What's the best sniper rifle?

Question

I don't know anything about guns so...

Answer 1

Any 30 caliber bolt action made by Remington, Winchester, or Savage.*~

Answer 2

Accuracy International Model AWP is the choice of those in the know.

Answer 3

I'll throw in my 2 cents (since everyone else has) and enter in the Barrett M82A3 .50 cal.  It's one of many big-boy .50 cal rifles the pro's are using in Afghanistan and if this is fictional, you may as well go big or go home.  The longest recorded sniper shot was at over 2400 yards and fired by a .50 cal rifle.  h**l, they gave Angelina Jolie 2 HK USP .45 handguns with big old honkin' muzzle brakes in Tomb Raider, which was certainly far fetched, but she still looked hot.  One of those is difficult to fire for a grown man, let alone 2 guns at the same time.  If that's the direction you're heading, go for the gusto and give your character the .50.  

Other than that, I'd say give her an M40A1.  It's the Marine Corps version of the Remington 700 everyone else has mentioned, but they are custom tuned by gunsmiths in Quantico, VA with custom barrels and high dollar Unertl scopes.  It is a coveted status symbol among Marines to fire an M40, it might tie in well with your story.

Answer 4

Based on your question you are just looking for a high powered precision rifle. The Remington 700 Police Model comes to mind very frequently. It has a heavy "bull barrel" and is considered by most to be pretty darn accurate right out of the box. But by the real "target" boys it is considered an entry level sniper rifle. The real high precision guys use custom barrels that are made to shoot specific cartridges, high end triggers, etc. Ammo is made to high end specs, and the scope costs a fortune alone.

These rifles are not really meant for running around and using for primary survival. They are meant for hitting targets at 500+ yards.

If your character is using a gun just to defend against bad guys you might consider an AR type weapon or something similar in 5.56 or .308 with an aimpoint red dot scope. This would be good from 0 yards out to 300 yards (or more). It's pretty hard to run around with an 11 pound sniper rifle and defend yourself against bad guys at close ranges with a scope that is best suited for 600 yards.

Answer 5

Like has been stated many times above, go with the m700.

I prefer it in .300 WinMag over .308...

Answer 6

I hope that you aren't going to assassinate anyone . If this is purely academic. I would say a Remington model 700 in 308 cal. scope choice optional

Answer 7

You really need an interview with some "gun nuts," rather than just one or two questions. Lord knows there are enough of us that it shouldn't be a problem to find somebody. I suspect your heroine would be likely to use a regular hunting rifle or target model, depending on her background and situation. There are very few custom rifles compared to the millions of mass-produced and semi-custom jobs, and a hunting rifle is perfectly capable of shooting the antagonists of your story from a quarter mile away without a further suspension of disbelief on the part of your readers, if any of the popular models in the very popular deer-hunting calibers is used.

Answer 8

with so many people asking questions about SNIPER rifles, it would be my suggestion, to join the army or marine corps, volunteer for sniper school & they will teach you ALL you need to know about SNIPER rifles

Answer 9

You're writing a story?  Know first that there is no such thing as a 'sniper rifle.'  A rifle is just a rifle until a sniper uses it for his nefarious purpose.  The infamous 'Kennedy Rifle' was just a $20 military surplus rifle purchased by mail order.  To be exact it was a 6.5mm Italian Carcano equipped by the shooter with a 4x scope mounted at an angle so that the bolt wouldn't hit the windage adjustment k**b.  The only call to fame that this model rifle had at the time was that it was known as the 'fastest military bolt-action rifle' in the world.  The Texas Tower Sniper allegedly used a 6mm Remington hunting rifle. Those fools in Maryland allegedly used a .223 sporting rifle.  So you see, any rifle can be used by a sniper and until then it is just a rifle, then it becomes a... "Sniper's rifle."

H

There's no echo.  I just like to get the facts straight which is probably why I do get published and paid.  In my published works I don't err by using non-factual material even when writing fiction.  This is why I'm telling you that the term 'sniper rifle' is a misnomer.  Writers like to help other writers.  My other motive for even answering your question is to ask you as a fellow author not feed the frenzy.  Terms like 'sniper rifle, assault rifle, silencer' only serve the agenda of the anti-gun media.  Good luck with your work.

H

Answer 10

Although I like the Remington 700 series, it seems to vary with individual tastes.  I'd suggest that you Google military sniper rifles, and see what each country's military is using.  You can then make an informed decision.

Answer 11

Two of the most historical best sniper rifles ever are the Mauser 98/29 in 8mm Mauser caliber and the Mosin-Nagant 91/30 in 762x54R caliber.  There were probably more of them manufactured and used than all other brands combined manufactured since then.  I was just looking at some ads for 91/30's and Mausers this morning; you can still buy them.  Mankind never ceases to amaze me.

Answer 12

You have to look at what the guys who are competing in long range practical rifle matches are using and winning with.  That being said, in the USA it boils down to two rifles:

Accuracy International Model AWP

GA Precision Crusader Tactical

Take your pick.  The GA Precision is largely based on the Remington 700.  The AWP was a ground up design by a competitive military shooter.

In Europe, You see a lot of Steyrs, Sakos, and Mauser derivatives.

There is no one "best" rifle.  What is best you may not be what is best for me.  There are a lot of variables.

Good luck!

Answer 13

The HK 91 and HK 93 rifles are excellent weapons but since they have been banned for importing here to US the only place you'll find them is at a gun show or second hand market. They have been replaced by the HK 416 which has much better accuracy the the Colt M-16/AR-15 and M 4 and is currently being used by the Los Vegas SWAT teams  

Answer 14

Remington Model 700. The Army, Marines, and the Police have it as their standard Sniper Rifle. I prefer to use it in 30.06 Springfield.

Answer 15

Let's see now. A woman protects her loved ones with long range assassinations. This is going to be tough to work around, but if well-handled, it certainly will be a unique concept. The 243 is the obvious choice, since it has little recoil to s***w up anyone's aim, and delivers 1000 ft-lbs of energy past 400 yards, which requires training to hit well at that distance! Things like a 3X9 variable scope set for maximum power (9), and a smooth trigger job done by a gunsmith, both to produce long-range accuracy, are necessary for the story line. Some baddies beyond the Law complete the picture. Hey, another YA lurker may just write a competing novel! Regards, Larry.

Answer 16

Remington M-700, the Best d**n rifle ever made. =)