Sniper rifles have always been game-changing tools in warfare, transforming battles with their unparalleled precision. These rifles are marvels of engineering and ingenuity. Here are 18 sniper rifles that have made a significant impact on modern warfare, each with a unique story and capabilities.
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare
The Arctic Warfare series by Accuracy International, developed in the late 1980s, excels in cold conditions. Originally used by the British Army during the Falklands War, it’s known for its robustness and accuracy. Chambered in various calibers like .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum, the AW series has influenced many modern sniper rifles.
Barrett M82/M107
The Barrett M82, known in the military as the M107, is an American semi-automatic anti-material rifle. Developed by Barrett Firearms in the early 1980s, it can take down aircraft and radar units with its powerful .50 BMG rounds. This rifle became legendary during the Gulf War and continues to be used globally for its incredible reach of over 1,800 meters.
Barrett MRAD
The Barrett MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) is a highly adaptable sniper rifle introduced in the 2010s. It allows for quick barrel and caliber changes in the field, supporting calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7.62×51mm NATO. The MRAD’s modular design and exceptional accuracy make it a preferred choice for modern military and special forces units.
CheyTac M200 Intervention
The CheyTac M200 Intervention is a bolt-action sniper rifle designed for extreme long-range accuracy. Developed in the early 2000s by CheyTac LLC, it fires the .408 CheyTac round, crafted for long-distance engagements. The M200 holds the world record for tightest shot group at 2,122 meters, thanks to its advanced ballistics computer and wind reading tools.
Dragunov SVD
Designed in the 1960s by Evgeniy Dragunov, the Dragunov SVD was the first purpose-built military sniper rifle. This semi-automatic rifle extends the reach of infantry with its 7.62×54mmR rounds, combining accuracy with firepower. The SVD has seen extensive use by Russian and other forces, proving its reliability in numerous conflicts.
FN Ballista
FN Herstal’s Ballista is a versatile bolt-action sniper rifle introduced in the 2010s. It can switch between .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7.62×51mm NATO, making it adaptable for various missions. Its ergonomic design and precision make it a favorite among special forces.
Heckler & Koch PSG1
The PSG1, developed by Heckler & Koch in the 1970s, is a semi-automatic sniper rifle known for its extreme accuracy and reliability. Initially created for police and counter-terrorism units, it uses the 7.62×51mm NATO round. The PSG1 is celebrated for its high-quality manufacturing and precision, making it a favorite among special forces and police snipers worldwide.
L115A3
The L115A3, a variant of the Arctic Warfare Magnum, is renowned for its long-range capabilities. Adopted by the British Army in 2008 and chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, it holds the record for one of the longest sniper kills at 2,475 meters. Its effectiveness in Afghanistan cemented its reputation.
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System
The M110 SASS, developed by Knight’s Armament Company, is a modern semi-automatic sniper rifle used by the U.S. military. Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, it offers a blend of precision, rapid fire capability, and modularity. The M110 is praised for its versatility, being used in various roles from designated marksman rifle to sniper support weapon.
M24 Sniper Weapon System
The M24, developed from the Remington 700 series, has been a staple for the U.S. Army since the late 1980s. Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, it is known for its precision and reliability. Even though newer models have replaced it, the M24 remains highly regarded for its consistent performance in the field.
McMillan TAC-50
The McMillan TAC-50 is famous for its long-distance accuracy and power. Chambered in .50 BMG, it holds the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill. Used notably by Canadian forces in Afghanistan, the TAC-50’s precision makes it ideal for engaging targets at extreme ranges, both human and material.
PGM Hecate II
Named after the Greek goddess Hecate, the PGM Hecate II is the French Army’s standard heavy sniper rifle. Chambered in .50 BMG, it excels in anti-material and long-range roles. Introduced in the 1990s, it has proven reliable in various environments, used in military and peacekeeping operations worldwide.
Sako TRG-42
Developed by the Finnish company Sako, the TRG-42 is a bolt-action rifle praised for its accuracy and versatility. Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, it has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies since the 1990s. Its ergonomic design and reliability make it a trusted tool for long-range shooting.
Steyr SSG 69
Introduced in 1969 by Steyr Mannlicher, the SSG 69 was among the first sniper rifles made specifically for military and police. Its cold hammer-forged barrel enhances accuracy and durability. Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, the SSG 69 is appreciated worldwide for its reliability and compact design.
SVDK
The SVDK, a derivative of the Dragunov SVD, was developed in the 2000s to address the need for a more powerful sniper rifle. Chambered in 9.3×64mm 7N33, it provides greater stopping power and is designed to penetrate body armor. Used by Russian special forces, the SVDK is ideal for engaging targets at medium to long ranges.
Tikka T3x TAC A1
The Tikka T3x TAC A1 is a precision bolt-action sniper rifle from Finland, designed for tactical and long-range shooting. Chambered in calibers like .308 Winchester and .260 Remington, it offers a high degree of modularity and customization. Known for its ruggedness and precision, the T3x TAC A1 is used by military and law enforcement agencies for a variety of applications.
Zastava M93 Black Arrow
The Zastava M93 Black Arrow, from Serbia, is designed for long-range and anti-material roles. Chambered in .50 BMG or 12.7×108mm, it is known for its power and precision. Introduced in the 1990s, it has been used in various military operations, proving effective in tough conditions.
ASH-12.7
The ASH-12.7 is a Russian heavy-caliber rifle designed for urban combat. Firing 12.7×55mm rounds, it can defeat body armor and deliver significant firepower at close to medium ranges. Developed in the late 2000s, it blends the characteristics of sniper and assault rifles, tailored for special forces.
Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?
- Read More: Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.
- Read More: 14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
