Sniper Marksmanship

The sniper is often associated with the long range shot from nowhere . As a sniper I love to do my part in keeping that fear alive . My absolute longest shot with the M24 is 1240 meters. I had perfect conditions and an excellent spotter. This was very unusual and it took three shots to walk it in . As a sniper the principals of marksmanship don't really change , they just become more important . Things snipers do have to calculate include wind , altitude ,  humidity , temperature , barometric pressure , and other weather conditions .

M24 Sniper Weapon System.

My personal Remington 700.

("Unidentified" Sniper and Thai SF soldier as spotter preparing to reduce target.)

As you may have noticed a sniper's preferred firing position is the prone.  The following pictures show three common prone positions.

(Left prone unsupported.  Right prone supported off Harris Bipod.)

Prone supported using my drag bag (rifle carrier).  You can use almost anything for support, a sand bag, a log, a branch, your rucksack, or even your spotter (see pic on ghillie page).  Not visible in these pictures is a G.I. wool sock filled with sand under my butt stock.  The Sand Sock acts like a T and E device (Traverse and Elevation).  You squeeze, shake, twist or generally manipulate your non-firing hand around the sock.  You can make tiny adjustments to your point of aim.  It also seems to reduce the effect of your pulse moving your crosshairs.

 One shot, One coin!

From estimating wind and range the sniper collects data to adjust windage and elevation.

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