What Gun Did Chris Kyle Use for His Long Shot?
Chris Kyle, also known as the "American Sniper," was a former US Navy SEAL who served four tours of duty in Iraq. During his service, he was responsible for over 160 confirmed sniper kills, making him one of the most prolific snipers in US military history. One of the most impressive feats attributed to Kyle is his ability to take out targets from an extremely long distance, with reports suggesting that he hit enemies from as far as 1,800 yards (1,646 meters).
So, what gun did Chris Kyle use for his long shot?
Contents
The Weapon of Choice: The M82A1 Barrett.50cal
According to various sources, including Kyle’s autobiography, "American Sniper," the sniper rifle used for the long shot was the M82A1 Barrett.50cal. The Barrett M82A1 is a semi-automatic, long-range sniper rifle designed and manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. The rifle is chambered in.50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO), which is one of the most powerful rifle cartridges in the world.
Technical Specifications
Here are some key technical specifications of the M82A1 Barrett.50cal:
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches (50.8 cm) |
| Overall Length | 48 inches (121.9 cm) |
| Weight (empty) | 27.5 pounds (12.5 kg) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,700-2,800 fps (823-853 m/s) |
| Effective Range | Up to 2,000 yards (1,829 meters) |
The Scope of the Shot
To put Chris Kyle’s long shot into perspective, here are some calculations:
- Distance from target to Kyle: 1,800 yards (1,646 meters)
- Angle of elevation: approximately 5.5 degrees (using a ballistic calculator, taking into account the angle of the shot, air density, and wind resistance)
- Time of flight: approximately 7.5 seconds (the time it takes for the bullet to travel from the rifle to the target, considering the distance and the speed of the bullet)
- Bullet drop: approximately 75.4 inches (192.3 cm) (the drop of the bullet over the distance, considering the angle of elevation and air density)
The Story Behind the Shot
Chris Kyle wrote about the shot in his autobiography, "American Sniper." According to Kyle, the shot was taken from a rooftop in Fallujah, Iraq, where he was providing sniper cover for a team of SEALs. The target was a high-ranking enemy combatant, hiding in a building approximately 1,800 yards away.
Kyle recalled that the shot required careful planning, considering the distance, angle, and wind conditions. He adjusted the scope to account for the angle of elevation, and then fired the rifle. The bullet traveled through the air for 7.5 seconds, dropped approximately 75.4 inches, and hit its target with deadly accuracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Kyle used the M82A1 Barrett.50cal sniper rifle for his long shot from a distance of approximately 1,800 yards. The rifle’s technical specifications and the scope of the shot demonstrate the remarkable precision and accuracy required for such a feat. The story behind the shot highlights Chris Kyle’s exceptional skills and bravery as a sniper and demonstrates the importance of planning, precision, and dedication in achieving such remarkable long shots.
Sources:
- Kyle, C., & Scott, T. (2012). American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. HarperCollins.
- Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. (n.d.). M82A1 Barrett.50cal. Retrieved from https://www.barrett.net/products/m82a1-barrett-50cal/
- The Army Times. (n.d.). Chris Kyle, US Navy SEAL sniper, recounts Iraq war experiences. Retrieved from https://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/03/military-chris-kyle-sniper-iraq-war-031012w/
