|
03-01-2010 Military/Law Enforcement Newsletter |
 |
 |
Military / Law Enforcement Newsletter - March '10
While snipers are obviously equipped for long range combat, often in urban environments they are forced into close quarters combat, and must be prepared. Their cumbersomely large, slow firing rifles with long range scopes are of little use when face to face with an enemy (particularly bolt action rifles). There are several options for improving this situation.
The shooter could rely on their squad mates to cover them, but being unarmed in a dangerous environment is never a good idea.
Alternatively, snipers could simply carry a second weapon such as a sub machine gun or carbine, but then the sniper typically carries the rifle on their back and this limits their options as far as armor and vests. On top of that, the additional weapon provides more weight, and the sniper has to deal with multiple ammunition types.
The sniper could use the rifle as best they can, but it not nearly as effective as alternative weapons when on the move. In order to make it more effective, the shooter would be well served to be familiar with the weapon and able to reload quickly. Optically, long range scopes are impractical at close range, so the sniper has to either instinctually aim or use an additional sight on the weapon. This can be a red dot sight, which may not be entirely accurate considering it’s placement on the weapon is not standard and it adds additional weight, or ironsights, which usually have to be placed elsewhere on the weapon so as to not conflict with the scope, which makes their effective range much less. A laser sight could be used but they have limited range and can increase the shooter’s visibility due to the visible laser leading back to them.
Variable length scopes are available but they limit the shooter’s long range capability. Still, in urban environments typical shooting distance is significantly less than it would be elsewhere anyway.
An ideal optic for both urban and rural situations does not yet exist, though the demand is there, so hopefully one will be available soon. Aimpoint is already starting to address this problem with their 3X Magnifier, a red-dot sight magnifier that allows semi-sniping using the red dot sight. With the options that exist now, snipers should weigh their different options and select whichever fits best with their situation.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
