Inside the Crosshairs
Page 25
U.S. M1C/D Garand
Cartridge .30 cal. (7.62 × 63 mm)
Operation Gas, semiautomatic
Weight 9.6 pounds
Length 43.5 inches
Feeding Device 8-round clip
Effective Range 500 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,805 fps
Scope M1C: M81 2.5X; M1D: M81 2.5X or the M82 2.5X
Comments: The durable, easy to maintain M1 Garand greatly contributed to the U.S. victory in World War II. Its C and D sniper models, which differ only in the telescope mounts, were also used in Korea and in the early years of the Vietnam War. Although considered obsolete, it remained the only official sniper weapon in the U.S. inventory until the mid-1960s.
Winchester Model 70
Cartridge .30-06 (7.62 × 63 mm)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 9.5 to 13 pounds (depending on barrel type)
Length, Barrel 24, 26, and 28 inches
Feeding Device 5-round integral magazine
Effective Range 800 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,640 fps
Scope 8X Unertl
Comments: First manufactured in 1937 as a sporting rifle, the Model 70 gained popularity in competition shooting because of its accuracy. Although never officially adopted by the military, the Winchesters saw service as sniper rifles in World War II and Korea as well as in Vietnam by the first Marine schools and shooters.
M40 Sniper Rifle
Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (M118 match)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 14.2 pounds
Length 41.6 inches
Feeding Device 5-round magazine
Effective Range 800 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,790 fps
Scope 3 × 9 variable power Redfield Accu-Range
Comments: This military version of the Remington Model 700 commercial rifle replaced the Winchester Model 70 as the basic Marine sniper weapon in 1966.
M40A1 Sniper Rifle
Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (M118 match)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 14.5 pounds
Length 43.97 inches
Feeding Device 5-round magazine
Effective Range 1,000 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,547 fps
Scope Unertl 10X
Comments: The M40A1 combines the Remington 700 receiver group with the Winchester Model 70 floorplate and trigger guard and the McMillan fiberglass, epoxy-bedded stock. It became the primary USMC sniper rifle in 1977.
M21 Sniper Rifle
Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (M118 match)
Operation Gas, semiautomatic
Weight 12.25 pounds
Length 44.1 inches
Feeding Device 20-round detachable magazine
Effective Range 900 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,805 fps
Scope 3×9 variable power Redfield
Comments: After testing in Vietnam, the U.S. Army approved the M14 National Match Accurized rifle and designated it the XM21, renaming it the M21 in 1972. It was the primary army sniper rifle of the war.
M24 Sniper Rifle
Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (M118 match)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 12.8 pounds
Length 43 inches
Feeding Device 5-round integral magazine
Effective Range 1,000 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,805 fps
Scope Leupold M3 Ultra 10X
Comments: The M24 replaced the M21 as the army’s primary sniper rifle in 1988. It uses the Remington 700 receiver group with a Kevlar-graphite synthetic stock, an aluminum bedding block, and an adjustable butt plate.
Mosin-Nagant M1891/30 Rifle (K44)
Cartridge 7.62 × 54 rimmed
Operation Bolt action
Weight 11.1 pounds
Length 49.3 inches
Feeding Device 5-round integral box magazine
Effective Range 800 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,660 fps
Scope 3.5X PU or 4X PE
Comments: The K44 served as the principal sniper rifle of the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese regulars for the entire Vietnam conflict. Originally designed in 1891 and modified in 1930, the K44 was simple, durable, and reasonably accurate.
Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle
Cartridge 7.62 × 54 mm rimmed
Operation Gas, semiautomatic
Weight 9.64 pounds
Length 48.2 inches
Feeding Device 10-round magazine
Effective Range 800 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,723 fps
Scope PSO 4X
Comments: The Soviet Union began manufacture of the Dragunov SVD in the 1950s to replace the Mosin-Nagant. They provided the North Vietnamese with only a few of these rifles prior to the departure of American ground units from the war zone.
RAI Model 500
Cartridge 12.7 × 99 mm (.50-cal. Browning)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 29.98 pounds
Length, Barrel 33.6 inches
Feeding Device Single shot, no magazine
Effective Range 1,500 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,913 fps
Scope Ranging base provides mount for most modern scopes
Comments: Manufactured by Research Armament Industries in Rogers, Arkansas, the Model 500 is currently used by Marine and navy SEAL snipers.
Barrett Model 82
Cartridge 12.7 × 99 mm (.50-cal. Browning)
Operation Recoil, semiautomatic
Weight 33 pounds
Length, Barrel 37.36 inches
Feeding Device 11-round detachable box magazine
Effective Range 1,500 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,849 fps
Scope Mount accepts any scope with one-inch rings
Comments: Manufactured by the Barrett Manufacturing Company of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Model 82 is the only semiautomatic .50-caliber sniper rifle.
McMillan M87R
Cartridge 12.7 × 99 mm (.50-cal Browning)
Operation Bolt action
Weight 21 pounds
Length, Barrel 29.46 inches
Feeding Device 5-round box magazine
Effective Range 1,500 meters
Muzzle Velocity 2,840 fps
Scope Any modern 10X or 16X
Comments: The M87R, manufactured by the McMillan Gun Works in Phoenix, Arizona, is the lightest of the .50 calibers.
APPENDIX B
Syllabus, Sniper Training (From USMC FMFM 1–3B, “Sniping,” dated August 5, 1969)
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this syllabus is to provide uniform guidance in the conduct of sniper training in Marine Corps units.
2. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this syllabus is to instill in the individual sniper the military knowledge necessary for service with a Fleet Marine Force unit in the field.
3. GENERAL TRAINING NOTES
This syllabus is a guide for preparing training schedules. Training problems peculiar to a given unit or installation may necessitate modification or improvisation of some to the training outlined herein.
a. The practical exercises should include a situation with several requirements involving individual and/or team actions covering the fundamentals of the subject being taught.
b. When feasible, opposing forces’ concept should be used for realism in training. Example: Train one or more sniper squads in defense while training others in offense.
c. Separate exercises may be combined into a continuous tactical exercise where logical training situations can be portrayed. For example, combine night reconnaissance patrol with a dawn attack on an enemy outpost with long-range sniper fire.
d. A critique should be held after each phase or requirement of the problem to discuss good and bad points. A general critique to emphasize the principles involved should be held at the conclusion of each problem.
e. Hours of instruction allotted in this syllabus for each subject are maxim
um, the total hours may be reduced by concurrent training; however, THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS IN MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING. Therefore, when additional training hours are available, emphasis should be on the marksmanship phase of sniper training.
4. SYLLABUS OF INSTRUCTION
Subject Code* Hours
Introduction to Sniper Training
General L .25
Sniper Organization L .50
Selection of Personnel L .25
Total Hours 1.00
Sniper Equipment
Rifles L, D .50
Telescopes L, D .50
Rifle and Telescope Assemblies L, D .25
Ammunition L, D .25
Special Equipment L, D .25
Total Hours 1.75
Care and Cleaning of Equipment
Rifles L, D 1.00
Optical L, D .25
Special Equipment L, D .25
Total Hours 1.50
Marksmanship Training
Sighting and Aiming L, D .50
Sling Adjustments and Positions L, D, A 2.00
Trigger Control L .50
Sight Adjustments L, D, A 2.00
Effects of the Weather L 1.00
Zeroing L .50
Position Exercise A 8.00
Range Practice Firing A 40.00
Range Record Firing A 8.00
Total Hours 62.50
Target Detection
L, D 2.00
L, A 8.00
Total Hours 10.00
Range Estimation
L, D 1.00
L, A 7.00
Total Hours 8.00
Holds and Leads
L, D 1.00
L, A 7.00
Total Hours 8.00
Intelligence Collecting and Reporting
L 1.00
L, A 2.00
Total Hours 3.00
Camouflage and Concealment
L, D 4.00
L, A 4.00
Total Hours 8.00
Individual Movement
L, D 2.00
L, A 6.00
Total Hours 8.00
Survival, Evasion, and Escape
L, D 1.00
L, A 7.00
Total Hours 8.00
Sniper Employment
Introduction of Employment L 1.00
Offensive Operations L, A 6.00
Defensive Operations L, A 4.00
Special and Auxiliary Operations L, A 2.00
Field Exercises A 72.00
Total Hours 85.00
Recapitulation
Subject Total Hours
Introduction to Sniper Training 1.00
Sniper Equipment 1.75
Care and Cleaning of Equipment 1.50
Marksmanship Training 62.50
Target Detection 10.00
Range Estimation 8.00
Holds and Leads 8.00
Intelligence Collection and Reporting 3.00
Camouflage and Concealment 8.00
Individual Movement 8.00
Survival, Evasion, and Escape 8.00
Sniper Employment 85.00
Total Hours 204.75
* Code: L = Lecture, D = Demonstration, A = Application
APPENDIX C
3rd Marine Division Scout-Sniper Refresher Training Schedule (Division Order 1510.5 dated September 3, 1968)
Subject Title: Welcome, Orientation, Indoctrination
Hrs: (0.5)
Description: Welcomes the student aboard, orients him as to the location of facilities available to him and their hours of operation, and presents an overall view of the course to be presented.
Subject Title: Map Reading and Compass
Hrs: (7.5)
Description: Instructs the student on the use of maps and compass; covers legend, conventional and military signs and symbols, map scale distance, measurements, grid coordinates, basic direction, elevation and relief, inspection, orientation, intersection and resection, land navigation, thrust points and polar coordinates. Utilizes practical application.
Subject Title: Radio and Telephone Procedures
Hrs: (2)
Description: Sets forth the requirements and procedures for effective communications. Stresses communications security. In addition, the student is introduced to the AN/PRC-25 radio.
Subject Title: Air Support Procedures
Hrs: (1)
Description: Presents the procedures used to call close air support strikes and medevac missions.
Subject Title: Artillery/Mortar Forward Observer Procedures
Hrs: (3.5)
Description: Presents the methods to call for and adjust artillery and mortar fires. Utilizes practical problems in which each student acts as a forward observer.
Subject Title: Mental Conditioning
Hrs: (1)
Description: Presents the importance of concentration and necessity for mental control in order to achieve success as a sniper.
Subject Title: Nomenclature, Care and Cleaning of the M700
Hrs: (1)
Description: To refresh the student on the mechanics and proper care of the M700 rifle to ensure long life and proper functioning.
Subject Title: Redfield Telescope (3×9 variable)
Hrs: (2)
Description: Familiarizes the student with the nomenclature and operational use, through lecture and practical application, of the Redfield telescope.
Subject Title: Effects of Weather
Hrs: (.5)
Description: Points out the effects wind produces and the methods the sniper can use to determine wind velocities in order to compensate.
Subject Title: Holds and Leads
Hrs: (.5)
Description: Instructs the student on advanced techniques of marksmanship. Through lecture and demonstration the student is shown how to employ holds and leads when time does not permit a change to his sight setting.
Subject Title: Use of the 7 × 50 Binoculars
Hrs: (.5)
Description: Shows the student the proper procedures in using the M17A1 binoculars.
Subject Title: Review, Examination, and Critique
Hrs: (2)
Description: Previous information is reviewed and a fill-in examination is administered. Measures both the student’s level of retention and effectiveness of the course.
Subject Title: Field Firing
Hrs: (18.5)
Description: Through practical application the student will fire for two days over the Dong Ha, 1,000 meter, Scout-Sniper Range. He will establish the zero for the Scout Sniper Team’s M700 rifles for the 300 through 1,000 meter ranges at 100 meter increments. He will establish hold offs and sight settings as conditions exist at all ranges. The student will be required to fire on targets, both at slow and quick fire, at ranges announced by the instructor, thus conditioning the sniper to rapid response in sight setting changes or by employing hold offs. Teamwork is stressed as the Scout-Sniper Team will spot and call adjustments for each other.
Subject Title: Graduation
Hrs: (.5)
Description: Officer in Charge delivers graduation speech and presents certificates.
APPENDIX D
3rd Marine Division Order 3590.3B (June 9, 1968), Scout-Sniper Platoons*
References:
(a) Commandant Marine Corps letter A03B2Z JEW of 29 December 1965
(b) Personnel Allocation Change Number 753-65
(c) Marine Corps Order 8110.1
(d) Commandant Marine Corps letter A03CZ0 MEK of 16 February 1966
1. Purpose.
To promulgate policy, procedures, and administrative instructions concerning Sniper Platoons within the 3rd Marine Division.
2. Cancellation.
Division Order 3590.3A.†
3. Background.
a. As a result of experience gained by the III Marine Amphibious Forces in the Republic of Vietnam, and on recommendations of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and subsequent approval of the Commandant of the Mari
ne Corps, reference (a) approved the organization and formation of Sniper Platoons within each Regiment’s Headquarters Company and the Headquarters and Service Company, Reconnaissance Battalion.
b. Reference (b) promulgated the Table of Organization increase for Scout-Sniper Platoons with the Marine Division.
c. Reference (c) promulgated Advanced Logistics Data for the Scout-Sniper Rifle.
d. Reference (d) promulgated the Standard Training Syllabus for Scout-Sniper Platoons.
4. Policy.
a. The unique capabilities of the Scout-Sniper Platoon are at the disposal of the regimental and/or battalion commanders. The platoon may be employed as a unit, or can be broken down into squads or teams which may be attached to any size tactical unit of the regiment/battalion.
b. Snipers should whenever possible be employed in pairs to minimize eye fatigue from incessant surveillance. The two members relieve each other in performing the duties of sniper and observer.
c. A squad (10–14 marines) built around a sniper team is generally considered as the smallest unit which should be employed on missions beyond the sight or direct communications from parent units. However, where the situation, terrain, and reaction capability permits the commander to reduce this force to exploit stealth and surprise, the calculated employment of smaller groups (4–8 marines) is authorized out to 2,000 meters from friendly positions. These forces may be made up primarily or even exclusively of scout-sniper personnel provided appropriate arms and equipment augmentation is provided. Again with appropriate situation, terrain, and reaction capability, commanders are also authorized to employ single scout-sniper teams out to 500 meters from friendly positions.
d. Under all conditions of employment scout-sniper teams/units will be provided with appropriate communications, artillery, and mortar fire support on an “on call” basis.
e. Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) armorers, MOS 2112, will be the only armorers authorized to perform second echelon maintenance. Weapons and telescopes requiring third echelon maintenance will be evacuated to the Fleet Logistic Support Group.