Sniper rifles have shaped battlefields for over a century, giving skilled marksmen the precision needed to make shots that change the course of wars. These rifles weren’t just tools — they were extensions of the shooters behind them, built for accuracy, stability, and reliability under extreme pressure. The following rifles earned their reputations because they were used by some of the deadliest snipers in history. If you want to understand what made these weapons legendary, it comes down to performance, precision, and results.
Mosin-Nagant M91/30 with PU scope
Used by Soviet sniper Vasily Zaytsev during the Battle of Stalingrad, the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 became synonymous with deadly precision under brutal conditions. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it wasn’t the most refined rifle, but its rugged design and reliable PU scope made it perfect for urban combat. Zaytsev recorded over 200 confirmed kills with this rifle, proving its capability in one of history’s toughest environments. Today, it remains one of the most famous sniper rifles from World War II.
L42A1 sniper rifle
British sniper Sergeant Craig Harrison set one of the longest recorded sniper kills in history using the L42A1’s successor, but the original L42A1 gained fame during conflicts like the Falklands War. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it was an upgrade from the Lee-Enfield platform, known for its accuracy and durability. While overshadowed by more modern designs today, the L42A1’s battlefield reputation was built on consistency, helping British snipers deliver precise shots in difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
M40 sniper rifle
The M40 series, carried by U.S. Marine Corps snipers like Carlos Hathcock during the Vietnam War, has a reputation for accuracy and dependability. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, Hathcock used the M40 to achieve numerous long-range kills, including his famous shot through an enemy sniper’s scope. Its fiberglass stock and hand-fitted barrel gave it unmatched precision for its era. The M40’s success in Vietnam laid the groundwork for future generations of Marine sniper rifles that are still respected today.
SVD Dragunov
Developed in the Soviet Union, the SVD Dragunov became a staple for marksmen across the Eastern Bloc and beyond. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it offered semi-automatic fire and respectable accuracy out to 800 meters. While not a traditional precision rifle like Western bolt-actions, its speed and versatility made it a favorite among military snipers in conflicts from Afghanistan to Chechnya. Designed for designated marksmen, the Dragunov’s influence still shows in many modern platforms used around the world today.
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AW)
The Accuracy International AW rifle series has a legendary record in military sniper history. Used by marksmen like British sniper Craig Harrison, this platform has set multiple distance records, including confirmed hits beyond 2,000 meters. Chambered in calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum, it was designed for extreme-range precision, reliability, and adaptability in freezing and wet environments. Its modular build and exceptional stability made it a favorite among NATO snipers, cementing its status as one of the finest long-range rifles ever fielded.
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (T)
During World War II, the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (T) became the British Army’s primary sniper rifle. Chambered in .303 British, it was paired with a high-quality scope and hand-selected barrels for exceptional accuracy. British snipers used it effectively across Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. It wasn’t the flashiest platform, but its rugged reliability and precise shot placement made it invaluable in varied battlefield conditions. Collectors and historians still regard it as one of the finest rifles of its era.
Barrett M82
The Barrett M82, chambered in .50 BMG, changed what was possible for military snipers. Used by U.S. forces since the Gulf War, it delivers devastating firepower and reach, often exceeding 1,500 meters. Its semi-automatic design allows for quicker follow-up shots compared to traditional bolt-actions, making it a versatile tool for anti-material and long-range engagements. While not designed for subtlety, its ability to disable equipment and neutralize threats from extreme distances earned it a permanent place in sniper rifle history.
Springfield M1903A4
The Springfield M1903A4 saw extensive service in World War II, where U.S. snipers relied on it for precision in both European and Pacific theaters. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, it featured a simple yet effective scope setup and exceptional barrel craftsmanship, making it highly accurate for its time. While eventually replaced by the M1 Garand-based M1C and M1D sniper rifles, the M1903A4 proved its worth under harsh combat conditions and remains an iconic piece of U.S. sniper rifle history.
PSG1 sniper rifle
Heckler & Koch’s PSG1 sniper rifle became known for setting new standards in semi-automatic precision shooting. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it was originally developed after the 1972 Munich Olympics to give counter-terrorism units extreme accuracy in urban environments. Capable of sub-MOA performance, the PSG1 saw widespread use among police and military snipers worldwide. Its ergonomics, match-grade barrel, and crisp trigger made it one of the most accurate semi-automatic rifles ever built, influencing countless later sniper rifle designs.
Steyr SSG 69
Introduced in 1969, the Steyr SSG 69 became one of the most widely adopted precision rifles in Europe. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it gained a reputation for its lightweight synthetic stock, smooth bolt action, and impressive accuracy. Austrian forces used it effectively for decades, and its innovative design influenced many later sniper platforms. The SSG 69 combined reliability with precision, making it a favorite among military and police snipers around the world well into the 21st century.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
