Intro
Experience the thrill of marksmanship with the 7 longest sniper shots in history. Discover the most remarkable feats of precision shooting, including the longest confirmed kill, longest shot in combat, and record-breaking sniper shots that tested human endurance and technical skill.
Snipers have long been a crucial part of military operations, providing a unique set of skills that can turn the tide of battle in favor of their team. One of the most impressive feats of sniping is the long-range shot, where a sniper successfully hits a target from a distance that seems almost impossible. Here are 7 of the longest sniper shots in history.
The skill and patience required to make such shots are awe-inspiring, and the stories behind them are often fascinating. Whether it's in the midst of a war zone or in a competitive shooting environment, these snipers have proven themselves to be among the best of the best.
Sniping is an art that requires a deep understanding of ballistics, wind patterns, and human behavior. It's a delicate dance between the sniper, the rifle, and the environment, all working together to achieve a single goal: to hit the target. When done correctly, the results can be devastating.
1. Craig Harrison - 2,475 meters (2,707 yards)
In 2009, British sniper Craig Harrison set the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Harrison, a corporal in the British Army, was serving in Afghanistan when he spotted two Taliban insurgents planting an improvised explosive device (IED). From a distance of 2,475 meters (2,707 yards), Harrison took aim with his L115A3 sniper rifle and successfully hit both targets.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Harrison was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Harrison, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
Breaking Down the Shot
To put Harrison's achievement into perspective, consider the factors involved in making such a shot. At 2,475 meters, the bullet would have taken around 6 seconds to reach the target, and the drop in elevation would have been approximately 100 meters (330 feet). The wind deflection would have been significant, and the target would have appeared tiny through the scope.
Despite these challenges, Harrison's training and experience allowed him to accurately judge the conditions and make the shot. It's a testament to the skill and dedication required to become an elite sniper.
2. Arron Perry - 2,310 meters (2,526 yards)
In 2002, Canadian sniper Arron Perry set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Perry, a master corporal in the Canadian Army, was serving in Afghanistan when he spotted an Al-Qaeda insurgent. From a distance of 2,310 meters (2,526 yards), Perry took aim with his McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Perry was awarded the Star of Military Valour for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Perry, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
Canadian Sniper Excellence
The Canadian military has a long history of producing exceptional snipers, and Perry's achievement is a testament to the country's sniper training program. The Canadians have developed a reputation for producing skilled marksmen, and their snipers have consistently performed well in international competitions.
3. Nick Irving - 2,058 meters (2,250 yards)
In 2009, American sniper Nick Irving set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Irving, a sergeant in the US Army, was serving in Iraq when he spotted an insurgent. From a distance of 2,058 meters (2,250 yards), Irving took aim with his M24 sniper rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Irving was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Irving, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
US Army Sniper Training
The US Army has a comprehensive sniper training program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to become an effective sniper. The program includes instruction on ballistics, optics, and human behavior, as well as extensive range time to develop marksmanship skills.
4. Rob Furlong - 2,043 meters (2,230 yards)
In 2002, Canadian sniper Rob Furlong set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Furlong, a master corporal in the Canadian Army, was serving in Afghanistan when he spotted an Al-Qaeda insurgent. From a distance of 2,043 meters (2,230 yards), Furlong took aim with his McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Furlong was awarded the Star of Military Valour for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Furlong, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
Canadian Sniper Excellence
Furlong's achievement is another example of the exceptional skill and dedication of Canadian snipers. The Canadians have a long history of producing skilled marksmen, and their snipers have consistently performed well in international competitions.
5. Chris Kyle - 1,920 meters (2,100 yards)
In 2008, American sniper Chris Kyle set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Kyle, a chief petty officer in the US Navy, was serving in Iraq when he spotted an insurgent. From a distance of 1,920 meters (2,100 yards), Kyle took aim with his McMillan TAC-338 sniper rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Kyle was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Kyle, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
US Navy Sniper Training
The US Navy has a comprehensive sniper training program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to become an effective sniper. The program includes instruction on ballistics, optics, and human behavior, as well as extensive range time to develop marksmanship skills.
6. Carlos Hathcock - 1,845 meters (2,019 yards)
In 1967, American sniper Carlos Hathcock set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Hathcock, a gunnery sergeant in the US Marine Corps, was serving in Vietnam when he spotted a North Vietnamese Army soldier. From a distance of 1,845 meters (2,019 yards), Hathcock took aim with his M21 sniper rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Hathcock was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Hathcock, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
US Marine Corps Sniper Training
The US Marine Corps has a comprehensive sniper training program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to become an effective sniper. The program includes instruction on ballistics, optics, and human behavior, as well as extensive range time to develop marksmanship skills.
7. Thomas Plunket - 1,400 meters (1,530 yards)
In 1809, British sniper Thomas Plunket set a new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat. Plunket, a sergeant in the British Army, was serving in the Peninsular War when he spotted a French general. From a distance of 1,400 meters (1,530 yards), Plunket took aim with his Baker rifle and successfully hit the target.
The shot was confirmed by a third party, and Plunket was awarded the British Army's highest honor for bravery. The record-breaking shot was made possible by the advanced optics and rifle technology used by Plunket, as well as his exceptional marksmanship skills.
British Army Sniper Training
The British Army has a long history of producing skilled snipers, and their training program has been refined over the years to focus on developing the skills and knowledge required to become an effective sniper. The program includes instruction on ballistics, optics, and human behavior, as well as extensive range time to develop marksmanship skills.
Sniper Image Gallery
Now that you've read about the 7 longest sniper shots in history, it's clear that these snipers are among the best of the best. Their skill, patience, and dedication to their craft are an inspiration to anyone who has ever picked up a rifle.
Whether you're a seasoned sniper or just starting out, there's always more to learn and improve upon. The art of sniping is constantly evolving, and the techniques and technologies used by these elite snipers are a testament to that.
We hope you've enjoyed this article and will continue to follow us for more in-depth looks at the world of sniping and beyond. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.
What do you think about the longest sniper shots in history? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!