What Sniper Rifle Did Chris Kyle Use?
Introduction
Chris Kyle, also known as the "Legend," was a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper who served four tours of duty in Iraq. During his time in the Navy, Kyle earned numerous accolades, including the reputation as the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But what type of sniper rifle did Kyle use to achieve such feats?
Early Career and Choosing the Right Rifle
In 1999, Chris Kyle enlisted in the Navy and began his training as a SEAL. After completing basic training, Kyle underwent specialized training in sniper skills. At the time, Kyle was issued the M40A1 sniper rifle, a modified version of the M14 rifle. While the M40A1 was a reliable and effective rifle, Kyle soon became dissatisfied with its limitations.
The Barrett.50 Caliber
During his first tour in Iraq, Kyle became acquainted with the Barrett.50 caliber rifle. The Barrett is a semi-automatic rifle designed for long-range engagements, using a.50 caliber round. Kyle was impressed by the rifle’s accuracy, range, and stopping power. He soon requested the Barrett as his primary sniper rifle, and it would become his go-to weapon for the remainder of his sniper career.
The Savage 110F
Although the Barrett.50 caliber was Kyle’s primary sniper rifle, he also used the Savage 110F rifle. The Savage 110F is a bolt-action rifle chambered in.308 Winchester, with a 24-inch barrel. Kyle used the Savage 110F for longer-range engagements, taking advantage of its accuracy and lightweight design.
Rifles Used by Chris Kyle
Here is a summary of the rifles used by Chris Kyle:
| Rifle | Caliber | Action | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| M40A1 | .308 Winchester | Bolt-action | Initially issued, but not suitable for Kyle’s needs |
| Barrett.50 caliber | .50 BMG | Semi-automatic | Primary sniper rifle for most missions |
| Savage 110F | .308 Winchester | Bolt-action | Used for longer-range engagements and reconnaissance |
The Effects of the Barrett.50 Caliber
The Barrett.50 caliber rifle was instrumental in Kyle’s success as a sniper. Its accuracy and range allowed Kyle to engage targets at over 1,000 yards, making him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. The rifle’s stopping power was also unmatched, capable of disabling or destroying armored vehicles, and even penetrating concrete barriers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Kyle, the legendary U.S. Navy SEAL sniper, primarily used the Barrett.50 caliber rifle during his combat tours in Iraq. However, he also used the Savage 110F bolt-action rifle for longer-range engagements. The Barrett.50 caliber’s accuracy, range, and stopping power made it an ideal weapon for Kyle’s unique mission requirements.
