Sniper

The traditional definition of a sniper is an infantry soldier especially skilled in field craft and marksmanship who kills selected enemies from concealment with a rifle at large distances. Typically and ideally, a proficient sniper approaches an unaware enemy presence, uses a single bullet per target, and withdraws without being seen. The word originates from the snipe, a game bird difficult for hunters to sneak up on.

Sniper consistency

The key to sniping is consistency, and this applies to both the weapon and the shooter. While consistency does not ensure accuracy (which requires training), a sniper cannot have accuracy without consistency.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although there is always a degree of randomness due to the physics of bullets and explosions, a precision sniping rifle must limit this as much as possible. When fired from a fixed position, it must place all its hits extremely close together, even at long range. Similarly, a sniper must have the ability to estimate range, wind, elevation, and any other major factors that can alter their shot. Mistakes in estimation compound over distance and can make a shot less lethal or even cause it to miss completely.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Snipers generally prefer to zero their weapons at a target range, although it can also be done in the field. This is where the sniper calibrates their rifle with their scope at a particular range (typically their most common encounter distance) such that shots will reliably strike their target. A rifle must maintain its zero in the field, or else it must be rezeroed before the next encounter. Once zeroed, the rifle can be adjusted for other distances or for wind using estimates, calculations, and scope features.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The military need for consistency is highest when a sniper is taking the first shot against an enemy who is unaware of the sniper's presence. At this point, high-priority targets such as enemy snipers, officers, and critical equipment are most prominent and can be accurately targetted. A sniper must know where his bullet will hit when shooting with a hot or cold barrel, when shooting in different temperatures, and at different altitudes. Once the first shot has been fired, the enemy will take cover or attempt to locate the sniper, and attacking strategic targets is difficult or impossible.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The need for police sniper consistency is high when in a hostage situation. Firing a shot but failing to immediately incapacitate an armed threat is almost certain to result in the death of hostages, and cause the aggressors to cease negotiations and retreat to cover. In this situation, lives can literally hang on the result of a single shot, and it is this pressure that police snipers must overcome every time they fire.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~