Sniper Rifles
Basically anything with a scope. This includes some Assault Rifles, Carbines, Battle Rifles, and DMRs. (Designated Marksman Rifle)
| Factions | Weapon | Icon | Classes | Ammo | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Headshot | |||||
 VC |
 Karabiner 98k ZF39 |
 |
 Sniper |
5 / 20 | 65 | 156 |
VC |
 Karabiner 98k ZF41 |
 |
 Assault |
5 / 20 | 65 | 156 |
 US |
 M1903A4 Springfield |
 |
Sniper |
5 / 20 | 65 | 156 |
US |
 M1D Garand |
 |
Sniper |
8 / 40 | 55 | 134 |
US |
 M40 |
 |
Sniper |
5 / 20 | 65 | 156 |
VC |
 MAS-49 APX L806 |
 |
Sniper |
10+1 / 40 | 52 | 127 |
VC |
 Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU |
 |
Sniper |
5 / 20 | 65 | 156 |
US |
 M656 |
 |
Sniper |
20+1 / 40 | 37 | 92 |
VC |
 StG 44 ZF4 |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 37 | 92 |
VC |
 StG 44 ZF41 |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 37 | 92 |
VC |
 SVD |
 |
Sniper |
10+1 / 40 | 45 | 108 |
VC |
 SVT-40 PU |
 |
Sniper |
10+1 / 40 | 44 | 105 |
US |
 XM177E2 4x |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 37 | 92 |
US |
 XM21 |
 |
Sniper |
20+1 / 40 | 42 | 100 |
US |
 XM607 4x |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 37 | 92 |
Sniper rifles are rifles configured for precision shooting at longer distances, typically pairing a capable rifle with a telescopic sight and ammunition suited for consistent accuracy. They are usually employed by trained marksmen operating from concealment, prioritizing first-shot hit probability over volume of fire. In the Vietnam War era, dedicated sniper rifles (and accurized rifles used as sniper systems) were fielded to counter enemy snipers and to provide long-range precision fire in terrain where fleeting targets and concealment were common.
DEFINITION & CHARACTERISTICS
“Sniper rifle” is a practical category describing a rifle set up for precision work by a sniper, most commonly featuring an optic, stable bedding/mounting, and a configuration intended to maintain accuracy under field conditions. Sniper rifles can be bolt-action or semi-automatic depending on doctrine and logistics; the key distinction is the precision-focused system (rifle + sighting + employment) rather than a single action type.
- Common traits
- Role: Precision engagement and observation—neutralizing high-value targets, counter-sniping, and supporting infantry with accurate long-range fire.
- Typical cartridges: Often full-power rifle cartridges (e.g., 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×54mmR), though exact calibers vary by nation and period.
- Typical fire modes: Bolt-action or semi-automatic; employment emphasizes deliberate shots rather than sustained automatic fire.
- Typical feeding: Internal magazines (common on bolt actions) or detachable box magazines (common on semi-autos and some bolt actions).
- Common engagement ranges: Generally oriented toward longer ranges than standard infantry rifles, depending on rifle, optic, ammunition, and environment.
- Notable tradeoffs: Higher precision and better target identification (optics) versus heavier/less handy configurations, slower handling in close terrain, and greater dependence on training and fieldcraft.
HISTORY
Modern sniping and the “sniper rifle” concept expanded during the 20th century as optics, ammunition, and training matured, leading to rifles specifically selected or built for precision roles rather than general infantry issue. By the Cold War period, many forces treated the sniper rifle as a system: a rifle chosen for accuracy, matched with an optic and appropriate ammunition, and paired with specialist training in fieldcraft, range estimation, and concealment.
In the Vietnam War era, sniper rifles were fielded in multiple forms. The U.S. Marine Corps standardized the M40 sniper rifle in 1966, while the U.S. Army pursued accurized 7.62mm M14-based rifles for sniper use in Vietnam, supported by formal evaluation and doctrine development in-country. On the opposing side, scoped Mosin–Nagant 1891/30 PU sniper rifles were among the precision rifles encountered in theater; Australian War Memorial collection records include examples taken from Viet Cong forces (including a captured PU sniper rifle taken in January 1966), illustrating the presence of WWII-era sniper configurations still in service during the conflict.
Sources
- https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TC-23-14-Sniper-Training-Employment.pdf TC 23-14: Sniper Training and Employment | U.S. Army Training Circular (PDF)
- https://history.army.mil/portals/143/Images/Publications/catalog/90-21-1.pdf Tactical and Materiel Innovations (1973) (sniper equipment and M14 selection in Vietnam context) | U.S. Army Center of Military History (PDF)
- https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/long-range-warriors-the-usmc-m40-rifles/ Long-Range Warriors: The USMC M40 Rifles (adoption date and Vietnam-era role) | American Rifleman
- https://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/wwii%2C-korea%2C-vietnam-and-beyond-1940-to-present/case-42-guns-of-vietnam-and-desert-storm/us-remington-usmc-m40-bolt-action-scoutsniper-rifle.aspx U.S. Remington U.S.M.C. M40 Bolt-Action Scout/Sniper Rifle (procurement and environment notes) | NRA National Firearms Museum
- https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C153687 Mosin Nagant M1891/30 PU Sniper Rifle (captured January 1966) | Australian War Memorial
- https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C309711 Captured 91/30 sniper rifle with PU sight examined by 1RAR (Operation Crimp context) | Australian War Memorial