Numerous subgenres enrich the fantastic world of guns. Sniper rifles, assault rifles, and other types of sporting weapons fall under this category. Of course, everyone loves a good sniper rifle, so we’ve decided to spend today hunting down the most cutting-edge ones available.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a sniper rifle?
- 2 McMillan TAC-50, United States
- 3 Barrett M82A1, United States
- 4 Accuracy International AS50, United Kingdom
- 5 Accuracy International AWM, United Kingdom
- 6 Dragunov SVD, Soviet Union
- 7 M24, United States
- 8 Sako TRG 42, Finland
- 9 CheyTac M200 Intervention, United States
- 10 Desert Tech SRS A2, United States
- 11 Barrett MRAD, United States
- 12 Steyr SSG 69, Austria
- 13 Knight’s SR-25, United States
- 14 M40, United States
- 15 B&T USA 300SPR ProFN SCAR Mk 20 SSR, Belgium
- 16 Sig SSG 3000, Germany
What is a sniper rifle?
Most people, or at least the majority of them, believe they know exactly what a sniper rifle is. A scope does not instantly transform a firearm into a sniper rifle. Naturally, accuracy is a vital factor, but the gun must be capable and effective in tactical situations. Many very accurate guns are made solely for competition and wouldn’t hold up well in a nation that has recently experienced civil war.
These requirements frequently call for the gun to be portable or simple to handle. It should have a scope, which in the present day means that it should work with contemporary night vision equipment. Effective range is crucial, as is accuracy.
Sniper rifles should have no trouble reaching out and touching a target. At the very least, a full-powered rifle cartridge is needed for this. To enhance range and counter challenges from contemporary armor, the majority of modern sniper rifles are striving for larger, more powerful ammunition.
So what are the top sniper rifles available today?
Listed below are the top 15 sniper rifles that are employed in various vital operations. It includes a few recently approved guns that are just now becoming online. There are a few sniper rifles in it that are not widely known yet but fill an interesting need. It excludes pre-production prototypes as well as outdated, no-longer-in-use sniper rifles.
These are the current top 15 sniper rifles in the world :
McMillan TAC-50, United States
Produced by McMillan Brothers Rifles, the McMillan TAC-50 is a long-range anti-material and sniper rifle. The words “tactical” and “.50 BMG” (12.7×99 mm) are used to describe it. The 1980s saw the creation of the TAC-50. This weapon is based on earlier creations from the same manufacturer. However, the Canadian Armed Forces only began using this sniper rifle in 2000.
Elite military and law enforcement units from several nations utilize this firearm. Canada, France, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, the Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, and the United States are among the countries that employ the McMillan TAC-50. It is known as the C15 Long Range Sniper Weapon in Canadian service. The TAC-50, also known as the Mk.15, is used by U.S. Navy SEALs.
It is possible to utilize the McMillan TAC-50 as a long-range anti-material weapon. This weapon has the ability to destroy vital enemy assets, including trucks, radar systems, parked aircraft, and other sensitive equipment at a distance. Additionally, it can be used to remotely destroy explosive ordnance.
Another application for the TAC-50 is a long-range sniper rifle. At standoff range, it can neutralize opposing snipers. Due to the rifle’s powerful ammunition’s ability to pierce through brick and concrete, it can also be utilized to strike enemy soldiers who are concealed behind cover and walls.
Barrett M82A1, United States
The Barrett Firearms Manufacturing firm created and developed the semi-automatic anti-material rifle known as the Barrett M82. Early in the 1980s, work on this potent anti-material gun started. By 1982, operational versions were created; consequently, M82. It is important to note that the M82 is not a U.S. military designation but rather a business designation. In 1989, the business successfully sold 100 weapons to the Swedish Armed Forces.
The US Marine Corps acquired about 125 of these rifles in 1990-1991. Orders from the U.S. Army and Air Force soon followed. Nearly 60 nations currently utilize this anti-material rifle in their armed forces and law enforcement. This anti-material rifle is employed as a long-range anti-personnel sniper weapon in a number of nations.
This weapon was meant to be used at a distance to destroy sensitive enemy equipment, such as parked aircraft, radar systems, vehicles, and other significant assets. It is used to destroy explosive ordnance remotely. The Barrett M82 is a long-range sniper rifle, even though it was initially intended to be an anti-material rifle.
Accuracy International AS50, United Kingdom
This firearm is the British gunmaker accuracy global’s 50 BMG anti-material precision rifle, the Accuracy International AS50. It has a muzzle velocity of 800 to 900 m/s, can engage with targets at a distance of 1,800 m, and is fed by 5 or 10 spherical detachable field journals.
Users can engage with targets at extremely great distances with high accuracy utilizing explosive or incendiary bullets thanks to the rifle’s 1.5 moa accuracy and the as50. As opposed to the aw50 bolt action rifle, the as50 has a gas-operated semi-automatic motion with a muzzle brake, which results in reduced recoil and quicker target acquisition. The weapon is lightweight, ergonomic, and incredibly portable. Without using any tools, it can be disassembled in under three minutes and fixed.
Accuracy International AWM, United Kingdom
The above-shown British sniper rifle is called the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) which is the creation of the business Accuracy International. It is a more potent variation of the Arctic Warfare sniper rifle that is made to work with more potent and substantial Magnum-type rounds. The designation’s use of the word “Magnum” refers to the Magnum chambering. This weapon comes in two major variations; each chambered for the.300 Winchester Magnum and.338 Lapua Magnum rounds.
In 1996, this weapon was adopted. A .300 Winchester Magnum-caliber variant is in use with the Czech Republic, Germany (known as the G22 regionally), and a few other nations. At least 14 nations, including Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, have adopted a different version that is chambered for the.338 Lapua Magnum. This sniper weapon was used in battles in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It is a sniper rifle with a bolt mechanism. The Arctic Warfare Magnum is essentially the same as the original Arctic Warfare sniper rifle, with the addition of a longer bolt to accommodate the heavier and more potent Magnum-type ammunition. This weapon features a 660 mm (26″) stainless steel barrel. It is fueled by removable 5-round magazines.
Dragunov SVD, Soviet Union
The SVD, the premier sniper rifle of the Soviet Union and its allies, must be included on any list of the best sniper rifles. The oldest rifle on this list, it was created by Yevgeny Dragunov in the late 1950s and entered service in 1963.
Although the SVD’s controls resemble those of an AK-47/74, it is not a derivative of the A.K. Similar to the A.K.; however, the SVD has been created by numerous nations in a variety of forms, making it challenging to keep track of them all, let alone summarise the platform in a little piece like this. Yet we’ll give it a shot.
The cartridge the SVD employs is the 7.6254 Rimmed, which isn’t well known by most American shooters and hunters but has achieved legendary status among military and sniper nerds due to its ranking as one of the top two or three most lethal sniper cartridges in history and deserving of the top spot, in some people’s opinions. The second-oldest cartridge still in use by the military is this one.
M24, United States
The M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System), which is based on the Remington Model 700 rifle, is the main sniper rifle used by the U.S. Army. It was initially deployed in 1988 after being designed in the 1980s to replace the Springfield Armory M21. The M24 was essentially the first firearm created specifically for sniping by the Army.
It is classified as a “weapon system” as opposed to just a weapon because it comes with a removable telescopic sight and a number of other equipment and accessories in a single box. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force uses it.
The M24 is a bolt action rifle that can contain either 5 or 10 rounds in its detachable box magazine, depending on the variant. Either a Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M3 1040 mm fixed power scope or a Leupold Ultra M3A 1042 mm fixed power can be tapped into it. Additionally, iron sights are installed as a backup for the scope.
Sako TRG 42, Finland
The SAKO TRG 42 is a long-range sniper rifle made in Finland. One of the best sniper rifles in the entire world, in fact. It is a production-level upgrade of the prior SAKO TRG 41. A redesigned stock design is one of the TRG 42’s advantages over the TRG 41. Additionally, this weapon is capable of firing cartridges up to 95 mm in length, which are more potent.
The preceding TRG 41 was superseded in production in 1999 by the SAKO TGR 42. At least 14 nations from around the world, including the Finnish Defense Forces, use this sniper rifle in combat. Army troops and special forces are the principal users. There are also some users in law enforcement.
CheyTac M200 Intervention, United States
The longest-range sniper rifle in the world is the CheyTac M200 Intervention. It has an amazing two 122 m range and holds the world record for the best group of three bullets. This weapon has an 1830 m effective range. One of the best sniper rifles ever made is the Intervention. But for some reason, the military ignores this.
Why aren’t more of these weapons being produced if they are so good? Only a few elite groups, like the British SAS, Polish GROM, Italian, Singaporean, and Turkish special forces, employ the Intervention rifle. According to certain publications, this weapon is also used by the U.S. Navy SEALs. Although it performs well, this weapon is not very well known. The CheyTac M200 Intervention’s extreme range may not be necessary for most tactical circumstances, which is maybe the key factor.
Desert Tech SRS A2, United States
The small Desert Tech SRS A2 offers a lot of adaptabilities. Depending on the needs of the shooter, it is a switch-barrel platform that can accommodate both short- and long-action cartridges. Its modular construction makes it simple to adapt the gun to different needs.
Although it isn’t as popular as some of the other sniper rifles on this list, many militaries throughout the world use it, and both domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies have adopted it.
The following are some of the rifle’s highlights:
- Intelligent design for a bullpup’s body
- Easily interchangeable barrels and cartridges
- Superb accuracy and a smooth trigger, especially for a bullpup.
Some may find the last point to be the most important. The Desert Tech SRS A2 is an excellent choice for target shooters who shoot for fun. The SRS can be customized for long-range shooting, predator control, and suburban hunting using subsonic ammunition or general hunting, provided the shooter is willing to put up with the rifle’s weight.
Barrett MRAD, United States
Both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps had great success with the Barrett MRAD. The SOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle program was the original inspiration for the MRAD or Multi-role Adaptive Design. Sniper rifles are Barretts’ bread and butter; therefore, the company has always been game to try new things in terms of design and functionality.
The MRAD has many impressive features, but its ability to quickly change calibers is what really sets it apart. Changing calibers requires the removal of two Torx screws, a new bolt face, and perhaps a new magazine. Every barrel features a bolt face that is factory headspaced, eliminating a significant issue with quick caliber changes.
Steyr SSG 69, Austria
The Austrian sniper rifle was known as the Steyr Scharfschutzengewehr 69 (or SSG 69 for short). Outwardly, it looks like a hunting rifle, although it was actually developed to be a military and police weapon. The Austrian Army has been hunting for a cutting-edge sniper rifle since the 1960s.
The Austrian Army officially accepted the Steyr-designed rifle as its regular sniper weapon in 1969, hence the name. After Steyr-Daimler-Puch was divided, the firearms division became a separate entity. This sniper rifle was manufactured by Steyr Mannlicher from 1987 to 1989.
At some point, this weapon became famous for its remarkable accuracy and was adopted by a number of governments from all over the world. The SSG 69 is widely regarded as one of the best sniper rifles available today. Argentina, Chile, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are some of the export-operating countries in the world.
US BORTAC border patrol agents also utilize this sniper weapon. Many military engagements and wars were fought using this weapon. There were no updates to the SSG 69 in almost 40 years of production. Only in 2015 did they stop making it. The SSG 08, a modern sniper rifle, eventually replaced it.
Knight’s SR-25, United States
Knight’s Armory is a legendary manufacturer that has supplied some of our finest soldiers with cutting-edge firearms. Their rail designs are used by nearly all military systems, and they have supplied Special Operations personnel with weapons and suppressors for years. The SR-25 was a major improvement upon the AR-10 platform.
The Stoner Rifle, a 7.62 NATO AR, was developed by Eugene Stoner in collaboration with Knight’s Armory. Since then, some of the world’s finest troops have relied on this gas-operated, semi-automatic, direct-impact weapon. The SR-25 was one of the first semi-automatic sniper rifles to prove its worth during a time when the bolt action sniper rifle was king.
The SR-25 was updated to reflect new developments in warfare. When adopted by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, it was given the designation “Mk11” by SOCOM. The Mk11 saw active duty with multiple sniper units until 2017 and showed its mettle in the War on Terror.
M40, United States
The US Marine Corps uses the M40 rifle, a bolt-action sniper weapon. The M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5 are its four variations. In 1966, the M40 was first released. The A1 model transition was finished in the 1970s, the A3 model in the 2000s, and the A5 model in 2009.
At Marine Corps Base Quantico, USMC armorers modify Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifles to create the M40s, which are then assembled using parts from a variety of sources. As A1s rotate into the armory for maintenance and repair, they are upgraded to A3s and A5s while new M40A5s are being constructed.
Numerous telescopic sight variations and smaller user modifications have been made to the guns. The M40A5 has a threaded barrel that can be used with a sound suppressor or similar muzzle device and a detachable magazine. The first M40 was a factory-made, one-piece wooden stock, military-type-classified variant of the Remington 700.
B&T USA 300SPR ProFN SCAR Mk 20 SSR, Belgium
The SCAR family of rifles from F.N. has undergone various modifications to provide special operation soldiers with a platform that can do it all. The civilian version of the M.K. 20 SSR is known as the SCAR 20S. The M.K. 20 SSR, or sniper support weapon, is a semi-automatic, short-stroke gas piston rifle that uses the 7.62 NATO cartridge, which is America’s preferred round. The 6.5 Creedmoor is another alternative for shooters in the general public.
Even though F.N.’s SCAR series was already quite accurate, they went above and above with the SSR to make sure it offered top-tier accuracy for a semi-auto rifle. The full-length monolithic upper receiver of the 20S model SCAR enables snipers to add a variety of lenses. This covers optical systems for both day and night, laser aiming tools, and more.
Although the M.K. 20 SSR doesn’t have the greatest range, it does have accurate, quick-fire capabilities for close-to-moderate range precision. Fortunately, F.N. produced a civilian version of the weapon that is identical to the military version.
Sig SSG 3000, Germany
This sniper rifle is the SIG Scharfschutzengewehr 3000, also known as SSG 3000. Despite having the appearance of a hunting rifle, this weapon is designed for use in conflict. This sniper rifle was created specifically for use by the military and police enforcement. Germany was the location of this sniper rifle’s manufacturing.
In both Europe and the U.S., law enforcement agencies frequently employ the SSG 3000. Numerous special forces groups and military organizations from around the world also use it. There is no longer a supply of the SSG 3000 sniper rifle.
The SSG 3000 is a bolt-action gun that can fire 7.62×51 mm (.308 Winchester) NATO bullets. The barrel length for this sniper rifle is either 457 mm (18″) or 597 mm (23.5″). A new stock caused the SSG 3000’s appearance to vary over the course of manufacture.
The stock has a comparable design, despite some little modifications in the upgraded model. The sniper weapon in question was built to survive rigorous use. This weapon gained notoriety for its superior quality, longevity, and accuracy.
It was intended for the SSG 3000 to be a modular weapon. In a few minutes, the barrel can be quickly changed. This sniper rifle may be quickly changed to fire the .260 Remington cartridge using the SIG conversion kit. Although loaded at higher pressures, the.260 Remington is based on the.308 Winchester cartridge.
