The Evolution of Sniper Technology

Snipers and their rifles are some of the most iconic soldiers in modern warfare. Able to hide in plain sight, snipers excel at systematically striking targets (both static and moving) at long range.

However, in terms of military history, snipers, and specifically their weapons, are a relatively modern invention. Originally comprised of exceptionally skilled gunmen using common or commercial long guns, today the profession and its tools have changed beyond recognition.

But where did it all start and what has changed? Let’s find out.

What is a sniper rifle?

You probably know what constitutes a “sniper rifle,” but the truth is that the term is a misnomer. In truth, a sniper rifle is a weapon that a sniper feels comfortable shooting with accuracy and precision over a long range.

Of course, not just any weapon will do; Modern weapons are precision tools designed specifically to strike targets at long ranges. But it’s usually more accurate to call them a “sniper rifle” rather than a “sniper rifle.”

Interestingly, the exact origin of the term “sniper” itself is unclear. A possible origin could come from the term “sniper”. They were skilled marksmen, capable of taking down a particularly agile bird called a snipe.

Considering how difficult it was to pull one off, being able to do so was a mark of honor. But we are moving away. Although long-barreled, fixed wooden stock, bolt-action firearms with a scope on top are certainly the images the term conjures up, in theory most weapons could be converted for use as a single .

Regardless, a “good” sniper rifle should hit targets consistently at extreme range. Precision and accuracy (yes, they are different things) are the main goals. The weapon itself is secondary and is really just a tool that makes the sniper’s job easier.

What makes a good sniper rifle?

That being said, modern sniper rifles are shoulder-fired, portable rifles that can be bolt-action or semi-automatic. Other versions, such as Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR) or semi-automatic rifles, can also be modified for precision shooting depending on mission requirements.

They tend to come equipped with a scope or have the ability to accept one easily. Some common calibers include, but are not excluded, 308 Winchester, .338 Lapua, and .50 BMG.

Precision rifles also tend to be equipped with high ballistic performance ammunition, usually with centerfire cartridges. But even the best quality rifle would be useless without a good scope.

Colloquially called “the glass,” the scope can make or break a sniper rifle. Poor optics prevent the sniper from tracking a target or making precise adjustments, making a sniper’s job nearly impossible at long range.

Good quality ones allow the sniper to finely adjust the zoom, provide night vision, and in some cases provide thermal vision to further improve a sniper’s lethality.

Most modern precision rifles contain suppressors (AKA “The Can”). This technology reduces the sniper’s signature by attenuating or diverting sound (some can divert it 90 degrees away from the barrel) and also reduces muzzle flash.

In either case, it is much more difficult to locate a sniper once he has fired his first shot(s). Contrary to popular belief, they do not cancel the sound of the shot; instead they play fun physics games to increase the sniper’s chances of going undetected.

History of the precision rifle

The history of the precision rifle and that of the men who wield it are so closely linked that one cannot be discussed without the other. To this end, the first reference to what we today call snipers comes from the American Revolutionary Wars.

During this conflict, American citizen soldiers wielding standard shotguns were able to use their skills to eliminate British officers and soldiers at distances greater than those from which the soldiers could return fire. This reduced their numbers, broke chains of command and demoralized British units.

The sniper trade grew further during other conflicts of the era, including the American Civil War, the Boer War, and the Crimean and Napoleonic Wars.

According to some sources, the dedicated sniper rifles may have been inspired by the rifles used by the so-called “Jäger” units of the German army. These were light infantry units in the German Länder. Only experienced hunters who had proven their marksmanship could join us.

Regardless, in the mid-19th century the Whitworth rifle, a British rifle, entered service and is widely considered the first true precision rifle. This gun had characteristic hexagonal polygonal rifling that allowed the bullet to “bite” into the rifle’s grooves, significantly increasing range accuracy.

Born in revolution, tempered by war

This weapon saw service during the American Civil War and was later used in numerous conflicts throughout the 19th century. Weapons like the Whitworth became even more deadly when optical sights were introduced during the Crimean War.

Soon after, around the 1870s, breach-loading magazine rifles became more common, further improving the abilities of snipers. In the early 20th century, other innovations included smokeless powder, greatly reducing the number of snipers on the battlefield.

The quality of weapons of the period was also excellent, including the British Lee-Metford rifle and the highly regarded German Mauser Model 1895. These weapons were used against each other during the Second Boer War.

Born from this conflict, a British light infantry unit, the Lovat Scouts, would form the first official sniper unit in the British Army. These scouts were also the first to use ghillie suits as battlefield camouflage (another common piece of equipment for modern snipers).

But it wasn’t until World War I and World War II that the true utility of snipers (and their rifles) was appreciated. During these periods, the term “sniper” also became common.

The modern sniper is born

During the Cold War, the sniper rifle significantly improved its capacity, power and range. They were also perfected in the heat of battle during some of the major conflicts of the period, including the Korean, Vietnam and Middle East Wars.

This development in sniper rifle durability, accuracy, and power around 2010 surpassed anything in use ten years prior and far surpassed those of World War II sniper rifles. Modern sniper rifles are very reliable and can fire repeatedly without losing accuracy, whereas earlier sniper rifles were more susceptible to losing accuracy due to wear and tear.

Sniper rifles continue to be adapted and improved. By 2001, their effective range exceeded 1,000 m (1,094 yd), making them one of the most precise and effective weapons.

And that is your fate for today.

The precision rifle has come a long way and it will likely evolve further in the years to come, especially with the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart optics. Although some solutions already exist, it would be possible to have a possible autonomous correction to compensate for wind speed, directions and other factors.

Who knows what the role and capabilities of snipers will be in 50, or even 100 years!