Tom Kunich said:Not nearly impressive as the fact that I worked on gun ranges teaching
adults how to shoot from the time I was 15 until I entered the Air Force and
yet I'm reading about how all you experts know so much about guns. BTW,
Marines have to qualify by hitting a target at a half mile away. Yet
according to some, you can't even shoot that far.
Tom, I seem to have lost a much longer version of this reply but
here're the basics:
The M16A2 Qualification Course
STAGE ONE:
Distance Time Rounds Type of Fire Position
200 Yards 20 Min 5 Slow Fire Sitting
5 Slow Fire Kneeling
5 Slow Fire Standing
Notes: During this stage of fire, the Marines are only allowed to load
5 rounds at a time before making a complete safe weapon and changing
positions. The total time is 20 minutes for all 15 rounds.
A sling is allowed for all positions except for standing. During the
standing position the shooter may either have a tight parade sling, or
take it off the weapon.
STAGE TWO:
Distance Time Rounds Type of Fire Position
200 Yards 70 Sec 5/5 Rapid Standing to kneeling
Notes: 5/5= a tactical reload. The Marine is only allowed to load 5
rounds in each magazine. Therefore, the Marine has to reload for the
second magazine. Makes for some interesting groups if your not careful
to get that natural point of aim back.
A rapid fire means just that; Firing rapidly. (You only have 70 second
to get them all out!)
STAGE THREE:
Distance Time Rounds Type of Fire Position
300 yards 5 Min 5 Slow Kneeling
STAGE FOUR:
Distance Time Rounds Type of Fire Position
300 Yards 70 Sec 5/5 Rapid Standing to kneeling
The position change from standing to kneeling is one of the better
parts of the range. It really tests the Marines ability to adjust their
firing position quickly, just like they might in combat. Drop to the
ground and fire.
STAGE FIVE:
Distance Time Rounds Type of Fire Position
500 Yards 10 Min 10 Slow Prone
This yard line is often referred to as "gravy points" because the you
really get to take your time here.
That's the Qual course.
Here's some longer range stuff:
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/Congo1.asp
A Sniper's Competition
The 5th Annual 10th Special Forces Group Competition
International Military Sniper Competition
Quoted:
The second event was an unknown distance shoot on various size steel
silhouettes from ranges of 250 to 1000 meters, as well as an urban
scenario shoot with targets being paper cartoons that were composed of
"terrorist" and "hostage" personnel. These targets were between 250
meters to 350 meters away from the varied shooting platforms and were
located inside of windows of a facade. The range to each target had to
be determined by the team within one minute prior to firing at it. No
laser range finders were allowed and the snipers had to rely on mil
formulas to size the targets and determine what dope to set on the
rifle. The spotter had his work cut out for him as well, due to the
Colorado winter wind blowing across the range, whipping like a dragon's
tail. Just because the wind was blowing at 10 knots, 3/4 value left to
right at the 300-meter target didn't mean it wasn't a full value right
to left 15-knot wind at the 950-meter target. The unknown distance
range is at the base of the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains and the
wind will change rapidly and often, even on a good day. This was
supposed to be a competition to pit the best military shooters in the
world against each other and Mother Nature was doing her part to ensure
it was tough.
So the best of the best in cometition are shooting out to a max range
of 1000yds using things like this:
http://www.snipercentral.com/m24.htm
U.S. Army M24 SWS
Calibre: 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 win)
Operation: Bolt Action
Feed: 5-Round internal magazine
Weight: 12.1 lb (5.49 kg) empty without telescope
Length: 43in (1092mm)
Sights: 10x42 Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dots),
plus detachable emergency iron sights. (Redfield Palma International)
Barrel: 24" length, 1 twist in 11.2", 5 lands & grooves.
Stock: HS Precision - adjustable length.
Max Effective Range: 800 meters (875 yards)
Expected Accuracy: 1 MOA with M118 (Ammo is limiting factor)
NOTE MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RANGE!
Now the only thing even close to delivering what you insist is common
performance is:
Barrett M-82A1 (XM107)
Caliber: .50 BMG
Magazine: 10-shot detachable box magazine
Barrel: 29"
Weight: 32.5 lbs
Length: 57" overall
Stock: Composite with Sorbothane recoil pad.
Sights: Scope with ironsights.
Max Effective Range 1830 meters
Features: Semi-automatic
Recoil operated
Recoiling barrel to reduce felt recoil
Highly effective Muzzle Brake
Three-lug locking bolt
Self leveling bi-pod
Barrett claims 1 MOA with match ammunition
UPDATE The US Army has officially adopted the M82A1 as their special
purpose long range sniper rifle. Believe it or not, a bolt action won
the trials but for reasons not entirely clear, the US Army decided to
adopt the M82A1M (The M has a few modifications over the USMC M82A3).
The official designation for the rifle is XM107 Long Range Sniper
Rifle. The max effective ranges are listed as 1500 meters at materiel
targets, and 1000 meters at personnel.
This is a 32.5lb, $7800 weapon system, not real common.
NOTE MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RANGE!
0.85 miles at large things like APVs and 0.57miles for people.
Note:
http://www.army-technology.com/glossary/maximum-effective-range.html
Maximum Effective Range
Maximum effective range is the maximum range within which a weapon is
effective against its intended target.
Please provide that link showing where we all have the Cheney story
wrong, I'd love to see where I'm wrong and get it right.
Bill C