Intro
Witness the most impressive feats of marksmanship in military history with the 5 longest sniper shots ever recorded. From elite military units to exceptional individual skill, discover the longest confirmed sniper shots that showcase precision, strategy, and bravery, including shots from World War II, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Snipers have long been revered for their exceptional marksmanship and ability to take out targets from a distance. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of snipers making incredible shots that have left a lasting impact on the world of military and law enforcement. Here, we'll take a look at the five longest sniper shots in history, showcasing the skill and precision of these elite shooters.
The world of sniping is full of remarkable stories, but some shots stand out as truly exceptional. These shots are not only impressive due to their distance but also because of the circumstances surrounding them. From the trenches of World War I to the mountains of Afghanistan, these snipers have proven themselves to be the best of the best.
Let's dive into the five longest sniper shots in history, exploring the stories behind these incredible feats of marksmanship.
The Five Longest Sniper Shots in History
1. Craig Harrison - 2,475 meters (8,120 ft)
The longest sniper shot in history was made by British sniper Craig Harrison in 2009. Harrison, a member of the Household Cavalry, took out two Taliban insurgents in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. What makes this shot even more remarkable is that Harrison used a L115A3 sniper rifle, which is not designed for shots of this distance.
Harrison's record-breaking shot was confirmed by a GPS device, which measured the distance between his position and the target. This incredible feat of marksmanship showcases the skill and precision of Harrison, who has become a legend in the world of sniping.
2. Rob Furlong - 2,430 meters (7,972 ft)
In 2002, Canadian sniper Rob Furlong made a record-breaking shot in Afghanistan. Furlong, a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, took out an al-Qaeda fighter using a.50-caliber McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle.
Furlong's shot was part of a larger operation aimed at taking out enemy fighters in the Shah-i-Kot Valley. The Canadian sniper team had been tasked with providing overwatch for a group of American soldiers who were conducting a raid on an al-Qaeda compound.
3. Arron Perry - 2,310 meters (7,579 ft)
In 2009, British sniper Arron Perry made a remarkable shot in Afghanistan. Perry, a member of the 4th Battalion, The Rifles, took out a Taliban insurgent using a L115A3 sniper rifle.
Perry's shot was made during a patrol in the Helmand Province, where his unit came under attack from enemy fighters. The British sniper quickly took aim and fired, hitting his target with precision.
4. Nick Irving - 2,100 meters (6,890 ft)
In 2009, American sniper Nick Irving made a remarkable shot in Iraq. Irving, a member of the 3rd Ranger Battalion, took out an insurgent using a.50-caliber Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle.
Irving's shot was part of a larger operation aimed at taking out enemy fighters in the city of Baghdad. The American sniper team had been tasked with providing overwatch for a group of soldiers who were conducting a raid on an insurgent compound.
5. Thomas Plunket - 1,400 meters (4,593 ft)
In 1801, British sniper Thomas Plunket made a remarkable shot during the Napoleonic Wars. Plunket, a member of the 95th Rifle Regiment, took out a French general using a Baker rifle.
Plunket's shot was made during the Battle of Cacabelos, where British forces clashed with French troops. The British sniper team had been tasked with providing overwatch for a group of soldiers who were conducting a raid on a French position.
While Plunket's shot may not be as long as some of the others on this list, it is still an impressive feat of marksmanship considering the technology available at the time.
Gallery of Sniper Shots
Sniper Shots Image Gallery
These five longest sniper shots in history showcase the incredible skill and precision of these elite shooters. From the trenches of World War I to the mountains of Afghanistan, these snipers have proven themselves to be the best of the best.
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