Mark v. lonsdeyl

Introduction

Prepared and utilized mainly by different military formations, sniper plays the key role in the demoralization and the disabling of live enemy target. There are many publications, dedicated to the history of sniper motion and to their application in different military conflicts. The evolution of police snipers by many is obliged to that enormous quantity of information and data on the tactics and to technology of application, gotten in servicemen. However, this chapter is limited to the application of police snipers and to those very specific responsibilities and parameters, within the framework of which them it is necessary to work.
The role of snipers in a matter of the permission of crisis situations is vitally important; therefore special attention must be given to their selection and preparation. The terms of snayper/kontrsnayper are interconnected with each other. Kontrsnayper simply indicates additional step by means of the effective application of approaches and methods of operations in cases when those suspected can have an experience of sniper operations, obtained by them during the military service or from other sources. Sniper must remain unnoticed for the people in the region of crisis situation, and also remember about the fact that who - that is also, possibly, occupied with the same matter, as it, but on other side of barricade. Sniper command consists of pointer and observer. Very frequently the roles of observer is not given value; however, it plays very important role. And despite the fact that we adhere to the concept "snayper/snayper", for the first time developed in the marines OF THE USA, each in the sniper pair has special responsibilities. Each must be completely prepared for the accomplishment of the basic objective of sniper and each must have its own weapon. During the prolonged operations the need for for the first number replacing weapon can arise. In addition to pistols is recommended the having of compact short-range weapon, for example, THE MR - 5, CAR - 15 and so forth it must be used by both numbers alternately with the fulfillment of the responsibilities of observer (into whose of responsibility enters providing safety of sniper).
Despite the fact that recently the situation changed, in the past very frequently some agencies or subdivisions appointed to the post of the snipers of less experienced or undesirable people in order "to remove them further". This is equivalent to shot into its own foot. Not one person must be drawn on the operation, until minimum qualification is obtained, regardless of the fact what preparation it obtained prior to the arrival into the subdivision.
The basic responsibilities of the members of sniper command are:

Sniper:

1. Ensures protection and fire cover for the subdivision. Note: remember that the optical sight or telescope have the limited field of sight. And when sniper reports: the "left side of the building under the control", usually he sees only several windows.
    
2. It gathers information in the limits of its sector and transfers it to the control center and to the commander of subdivision.
    
3. It destroys that suspected upon command or in the case of the appearance (in his opinion) of real threat for the life.
    
4. It covers approaches and withdrawal routes.

Observer:

1. Provides protection for the sniper.
    
2. Observation of the region of conducting operation and the surrounding locality conducts, reports the results of observation to sniper.
    
3. Observer determines correction fors weather conditions or for the wind and he helps sniper in fire adjustment.
    
4. It substitutes the sniper, when interruption or leisure as a result of the tiredness is necessary for it.
    
5. It follows the fact so that the sniper would not be distracted without the need.

Command of snipers - this of eye and the ears of control center and of capturing team. Report the position of those suspected and their movement. Also report about those places, where you see no one. If you have a good survey of room, it is very important to know for capturing team, where there are no criminals, just as where they there is.

Selection of the candidates

Candidate, selected for the sniper command, must possess the specific qualities:

1. Accuracy: sniper must excellently manage weapon. The possibility of the presence of hostages and crowd of idlers can require less than one angular minute in the absence of preparation time shot with the accuracy.
    
2. Inthe mstvennye abilities: despite the fact that personnel of capturing team must be excellently prepared in conducting of precise fire, occur the situations, when it is necessary to shoot reflector, in the excited state in order to save its or whose - or life. However, sniper must kill quietly and selectively, striking if necessary the thoroughly selected targets. During the prolonged operation the sniper can "be introduced" to that suspected - observing, as he moves, eats and so forth, and then either it obtains the "green light", based on the data about the threat for the life of hostages or it observes it, that are prepared to kill hostage, after which he must shoot at it.
    
3. Patience: the need for being located on the position in the prolonged period in the conditions of cold weather can be required from the sniper.
    
4. Habits of the movement: sniper must be sufficiently experienced in questions of reserved movement and masking.
    
5. Intellect: sniper must have wide knowledge in different regions, including ballistics, the alignment of optical sights, weather factors and so forth additionally, it it must be very observant so as to gather information in the region of conducting operation. It must possess resoluteness, be confident in itself, have sensible reason and be reasonable.

Note: observer must possess the same qualities.

Development

Snipers must occupy their positions immediately on the arrival into the region of conducting operation after report about the readiness and after the instruction of komandira/komandnogo post. This is done in order as fast as possible to begin the collection of information and to carry out restraining of those suspected.

Weapon and the equipment

The following armament and equipment is proposed as the necessary minimum.
Weapon. Rifle is the integral part of the sniper, which directly increases the possibilities of subdivision. This is precise surgical tool. Independent of the abilities of sniper, a deficiency in the proper property is weak component in the chain. Special attention must be given to the selection of the suitable weapon. Standard is 308 the caliber, along which are accumulated many tests given as a result of long years. However, are other calibers, whose use is determined by the firing distances. For the subdivision, which expects the appearance of situations when necessary to conduct fire on the long range, excellent selection will be "mm Of magnum and 300 winchester Of magnum. Also, MakMilan performs excellent sniper systems, including 12,7 mm, which are completely simple and convenient in the rotation. That prepared of pointers easily can dostich' stability in the delivery of fire from this system to the distance to 1300 it is meter. As the additional tasks such systems can be used for the cessation of automobiles or destruction of explosive devices on the safe removal. The thorough knowledge of its own weapon and its possibilities is the most important requirement.
Sniper system, as a minimum, must have:

1. To bed, prepared from the fiberglass or the composite material.
    
2. The heavy stem (is decreased the vibration, which influences the flight of bullet).
    
3. Adjustable descent of hook.
    
4. Rapidly adjustable belt.
    
5. Supports.
    
6. Lock, which has the high degree of the surface treatment and the polished parts fast and well - trigger mechanism.
    
7. Dull surface.
    
8. Optical sight with the variable multiplicity. On many sights with the multiplicity of yaKh - 20Kh is used the multiplicity of 'Kh. Large multiplicity is used for the observation. Is not recommended the using of multiplicity greater than 9Kh for the shooting. With a great increase the stability problem of the field of the sight of sight appears and the action of mirage grows. Optics must be it prosvetlennoy(rekomenduyetsya dual reticle), resistant to the misting, have a device for determination of distance and mechanisms of the introduction of correction fors the varied conditions of shooting. Sight must possess good light-collective characteristics. The device of fastening to the rifle must be intended for the work under the severe conditions.

Equipment. In addition to the usual tactical equipment, nosimomu by all colleagues of subdivision, the sniper and observer must have the following property:

1. The intended for the work under the severe conditions case for each system, which can be placed after the back with the lift on the rope or on the wall, have belts for the retention with the creeping. It must be waterproofed and protect weapon from the impacts. It also must have departments for the ammunition, equipment, etc.
    
2. Warm, water-resistant clothing, boots and the thermal insulation rug, which adapts in the case, when command is forced to remain practically fixed on the firing position in the long period in the cold season. Remember about the fact that the sniper command must be autonomous.
    
3. Reliable, high(ly)-multiple telescope or binoculars.
    
4. The rapidly put on objects of masking for themselves and the equipment, which include covers from the sacking, veil for face, make-up and so forth many agency use suits of the type "Gills".
    
5. Adaptations for the lift to the roofs, the trees, etc.
    
6. Compact, concentrated food ration with the high content of proteins.
    
7. Compass.
    
8. Compact, multifunctional tool, which has adaptation for cutting the wire.
    
9. What - or bag for the the general of nuzhd(perenoska of the form of clothing, coffee, etc.).
    
10. Think over the use of different types of the form of clothing. The fact is that there does not exist universal form for the varied conditions of locality, illumination and so forth is recommended to have on one set of outfit for the actions in the city, scaffolding and desert. Thus, you will be ready to actions practically under any conditions.

* as it was said, the property enumerated above is addition to the usual collection (bulletproof vest, radio station, flask, etc.). Thorough attention must be given to the sizes and the weight of additional property so that it would not forge the action of subdivision. Each situation will determine, what property is required. However, you be assured in the fact that you have entire necessary.

Storage. It is necessary to pay to correct storage of weapon a constant attention. Pyramids for storing the weapon must not allow the presence of humidity. You do not store weapon in the cases for the carrying-over in the prolonged period. This is especially important for the rifles with the freely floating stems.

Trainings

It is possible to name that basic requirement for the trainings so that they would be maximally realistic. Are given below some key moments, utilized with organization and conducting of trainings.

• despite the fact that the preparation in several specialties is very important, snipers they must have sufficiently training time for the occupations in its specialty;
   
• do not forget to assign to snipers place in accordance with their specific character in the course of conducting the tactical exercises (conducting observation, fire support so forth.);
   
• practice conducting occupations on the evacuation of injured colleague, on the actions with the encounter with the enemy and on the assault of building in combination with the field service firing of snipers; in the real life you can encounter analogous situations and use the technology, which you never thus far mastered - not the best version in this case.
   
• practice the fulfillment of exercises to the development of visual memory; by the versions of such exercises they are observation during the specific time of the specific quantity of objects with their subsequent restoration on the memory on the paper, and also the interrogation the commander of the subdivision of colleagues on the distinctive qualities of key objects and local objects, which were encountered to subdivision in the course of training day.
   
• the following exercise helps with the development of the coordination of hands and eyes and helps eyes "to see more rapidly"; in the course of this exercise two balls (or others being suitable of object), painted in the different colors are used. One color corresponds to left hand, another - right. Balls place into the container and on one rush trained. The latter must catch ball by the corresponding hand. The rate and the speed of ball increase with the acquisition of experience.
   
• practice conducting occupations on the masking and the reserved movement under the observation. This relates also to the urban subdivisions.
   
• you conduct exercises through the collection of information by observation. In this case assign enemy and compile the plan of his actions. This appears grow prettier by checking the ability of sniper to note key moments in the course of observation. Require from it report on the radio of the details, which refer to the matter.
   
• in the course of occupations use the situations, in course of which the threat for the life of hostages or colleagues appears and making the decision to shoot is required from the sniper or not. Evaluate its reaction in the course of summing up of the results of occupation.
   
• you approach that so that the training time would be used both for the instruction in marker to shooting, registering the results and for finalizing of the methods of movement, equipment for positions and tactical actions. You remember that the skill to effectively use its weapon is basic for the sniper. Weapon must satisfy requirements and sniper must know how accurately to shoot it. The insufficient attention, given to this, leads to the fact that the sniper becomes professional in the incorrect fulfillment of one or other method or another. After sniper learned to satisfactorily manage weapon, it is necessary to pass to the shooting from different positions, after loads, under the conditions of the limited time and under the action of other stress factors, which can be encountered in the real situation.
   
• check the correctness of the pressure of trigger by sniper with the aid of the coin, assumed on the stem also of the blank shot; after shot the coin must remain on the stem. By very useful is equipment of store drill cartridge in the course of shooting. This method can be used, also, for the instruction in actions with the appearance of delays.
   
• you conduct exercises with the sniper commands of other subdivisions, with which there is an understanding about the mutual backing. During the prolonged operations, especially in the cold time of the year, snipers it is necessary to change. If this situation arises, it is very important so that the new change of snipers would know situatsiyu(kartochki of distances, observers log, instruction and so forth.) and it was able to smoothly conduct replacement.
   
• in the course of advancement to the object correctly apply methods and approaches of movement (using sheltered from the fire routes and with the fire support).

Note: The use of sport pneumatic rifles can it will essentially increase the professional level of sniper. They can be used practically in any situations and they make it possible to considerably decrease ammunition consumption. The targets, utilized for the shooting, must decrease to the sizes, which correspond to distances.

Sniper book

Both during the trainings and during the operations imperatively one should keep records in the sniper book. The main divisions of book are:

1. Date.
    
2. Quantity of shots.
    
3. Type of ammunition, the weight of bullet, etc.
    
4. Visibility conditions and weather at the moment of shooting (fog, rain, the sun, temperature, humidity, wind, etc.).
    
5. What - either problem with the weapon or the ammunition.
    
6. Each purpose must be confirmed by signatures pointer and senior commander and is hemmed into the matter. Book also can contain the precise diagrams of purposes and the distribution of bullets on them.

Sniper book is intended for three basic tasks: it makes possible for sniper to adapt rifle to the special conditions and the distances in the region of incident in real time; it makes it possible to more thoroughly study its weapon and its possibilities, and it also serves as the proof of professionalism in the law court.

Ballistics

As it was indicated earlier, there is an extensive information about the possibilities of cartridge 308 of caliber. The basic recommended type of bullet is the bullet with the opening in the head part, shell with the conical tail section, a weight 168 - 175 boundaries (10,7 - 11,2 grams). Also a good selection are 7 mm Of magnum, 300 winchester Of magnum and 50-1 calibr. to talk about the ballistics - nevertheless, which to argue about the religion, especially because there is an enormous quantity of excellent books and tables, which in detail describe this object. We do not intend to speak about the ballistics in this volume. Most important is the use of qualitative systems of arms, in which you are assured and practical work with them until you become professional. Experiment with the different ammunition in order to determine, what best anything they be suitable the rifle and for different situations (for example, for the shooting through the glass-, to the long range, etc.). After you were determined with producer and series of ammunition, imperatively one should stock up the large party of such ammunition and store them in the hermetically sealed corking. Even in one producer the cartridges of different series differ in their characteristics, although it is insignificant.

Weather conditions

Military snipers solidly know about how influence weather conditions the flight of bullet. Despite the fact that they are trained in destruction of targets, find on the distances to 1500 it is meter, the same principles are applicable also to the snipers of police subdivisions. Despite the fact that in the majority of the cases is necessary to conduct fire on the distances, which do not exceed 70 it is meter, it is necessary to remember about the possibility of delivery of fire and to the long range. It is desirable to say in the addition that the snipers of police subdivisions must be ready to high-precision shots, especially in the situations with the seizure of the hostages, when for purposes of the rescuing of their life for sniper it is necessary to conduct fire according to the head of terrorist, partially closed with hostage. The small effect, exerted by the specified weather conditions to the accuracy of shooting, can not be taken into the attention in cases when it is necessary to neutralize single criminal or to ensure the fire support for capturing team. But, when is necessary accuracy less than into the angular minute, this effect can have decisive importance. Some considerations on the basic weather conditions are given below.

Note: Despite the fact that in the majority of the cases the police snipers do not conduct fire on the long range, we prepare snipers for the delivery of fire at the distance to 1000 it is meter with the use of both the optical and opened of sights the fact is that the long range require of the sniper of the most thorough observance of principles by the marker of shooting. Wind effect, press of hook, even beating of heart, considerably increase errors with the shooting to the long range. If sniper manufactures in himself habit to use the same principles with the delivery of fire to 70 it is meter, that also it is meter with the delivery of fire to 1000, then absolutely precise shooting becomes standard.

Wind

1. Wind exerts the significant influence on the bullet, which is increased proportional to distance as a result of an increase in air resistance with a decrease in the velocity of bullet, which in the final analysis leads to the loss of stability.
    
2. Wind exerts significant influence also on the sniper. The stronger the wind, the more difficult it is to preserve the steady position of weapon.
    
3. For the introduction into the sight of correction for wind it is necessary to determine its speed and direction. For this there are several methods:

   a. flag. Angle in the degrees between the flag and the pole is divided into constant number 4. Result gives the approximate speed, expressed in the miles an hour. If there is no flag, such as light predmet(puchok of dry grass, the lump of paper and so forth.) it can be from the height of arm. The point of impact by hand, we obtain the angle between the hand and the body, which so we divide by 4 and obtain approximate speed.
   b. wind drift and sensory organs can be used, if other methods are not applicable. The wind of 3-5 miles an hour slightly oshchushchayetsya on face; 5-8 miles an hour - leaves on the trees are located in the constant motion; 12-15 miles an hour - small trees begin to swing.
   v. the mirage (wave of evaporations or the light reflection from it is layer air with the different temperature and the density, seen with the naked eye during the warm sunny day). With the aid of the optical sight the mirage is visible during the colder days. The higher the multiplicity of sight, the more easily it is to observe mirage. Although the specific practice is required, the correct estimation of mirage makes possible for sniper accurately to evaluate and to introduce the appropriate corrections into the sight. The diffraction of light, which is produced by heterogeneous air density, is other side of the effect of mirage. Depending on atmospheric conditions the diffraction can cause the shift of the outline of purpose in the direction of the motion of mirage. For example, if mirage dvizhetsya from right to left, purpose will seem located slightly more left than its real position. Pointers it can aim only into the outline of the purpose, perceived by its eye; therefore it should aim into the point, which is located slightly in the side from the center this of tseli(pri one must take into account wind effect on the bullet).

The method, which uses the clock dial (see diagram) is the standard method of the classification of wind effect. The crosswind of the same force is considered that the slanting wind slants bullet two times less, than.
A change in the wind direction at different distances is the following moment. For example, at distance 300 is meter wind it can blow to the left - to the right at a rate of 5 miles an hour, at the same time it can blow to the right - to the left at a rate of 10 miles an hour at the point of the entry of bullet. Pointers it must know how to distribute difference with the determination of wind effect.
A significant change in wind speed within the limits of the populated area is the region, which easily falls out from the attention. You can be located in the sheltered from the wind place and not oshchushchat' its presence, while purpose can find on the street or in the exposed ground, where high wind blows. The case, when sniper is located on the multistory building, is especially complex situation. Wind force on the earth can have zero value, in the time as on roof 25 - storeyed building the wind can reach the speed of 50 miles an hour.
Temperature renders the specific effect on the point of the entry of bullet. Thus, an increase in the temperature of air by 20 degrees F ('В°S) increases the initial velocity of bullet by approximately 15 m/s. Independent of distance sniper must introduce correction with value into one angular minute for every 20 degrees F ('В°S) of the deviation of temperature from the normal. With an increase in the temperature the adjustment of sight decreases, with a temperature decrease - it increases.
Question: Many whether of you, that read this book, did carry out trainings of snipers in the period "spring - summer - autumn", when temperatures were moderated? Many whether of you did conduct trainings at temperatures lower than zero degrees, when the temperature of air on the wind does reach 100В° F lower than zero? As can be seen from tables, ballistic data radically differ for the temperature 85В° F (30 sВ°) higher than zero and for the temperature 35В° F (5 sВ°) lower than zero. You remember, your shot from the cold stem is most important. Many whether of you do know, where will fly your bullet at different temperatures? This again sends away us to the previous pages, where is indicated the need for the fact that the sniper subdivision must be autonomous, capable of accomplishing tasks under the severe weather conditions. Many of you can in this case say: "we cannot effectively work at such extreme temperatures". Never you speak never "". In contrast this statement it is possible to give many examples from the life. You will ask about this of snipers from those places, where the temperature 40В° F (4 sВ°) lower than zero is usual.

Action of temperature on the initial velocity of the bullet of 308 calibers

Note: A change in the speed of bullet on 15 m/s corresponds to the deviation of the point of entry for 1 angular minute with respect to the height.

SKILL BY THE MARKER OF THE SHOOTING

The process of training sniper includes different stages, however, in it is necessary to suggest to candidates principles with the marker of shooting and to ensure the necessary quantity of ammunition and training time. Until sniper reaches the acceptable level of the accuracy of shooting, training other habits and skills does not have a sense. Not so there is much benefit in that sniper, who can successfully accomplish all required tasks, but one cannot strike purpose if necessary. Some basic principles are given below the marker of the shootings, which are also applicable for training of other specialists, armed by long-barrelled weapon.

The component parts of the well-aimed shot

Steady position

1. Position of the non-firing hand: the shank of weapon is located in the fork BY THE "V", formed thumb and other fingers. Retention must be lung, with the small pressure in the direction of butt.
    
2. Position of the butt: it is located in the cavity of the shooting arm, which retains its motion as a result of return and helps the retention of steady position.
    
3. Position of the shooting hand: pistol handle is located into "V". You will place indicating finger to the trigger in such a way that it would not render the action on the position of weapon with the pressure. Remaining three fingers render light pressure in the direction of butt so that the latter would remain in the cavity of arm, decreasing by such modus operandi of return.
    
4. Position of the shooting elbow: it is important for the balance. Precise position is determined by the utilized firing position (from the elbow, costing, lying and so forth.) and must ensure the arrangement of arms on the same level.
    
5. Position of the non-firing elbow: it is arranged strictly under the weapon for the convenient and steady position. In the case, when it is necessary to conduct fire in the wide sectors, along the moving purposes or along the purposes with different angle of sightings, elbow must not be located on the support.
    
6. Contact of cheek with the butt: assuming the monotonous retention of weapon and position each time, neck pointer weakens; cheek must return each time in one and the same position. This position must ensure the natural retention of aiming line and the necessary removal of eye from the sight. This ensures the monotony of aiming. Use one and the same pressure for the gallant of weapon, cheek each time.
    
7. Support: use in the presence an artificial support. If support is absent, weapon is retained due to the bones, but not muscles. With the use of a support do not locate weapon directly on the rigid surface. The non-firing hand must be located between shank and thrust face. This is necessary for absorbing the vibration, caused by the motion of bullet along the bore, which leads to the significant the deflection of bullets from the purpose.
    
8. Weakening of the muscles: The correctly utilized support makes it possible pointer to weaken the majority of muscles. This occurs with the use of an artificial support or support due to the bones. Support due to the muscles leads to the fluctuations of weapon.
    
9. Natural aiming point: when you assume firing position, orient weapon in the direction of target. Then accept such position, with which the weapon and sight mechanisms find on one line with the aiming point. With the correct use of a support and the contact of cheek with the butt the sight mechanisms naturally will be combined with the purpose. The flies on the purpose necessary to use efforts and support of muscles after the shot of muscle weaken for the retention, causing the deviation of fly to the position of natural aiming point. You will combine this point with the desired aiming point on the purpose for averting the motion. Pointers it must be completely weakened, being located on the position and after each shot sight mechanisms they must again return to the purpose with the condition for fulfilling all requirements.

Aiming

1. The full sight. For the open sight this position is achieved by the levelling off of fly in the cut of aiming lath on the height and in the direction. Fly in this case is located on the purpose. During the aiming you must distinctly see fly. Sighting notch in this case must be several diffuse.
    
2. It will reveal with the correct position and the contact of cheek with the butt of pointers in the course of time that the position of the full sight will be reached automatically.

Holding of the breath

1. There are two methods of holding of the breath:
   a. natural respiratory pause. It occurs after the expiration of air from the lungs directly before the inhalation. It must be precisely natural. This method most is suitable for the conditions, when sniper has sufficiently time for the production of shot.
   b. with the rapid rate of fire or with the delivery of fire at several purposes of pointers simply detains respiration before the pressure of trigger.
    
2. Regardless of the fact what method is used, holding of breath is very important element by the marker of shooting. The motions of chest upward and downward with the respiration lead to the displacement of weapon in the vertical plane.
   3. respiratory cycle lasts approximately 4 - 5 seconds. Between the cycles there is a pause by duration 2 - 3 seconds. This pause can be prolonged to 5 seconds. Respiratory pause is more acceptable method, since the muscles, which participate in the respiratory process, at the moment of pause are weakened and diaphragm is not stressed. Respiratory pause must be natural and it must not artificially stay. If pause too is involved, body suffers from the scarcity of oxygen and sends signals into the brain for the renewal of respiration. Furthermore, an oxygen deficiency leads to the fact that the eyes begin to lose focus. 8 - 10 seconds - this is a maximally acceptable period for the respiratory pause.

Descent

1. Descent - this is the independent action of indicating finger on the trigger, which is accompanied by the constantly being increased pressure, directed strictly back to the moment of shot. There are two types of the descent: smooth and interrupted.
    
2. Any unexpected motion, uneven press of hook and so forth can lead to the deflection of bullet from the purpose.
    
3. Descent must be mastered until the habits of its realization not are fixed in subconsciousness. The moment of shot must be unexpected for pointer. If the moment of shot is known, operates the natural reflex, directed toward the compensation for sound and return of shot.

Check the absence of the inclination of your weapon. This deficiency is very disseminated and leads to the deflection of bullets to the left - downward or to the right - downward. Have a habit to check the position of the weapon before each shot.
In conclusion it is possible to say that entire process as a whole includes the series of the special methods, which are carried out reflector with a sufficient practice. Basic formula is very simple: to accept correct firing position, to take aim and to harvest trigger. It is very important to understand that the neglect of basic principles by the marker of shooting leads to the oversights. For example, with the shooting the cartridge of caliber 223 any error in aiming leads to an increase in the deflection of bullet 50 times (error in 2,5 mm at distance 25 it is meter it leads to the deflection of bullet on 152 cm with the shooting to distance 300 it is meter).

Weapon with the optical sight

With the use of optical sights all given above principles soblyudayutsya. However, clearness and magnification in the images, reached with the aid of optics, facilitate work pointer. With the use of optics of pointers it must use another technology of the use of contact of cheek with the butt in view of the fact that the position of head with the shooting with optics somewhat higher than with the shooting without it this is very urgent for the weapon with the butt of the type of Monte Carlo. If rifle does not have this butt, then it is possible to prepare cover plate from the durable foam and tapes or from anything similar. It is very important so that the weapon would be convenient for pointer. Are given below some differences in the use of the open and optical sights:

1. Removal of pupil. Eye must be located at removal 7,5- of 9,5 cm from the eyepiece of sight for providing of safety with the shot and the complete field of sight.
    
2. Shady effect. During the aiming it is necessary to attain that the field of sight would be completely clean, without the shadows. The incorrect removal of eye leads to the appearance in the field of the sight of shadow in the form of circle, which prevents observation and decreases the field of sight. If eye is located incorrectly with respect to the principal sight axis, this leads to the appearance of a shadow in the form of demilune along the sides of the field of the sight of sight. As a result of bullet they are slanted to the side, opposite to shadow.
    
3. Parallax. This is the optical distortion, which appears with the nonconformity of the axes of the lenses of optical instrument. Parallax leads to the significant deviation of the point of entry from the aiming point. For determining the parallax you will install weapon into the machine tool and direct cross lines of sight into the remote point. Without bringing down focusing, fall back from the weapon to small time interval. Then occupy the same position and you will look into the sight. If cross lines is located in the same position, then everything in the order. But if there is deviation, this means that the phenomenon of parallax occurs.

Determination of the distance

Even with the presence of range-finder and sight, equipped with compensator, the skill to determine distance is the very most important question of training sniper. There are several methods of determination of distance, such, as determination from the map, with the aid of the card of distances, with the aid of the range-finder, by observing the deflections of bullets, determination with the aid of eye and value of object. The basic moments, which relate to the police snipers, are examined below.

Determination of distances in a visually estimated manner

This method is most accessible and expedient. Distance in this case is determined via postponement in the locality of sections on 100 it is meter. At the distance to 500 you is meter can with the adequate accuracy break distance in the sections on 100 it is meter (for the long range you will determine the middle of distance, you will calculate, how many sections on 100 it is meter it is plotted to it and then result multiply 2 times). With this method is interconnected the method of determination of distance from the value of objects, which can refine your calculations. This method requires the knowledge of the dimensions of any object at the specific distance. Such objects, as deer, cow, specific species of trees, windows and especially the figure of man appear differently at different distances. Sniper must improve the habits of determination of distances and manufacture his own formulas and methods. For example, measuring the parameters of the windows of buildings or the distance between the headlights of different automobiles, etc., and calculating the number of centimeters between them at the known distances, we obtain the outstanding method of determination of distances. Using the method of determination of distances from the relative sizes and the degrees of the visibility of the separate elements of objects, characteristic for the region of actions, you can recheck yourselves with the aid of the method of the postponement of 100-meter sections. Occupations on the shooting-range with the known distances are ideal time for the acquisition of these habits. Usually each firing line is noted in the locality at intervals into 100 it is meter. Use the purposes, which designate personnel, the (srednyaya figure of man is approximately 75 cm from the belt to the top). With the possibility use different methods for rechecking of results.

Cards of the distances

The use of cards of distances is very effective, when allows time situation. As an example can serve film on the object indicated, which during the specific time find under the observation. In the cards the characteristic orientators, which make possible for sniper to rapidly and accurately evaluate ranges to targets, are reflected. The card of distances is comprised relative to the firing position of sniper and purpose. On the card are indicated the distances to the easily identified local objects of such, as separate trees, lantern posts are the entrance doors of structures and so forth with the appearance of a purpose its arrangement relative to the nearest local object, substituted to the card of distances, it will immediately indicate precise distance to sniper.

Factors, which influence determination of the distance

• Objects with the straight, clear outlines seem located nearer, than the objects with the diffuse, illegible outlines, such as the group of trees or bushes.
   
• The purpose, which has sharp contrast with respect to the background seems located nearer, than in reality.
   
• Locality considerably influences the range accuracy. With the observation upward along the slope the distances seem more and, on the contrary, with the observation downward along the slope they seem less than in reality. Smooth, flat surface (sand, water) draws near purposes. And vice versa, broken ground creates the illusion of the fact that the purposes are located further. With conducting of the observations through the valley or the large low place, which are visible completely, distances seem more. The narrow field of sight also moves away objects (lanes, twisting streets, tropes in the forest tracts, etc.).
   
• Illumination conditions also create the illusion of the fact that the objects seem located nearer or further than this be in reality. The better the purpose is illuminated, the nearer it seems. The purpose, observed with daylight, seems located nearer, than observed under the conditions of fog, dust or rain. The position of the sun with respect to the purpose also has great significance. If the sun located after your back, purpose seems nearer. With the arrangement of the sun after the purpose the distance to it seems more than there is in reality.
   
• The completely open purpose will seem located nearer, than the same purpose, but opened partially.

Reconnaissance of the purposes

1. Preliminary search: the rapid inspection of specific sections (without a constant mopping-up by the eyes of entire observation sector).
2. detailed search: systematic study. Use a method of the sequential inspection of one strip for another. Begin from the nearest section (most dangerous) from any side, sector - 180(, 50 it is meter into the depth, then consecutively the subsequent sections.
3. difference between THE INTEREST and THE ATTENTION:

• INTEREST: a feeling of participation in the current or possible process.
   
• ATTENTION: action in response to what - or stimulus.

Attention without the presence of interest cannot be supported in the long period. Stimulate your interest for maintaining the attention in the case of the continuance of the futile observation (you be inventive).

4. Four types are indicative the purpose:

• olfactory (smell);
   
• tactile (touch);
   
• auditory (zvuk/slyshimost');
   
• visual (form).

Note: one sign strengthens the perception of others it is indicative.

5. Basic tell-tale signs:

• form;
   
• shadow;
   
• silhouette;
   
• contrast;
   
• color;
   
• motion.

Note: enemy attempts to find the same signs in order to reveal you, which you search for, in order to reveal him.

Enumeration of control actions to - and during the shooting

After command engaged position necessary to verify the following:

• Are there no obstacles before the stem;
   
• Presence of the corresponding support. Supports must be located on the steady surface, rifle bags or noses - on the spot, nothing comes into contact with stem, etc;
   
• Natural aiming point and the absence of the lateral inclination of weapon;
   
• General state of weapon (fastening sight so forth.);
   
• To be convinced of the fact that the shielding covers of sight are taken, before the sight there are no interferences and the focus of sight is established correctly. You will ascertain that the adjustment of sights and mechanisms of corrections correspond to distance and conditions of shooting;
   
• You will ascertain that the firing position is convenient;
   
• Equipment or belts must not be located between the butt and the arm;
   
• Write down weather conditions into the sniper book;
   
• Use any minute for checking the old records of analogous conditions and distances, prover'te the card of distances, etc.

Before and after each shot well prepared of pointers will automatically conduct the mental control of the following moments:

• Correctness of the position of body;
   
• Correctness of the retention of weapon for the convenience, compensating for return and averting of lateral inclination;
   
• Control of respiration;
   
• Removal of pupil;
   
• Correct field of the sight of sight;
   
• Control of descent;
   
• Continuation of the mental and physical application of basic habits by the marker of shooting after each shot;
   
• Expectation and planning the following shot;
   
• As fast as possible write shot into the sniper book (especially importantly for the judicial trial).

Analysis of the group of the entries

Analyzing nature and close grouping of each group, pointers are determined the reasons for deviations and it is removed them. Usually errors are the results of the following factors:

• Correctness of aiming;
   
• Field of the sight of sight;
   
• Focusing of eye on the purpose;
   
• Respiration;
   
• Removal of pupil;
   
• The misadjustments of sight;
   
• Unstable firing position;
   
• Natural aiming point;
   
• Expectation of shot;
   
• Retention of weapon;
   
• Incapacity to estimate distance and weather conditions;
   
• Emotional state, concentration or abstractness.

Shot from the cold stem

During the trainings create the data base for the shot from the cold stem. Pay special attention to the first, after raschekhleniya, shot. Hot stem influences the point of the entry of bullet. You remember, in the real situation the shot from the cold stem is final shot. If situation during the call allows, each command must on the turn conduct checking cold stem on the nearest shooting-range for the dual checking of weapon.
Note: Many pointers cover bore with the average layer of lubricant during the storage. In this there is nothing poor, but do not forget to wipe stem dry before the accomplishment of mission. Oil in the stem has an effect on the first shot.

Selection of the position

In the majority of the cases the limitedness of time with the incident or its position (in particular under the conditions of the populated area) do not make possible for the sniper command to select the most suitable place for the position. However, you must use as much as possible factors into your benefit. Masking and methods of movement are opened in chapter 2. Are given below some considerations on the selection of position under the conditions of the populated area:

• With taking a position in the building select it to the right or to the left of the window or the door aperture to avoid projection in them;
   
• Occupy a position how deeper as possible inside the room in order not to be located on the light, but you remember that the further you are located from the opening for the delivery of fire, the less your observation sector;
   
• When you open window, do not forget to fasten blind so that their motion would not give out your presence. Instead of the opening of window you can take out one glass-. If window is not opened, you can knock out it or move for another position. Many contemporary high-rise buildings have high-strength window glass, which you will not be able to break,;
   
• Wet the section, which is directly to your position, by water, if you be situated in the dusty room. This is done so that with the shot enemy would not reveal your position and the risen dust did not shield survey with the shooting;
   
• If necessary build firing position. Use tables and another furniture for constructing the steady platform;
   
• You will be convinced of the fact that you are sheltered from the fire and from the observation;
   
• Think over the ways of approach and withdrawal to the position. You must occupy unnoticeably and rapidly leave it during its detection;
   
• Do not select for the position of the place, where the enemy can expect your appearance;
   
• With the selection of position take into consideration the changing conditions in the daytime and at night to the case, if operation tightens itself. You remember that the place, which is relatively sheltered night, with daylight can not ensure reserved arrangement.

Selection of the route

Are given below the basic questions, decided in the course of the selection of route.

1. Masking in the course of motion and on the position.
2. route must ensure shelter from the fire and observations of enemy and be, as far as possible, shortest.

• Avoid those places, where the enemy can await you (possible ways of approach);
   
• Uplotnyayte the time (it must work on you, if it is possible);
   
• In the case of detection select shelter in accordance with the weapon of enemy. For example, for the bullet of caliber 308 shelter must have a thickness: from the pine tree - 127 cm; from the sand - 25 cm; from the concrete - 7,5 cm.

3. Study and the selection of the route:

• Arrangement of purpose;
   
• Shelters from the fire and the observation;
   
• The most advantageous positions for the command;
   
• Obstacles on the path of motion (natural or artificial);
   
• Known or probable the locations of enemy;
   
• Methods of motion through different terrain sectors (obstacle, dangerous sections, the open sections so forth.);
   
• Withdrawal routes (for the movement into another region or the withdrawal during the detection);
   
• Note and you will memorize characteristic orientators near the route and on the route;
   
• You remember about the animals, that can give out your presence (dogs, birds, domestic cattle);
   
• Target area: you will determine the key control points (door, street, etc.).

Note: If you are discovered, enemy can be not in the state of news on you fire, but from this point on, he will know about your presence.

4. Characteristic of the populated areas:

• Predominance of artificial local objects;
   
• Presence of shelters from the fire and the observation (for both sides);
   
• Limited observation sectors and delivery of fire;
   
• Motion in essence along the streets (for both sides);
   
• Overcoming obstacles is hindered in view of the limited ways of approach;
   
• Presence of the concealed ways of approach and withdrawal through the underground communications (canalization, the metro, municipal networks so forth.);
   
• Presence of citizen;
   
• Advantages on the side of that defending;
   
• Radio communication deteriorates.

5. Information sources:

• Maps;
   
• Plans of civil defense;
   
• Fire parts;
   
• Local military parts;
   
• Engineers of municipal services.

Order of delivery of fire

This order or similar must become the part of the automatic actions of sniper - unique subconsious list.

1. You will determine tsel'(podrobnosti and importance);
    
2. Steady position;
    
3. You will determine distance;
    
4. You will estimate veter/pogodu;
    
5. You will define basic hazardous zones;
    
6. You will determine, will not be required delivery of fire on the moving or running purpose (in the case of the flight of criminals, their output for the attack on capturing team, motion in the windows or the door apertures so forth.) You will predetermine prevention for the possible situations.
    
7. Open fire (being guided by the principles of the application of a weapon).

Assault of building under the cover of the sniper

The commander of subdivision can make the decision to use a shot of sniper as the signal for the beginning of assault upon command or to await his shot on the appeared purpose. This method is very effective, but it requires the thorough organization of interaction. Use it in the course of occupations.

Evacuation of injured colleague under the cover of the sniper

Snipers can adapt for the cover of the evacuation of injured colleague or during the suddenly emergent threatening situations (sudden encounter with the enemy, unexpected opening fire by enemy, etc.). These situations also must be mastered in the course of trainings.

Interaction between several sniper commands

For the effective protection of the region of operation in sector of 360В° it is necessary to use as the minimum two sniper commands. You do select the use of the coordinated fire or other actions, knowledge by each sniper of its responsibilities and positions, where other colleagues are located is immutable rule. Sometimes capturing team can prove to be on the position, with which is not examined the object. In such cases the command of snipers can direct their motion. You remember that you must report that the fact that you see from your position and at the specific angle, so, in order to those, who are located on other positions we could correctly understand you. It is very easy under the conditions of stress to give command to whom - or to move to the left, without suspecting, that for it this can be entirely another direction. Compulsorily train this question in the course of occupations.

General Tid-bits of Sniper Lore

The term sniper was developed during the 19th century during the British occupation of India.


Ghillie suits were developed by Scottish game wardens during the 19th century to catch poachers.


Hiram Berdan (North) and Robert E. Lee (South) were the first in history to set up units of designated marksman or sharpshooters, this happened during the American Civil War.


The Germans, during WWI, were the first to use specially trained snipers.


The Russians were the first to employ snipers in two-man teams.


Hisketh Pritchard started the first Allied sniper school. (During WWI in the UK, trained both British and American snipers.)


Kipling devised the KIMs game for use by Canadian Snipers.


The best estimate as to the average amount of rounds expended per kill in the Vietnam Conflict (For U.S. Army Soldiers) is 200,000. The average rounds expended per kill by U.S. Army
snipers in Vietnam was 1.3


The first U.S. Army sniper school was set up in 1954-55 during the Korean war (though after the cease fire) by the AMU (Army Marksmanship Unit)


The current U.S. Army sniper school was established in 1987


There is a sign at the USMC sniper school that reads "The average rounds expended per kill with the M16 in Vietnam was 50,000. Snipers averaged 1.3 rounds. The cost difference was $2300 v. 27 cents."


In World War II, German snipers received the following rewards:
50 Kills - Wrist Watch
100 Kills - Hunting Rifle
150 Kills - A personal hunting trip with Heinrich Himmler


The U.S. Army determined that the average soldier will only hit a man size target 10% of the time at 300 meters with the M16A2 rifle. The U.S. Army standard for snipers is to hit 90% first round hits at 600 meters with the M24 SWS. That is at least an 1800% improvement over the average soldier.


The most kills achieved my a female sniper was by Lyudmila M. Pavlichenko, a Russian sniper in WWII. She is credited with killing 309 enemy soldiers.

Sniper Interviews

 an interview with a female Soviet sniper; Klavdia Kalugina.

Quote:
A.D. What was the total number of Germans you killed?

I don't remember, Germans killed in battle weren't counted, only in the defense.

A.D. How did you count the kills?

The commander in whose trench we were would write a note. And we would return with it.

A.D. Then it's not clear, what if you only wounded him?

Yes, it could be, but we counted as killed.

A.D. So if he fell, that's a kill?

Yes. How would you check?

A.D. What was the usual distance you fired from?

At the school or at the front?

A.D. At the front.

1200 meters, and 200 meters. Our lines were close. Once Germans attacked our trench and took some girls prisoner, and killed them there. They killed Klava Monakhova. Only one soldier survived, there was an abandoned dug-out, simply a hole in the soil covered with a ground-sheet with snow on top, he hid there. Germans held out for a day, so he spent the day there.

A.D. What was the standard distance from which you fired? Or an optimal one?

Well, what's there to say? The rifle could shoot two kilometers in a straight line. But you could observe up to 800 meters. At the school we fired at 200, and 300. There was night target practice. Different kinds of shooting.