What Gun Did Chris Kyle Use?
Chris Kyle, the late former US Navy SEAL and author of the bestselling book "American Sniper," is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and effective snipers in military history. His service in Iraq, where he served multiple tours of duty, is the subject of much attention and scrutiny. One question that has garnered significant interest is: What gun did Chris Kyle use?
Early Days: M40 Sniper Rifle
Chris Kyle’s early experience with sniping began with the M40 Sniper Rifle, a.308 Winchester caliber rifle used by the US military. The M40 was a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed power scope and was known for its accuracy and reliability. Kyle trained with the M40 during his early days as a SEAL, learning the basics of sniping and marksmanship.
Introduction to the Barrett M82
However, it wasn’t long before Kyle switched to the Barrett M82, a.50 BMG caliber sniper rifle made by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing. The M82 was a more powerful and accurate rifle, capable of engaging targets at longer ranges. It was during his time using the M82 that Kyle began to develop his exceptional skills as a sniper, earning the nickname "Legend" among his comrades.
Accuracy and Reliability
The Barrett M82 was chosen by the US military due to its exceptional accuracy and reliability. The rifle was known for its ability to group shots into a tight circle, making it ideal for long-range engagements. The M82’s.50 BMG caliber allowed Kyle to take out targets at distances of over 1,000 meters, a significant advantage in urban warfare.
Key Features of the Barrett M82
Here are some key features of the Barrett M82:
- Caliber:.50 BMG (12.7x99mm)
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
- Muzzle velocity: 2,700 ft/s (823 m/s)
- Effective range: Over 1,000 meters (1,093 yards)
- Weight: 34.5 pounds (15.6 kg)
Chris Kyle’s M82: "Lone Star"
Chris Kyle’s personal M82 sniper rifle was named "Lone Star," a nickname that reflected his Texas roots. Kyle was known to have put thousands of rounds through the rifle, honing his skills and building his reputation as a marksman. "Lone Star" became an extension of Kyle himself, allowing him to engage targets with precision and accuracy.
Legacy and Impact
Chris Kyle’s use of the Barrett M82 had a significant impact on the course of his service. The rifle played a key role in many of his engagements, and his expertise with it helped to take out multiple high-value targets during his tours in Iraq. Kyle’s legendary status as a sniper is a testament to his skills and the effectiveness of the Barrett M82.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Kyle used the Barrett M82.50 BMG caliber sniper rifle during his service as a US Navy SEAL. The rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and powerful caliber made it an ideal choice for Kyle, allowing him to take out targets at extended ranges. "Lone Star," as Kyle’s personal M82 was known, became an extension of him, reflecting his exceptional skills and reputation as a marksman.
Comparison Table: M40 Sniper Rifle vs. Barrett M82
Feature | M40 Sniper Rifle | Barrett M82 |
---|---|---|
Caliber | .308 Winchester | .50 BMG |
Action | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
Magazine capacity | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
Muzzle velocity | 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) | 2,700 ft/s (823 m/s) |
Effective range | 600-800 meters (660-870 yards) | Over 1,000 meters (1,093 yards) |
Weight | 23 pounds (10.4 kg) | 34.5 pounds (15.6 kg) |
References
- Kyle, Chris, and Taya Kyle. American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.
- Barrett, Ronnie. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing. Retrieved from https://www.barrett.net/
- Military.com. M40 Sniper Rifle. Retrieved from https://www.military.com/equipment/sniper-rifle/m40.html