The Longest Sniper Shot in History: A Record-Breaking Feat
In the world of sniper shooting, precision and accuracy are key to achieving success. One remarkable record that has garnered significant attention is the longest sniper shot ever made. This incredible feat of marksmanship has been achieved by a few skilled shooters, but one shot stands out above the rest.
Meet the Record Holder: Craig Harrison
Craig Harrison, a British Army sniper, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest sniper shot ever made. On November 2, 2009, Harrison successfully hit a Taliban target from an astonishing distance of 2,475 meters (8,120 feet). This remarkable shot was made in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during a firefight between British forces and the Taliban.
The Rifle and Ammunition Used
Harrison used a L115A3 sniper rifle, which is a variant of the Accuracy International AW rifle. The rifle was chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a high-powered cartridge capable of delivering consistent accuracy at long ranges. The Lapua Magnum cartridge is a popular choice among military and civilian snipers due to its exceptional ballistic performance.
The Shot: A Detailed Account
According to Harrison’s account, the shot was taken during a firefight in which he and his spotter, Corporal Chris Reynolds, were engaging enemy forces. Harrison spotted two Taliban fighters attempting to flee the scene and quickly calculated the distance to the target. He then adjusted his rifle’s scope to compensate for the bullet’s trajectory and wind deflection.
With a steady aim, Harrison squeezed the trigger, and the rifle’s report echoed through the valley. The bullet traveled an astonishing 2.475 kilometers, striking one of the Taliban fighters with lethal precision.
The Math Behind the Shot
To put Harrison’s achievement into perspective, let’s look at the math behind the shot:
- Distance: 2,475 meters (8,120 feet)
- Bullet velocity: approximately 930 meters per second (3,051 feet per second)
- Time of flight: approximately 2.6 seconds
- Bullet drop: approximately 12.5 meters (41 feet)
- Wind deflection: approximately 1.5 meters (4.9 feet)
Harrison’s shot was an incredible feat of marksmanship, requiring precise calculations and adjustments to compensate for the bullet’s trajectory and wind deflection.
Other Notable Long-Range Shots
While Harrison’s shot holds the record for the longest sniper shot, other notable achievements include:
- Ryan Cleckner’s 2,300-meter (7,546-foot) shot: In 2016, former US Army sniper Ryan Cleckner successfully hit a target from 2,300 meters using a.338 Lapua Magnum rifle.
- Nicholas Irving’s 1,800-meter (5,906-foot) shot: In 2010, US Army sniper Nicholas Irving hit a target from 1,800 meters using a.50 BMG rifle.
🎯 Note: These shots are not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, but they are still notable achievements in the world of sniper shooting.
Conclusion
Craig Harrison’s record-breaking shot of 2,475 meters is an awe-inspiring achievement that showcases the skill and precision of snipers. This remarkable feat has cemented Harrison’s place in the annals of sniper history and serves as a testament to the effectiveness of modern sniper rifles and cartridges.
What rifle did Craig Harrison use to make the record-breaking shot?
+
Craig Harrison used a L115A3 sniper rifle, which is a variant of the Accuracy International AW rifle.
What cartridge did Harrison use for the shot?
+
Harrison used the.338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which is a high-powered cartridge capable of delivering consistent accuracy at long ranges.
How long did the bullet take to travel to the target?
+
The bullet took approximately 2.6 seconds to travel to the target.
Related Terms:
- Best sniper in the world
- Long range sniper record
- Snipex T Rex
- List of sniper rifles
- Snipex Alligator
- The best sniper
