Intro
Witness the most epic sniper shots in history, where marksmen pushed the limits of human accuracy. Explore the 6 longest sniper shots ever recorded, including shots from World War II, Afghanistan, and Iraq, highlighting exceptional skill, patience, and marksmanship. Discover the techniques and technology behind these record-breaking shots.
The world of sniper shooting is one of precision, patience, and skill. Snipers are trained to take out targets from a distance, often in high-pressure situations. While we can't know for certain the longest sniper shot ever made, we can look at some of the most notable and verified examples in history. Here are six of the longest sniper shots in history, showcasing the incredible skill and accuracy of these elite marksmen.
The Context of Long-Range Shooting
Before we dive into the list, it's essential to understand the context of long-range shooting. Sniper rifles are designed to be accurate at extreme distances, but the environment, wind, and other factors can affect the bullet's trajectory. Snipers must consider these factors when taking a shot, making adjustments for elevation, wind resistance, and other variables.
1. Craig Harrison - 2,475 Meters (8,120 ft)
In 2009, British sniper Craig Harrison set the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Harrison, a member of the Household Cavalry Regiment, was serving in Afghanistan when he took out two Taliban fighters from an incredible 2,475 meters (8,120 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the Guinness World Records.
2. Arron Perry - 2,310 Meters (7,579 ft)
In 2002, Canadian sniper Arron Perry set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Perry, a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was serving in Afghanistan when he took out an al-Qaeda fighter from 2,310 meters (7,579 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the Canadian military.
3. Carlos Hathcock - 2,250 Meters (7,382 ft)
In 1967, US Marine Corps sniper Carlos Hathcock set a record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in Vietnam. Hathcock, a legendary sniper, took out a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldier from 2,250 meters (7,382 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the US military.
4. Nikolai Kulakov - 2,200 Meters (7,218 ft)
In 2015, Russian sniper Nikolai Kulakov set a record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Kulakov, a member of the Russian special forces, took out an ISIS fighter from 2,200 meters (7,218 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the Russian military.
5. Matthew Weber - 2,170 Meters (7,120 ft)
In 2013, US Army sniper Matthew Weber set a record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Weber, a member of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, took out an insurgent fighter from 2,170 meters (7,120 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the US military.
6. Ivan Sidorenko - 2,150 Meters (7,054 ft)
In 1943, Soviet sniper Ivan Sidorenko set a record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in World War II. Sidorenko, a member of the Soviet Red Army, took out a German soldier from 2,150 meters (7,054 ft) away. The shot was verified by multiple witnesses and confirmed by the Soviet military.
Gallery of Longest Sniper Shots
Longest Sniper Shots Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest confirmed sniper kill in history?
+The longest confirmed sniper kill in history is held by Craig Harrison, a British sniper who took out two Taliban fighters from 2,475 meters (8,120 ft) away in 2009.
What factors affect a sniper's accuracy at long range?
+Several factors can affect a sniper's accuracy at long range, including wind resistance, elevation, and temperature. Snipers must also consider the type of rifle and ammunition used, as well as their own physical and mental state.
What is the typical range of a sniper rifle?
+The typical range of a sniper rifle varies depending on the type of rifle and ammunition used. However, most sniper rifles have an effective range of around 1,000 to 1,500 meters (3,300 to 4,900 ft).
In conclusion, the world of sniper shooting is one of precision and skill. These six examples of the longest sniper shots in history demonstrate the incredible accuracy and patience required to take out targets at extreme distances. Whether in combat or competition, snipers must consider multiple factors to achieve success, making their craft both challenging and rewarding.