Contact phone number:+94 (0)552 223 719 / (0)552 222 810

Contact email:

Sniper Gun

July 9, 2023

Sniper Gun: A High-Precision, Long-Range Weapon

A sniper gun, also known as a sniper rifle, is a high-precision, long-range weapon that is used by military and law enforcement snipers and marksmen. A sniper gun typically has a telescopic sight for extreme accuracy, a long barrel for high velocity and stability, and a powerful cartridge for effective penetration and range. A sniper gun can be either bolt-action or semi-automatic, depending on the preference and mission of the shooter.

Sniper guns are used for various purposes, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-personnel, anti-material, and anti-tank operations. Sniper guns have several advantages over other weapons, such as being able to hit targets from a safe distance, being able to engage multiple targets with minimal ammunition expenditure, being able to deliver precise and lethal shots with minimal collateral damage, and being able to create psychological pressure on the enemy. However, sniper guns also have some disadvantages, such as being heavy and bulky to carry and conceal, being dependent on external factors such as weather and wind conditions, being vulnerable to counter-sniper tactics and detection devices, and requiring extensive training and skill to operate effectively.

History of Sniper Guns

The history of sniper guns can be traced back to the 19th century, when the first long-range rifles were developed. One of the earliest examples of a sniper rifle was the Whitworth rifle, designed by Sir Joseph Whitworth in 1854. It used hexagonal polygonal rifling, which improved the accuracy and range of the bullet. The Whitworth rifle was able to hit targets at a distance of 2,000 yards (1.8 km), while the standard rifle of the time, the Pattern 1853 Enfield, could only reach 1,400 yards (1.3 km) . The Whitworth rifle was used by Confederate sharpshooters during the American Civil War, who were able to kill Union officers and artillery crews from afar .

Another important innovation in the history of sniper guns was the introduction of optical sights or scopes. During the Crimean War (1853-1856), British snipers used telescopic sights produced by Chance Brothers of Birmingham to improve their accuracy and range . However, these scopes were fixed and could not be adjusted for different distances or conditions. It was not until the late 19th century that adjustable scopes were invented by John Unertl and William Malcolm . These scopes allowed snipers to adjust their magnification, elevation, windage, and parallax according to their target.

The development of smokeless powder in the late 19th century also had a significant impact on the evolution of sniper guns. Smokeless powder reduced the muzzle flash and smoke produced by firing a rifle, making it harder for the enemy to locate the shooter. Smokeless powder also increased the muzzle velocity and range of the bullet, making it more effective at long distances. Smokeless powder was widely used by both sides during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), where British snipers faced off against Boer marksmen armed with Mauser Model 1895 rifles . The Mauser rifle had a five-round magazine that allowed for faster reloading than the single-shot Lee-Metford rifle used by the British .

During the world wars and other conflicts in the

20th and 21st centuries, sniper guns became more advanced and sophisticated, as new technologies and designs were introduced. Some of the notable sniper guns used in these wars were the Springfield M1903, the Mosin-Nagant M91/30, the Karabiner 98k, the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (T), the M1 Garand, the M1C and M1D, the M14, the M21, the Dragunov SVD, the Remington M40, the Accuracy International L96A1, the Barrett M82, the McMillan Tac-50, the CheyTac Intervention, and the Accuracy International AS50 . These sniper guns varied in their caliber, action, magazine capacity, effective range, weight, and length. Some of them were specially designed for sniping purposes, while others were modified versions of standard infantry rifles.

Types of Sniper Guns

Sniper guns can be classified into different types based on their action, caliber, and role. The most common types of sniper guns are bolt-action and semi-automatic sniper rifles.

Bolt-Action vs Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifles

A bolt-action sniper rifle is a type of sniper gun that requires the shooter to manually operate a bolt mechanism to load and eject each round. A bolt-action sniper rifle usually has a higher accuracy and reliability than a semi-automatic sniper rifle, as it has fewer moving parts and less recoil. However, a bolt-action sniper rifle also has a slower rate of fire and requires more time to reload than a semi-automatic sniper rifle. A bolt-action sniper rifle is suitable for long-range engagements where precision and consistency are more important than speed and volume of fire. Some examples of bolt-action sniper rifles are the Remington M24, the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare, and the Barrett M95 .

A semi-automatic sniper rifle is a type of sniper gun that uses a self-loading mechanism to load and eject each round. A semi-automatic sniper rifle has a faster rate of fire and a larger magazine capacity than a bolt-action sniper rifle, as it does not require manual operation of the bolt. However, a semi-automatic sniper rifle also has a lower accuracy and reliability than a bolt-action sniper rifle, as it has more moving parts and more recoil. A semi-automatic sniper rifle is suitable for medium-range engagements where speed and volume of fire are more important than precision and consistency. Some examples of semi-automatic sniper rifles are the M110 SASS, the Dragunov SVD, and the FN SCAR-H .

Caliber and Ammunition Choices

The caliber of a sniper gun refers to the diameter of the bullet or the bore of the barrel. The caliber affects the performance and characteristics of the bullet, such as its velocity, energy, trajectory, penetration, and terminal effects. The caliber also determines the type and availability of ammunition for the sniper gun. The most common calibers for sniper guns are .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62x67mm), .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6x70mm), .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO), and .408 CheyTac (10.36x77mm) . These calibers offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on the intended range and target of the shooter.

The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular calibers for sniper guns, as it offers a good balance between accuracy, range, recoil, and availability. The .308 Winchester can effectively engage targets up to 800 meters away with minimal drop and drift . However, beyond this distance, the .308 Winchester loses its accuracy and energy due to its relatively low velocity and ballistic coefficient.

The .300 Winchester Magnum is a magnum caliber that offers a higher velocity and energy than the .308 Winchester. The .300 Winchester Magnum can effectively engage targets up to 1,200 meters away with less drop and drift . However, it also has more recoil and muzzle blast than the .308 Winchester, td>Bolt-action .338 Lapua Magnum 5 or 10 rounds 1,500 m 6.8 kg 1.3 m Barrett M82 USA Bolt-action .50 BMG 10 rounds 2,000 m 13.6 kg 1.45 m or 1.15 m (with barrel reduced) CheyTac Intervention USA Bolt-action .408 CheyTac or .375 CheyTac 7 rounds 2,500 m 14 kg or 12 kg (with carbon fiber barrel) 1.4 m or 1.2 m (with stock retracted) >

The following is a brief description of each sniper rifle and its specifications.

Remington M24 >

The Remington M24 is the standard sniper rifle of the US Army since 1988. It is based on the Remington 700 hunting rifle, but with several modifications, such as a heavy free-floating barrel, a Leupold Mark IV scope, a Harris bipod, and a fiberglass stock. The Remington M24 fires the .308 Winchester cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 853 m/s and an effective range of 800 m. The Remington M24 has a bolt-action mechanism, which means that the shooter has to manually operate the bolt to load and eject each round. The Remington M24 has a magazine capacity of five rounds, which can be loaded individually or with a stripper clip. The Remington M24 weighs 5.4 kg and has a length of 1.09 m.

Accuracy International Arctic Warfare

The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare is a family of sniper rifles designed by the British company Accuracy International. It was originally developed for the British military in 1982, and since then it has been adopted by many other countries and organizations, such as Germany, Sweden, Australia, Canada, and NATO. The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare is known for its high accuracy and reliability in harsh environments, such as cold and wet conditions. The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare can fire different calibers, such as the .308 Winchester, the .300 Winchester Magnum, and the .338 Lapua Magnum, depending on the model and configuration. The muzzle velocity and effective range vary according to the caliber, but generally range from 800 m to 1,500 m. The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare has a bolt-action mechanism, which means that the shooter has to manually operate the bolt to load and eject each round. The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare has a magazine capacity of five or ten rounds, depending on the caliber and model. The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare weighs between 6.5 kg and 7.8 kg and has a length between 1.18 m and 1.25 m.

Dragunov SVD

The Dragunov SVD is the standard sniper rifle of the Russian military since 1963. It was designed by Evgeny Dragunov as a semi-automatic sniper rifle that could be used by regular infantry units as well as specialized snipers. The Dragunov SVD fires the 7.62x54mmR cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 830 m/s and an effective range of 800 m. The Dragunov SVD has a semi-automatic mechanism, which means that it uses a gas-operated system to load and eject each round automatically after each trigger pull. The Dragunov SVD has a magazine capacity of ten rounds, which can be loaded individually or with a stripper clip. The Dragunov SVD weighs 4.3 kg and has a length of 1.22 m.

M110 SASS

The M110 SASS is the standard semi-automatic sniper rifle of the US Army since 2008. It is based on the Knight’s Armament Company SR-25 rifle, but with several modifications, such as a Leupold Mark IV scope, a Harris bipod, a suppressor, and an adjustable stock. The M110 SASS fires the .308 Winchester cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 792 m/s and an effective range of 800 m. The M110 SASS has a semi-automatic mechanism, which means that it uses a gas-operated system to load and eject each round automatically after each trigger pull. The M110 SASS has a magazine capacity of ten or twenty rounds, depending on the model and configuration. The M110 SASS weighs 6.8 kg and has a length of 1.09 m or 0.94 m (with stock folded).

M40A5

The M40A5 is the standard bolt-action sniper rifle of the US Marine Corps since 2009. It is based on the Remington 700 hunting rifle, but with several modifications, such as a Schneider barrel, a Schmidt & Bender scope, a Badger Ordnance detachable magazine system, and a McMillan fiberglass stock. The M40A5 fires the .308 Winchester cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 853 m/s and an effective range of 800 m. The M40A5 has a bolt-action mechanism, which means that the shooter has to manually operate the bolt to load and eject each round. The M40A5 has a magazine capacity of five rounds, which can be loaded individually or with a stripper clip. The M40A5 weighs 7.5 kg and has a length of 1.11 m.

L115A3/AWM-F

The L115A3/AWM-F is the standard bolt-action sniper rifle of the British military since 2008. It is based on the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum rifle, but with several modifications, such as a Schmidt & Bender scope, a folding stock, a suppressor, and a bipod. The L115A3/AWM-F fires the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 936 m/s and an effective range of 1,500 m. The L115A3/AWM-F has a bolt-action mechanism, which means that the shooter has to manually operate the bolt to load and eject each round. The L115A3/AWM-F has a magazine capacity of five or ten rounds, depending on the model and configuration. The L115A3/AWM-F weighs 6.8 kg and has a length of 1.3 m.

Barrett M82

The Barrett M82 is the standard anti-material sniper rifle of the US military since 1989. It is designed by Ronnie Barrett as a semi-automatic rifle that can fire the .50 BMG cartridge, which can penetrate and destroy vehicles, buildings, and equipment. The Barrett M82 fires the .50 BMG cartridge, which has a muzzle velocity of 853 m/s and an effective range of 2,000 m. The Barrett M82 has a semi-automatic mechanism, which means that it uses a recoil-operated system to load and eject each round automatically after each trigger pull. The Barrett M82 has a magazine capacity of ten rounds, which can be loaded individually or with a stripper clip. The Barrett M82 weighs 13.6 kg and has a length of 1.45 m or 1.15 m (with barrel reduced).

CheyTac Intervention

The CheyTac Intervention is a relatively new bolt-action sniper rifle that was introduced in 2001 by CheyTac LLC. It is designed to achieve extreme accuracy and range by using the .408 CheyTac or .375 CheyTac cartridges, which have high ballistic coefficients and low drag coefficients. The CheyTac Intervention fires the .408 CheyTac or .375 CheyTac cartridges, which have muzzle velocities of 884 m/s or 930 m/s and effective ranges of 2,500 m or 2,300 m respectively. The CheyTac Intervention has a bolt-action mechanism, which means that the shooter has to manually operate the bolt to load and eject each round. The CheyTac Intervention has a magazine capacity of seven rounds, which can be loaded individually or with a stripper clip. The CheyTac Intervention weighs 14 kg or 12 kg (with carbon fiber barrel) and has a length of 1.4 m or 1.2 m (with stock retracted).

Conclusion

Sniper guns are high-precision, long-range weapons that are used by military and law enforcement snipers and marksmen for various purposes, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-personnel, anti-material, and anti-tank operations. Sniper guns have several advantages over other weapons, such as being able to hit targets from a safe distance, being able to engage multiple targets with minimal ammunition expenditure, being able to deliver precise and lethal shots with minimal collateral damage, and being able to create psychological pressure on the enemy. However, sniper guns also have some disadvantages, such as being heavy and bulky to carry and conceal, being dependent on external factors such as weather and wind conditions, being vulnerable to counter-sniper tactics and detection devices, and requiring extensive training and skill to operate effectively.

Sniper guns have a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 19th century, when the first long-range rifles were developed. Since then, sniper guns have evolved and improved, as new technologies and designs were introduced. Sniper guns can be classified into different types based on their action, caliber, and role. Some of the most famous and widely used sniper rifles in the world are the Remington M24, the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare, the Dragunov SVD, the M110 SASS, the M40A5, the L115A3/AWM-F, the Barrett M82, and the CheyTac Intervention. These sniper rifles vary in their specifications and performance, but they all share the same purpose: to deliver accurate and deadly shots from a long distance.

Sniper guns are not only weapons, but also tools of art and science. They require a high level of skill, knowledge, and discipline to master. They also require a high level of respect, responsibility, and ethics to use. Sniper guns are not for everyone, but for those who choose to use them, they offer a unique and rewarding experience.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about sniper guns:

  • What is the difference between a sniper gun and a hunting rifle?
  • A sniper gun is a specialized weapon that is designed for military or law enforcement sniping purposes, while a hunting rifle is a general-purpose weapon that is designed for hunting or recreational shooting. A sniper gun usually has a higher accuracy, range, power, and durability than a hunting rifle, but also a higher weight, cost, and complexity. A sniper gun also usually has a telescopic sight for extreme precision, while a hunting rifle may have an iron sight or a low-power scope for moderate accuracy.

  • What is the longest confirmed kill by a sniper gun?
  • The longest confirmed kill by a sniper gun was achieved by an unnamed Canadian sniper from Joint Task Force 2 in 2017. He shot an Islamic State fighter in Iraq from a distance of 3,540 meters (3.87 km) with a McMillan Tac-50 rifle . The previous record was held by British sniper Craig Harrison, who shot two Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan from a distance of 2,475 meters (2.71 km) with a L115A3 rifle in 2009 .

  • What are some of the skills and techniques required for sniping?
  • Some of the skills and techniques required for sniping are:

    • Marksmanship: The ability to shoot accurately and consistently with a sniper gun.
    • Ballistics: The knowledge of how bullets behave in flight and how to adjust for factors such as gravity, wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude.
    • Camouflage: The ability to conceal oneself and one’s equipment from visual and thermal detection.
    • Observation: The ability to spot and identify targets and potential threats using various devices such as binoculars, rangefinders, night vision goggles, and thermal imagers.
    • Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with one’s spotter or team using radio or hand signals.
    • Patience: The ability to wait for the right moment to take the shot or abort the mission.
    • Mental toughness: The ability to cope with stress, fatigue, isolation, boredom, and moral dilemmas.
  • What are some of the ethical and legal issues surrounding sniping?
  • Some of the ethical and legal issues surrounding sniping are:

    • The use of lethal force: Sniping involves killing or injuring human beings, which raises questions about the morality and legality of such actions. Snipers must follow the rules of engagement and the laws of war, as well as their own conscience and values.
    • The collateral damage: Sniping may cause unintended harm to innocent civilians or non-combatants, either directly or indirectly. Snipers must take measures to minimize the risk of collateral damage, such as verifying their targets, choosing their locations, and using appropriate ammunition.
    • The psychological impact: Sniping may have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of both the snipers and their targets. Snipers may experience stress, guilt, remorse, or trauma from killing or witnessing death. Targets may experience fear, anxiety, or paranoia from being under threat or attack. Snipers must seek professional help and support if they suffer from any psychological problems.
  • What are some of the best movies and books about sniping?
  • Some of the best movies and books about sniping are:

    • American Sniper (2014): A biographical film based on the memoir of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history.
    • Enemy at the Gates (2001): A historical film based on the book by William Craig, depicting the duel between Soviet sniper Vasily Zaytsev and German sniper Erwin König during the Battle of Stalingrad.
    • Shooter (2007): An action thriller film based on the novel Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter, starring Mark Wahlberg as a former Marine sniper who is framed for an assassination attempt.
    • Sniper: The Ultimate Competition (1993): A documentary film that follows the US Army International Sniper Competition, featuring interviews and footage of the participants and their skills.
    • Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills (1983): A biographical book by Charles Henderson, chronicling the life and career of Carlos Hathcock, one of the most legendary snipers in US military history.
    • One Shot One Kill (1990): A historical book by Charles Sasser and Craig Roberts, recounting the stories and exploits of various snipers from different wars and conflicts.
    • I, Sniper (2009): A fiction book by Stephen Hunter, featuring Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine sniper who is hired to investigate a series of sniper killings. >

    >

    bc1a9a207d

0 Comment on this Article

Comment closed!