The Art of Sniping: 5 Longest Sniper Kills in Military History
Sniping is an art that requires patience, skill, and precision. Snipers are trained to engage targets from a distance, often in hostile environments, and their actions can turn the tide of a battle. In this article, we will explore the 5 longest sniper kills in military history, showcasing the exceptional marksmanship and bravery of these skilled soldiers.
1. Craig Harrison - 2,475 meters (8,120 ft)
Craig Harrison, a British Army sniper, holds the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in history. On November 2, 2009, Harrison was serving with the Household Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan when he engaged two Taliban insurgents at a staggering distance of 2,475 meters (8,120 ft). Harrison used a L115A3 sniper rifle, chambered in.338 Lapua Magnum, to achieve this remarkable feat.
🔫 Note: Harrison's record-breaking shot was confirmed by GPS and witnessed by other soldiers.
2. Rob Furlong - 2,430 meters (7,972 ft)
Rob Furlong, a Canadian Army sniper, recorded the second-longest sniper kill in history during the War in Afghanistan. On March 2, 2002, Furlong, serving with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, engaged an al-Qaeda fighter at a distance of 2,430 meters (7,972 ft). Furlong used a McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle, chambered in.50 BMG.
3. Carlos Hathcock - 2,286 meters (7,500 ft)
Carlos Hathcock, a legendary US Marine Corps sniper, holds the record for the longest sniper kill in Vietnam. On February 27, 1967, Hathcock, serving with the 1st Marine Division, engaged a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) sniper at a distance of 2,286 meters (7,500 ft). Hathcock used a M2.50-caliber machine gun, which he had modified to function as a sniper rifle.
🔫 Note: Hathcock's record-breaking shot was confirmed by a spotter and later verified by the US military.
4. Chris Kyle - 1,920 meters (6,300 ft)
Chris Kyle, a US Navy SEAL sniper, recorded one of the longest sniper kills in Iraq. On August 1, 2006, Kyle, serving with SEAL Team 3, engaged an insurgent at a distance of 1,920 meters (6,300 ft). Kyle used a McMillan TAC-338 sniper rifle, chambered in.338 Lapua Magnum.
5. Thomas Plunket - 1,800 meters (5,900 ft)
Thomas Plunket, a British Army sniper, holds the record for the longest sniper kill in the Napoleonic Wars. On August 1, 1809, Plunket, serving with the 95th Rifle Regiment, engaged a French cavalry officer at a distance of 1,800 meters (5,900 ft). Plunket used a Baker rifle, a muzzle-loading rifle used by British Army riflemen.
🔫 Note: Plunket's record-breaking shot was confirmed by eyewitnesses and documented in historical records.
| Sniper | Distance | Rifle | Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Harrison | 2,475 meters (8,120 ft) | L115A3 | Afghanistan War |
| Rob Furlong | 2,430 meters (7,972 ft) | McMillan TAC-50 | Afghanistan War |
| Carlos Hathcock | 2,286 meters (7,500 ft) | M2.50-caliber | Vietnam War |
| 1,920 meters (6,300 ft) | McMillan TAC-338 | Iraq War | |
| Thomas Plunket | 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) | Baker rifle | Napoleonic Wars |
The art of sniping requires a unique combination of skill, patience, and mental toughness. These five snipers have demonstrated exceptional marksmanship and bravery in the face of danger, earning their places in military history.
In the heat of battle, snipers like these have made a difference, taking out high-priority targets and disrupting enemy operations. Their skills have saved countless lives and have been instrumental in shaping the course of military conflicts. As we reflect on these remarkable achievements, we honor the bravery and expertise of these exceptional soldiers.
What is the longest sniper kill in history?
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The longest sniper kill in history is held by Craig Harrison, a British Army sniper, who engaged two Taliban insurgents at a distance of 2,475 meters (8,120 ft) in Afghanistan in 2009.
What rifle did Craig Harrison use to achieve the longest sniper kill?
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Craig Harrison used a L115A3 sniper rifle, chambered in.338 Lapua Magnum, to achieve the longest sniper kill in history.
Who is the most famous sniper in military history?
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Carlos Hathcock, a US Marine Corps sniper, is considered one of the most famous snipers in military history, known for his exceptional marksmanship and bravery during the Vietnam War.
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