Snipers are considered the deadliest sharpshooters in modern warfare. Their ability to take out Targets from long distances is unmatched, and their precision and accuracy can be awe-inspiring.
In American military history, many snipers have made remarkable shots, but who holds the record for the longest sniper shot in American history? Let’s find out!
The Longest Sniper Shot in American History
The honor of making the longest sniper shot in American history goes to Sergeant First Class (SFC) Rob Furlong of the Canadian Armed Forces. On March 2, 2002, during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, SFC Furlong made a shot that still holds the record today.
Using a McMillan Tac-50 rifle chambered in .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), SFC Furlong engaged an enemy combatant at a distance of 2,430 meters (2,657 yards). The shot took less than 10 seconds to travel that distance and hit its Target with incredible accuracy.
The Tac-50 Rifle
The McMillan Tac-50 rifle used by SFC Furlong is a bolt-action sniper rifle designed for extreme long-range shooting. It has a maximum effective range of over 1.5 miles and is chambered in .50 BMG, which is one of the most powerful cartridges available to civilians. The rifle’s accuracy and power make it an ideal choice for snipers who need to engage Targets at extreme distances.
- Features of McMillan Tac-50 Rifle:
- Weight: 12.9 kg (28.4 lbs)
- Length: 1,448 mm (57 inches)
- Barrel Length: 737 mm (29 inches)
- Cartridge: .50 BMG
- Action: Bolt-action
Other Notable Sniper Shots
While SFC Furlong’s shot holds the record for the longest sniper shot in American history, there have been many other notable sniper shots throughout the years. Here are a few:
- Carlos Hathcock: Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock of the United States Marine Corps made a shot at a distance of 2,286 meters (2,500 yards) during the Vietnam War. The shot took him several days to set up and was made using a .50 BMG rifle.
- Craig Harrison: Corporal Craig Harrison of the British Army made a shot at a distance of 2,475 meters (2,707 yards) in Afghanistan in 2009.
He used an Accuracy International L115A3 rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.
- Aaron Perry: Sergeant Aaron Perry of the United States Army made a shot at a distance of 1,563 meters (1,711 yards) in Iraq in 2007. He used a Barrett M107 rifle chambered in .50 BMG.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SFC Rob Furlong holds the record for the longest sniper shot in American history. His incredible feat of marksmanship serves as a testament to the skill and dedication required to become a successful sniper. While other snipers have come close to breaking his record over the years, it still stands as one of the most impressive shots ever made by a sniper.