From year to year, mankind is purposefully and with unprecedented persistence improving its weapons, trying to make them more and more modern, destructive and powerful.
Huge budgetary and private funds are spent on providing soldiers with camouflage and aiming range. At the same time, the creators do not ignore another task - to remain as invisible as possible to the enemy.
For these purposes, there are even individual sniper fighters who are fluent in the art of marksmanship. Below is the top 10 most modern sniper rifles.
SVLK-14S "Twilight"
The best of Russian sniper rifles, manufactured by LOBAEV Arms. The release date of "Twilight" is 2012. Immediately after its appearance on the global arms market, the rifle was called the longest-range in the world. A sniper hits a target with it at a distance of 4 kilometers.
Characteristics of SVLK-14S “Dusk”:
- The shutter is based on Ring v3.0;
- Rifle type - single shot;
- The receiver is made of aircraft alloy and has a threaded element;
- The length of the structure is 1.5 meters, of which 90 cm is on the trunk;
- Model weight – 9.5 kilograms;
- The height of the stand is 17 centimeters.
The weapon is compatible with powerful cartridges. 408 CheyTec (10.3x77 mm), created by American designer John Taylor. It comes complete with a silencer and an optical sight.
The very first rifle for snipers was the SVD. Its creator is the domestic designer Evgeny Dragunov. Adopted into service in the USSR in 1963.
The advantages of the “Twilight” are range, minimum warm-up distance for firing (only 500 meters), good accuracy and a wide range of operating temperatures (from 45 degrees below zero to +65o C). The sniper rifle has only one drawback - the need to purchase ammunition from the American company CheyTac LLC. However, today the Russian government plans to launch its own production of ammunition similar in characteristics to 408 CheyTec. But exactly when this will happen is not specified.
You can purchase SVLK-14S “Twilight” directly from the manufacturer. The price of this powerful long-range weapon at the end of 2022 is almost 2 million rubles. As an alternative, some militaries use the L115A3 AWM lightweight sniper rifle.
Ultima Ratio
French-made weapons have a “skeletal” structure: that is, a metal frame is used as a base, and a powerful receiver is attached to it. The barrel is floating, has a powerful muzzle brake, and is locked by turning the bolt to three lugs. The adjustable stock has a folding front bipod and an equally folding rear rest. High quality workmanship and excellent shooting accuracy are the main features that make these sniper rifles stand out. The photo shows that there are no design features in this weapon.
Anzio 20MM Take Down Rifle
A unique and longest-range sniper rifle model produced by Anzio. Its design makes it easy to hit a target located at a long distance (over 3 kilometers). A worthy competitor to the SVLK-14S “Twilight”.
Take Down Rifle is a single-shot sniper rifle that operates with 20x102 mm and domestic 14.5x114 mm cartridges. In addition, the manufacturer made it possible to load it with AMP ammunition. However, in this case, the effectiveness of the weapon is reduced several times. Reloading the rifle is not automatic, but is done manually.
Other features of the model:
- Barrel length – 127 cm;
- The Anzio Take Down Rifle body has a mount that allows you to install both outdated and modern models of optical sights;
- Compatible with barrel lengths of 91, 1016 and 1143 centimeters;
- Standard assembly weight – more than 17 kilograms;
- The maximum magazine capacity is 1 cartridge.
The main advantages of the Anzio Take Down Rifle are the high speed of the cartridge when fired (up to 1 km per second) and compatibility with different types of ammunition. The rifle has two disadvantages - heavy weight and the need for manual reloading after firing. But, despite this, it is in service with more than 100 countries, including states neighboring Russia.
Take Down Rifle costs $19,000. The Anzio company also produces the following models of sniper rifles: 20-50 Rifle and Mag-Fed Rifle. They have similar characteristics, but a shorter firing range. Their price ranges from $12,000-16,000.
Pneumatic models
Air sniper rifles are designed for users who are interested in hunting game. All existing models are divided into three groups: for training, for sports and directly for hunting. Depending on this, the technical characteristics of the models, their weight and caliber vary. Let's look at the most popular pneumatic manufacturers:
- Diana. If you are looking for the best air sniper rifles, then choose the products of this German brand. Its range is wide, so you have the opportunity to choose both a budget and an expensive model. For professionals, the Diana 350 Magnum, with its supersonic speed, is an excellent choice.
- Crosman is an American brand that offers a wide selection of rifles to suit every taste. Thanks to the constant improvement of products, weapons meet the requirements of hunters. The company also produces rifles for playing paintball.
- FX. The rifles of this brand are some of the best on the market today. Shooting from a sniper rifle of this brand is a pleasure, since all design details are processed exclusively by hand.
- Norica. The Spanish brand offers spring-piston rifles and shells for them. They are made from high quality steel, natural wood and durable plastic, but have an affordable price.
Barrett M99
According to the results of a survey of military personnel and experts in the field of weapons ownership, it became known that the Barrett M99 is the most powerful sniper rifle. It was first introduced in late 1999 by Barrett Firearms, eclipsing the then popular Barrett M82A1.
A couple of years later, the model set a record for firing range. A participant in the competition, firing a rifle, hit the target 5 times at a distance of 914 m. All bullets landed in a circle with a diameter of no more than 4 inches. In field conditions, a record was set for hitting a target at a distance of 2,600 kilometers.
Weapon characteristics:
- Weight – 10.5 kilograms;
- Barrel length – 11.93 cm;
- Caliber - 10.6;
- Cartridge – 12.7x99 mm;
- Rate of fire – 1 shot per minute;
- There is a mount for various optical sights.
The gun manufacturer released the Barrett M99 in two variants. In addition to the basic rifle, a model with an extended barrel was presented at the exhibition in 1999. It is suitable for shooting in urban conditions, when the shooter needs high accuracy and high power. The Barrett M99-1 was immediately purchased by many US police departments and began to be used to defeat criminals located behind cover, where it is difficult to reach with simple small arms.
The classic M99 rifle is used primarily by the military, who need to hit targets in open areas and at long ranges. Today, the weapon is in service with the armies of America, Brazil, Argentina and some European countries.
The Barrett M99 is found in many computer games. For example, the rifle is popular among those who play Spec Ops: The Line, Killing Floor and CrossFire VN.
CheyTac Intervention M200
Developed by engineers from the American company CheyTac LLC in 2001. Initially it was assumed that it would be used by police to defeat criminals in urban environments, but later it was adopted by the US Armed Forces. Today, the CheyTac Intervention M200 is used by snipers in Syria and peacekeepers in Libya. Previously, the rifle was used during the resolution of military conflicts in Somalia, Afghanistan and Haiti.
Weapon characteristics:
- The weight of the rifle without a scope is 12 kilograms;
- Reloading – manual;
- Shot range – 2.5 kilometers;
- Ammunition - box magazine for 7 shells;
- There is a mount for a sight and a silencer.
In addition to the classic M200, several more variants of the rifle were released:
- M200 Carbine;
- M200 CIV;
- M310SS;
- M310 R.
The difference between them is the volume of the magazine, the design of the butt and the possibility of disassembly. For example, the M310 cannot be disassembled. All CheyTac Intervention models are compatible with 10.3x77 caliber ammunition (408 Chey Tac).
The M200 sniper rifle is considered one of the most powerful not only in life, but also in the game. You can evaluate its capabilities in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Point Blank, Battlefield 4 (where it was renamed SRR-61) and Lost Sector Online.
PSG1
In seventh place in the top 10 is the German self-loading rifle PSG1, made by the famous arms company Heckler & Koch. This weapon was created after the catastrophic events that occurred during the 1972 Munich Olympics. Then German law enforcement officers failed to save the hostages due to the inability to quickly neutralize the terrorists. Gunsmiths Heckler & Koch were given the task of making the latest sniper rifle for police special forces.
The PSG1 uses the 7.62x51 mm NATO cartridge, has magazines with a capacity of 5 or 20 rounds and an effective firing range of 600 meters. This rifle is considered one of the most accurate self-loading sniper systems.
OM 50 Nemesis
A large-caliber sniper rifle created by James Owen. Having served in the US Navy in the past as a Marine, he knows the importance of having a weapon in your hands that shoots accurately and has a long range.
The first Nemesis sample was collected in early 2001. Then he was tested in the field and showed only good results. Two years later, a decision was made to mass produce weapons. The Swiss arms company AMSD took up the matter.
Today, the OM 50 Nemesis is purchased by police departments and units conducting special operations in America, Asia and Europe. The rifle was used during the war in Syria and Iraq.
When creating the Nemesis concept, Jameson Owen paid special attention to the ability to change the design of the weapon in accordance with the conditions in which it was used. This is how the idea arose of equipping the model with a mechanism that would allow the long and heavy barrel to be replaced with a lighter and more compact one. Thanks to this, the rifle has now become not only a combat weapon, but also a sporting weapon.
Characteristics of OM 50 Nemesis:
- Weight without sight and magazine – 10 kilograms;
- Firing range – 1.5 kilometers;
- The length with a standard barrel is 1.5 m, and with a reduced one – 1.2 m;
- Compatible with 12 mm caliber;
- Ammunition - magazine for 5 rounds;
- Reloading type: manual.
The rifle is expensive. For a kit that includes a weapon, an optical sight, and two interchangeable barrels, you will have to pay about $30,000.
M2010
In ninth place in the top 10 is a sniper rifle designed specifically for the US military. It is the most profound modernization of the M24 rifle, which was used by the American army for many years.
The modernization was carried out taking into account the experience gained by the Yankees in Afghanistan and Iraq. The M2010 uses the more powerful .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge, the ergonomics of the gun have been significantly improved, and a muzzle brake with a silencer has been installed on the rifle.
Before handing over a weapon to the military, the manufacturing company inspects its accuracy. Accuracy of fire must be at least 1 MOA.
The disadvantages of the M2010 (compared to the M24) include a more colorful shot flash and strong recoil due to the use of more massive ammunition.
Sam Yang Dragon Claw 50
The most powerful and long-range air rifle that requires pre-pumping. A good replacement for the SR-25 Rifle and Accuracy International AS50. Operates with 50 caliber ammunition. The model is single-shot, sliding bolt type. There is a built-in pressure gauge.
The type of rifle stock is “Monte Carlo”. Its difference from others is in the characteristic neck inherent in pistols and the sharply decreasing top line. In addition, the butt has a sniper's cheek piece, which makes the weapon comfortable to use. It comes with a thick rubber butt plate.
Other characteristics of Sam Yang Dragon Claw:
- Barrel length – 55 centimeters;
- Weight without sight – 3400 grams;
- The length of the entire structure is 1.069 m;
- Muzzle energy – 312 J;
- There are scope mounts.
Sam Yang Dragon Claw is preferred by professional hunters. It has high power, accuracy and is easy to operate.
The main feature of an air rifle is its light weight. The disadvantage of the model is the rapid consumption of air, so if the owner of the weapon is going to shoot at full force, then one refill is enough to fire 2-3 bullets. For low power shots it is enough for 6-7 times.
Those who want to purchase the Sam Yang Dragon Claw will need to first obtain a license to carry and use a shotgun. A rifle costs from 35 to 50 thousand rubles.
OSV-96 "Burglar"
Domestic large-caliber rifle, developed by Arkady Shipunov in the 90s. Mass production of OSV-96 began in 1993. Weapons of the “Burglar” modification were adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the Federal Security Service in 2000. It was used during the war in Chechnya and Syria.
Description of OSV-96 “Burglar”:
- Weight without sight – 12 kilograms;
- Length with the butt unfolded - 1.7 m;
- Stand height – 30 cm;
- Compatibility with cartridges - armor-piercing incendiary, BZT, BS, sniper SPTs 12.7x108 mm;
- Barrel length – 1 m;
- Recharge type - automatic.
The target firing range of this model is 1.8 km. When a sight with night vision is installed, it decreases to 600 m. It is also compatible with the PSO-1, POS-1Zx60 and 12x54 sights.
The task of OSV-96 is to destroy targets with light armor or unarmored objects. The advantage of the “Burglar” is its fast shooting and effective range when firing in a series of 4-5 times (up to 1 km).
The rifle lost the competition in the Moscow Region, giving way to the sniper ASVK. The reason is that the "Burglar" has insufficient accuracy. Another significant disadvantage of the weapon is the rather loud sound when fired, so the sniper will have to use noise-reducing headphones.
"Orsis" T-5000
In fourth place in the top 10 is a new Russian sniper rifle, developed personally at the beginning of this decade. The Orsis T-5000 is considered one of the sharpest sniper systems in the world, its accuracy level is 0.2 MOA. This is a very positive result for a serial gun.
The rifle is made in 2 calibers: 8.6 mm and 7.62 mm, it weighs only 6.5 kg, which distinguishes the weapon from many Russian and foreign analogues. During tests, the rifle was exposed to low and high temperatures, moisture, and contamination. But these reasons could not reduce the accuracy of the gun.
In 2012, thanks to this rifle, the Russian team won gold at popular international sniper shooting competitions.
Gepard M1
One of the representatives of large-caliber sniper rifles produced by a Hungarian company under the leadership of designer Ferenc Földi. Its main purpose is to eliminate targets covered with light armor or unarmored objects. Today the Gepard M1 is in service with Britain, Russia, Turkey, America and Croatia. In Germany, this model is gradually replacing the outdated PSG1.
Rifle characteristics:
- Weight – 19 kilograms;
- The total length of the structure is 1.6 meters;
- Barrel length – 1100 cm;
- Height along the sight line – 36 cm;
- Compatible with 12.8x108 mm and 12.7x99 mm NATO .50 BMG cartridges (by the way, .50 BMG is the fastest bullet in the world);
- The maximum impact range is 2 kilometers.
In addition to the M1, several more Gepard models were released:
- M6/Lynx;
- M2A1
- M2;
- M3;
- M4.
They differ from each other in stand height, firing range and weight. The heaviest of them is the Gepard M3 rifle. Its weight is over 20 kilograms.
Steyr HS .50 has similar characteristics. Its manufacturer is the Austrian arms factory Steyr Mannlicher Gmbh & Co KG. Its only difference from the Cheetah M1 is the absence of a magazine. This means that the rifle is single shot. When reloading a weapon, the cartridge is placed in the barrel, while the bolt remains open. It also has a rubber shock absorber, which significantly reduces recoil when fired and makes the weapon easier to use.
Airsoft rifles
Playing airsoft requires proper preparation of weapons. Airsoft sniper rifles are more in demand compared to classic machine guns, since their aiming distance is much longer and their accuracy is higher. In addition, such weapons make it possible to think through a tactical operation, minimizing your risks and defeating the enemy. Manufacturers offer a large selection of airsoft weapons that replicate real rifles. Despite their external similarity, they, of course, differ in technical characteristics, but it seems that in front of you is a real military weapon.
The SVD rifle replica is one of the best for playing airsoft. Depending on modifications, these structures can be made from high quality plastic, metal or natural wood. The model comes with a magazine designed for 96 or 120 balls. True, this rifle is still designed for those who know how to handle weapons and have at least the most basic skills.
The M14 airsoft sniper rifles are compact in size and therefore allow for maneuvers. The advantage of the model is the automatic release of bullets.
The A&K rifle replica is the most accurate in its class. Its metal parts are made of silumin, the outer barrel is made of aluminum. Experts note that this is the best rifle in terms of price and quality ratio. The rifle from Snow Wolf will attract attention with its high precision of execution and the use of only high-quality materials in production. When choosing an airsoft sniper rifle, base it on its range. This will allow you not only to hit your opponent, but also to remain unnoticed.
