What Guns Do Snipers Use?
Snipers are highly trained marksmen who use specialized firearms to engage targets from a distance. The choice of firearm for a sniper is critical, as it requires a weapon that is accurate, reliable, and capable of operating in a variety of environments. In this article, we will explore the different types of guns used by snipers and examine their characteristics.
Rifle Selection
Snipers use rifles that are specifically designed for long-range precision shooting. These rifles are typically chambered in a high-powered cartridge, such as.308 Winchester or.338 Lapua Magnum. The rifle is usually fitted with a high-powered scope, such as a scope with a magnification power of 10-20x.
bolt-action rifles
Bolt-action rifles are the most common type of rifle used by snipers. They are known for their reliability and accuracy. The rifle is loaded by manually rotating the bolt, which extracts the spent cartridge and chamber the next round.
- Examples of bolt-action rifles used by snipers:
- M40A3 (United States)
- L96A1 (United Kingdom)
- PSO-1 (Russia)
- Sako TRG-42 (Finland)
Semi-Automatic Rifles
Semi-automatic rifles are also used by snipers, although they are less common. These rifles are known for their ability to fire multiple shots without reloading, which can be an advantage in a rapid-fire situation.
- Examples of semi-automatic rifles used by snipers:
- Barrett M82 (United States)
- McMillan Tac-50 (United States)
- Savage 110BA (United States)
Gas-operated Rifles
Gas-operated rifles are also used by snipers, although they are less common. These rifles use a portion of the expanding gas generated by the cartridge to cycle the action.
- Examples of gas-operated rifles used by snipers:
- Accuracy International AS50 (United Kingdom)
- Barrett M95 (United States)
Magazine-fed Rifles
Magazine-fed rifles are not commonly used by snipers, as they are often less accurate and reliable than bolt-action or gas-operated rifles.
- Examples of magazine-fed rifles used by snipers:
- Stoner SR-25 (United States)
- FAL (Belgium)
Scope Selection
Snipers use high-powered scopes with a magnification power of 10-20x. These scopes are designed to provide a clear image of the target and are often equipped with reticles that aid in target acquisition.
- Examples of scopes used by snipers:
- Schmidt & Bender 3-20×50 (Germany)
- Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25×50 (United States)
- Swarovski EL 10×42 (Austria)
Mount and Rail Selection
Snipers use a variety of mounts and rails to attach their scopes and other accessories to their rifles. These mounts and rails are designed to provide a secure and rigid platform for the scope.
- Examples of mounts and rails used by snipers:
- Warne Tactical Mount (United States)
- Troy Industries Rail (United States)
- Night Optics Mount (United States)
Accessories
Snipers use a variety of accessories to aid in their mission. These accessories include:
- Sling: A sling allows the sniper to carry the rifle comfortably and move quickly.
- Silencer: A silencer can reduce the noise and flash of the rifle, making it easier to shoot.
- Bi-pod: A bi-pod provides a stable platform for the rifle, allowing the sniper to shoot from unconventional positions.
- Targeting Laser: A targeting laser can aid the sniper in acquiring their target and adjusting for wind and range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, snipers use a variety of guns that are specifically designed for long-range precision shooting. The choice of firearm depends on the specific mission requirements and the preferences of the sniper. The rifle, scope, mount, and accessories all play a critical role in the sniper’s mission, and each component is carefully selected to provide a reliable and accurate shooting system.
