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A sniper is a trained sharpshooter who engages targets from concealed position or from a distance far away and beyond the detection capabilities of enemy personnel. Simo Häyhä a Finnish sniper was referred to as “White Death” because of his habit of lying in the snow wearing snow camouflage and a white face mask, waiting for a target to appear. Often regarded as the deadliest sniper in history Häyhä is believed to have killed over 500 enemy soldiers at an average of 5 soldiers per day in less than 100 days. Similarly Vasily Shalvovich Kvachantiradze a top Soviet sniper is credited to have killed 542 German Wehrmacht officers and soldiers during the Vitebsk-Orsha Offensive in course of the World War II. For his formidable efforts during the war, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, Order of Lenin twice gold star medal, Order of the Red Banner twice, Order of the Patriotic War twice and the Order of the Red Star.
Sniper rifles are extremely potent weapons equipped with telescopic sights, high-quality barrels, and precision triggers. They are designed for perfect and accurate fire power over long distances. They may have longer barrels to increase bullet velocity and accuracy and are heavier than normal rifles to reduce recoil and improve stability. Many sniper rifles are equipped with suppressors to reduce noise and muzzle flash. Sniper rifles generally use high-calibre rounds for greater range and stopping power. All these factors make them highly lethal, accurate and effective at ranges up to and beyond 1,000 meters. This is the basic difference between sniper rifles and assault rifles primarily used by infantry soldiers which have an effective range of between 300 to 600 meters. Here are some of the world’s best sniper rifles, and what makes them stand out:
Barrett M82
The Barrett M82 also known as the Barrett .50 cal or the M82A1 is one of the most powerful and reliable sniper rifles in the world. It was developed by Ronnie Barrett in the early 1980s as a semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered for the .50 BMG cartridge. It is today a crucial asset in modern military arsenals and a legendary firearm in the world of long-range shooting. The M82 is used by the United States military and many other armed forces worldwide. The M82 is renowned for its stopping power and ability to penetrate armour and was used extensively in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.
Accuracy International L96A1
Accuracy International’s L96A1 is a bolt-action sniper rifle designed for precision shooting. It is regarded as one of the best sniper rifles in the world because of its accuracy and durability. The L96A1 was developed in the early 1980s to meet the British Army’s requirement for a new sniper rifle. Since then the L96A1 has been the standard sniper rifle for the British armed forces and other military and law enforcement agencies around the world. The L96A1 is extensively used by military forces for long-range precision engagements, reconnaissance, and counter-sniper operations. It is also used by law enforcement agencies for tactical operations that require precision shooting, such as hostage rescue and counter-terrorism. The L96A1 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and accurate sniper rifles in the world.
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Remington 700
Remington 700 is one of the most popular bolt-action rifles ever made. It is a highly versatile and one of the most sought after sniper rifles used by military and law enforcement sharpshooters. The Remington 700 was developed by Remington Arms in 1962. It was supposed to be a highly accurate bolt-action sniper rifle suitable for a variety of applications. It has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies around the world, including the United States Army and Marine Corps. It is available in a wide range of calibres namely .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, and many others. The Remington 700’s combination of accuracy, reliability, and versatility has made it a staple in the world of firearms.
Also Read: Combat proven weapon systems
Dragunov SVD
The Dragunov SVD is a Russian semi-automatic sniper/designated marksman rifle widely used by military and paramilitary forces around the world. The Dragunov SVD was developed to provide the Soviet military with a semi-automatic rifle capable of engaging targets at long distances. It was officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1963. Since then it has been used extensively by Soviet and later Russian forces, as well as by many other countries and non-state actors. The Dragunov’s greater accuracy and range has filled the gap between standard infantry rifles like the AK-47 while maintaining a higher rate of fire compared to bolt-action sniper rifles. This has made it ideal for designated marksmen within infantry squads to engage targets at extended ranges.
McMillan TAC-50
The McMillan TAC-50 holds the reputation as one of the world’s finest long-range sniper rifles. The TAC-50 is a bolt-action sniper rifle known for its accuracy and long distance capabilities. It is designed to chamber the .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) cartridge which enables it to take down vehicles, lightly armoured targets, and even explosives at significant distances. The TAC-50 is a manually operated, bolt-action rifle with a large bolt for handling the .50 BMG round. The TAC-50 holds the record set by Canadian snipers for the longest confirmed sniper kill in history from a distance of 3,540-meter in Afghanistan in 2017. The McMillan TAC-50 is today being used by various military and law enforcement units worldwide for both anti-personnel and anti-material roles.
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FN SCAR 20S
The FN SCAR 20S is a popular, accurate and reliable semi-automatic sniper rifle used by military and law enforcement units. It is part of the SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) family, developed by FN Herstal. The FN SCAR series was developed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for a versatile and modular weapon system. The SCAR 20S is a variant designed for precision shooting, introduced to provide enhanced accuracy for long-range engagements. The FN SCAR 20S is chambered for two powerful cartridges: 7.62x51mm NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor. The FN SCAR 20S is a high-performance rifle for long-range target shooting and tactical law enforcement applications but it comes with a significant price tag.
Steyr SSG 08
The Steyr SSG 08 is a premier bolt-action sniper rifle developed by Steyr Mannlicher, an Austrian company. It’s a successor to the Steyr SSG 04 sniper rifle and is known for its exceptional accuracy, reliability, and user-friendly features. Its accuracy and durability make it the weapon of choice for long-range precision engagements. The rifle was introduced in the early 2000s and has since been adopted by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world for counter-sniper operations, and reconnaissance. It’s available in a variety of calibres including .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum for different needs and target ranges. Overall, the Steyr SSG 08 is a top-of-the-line sniper rifle designed for professional users who demand precision, reliability, and user-customizable features.
SIG Sauer SSG 3000
The SSG 3000 (Scharfschützengewehr 3000, literally “Sharpshooter Rifle 3000”) was developed as a high-precision, long-range sniper rifle by SIG Sauer, a German arms manufacturer in the 1990s. It is today known for its durability, reliability and ease of use and is a popular high-precision bolt-action sniper rifle used by military and law enforcement agencies all over the world. The SSG 3000 boasts of a modular design concept. Its key components like the barrel, trigger system, stock, and bolt can be swapped out for customization or maintenance. This is an uncommon feature for sniper rifles and allows for calibre changes or barrel replacements without needing a gunsmith. Overall, the SIG Sauer SSG 3000 is a high-performance sniper rifle valued for its exceptional accuracy, long-range capabilities and modular design that allows customising the rifle to specific needs and shooter preferences. However, it’s important to note that the SSG 3000 is a specialized firearm and not intended for casual use. It has quality and useful features, but comes at a price.
Savage Arms 110 BA
The Savage Arms 110 BA (Bolt Action) is a high-precision, sniper rifle known for its exceptional accuracy and modular design. The Savage 110 BA was developed in the early 2000s to provide a high-precision, long-range sniper rifle for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. The rifle was introduced to the market and quickly gained popularity due to its accuracy, reliability, and user-friendly design. Its various calibre options such as .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum allow it to be tailored to different mission requirements. Some of its features include easy customization and adaptation to mount scopes, night vision devices and bipod for increased stability during shooting.
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Tikka TAC A1
The Tikka TAC A1 is a high-precision bolt-action sniper rifle designed for long-range shooting and tactical applications. It is produced by Tikka, a Finnish firearms manufacturer known for its accuracy and quality. The Tikka TAC A1 was developed to meet the operational requirements of military and law enforcement professionals. The rifle was subsequently introduced to the market in the 2010s and quickly gained recognition for its accuracy, reliability, and ergonomic design. Above all, the Tikka TAC A1 is a specialized firearm and may not be suitable for all users. Its advanced design and customizable features make it a top choice for military, and law enforcement seeking a high-performance long-range rifle.
In conclusion, these sniper rifles represent the best of the best in terms of precision and power. Each has its unique features and advantages, making them stand out in the world of sniper rifles. Whether for military, law enforcement, or competitive shooting, these rifles are the tools of choice for those who require accuracy and reliability at extreme distances.
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