What is a sniper rifle....

[Spiros [Risk]]

For all i care a paintball rifle is a sniper rifle. If it can hit targets out at range.

 

[General Geoff]

A sniper rifle is like a race car.


If a car is used to race, then it is a race car. A lot of people also apply the term to cars that are fast, because being fast is (typically) a trait of race cars.


Would you call a Toyota Corolla a race car? Probably not. But if it's being driven around a track, in a race, then it is indeed a race car.

Would you call a Ferrari F430 a race car? Maybe. But if it's being driven around the suburbs and down to the supermarket, and has never set tire on a race track (or participated in a race), then it is not, in any real way, a race car, despite it having all the other characteristics of a typical race car.


Would you call an AK-47 a sniper rifle? Not likely. But if it's being used by a precision shooter to strike at targets from cover, at distance, then it is, in fact, a sniper rifle.

Would you call an Accuracy International rifle a sniper rifle? Maybe. But if it's only seen benches and shooting ranges all its life, then it is not, by true definition, a sniper rifle.


But hey, "true" definitions are for clean rooms and court houses. If you want to call your precision rifle a sniper rifle, I won't stop you.

 

[Cuda]

My son is a sniper in the 3rd BCT, presently on his third tour in Iraq. And I think he would define "what is a sniper rifle" as a weapon that can kill from afar... Rather simple but that's what they do. The rifle's accuracy and distance capabilities are only as good as the guy/gal pulling the trigger..

Now having had the opportunity to shoot his 50 and 308 Army issued rifles and his Remmington 700 308 I can tell you with the right opticals the Rem is pretty darn close to what he uses in the field.. So could it be a sniper rifle, I suppose so.


And for anyone who really wants to be a sniper, the first thing I would suggest is to get yourself ready to accept the up close and personal killing of someone from 500+ yards.

C

 

[gimposaurus]

Well your SPS isn't a precision rifle either, because that requires some degree of precision, which that rifle clearly lacks

 

[spyder1911]

@ the OP
Considering the Army and Marines both use sniper weapon systems built on the Remington M700 platform...

@ Thernlund
Depends on what purpose the weapon/sniper is going to serve. A police sniper will rarely take shots longer than 400-500 yards and most will be closer to 200 yards. Military will take shots at longer distances though.

 

[Spiros [Risk]]

Now having had the opportunity to shoot his 50 and 308 Army issued rifles and his Remmington 700 308 I can tell you with the right opticals the Rem is pretty darn close to what he uses in the field.. So could it be a sniper rifle, I suppose so.

Thanks. I knew that the closes thing you would get to a field snipers rifle is a reminton 700 bolt action for under 1000 including scope. I knew that both the marines and the army uses a sniper rifle that is based off the 700's action. Heck even most police stations that can afford to have one will buy a remington 700 keeping most things stocked trigger job and bedded I think. Thats why I picked the sps.

Well your SPS isn't a precision rifle either, because that requires some degree of precision, which that rifle clearly lacks

You clearly dont own a 700. I admit im not sniper by far. In fact I am as new to shooting as you can get, less then a year. However, I am able to put 1 inch groups at 100 yards and hit my target at 200 yards. Thats cause I suck but the gun can do way more then that. I just have to pratice. On remingtons website that state to be the most accurate rifle out the box. I dont know what more you want then sub moa first day out after initial cleaning of course.

 

[Spiros [Risk]]

Now having had the opportunity to shoot his 50 and 308 Army issued rifles and his Remmington 700 308 I can tell you with the right opticals the Rem is pretty darn close to what he uses in the field.. So could it be a sniper rifle, I suppose so.

Thanks. I knew that the closes thing you would get to a field snipers rifle is a reminton 700 bolt action for under 1000 including scope. I knew that both the marines and the army uses a sniper rifle that is based off the 700's action. Heck even most police stations that can afford to have one will buy a remington 700 keeping most things stocked trigger job and bedded I think. Thats why I picked the sps.

Well your SPS isn't a precision rifle either, because that requires some degree of precision, which that rifle clearly lacks

You clearly dont own a 700. I admit im not sniper by far. In fact I am as new to shooting as you can get, less then a year. However, I am able to put 1 inch groups at 100 yards and hit my target at 200 yards. Thats cause I suck but the gun can do way more then that. I just have to pratice. On remingtons website that state to be the most accurate rifle out the box. I dont know what more you want then sub moa first day out after initial cleaning of course.

 

[gimposaurus]

You clearly dont own a 700

No, I own 2, one of which has a custom stock and barrel and I shoot to 1,000 yards with.

The other is still on back-order


Neither of them is a sniper rifle though, one is a hunting/target rifle and the other is a varmint rifle


I also own other hunting/varmint rifles, none of which are sniper rifles

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Cuda,
Please thank your son for his service to us all. I truly appreciate it and thank you too for supporting him.

gimposaurus,
Why the personal attacks? The new forum member only asked, "What is a sniper rifle?" And you told him what wasn't a sniper rifle.

 

[Spiros [Risk]]

You say that the sps is not accurate and it lacks precision. Then you say you shoot out to 1000 yards with a 700.. Pick one either its not accurate or it is. I dont understand you. Consider politics.

 

[Spiros [Risk]]

Um I withdraw from calling my remington 700 sps a sniper rifle. Instead I will call it a Remington 700 sps Sharpshooter rifle. I hope that makes you all happy and maybe you would stop attacking me personally.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Cuda said,

The rifle's accuracy and distance capabilities are only as good as the guy/gal pulling the trigger..

This is a common knowledge misconception. The capabilities of the rifle are the same regardless of the shooter. What the shooter introduces to the situation is marksmanship.

 

[H2O MAN]

What is a sniper rifle....????

I always thought a sniper rifle was specially made to accurately shoot
targets at extra long ranges beyond the reach of standard issue rifles.

 

[cracked butt]

Ibtl

 

[22-rimfire]

"Sniper rifle" implies a use that is tractical in nature. Any rifle can be used for tactical purposes. It is not a good term for shooters. The term "assault rifle" also is hashed out here a lot. I remember a politician commenting on pornography... I can't define it, but I know it when I see it.


A song comes to mind concerning this thread topic... "The Circle Game" by Tom Rush.

 

[Ash]

All rifles are tactical in nature.

Ash

 

[Art Eatman]

This is like wipin' with a wagon wheel. There ain't no end to it...