Sniper Rifles

Definition and Description

Any rifle that is used for the accurate and strategic placement of ammunition at long range is referred to as a “sniper rifle”, and is considered common terminology in law enforcement and military circles. The typical sniper rifle is constructed on the premise of accuracy (first and foremost), is usually chambered for a military “centerfire” cartridge, and is fitted with a telescopic sight. The media uses the terminology to describe any accurate firearm that is used on human targets and fitted with a telescopic sight.

The term “sniper” was taken from the snipe, a bird that is very difficult to hunt and shoot, and the military role dates back to the 18th century. The terminology “sniper rifle” is a more recently developed nomenclature and is based on the technological advancements in all forms of current weaponry inclusive of more accurate manufacturing and the use of telescopic sights.

The military’s use of the sniper rifle enabled armies to equip specially-trained soldiers with rifles that would deliver precision shots over greater distances compare to regular or standard infantry weaponry. In the beginning, the rifle itself may be a regularly manufactured weapon, such as a standard bolt-action rifle. However, once it is fitted with a telescopic sight, it becomes classified as a sniper rifle.

History and Overview

The origins of the sniper rifle date back to the American Civil War, when Confederate troops used British Whitworth rifles that were equipped with mounted barrel-length three power scopes. Certain historical documentation states that Union Soldiers were oftentimes killed or fatally wounded from distances of up to 800 yards which was an unheard-of distance at that time.

The earliest version of a sniper rifle was little more than a conventional or standard rifle of the day that came equipped with long-range "peep sights" primarily developed for use on target ranges. It was only at the onset of World War I that these became a part of commonly used weaponry with the SMLE Mk III* (HT) being the first documented sniper rifle of choice.

The typical sniper rifle used in World War II was a standard-issue rifle that had been adapted and equipped for sniper capabilities with the following:

• a 2.5x telescopic sight
• a turned-down bolt to enable easy operation with the scope attached
• fitted with a “cheek-rest”

Military forces on either side had soldiers that were specially trained in the use of the sniper rifle by the end of the war. Additionally, this weapon has played an increasingly critical role in military operations ever since this point in history.

Classification

Currently the modern sniper rifle has been divided into two classes --- law enforcement and military --- because of very specific differences. The weapon used in military service today deliberately sacrifices small degrees of accuracy in order to obtain more durable, reliable aspects of sturdiness where its reparability and serviceability are concerned. Additionally, these features also take adverse environmental and combat conditions into consideration during their development.

On the other hand, a sniper rifle used in law enforcement is designed to hit specific parts of the aggressor’s body (typically the head, hence the term “head-shot”). As a result, they are designed and developed more accurately than military sniper rifles, but at a shorter range (usually less than 100 meters).