The Barrett M82A1 Sniper Rifle

To define a sniper rifle, let's first define a sniper. A sniper is an individual who engages targets from a distance, usually in a position of concealment undetectable by the target. An "official" sniper is usually military or law enforcement with specialized training, including long-range and high-grade marksmanship. The sniper utilizes specialized equipment, most notably a Sniper Rifle, to carry out their missions. A sniper rifle is a precision rifle designed for long ranges and outfitted with top-notch optics, to produce optimal levels of accuracy. A rifle must have dead-on shot placement to earn the designation of a sniper rifle. The rifles are usually chambered in a military centerfire cartridge. It takes much more than the sniper rifle to become a sniper in the U.S. Military. A sniper cell is deployed on missions and consists of a couple of shooters, a spotter, and a flanker. On the other hand, Law Enforcement functions differently than the military in situations calling for a police sniper. Police sharpshooters are deployed usually in a hostage, or a known dangerous suspect situation. Police snipers usually deploy with a negotiator and are part of a SWAT Team. Whereas military snipers usually shoot at longer distances and are engaged in active warfare, the police sniper is trained to shoot only as a last resort. Their mission is not active warfare, so police snipers are trained to take a life to save a life. The two forces do have something in common, and that is their advanced equipment, most importantly, their rifle.

Zastava Arms PAP M91 AK Sniper Rifle

SNIPER RIFLE

A sniper rifle can start with something as simple as a long shot rifle outfitted with a telescopic sight. Adding the advanced sight, by definition, makes it a sniping rifle. In military and law enforcement contexts, a sniper rifle is a precision-rifle used to produce and ensure more accurate shot placement at a longer distance than other smaller arms. Sniper rifles are typically a specific build of a rifle to optimize the level of accuracy. The important thing to remember is that the sniper rifle is not just the rifle, but that it is the rifle fitted with telescopic sights and other advanced bells and whistles. And the rifle is not a sniping rifle without a sniper.

Zastava Arms PAP M91 AK Sniper Rifle

The advancement in the technologies of optics and modern precision manufacturing of more accurate rifles enable Our Forces to deliver precise results over greater distances, even over standard infantry weapons.

The Barrett M82A1 Sniper Rifle In .50 BMG

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SNIPER AND HUNTING RIFLE?

So, hunter's use precision rifles with telescopic sights, why aren't they called sniper's? The difference between snipers and hunters usually rides on the intent of the shooter. Take for example the Remington 700
. This rifle is traditionally a hunting rifle. Since the Vietnam War, the Remington 700
has also been used by American snipers. The rifle was officially designated in 1988 as the M24 sniper system. There are some differences between the M24 and Remington's civilian model, but the base differences are slight. Most rifles used by snipers got their start on a cool morning, dew-kissed field, by a hunter. From black powder rifles issued to the first snipers, to the Remington 700
, and even the Mosin-Nagant, have been used to hunt and to snipe. Don't get me wrong, some rifles are designed with specific precision works to use in combat against a subject. Combat rifles that are highly modified for that reason aren't any different mechanically than a hunting rifle. Putting down a whitetail at 900 yards is theoretically no different than putting down a man at the same distance. For all of our overachievers out there, that doesn't mean it's OK to take a Barrett
on a hunt.

Clint Mag Dumps The Barrett M82A1

As I mentioned before, there are some differences. Sniper rifles can be "tuned". Adjustable stocks, specialized scopes, and cheek welds are a few accessories that make the sniper rifle somewhat different.

The Barrett M82A1 Sniper Rifle

SUMMED UP

If the target is an animal at long range, the rifle is a hunting rifle. If the target is a human and the shooter is a trained sniper, then the rifle is a sniper rifle. If the target is cardboard, paper, or a tree stump, etc., then the rifle is a target rifle. Training, experience, and intent define the shooter, which in turn defines the rifle. Construction, mechanics, and hardware cannot differentiate between sniping, hunting, and target shooting. All of that said since the sniper is what defines the intent of the rifle, wouldn't it make more sense to call it a sniper's rifle? Shop All Long Guns
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