What are the Best Models of Sniper Rifles?

Weapons are common around the world in modern society. Whether they are used for sport, for war, or self-protection, various types of guns are utilized for differing reasons, making them a popular – but divisive – tool.

Although gun use is frowned upon when using for casual purposes, many people use guns for sport. In certain communities and geographical locations, shooting sports are some of the most popular, such as skeet shooting, trap shooting, double trap, marksmanship shooting, pistol shooting, and handgun shooting.

However, when using a gun for an intended purpose, you need to make sure you are using the correct type of weapon and tool to ensure maximum performance and efficiency. By choosing the proper equipment, you can make sure everyone around you stays safe.

The 10 Best Sniper Rifle Options Today

Some of the most common rifle shooting sports are deer shooting, bench rest shooting, biathlon, three-position rifle shooting, running target, gallery rifle shooting, long-range shooting, military patrol, and precision rifle. When using a sniper rifle for hunting or for sport, you need to make sure you choose the correct type for maximum efficiency.

#1 – Barrett M82

The Barrett M82 is a semi-automatic anti-material sniper rifle designed by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Company. With production first beginning in the 1980s, working versions were ready by 1982, creating the name M82. This rifle was designed with one thing in mind – to destroy enemy war equipment, like radar materials, trucks, and other assets.

The Barrett M82 uses 12.7x99mm ammunition and a unique recoil reduction mechanism. The muzzle brakes help with softening the recoil and reduces the force on the internal mechanisms.

#2 – Steyr SSG 69

The Steyr Scharfschützengewehr 69, also known as the Steyr SSG 69, is an Australian sniper rifle designed as a weapon for military and law enforcement purposes. Used since the 1960s, the Austrian Army used this type of sniper rifle as the standard weapon.

The Steyr SSG is a bolt-action weapon that uses NATO 7.62×51 mm cartridges and synthetic materials for a lighter-weight construction. With a relatively compact design, it comes with a 650mm barrel and a durable design.

The sniper rifle uses a detachable rotary magazine that holds 5 rounds, all of which can be seen through the transparent magazine on the side of the sniper rifle. The magazine can be easily released by using your fingers to squeeze two release buttons on either side, with this. This increased user efficiency compared to other choices.

This sniper rifle is on the top of the pack due to the high accuracy levels, with sub 0.5 MOA accuracy during international competitions from professional shooters.

#3 – Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum

The Arctic Warfare Magnum is a British sniper rifle that is the product of Accuracy International company, being a more powerful version of the original Arctic Warfare sniper rifle. This bolt-action sniper rifle accommodates large and more powerful Magnum-type ammunition, complete with a 26” stainless steel barrel.

The .300 cartridge was first designed for use as a sniper rifle for hunting, with a flat trajectory, quiet muzzle velocity, wind resistance, and long-term range. In addition, another version of the Magnum was created for more powerful use. This sniper rifle was specifically designed for military snipers and long-range sniping capabilities, using less kinetic energy and penetration than other options on the market.

#4 – Barrett M95

The Barrett M95 is a manual bolt-action sniper rifle designed by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Company. An improved version of the previously-released M90, this sniper rifle contains a pistol grip and trigger that allow more room for the magazine clearance on the rifle, improving the all-day comfort and ergonomic hold of the rifle.

This sniper rifle is lighter, more compact, and an easy-to-use alternative to the M82 option, intended for elite military and law enforcement use. This weapon is used around the world today for military operations, in countries such as Argentina, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Georgia, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey.

The M95 is similar in construction and operation to the Barrett M84, despite being a manually-operated option while the M84 is a bolt-action operated model. The M95 has a powerful 12.7x99mm cartridge and a 29” barrel. For safety, the M95 has a thumb-lever lock and can quickly be cleaned while on the go.

This type of sniper rifle is specifically designed to destroy enemy equipment, used for remote destruction of explosives, and long-range use as a sniper weapon.

#5 – SAKO TRG 42

This Finnish long-range sniper rifle is a manually-operated, bolt-action weapon. Available as a .300 Winchester Magnum and a .338 Lapua Magnum, both versions use a 27” barrel for a long-range, fully adjustable stock, and various scopes for versatile use.

With an effective range of 1,100 meters, this sniper rifle can be used in low-lit conditions or during the day. The versatility of this sniper rifle to be used in various weather circumstances has made it a popular choice for hunters in dense forests and backcountry terrain.

#6 – M24 Sniper Rifle

Based on the traditional Remington Model 700 sniper rifle, the M24 SWS is the main sniper rifle utilized in the US Army today. Developed in the late 1980s, this rifle was first used in 1988, effectively the Army’s first weapon specifically designed for sniper use.

The M24 is a bolt-action sniper rifle, feeding ammunition from a box magazine that can contain either 5 or 10 rounds, depending on the specific model. Complete with a 10×42 or 10×40 fixed power scope and iron sights, this sniper rifle is made for long-range use.

The M24 can fire machine gun-grade ammunition, but is intended for use as a sniper rifle. Constructed with a stainless steel barrel, this rifle is very accurate, with close to 1 MOA with match-grade ammunition at various distances.

#7 – Blaser R93 Tactical

The R93 is a German tactical sniper rifle that contains a detachable magazine, muzzle brake, and adjustable shock. With adjustable capabilities and accuracy, this sniper rifle is used by various law enforcement units and special forces globally. Countries that use the Blaser R93 rifle are Australia, Brazil, France, Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

A bolt-action tactical rifle, this sniper rifle has a straight-pull action design that allows for quicker follow-up shots and more comfortable use. Despite being complex to figure out at first since the weapon does not have a traditional receiver, this sniper rifle is extremely accurate and is lightweight with a fully adjustable cheekpiece.

#8 – SIG SSG 3000

The SIG SSG 3000 is a sniper rifle meant for combat, specifically designed for military use and law enforcement in Germany. Now used all across Europe and the United States, this sniper rifle is a bolt-action weapon known for its high-quality material and construction, durability, and pinpoint accuracy.

With a barrel that can be easily changed out in just a few minutes, the versatility and functionality of using this sniper rifle are above par. In addition, this sniper rifle uses a 5-round detachable magazine, adjustable cheekpiece, soft and comfortable pistol grip, scope rail, 900-meter range, and flash hider at the end of a barrel to keep you hidden while using the sniper rifle.

#9 Accuracy International Arctic Warfare 50

The Arctic Warfare 50 is a .50 caliber bolt-action anti-material and a sniper rifle intended for trained special forces and law enforcement units. Used by the British Special Service, Royal Marines, and operators in Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and Portugal, this sniper rifle combines shooting performance and ruggedness.

This sniper rifle has an effective range of 1,500 meters, with the ability to hit a wide range of targets, whether they are moving or still. The 12.7x99mm round can be used for sniper operations to clear mines from a faraway distance.

#10 – McMillan TAC-50

The McMillan is a long-range sniper rifle adopted by the Canadian Armed Forces and other law enforcement units in France, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, South Africa, and the United States. Used as a long-range anti-material weapon, this sniper rifle can detect equipment like radar units, trucks, and parked aircraft.

The McMillan is a highly accurate sniper rifle that is well-known in the military and sport-shooting world. In 2002, a Canadian sniper made a record kill from 2,310 meters using this specific sniper rifle, setting the record for the longest kill in combat.

In addition, this type of sniper rifle can use different telescopic or night sights, increasing the versatility of this weapon. Although this sniper rifle has no backup sights for emergencies, the ability to use this rifle in low-light conditions increases the functionality of the weapon.

With outstanding accuracy using match-grade ammunition, this sniper rifle is a great choice for hunters or sport users.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing the correct sniper rifle for your intended use is crucial to your weapon’s safety, performance, and effectiveness. Considering the top 10 choices, you must decide if your new sniper rifle purchase is for sport, hunting, or military use, with the decision altering the sniper rifle model that is suitable for your needs.