5 Longest Sniper Shots

Introduction to Sniper Shots

The art of sniping has been a crucial part of military tactics for centuries, with skilled marksmen playing a significant role in battles and wars. One aspect of sniping that continues to fascinate people is the ability to make extremely long-range shots, pushing the limits of human endurance, equipment, and physics. In this post, we will explore five of the longest sniper shots recorded in history, highlighting the exceptional skills and conditions that made these feats possible.

1. Craig Harrison - 2,475 Meters

In 2009, British sniper Craig Harrison set the record for the longest confirmed sniper shot in combat. Serving in the British Army in Afghanistan, Harrison successfully hit two Taliban insurgents from a staggering distance of 2,475 meters (8,120 feet) using a.338 Lapua Magnum rifle. This shot not only showcased Harrison’s exceptional marksmanship but also demonstrated the capabilities of modern sniper rifles and ammunition.

2. Rob Furlong - 2,430 Meters

Before Harrison’s record, the longest confirmed sniper shot was held by Canadian sniper Rob Furlong, who achieved a shot of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) in 2002 during the War in Afghanistan. Furlong used a McMillan TAC-50 rifle chambered in.50 BMG to take out an al-Qaeda fighter. This shot was remarkable not only for its distance but also for the challenging environment in which it was made, with high winds and uneven terrain.

3. Arron Perry - 2,310 Meters

Arron Perry, another British sniper, made a notable shot in 2002 in Afghanistan, hitting a target at 2,310 meters (7,578 feet). Perry’s achievement, while not as widely recognized as Harrison’s or Furlong’s, demonstrates the consistent advancements in sniper technology and training that have enabled marksmen to engage targets at increasingly longer ranges.

4. Unknown US Navy SEAL - 2,288 Meters

In 2017, it was reported that a US Navy SEAL had made a shot of 2,288 meters (7,507 feet) in Iraq, though the sniper’s name was not disclosed due to operational security concerns. This shot, believed to have been made with a.50 caliber rifle, underscores the continuing evolution of sniper capabilities and the importance of such skills in modern military operations.

5. Billy Dixon - 1,538 Meters (Estimate)

One of the earliest recorded long-range sniper shots was made by Billy Dixon, a buffalo hunter and scout for the US Army, during the Second Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874. Dixon reportedly hit a Native American warrior at an estimated distance of 1,538 meters (5,046 feet), an astonishing feat considering the firearms technology of the time. Although the exact distance is not confirmed and the equipment used was far less advanced than modern sniper rifles, Dixon’s shot remains legendary for its time.

🔍 Note: The distances of these shots are subject to variation depending on the source, and the conditions under which they were made can significantly affect their verification and recognition.

These examples illustrate not only the exceptional skill and training of snipers but also the technological advancements in firearms and ammunition that have enabled such long-range engagements. The art of sniping continues to evolve, with ongoing developments in rifle design, optics, and ballistic calculation pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In summary, the longest sniper shots in history are a testament to human marksmanship, technological innovation, and the strategic importance of sniper capabilities in military operations. These achievements, while remarkable, also highlight the complexities and challenges of combat environments, where factors such as weather, terrain, and the human element can greatly influence outcomes.

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• Long range sniper record
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