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Key Points: This list highlights the top 5 sniper rifles revered for their precision, reliability, and battlefield performance.

-Leading the pack is the Barrett Mk22 MRAD, a modular, multi-caliber rifle prized by U.S. SOCOM.

-The McMillan TAC-50 holds records for the longest sniper kill shots, while the Accuracy International AXSR offers extreme versatility with its caliber-switch capability. Russia’s iconic SVD Dragunov, though older, remains a rugged marksman rifle.

-Finally, the Barrett M82A1, a legendary .50-caliber anti-materiel rifle, cemented its legacy in combat. Honorable mention goes to the USMC M40, immortalized by sniper legend Carlos Hathcock.

Top 5 Sniper Rifles: The Ultimate List of Precision Power

Whenever you post one of these pieces, some people get heartburn because they are upset that a particular rifle was omitted or one that shouldn’t belong. So let me preface this by saying it is my opinion only. Feel free to let us know which of your top five is best.

What is a sniper rifle? It seems like a dumb question, but the answer is important. Slapping a scope on a rifle doesn’t make it a sniper’s weapon.

It has to be accurate, lightweight enough to be easily carried, and rough enough to withstand the rigors of a combat or highly realistic training environment. 

Plenty of highly accurate weapons can be used in precision marksmanship events that wouldn’t last long in a field environment. Last but not least, the cartridge is essential. Modern snipers have moved to bigger, heavier cartridges that allow the shooter to eliminate targets at longer ranges. 

Our list considers the sniper himself to be the most critical factor in the success or failure of any weapon.

List of The Top 5 Sniper Rifles

Our list is in no particular order, but rest assured, you can’t go wrong with one of these rifles in the hands of a highly trained professional. This list could easily double. That’s how far the engineering and designing teams have excelled in the past few decades. 

Barrett Mk22 MRAD

The Barrett is an outstanding rifle and was chosen as SOCOM’s MRAD (multi-role adaptive design). So, that word salad, in layman’s terms, means that the weapon is a modular caliber switch weapon.

Image: Creative Commons.

In 2019, the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) selected the Barrett Mk22 MRAD as the Advanced Sniper Rifle Trial (ASR) winner. The MRAD can quickly and easily switch barrels and calibers to meet the mission criteria. It can fire .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), .300 Norma Mag, or .338 Norma Mag.

The MRAD can switch calibers and still shoot tight groups of ½ minutes of angle out to 1500 meters. It comes with the Barrett AML 338 suppressor and either Leopold or Nightforce scopes. 

McMillan TAC-50

The TAC-50 currently holds three of the top 5 longest kill shots in history when discussing precision sniper rifles. A Canadian sniper in Afghanistan set the record for the longest kill shot by engaging a target at 3,540 meters. The US Navy SEAL teams used the weapon, named the Mk15. 

The TAC-50 is a military sniper rifle, designated as the C15, and is the standard long-range sniper weapon (LRSW) of the Canadian Army. TAC-50 rifles are guaranteed to provide ½ minute of angle (MOA) groups with match-grade ammunition.

TAC-50 Sniper Rifle

TAC-50 Sniper Rifle. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Specifications

Mass 26.0 lb (11.8 kg)

Length  57.0 in (1,448 mm)

Barrel length  29.0 in (737 mm)

Cartridge  .50 BMG

Action  Bolt action

Muzzle velocity  823 m/s (2,700 ft/s) (750 gr A-MAX load)

Effective firing range  1,800 m (1,970 yd)

Maximum firing range  Estimated 7,700 m (8,420 yd) (750 gr A-MAX load). Confirmed 3,540 m (3,870 yd)

Feed system  5-round detachable box magazine

Sights  Customizable; 5-25x telescopic sight standard in Canadian Forces

SVD Dragunov

The Dragunov is the Russian sniper weapon of choice, and it has had a long career.  Yevgeny Dragunov designed it in the late 50s, and it came into service in 1963, making it the oldest rifle listed here. 

Barrett M82 Sniper Rifle

A Dutch Special Forces Sniper adjusts his scope at the High Angle Sniper Course in Hochfilzen training area, Austria, September 31st, 2020. The high angle sniper course lasts two weeks and is designed to teach and train sniper teams the necessary skills to operate in mountainous terrain. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Patrik Orcutt)

Although it appears to be an AK-type weapon at first glance, it is not. Several countries produce this weapon, which has different characteristics.

It should be noted, however, that the Dragunov was designed as a bridge between the standard infantry rifle and a true sniper system.

The Dragunov is more of a dedicated marksman rifle. 

The Dragunov can’t compete with modern sniper rifles in terms of accuracy, and the Russians are currently looking at a replacement, but with the war in Ukraine draining their capital, that might take several more years. 

Accuracy International AXSR

The Accuracy International AXSR is an outstanding weapon engineered to be one of the world’s top sniper systems. It is very accurate and will withstand the rigors of the field. 

Like others on the list, it can quickly change bolts and barrels to accommodate several different calibers. Those include the .338 Lapua, .300 Norma Mag., .300 PRC and .300 Win. Mag., the.308 Win.(7.62x51mm NATO), and 6.5 Creedmoor.

The AXSR evolved from the AI AWM, which has seen extensive service and has accounted for two of the longest verified sniper kill shots in history—including consecutive hits in Afghanistan in 2009 from 2,707 yards by a British Army sniper, CPL of Horse, Craig Harrison, eliminating two Taliban fighters manning a machine gun.

Barrett M82A1

No list would be complete without the Barrett M82A1. This large .50 caliber BMG anti-materiel rifle has repeatedly proven itself. The Marines were the first US service to use it, but it quickly caught on with the others. 

Barrett M82 Sniper Rifle

Barrett M82. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

In 2004, a US Army sniper, SGT Brian Kremer, made the sixth-longest sniper kill shot with a Barrett M82A1 in Iraq. Originally used during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, the Barrett quickly established itself as a long-range sniper rifle that was known then as the “Light Fifty.”

Specifications:

Mass 29.7 lb (13.5 kg) to 32.7 lb (14.8 kg)

Length  48 in (120 cm) to 57 in (140 cm)

Barrel length  20 in (51 cm) to 29 in (74 cm)

Diameter  16 mm

Cartridge  .50 BMG

Action  Recoil-operated, rotating bolt

Muzzle velocity  2,799 ft/s (853 m/s)

Effective firing range  1,969 yd (1,800 m)

Feed system  5- or 10-round detachable box magazine

Sights  Iron sights or various optics on MIL-STD-1913 rail

M40 Sniper Rifle

M40 Sniper Rifle. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Honorable Mention:

The USMC M40 will always have its place because of the exploits of Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock. Based on the Remington 700, Hathcock is arguably the best American sniper and one of the best the world has ever seen. 

About the Author: Steve Balestrieri  

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.