June 2008). "Precession Sniper Rifle – Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR". Fbo.gov. Federal Service Desk. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- Weaver, Verdetta J.; Lewis, Dorothy E. (13 February 2009). "Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) – Solicitation Number: H92222-09-PSR2". Fbo.gov. Federal Service Desk. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- Beckstrand, Tom (1 July 2009). "SOCOM PSR Contenders". Tactical-life.com. Harris Tactical Group. Archived from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- "Precision Sniper Rifles Systems (PSR) Draft Go/No-Go Requirements" (PDF). Fbo.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- "Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Vendor Questionnaire" (PDF). Fbo.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- "MIL-PRF-32316 (w/Amendment 1), Performance Specification: Rifle, 7.62mm: Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) – M110 (05 Oct 2009)". everyspec.com. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
- Street, David (19 October 2009). "M24 Sniper Weapon System Reconfiguration". Fbo.gov. Federal Service Desk. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- "XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle / M2010 ESR (USA)". World Guns. 24 December 2010. Archived from the original on 29 December 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- Johnson, Dan (February 2005). "Precision Pair". Guns & Ammo. Primedia Enthusiast Magazine. Archived from the original on 27 April 2005. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
The FBI, a national-level policing organization, has recently specified an accuracy level of 0.5 MOA for 5 shots at 100 yd for sniper rifles issued to their SWAT teams
- Bartlett, Derrick D. "Police Sniper Utilization Survey". Swat Digest. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007.
Minimum documented range is 5 yards, maximum documented range is 187 yards: Police Sniper Utilization Survey, American Sniper Association, 2006, full report available to military and law enforcement agencies only.
- "Sniper Utilization Survey". American Sniper Association. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
Some information publicly available from The Ultimate Sniper: an Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers, Major John Plaster, 1993.
- Plaster, John (September 1990). "Police Sniper Training". The Police Operations Page. Minnesota National Guard Counter Sniper School. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- Approximate maximum effective ranges of common cartridges when used in an adequately accurate rifle system with special long-range high accuracy ammunition at International Standard Atmosphere sea level conditions Common Calibers Used by Snipers
References
- Tobias, Ronald (1981). They Shoot to Kill: A Psycho-History of Criminal Sniping. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-207-4.
- De Haas, Frank (1995). Bolt Action Rifles. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-168-8.
- Lebleu, Jon (2008). Long Rifle: One Man's Deadly Sniper Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Guilford: The Lyons Press. ISBN 978-1599214405.
- Pegler, Martin (2004). Out of Nowhere: A History of the Military Sniper. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1846031403.
- Pegler, Martin (2010). Sniper Rifles: From the 19th to the 21st Century. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1849083980.
- "Minutes of proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers". 19. Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain). 1860.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - Raudzens, George (1990). "War-Winning Weapons: The Measurement of Technological Determinism in Military History". The Journal of Military History. 54 (4): 403–434. doi:10.2307/1986064. JSTOR 1986064.
- "Telescopic Sights for Rifles". 1 (2891). The British Medical Journal. 1916: 765.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - Popenker, Max (2001). "Modern Sniper Rifles".
- Violence Policy Center (May 1999). "One Shot, One Kill: Civilian Sales of Military Sniper Rifles" (PDF).
{{cite web}}:|author1=has generic name (help)
External links
- Modern Firearms list of sniper rifles
- SniperCentral list of sniper rifles
- Tack Driving Tactical Rifle from Tac Ops – Detailed overview of the accurization process for a .25 MOA rifle
- Detailed accuracy articles, by barrel maker Dan Lilja
- Detail of Russian snipers and sniper rifles of World War Two by Chris Eger, military historian
- demigodllc.com: Practical long-range rifle shooting
- Five-minute Sniper 101 Tutorial, Colonial Days to Present
- Russian will soon have a new sniper rifle 'the Tochnost'