Among all modern soldiers, the sniper is in a special position. The very name of this military profession inspires respect bordering on fear. This man with a gun knows how to do what is inaccessible to others, namely, to hit a target with pinpoint accuracy from a long distance. Sometimes, when the target itself does not even suspect that it was at gunpoint.
Without this skill, everything else becomes meaningless. First of all, the cadet is taught to shoot from the prone position from the stop. Since in practice the sniper has to shoot from different positions, he is taught to shoot prone without rest, shooting from the knee, shooting while standing and sitting.
The instructors put on the technique - they teach you how to aim correctly, teach you how to hold your breath correctly and put correct technique descent. They eliminate technical errors, such as blinking at the time of the shot, delaying aiming (aiming), excessive tension of individual muscle groups and other flaws.
Read about the initial training of a sniper in the article "". After the sniper has successfully completed basic training in open sight shooting, he is taught to use the "optics".
Using an optical sight.
The presence of an optical sight allows you to hit targets at a long distance. An optical sight allows you to hit small, camouflaged, hard-to-see targets that are difficult to see with the naked eye. "Optics" makes it possible to conduct aimed fire in poor visibility and poor lighting, up to the ability to hit targets in the light of the moon. Plus, to observe the enemy, identify targets, determine the distance to them, and, in addition, adjust the shooting.
However, shooting with the "optics" is harder than using an open sight. Moreover, paradoxical as it sounds, the greater the magnification of the sight, the more difficult it is to shoot.
Most often, sniper scopes used in all the armies of the world provide an increase of 3.5-4.5 times. During World War II, German snipers used Mauser Gewehr 98 ultra-precise rifles equipped with optical sights with a magnification of 2.5 times. And that was enough. Of course, the Germans also had sights with a tenfold increase, however, only outstanding masters used such sights.
Switching to "optics" at first, the shooter suddenly discovers that he began to shoot not better, but worse. The stronger the magnification, the more the target “jumps” in the visual field of the sight. Accordingly, it is more difficult to "catch" on it. There is "targeting". Accordingly, the shooter tries harder and harder, which is why the target “jumps” even more.
Only highly qualified professionals are capable of using "optics" with a large magnification, and even then, using an emphasis (for example, in an ambush). For snipers who are part of mobile reconnaissance groups, a sight with a high magnification is contraindicated. Intermediate shooters hit better when using low magnification scopes.
An optical sight makes life much easier for a trained shooter, but for an untrained shooter, on the contrary, it complicates it, just like in that saying about a bad dancer.
When working with "optics", the sight field must be completely clean on all sides, without any kind of blackout.
The eye should be brought closer to the eyepiece gradually. A somewhat narrowed visual field will expand until its "front" border is clearly visible. For a given shooter, this will be the working distance between the eye and the sight. In the future, this border must be constantly monitored. To develop this skill, you can carry an optical sight with you for several days and use it like binoculars.
Development and improvement of shooting skills
To develop shooting skills, the shooter methodically, over and over again shoots with blank cartridges (as if the cartridge in the barrel is a combat one), trying to “remember” where the front sight was looking at the moment the trigger was pressed. In this position, the shooter and his instructor immediately see all the mistakes made. Periodically, after 2-3 shots, the shooter shoots combat (so that the shooter does not lose concentration, and also, in order to check and evaluate the results achieved).
Sniper training is painstaking, strenuous work, because the muscles must “remember” everything that is needed for marksmanship, so that everything happens automatically later. However, when using the same exercise, the human body gradually gets used to it and stops responding to it. New stimuli are needed.
The following exercises are used to train experienced snipers.
"Sniper Qualification"
Two growth targets are set at an unknown distance (from 400 to 600 meters). The task of a sniper pair is to determine the distance using only one sighting grid, without a rangefinder, using binoculars or a telescope, and then fire one shot at each of the targets.
"Shooting at small targets."
Distance from 500 to 600 meters. A sniper pair stands at the firing line. An easily destroyed object (for example, a brick) is used as a target. Hand rests cannot be used. The signal is to hit the target as quickly as possible. The limit of shots is 10. The result is evaluated by the number of shots and the time spent on them, and if the target is not hit, by the number of points on the chest target set behind the brick.
“Policeman. Shooting on command"
Distance from 150 to 200 meters. The target has hit zones. On command, two snipers shoot at the same time. The task is to hit the target with the first shot, within one second. The result is evaluated by the number of points.
“Policeman. Shooting at small targets with approach»
Distance 150-200 meters. 3 circular targets (diameter 70 mm). The task is to go to the firing line (100 meters), using improvised means (a pole, a rope with a “cat”), climb to the 2nd floor of the building, fire 3 shots at each of the 3 targets. You have 1 minute to complete the exercise.
"Night shooting"
A sniper pair needs to find enemy soldiers at an unknown distance (600-900 meters) in a given area. 3 growth targets with damage zones applied on them are highlighted with kindled fire. A total of 5 shots are given, the time allotted for execution is 5 minutes. In this case, snipers should not be detected. Illuminated bullets are not allowed.
(a variety - a target is a dimly illuminated ball, one sniper fires. At the same time, the number of shots is unlimited).
"Night sniper ambush"
An ambush sniper pair is observing. After the signal, a dummy moves at a distance of 100 meters at a speed of 5 km / h (a rubber ball imitates a head). The sniper pair must hit the dummy (conditional enemy). After passing 200-300 meters, the dummy will disappear from view.
"Defensive combat with a sniper pair"
A sniper pair must, from a camouflaged defensive position, destroy a machine gunner who is in sight at a distance of up to 1000 meters. After the first shot, 5 enemy soldiers appear at a distance of 250 to 500 meters, advancing on the positions of the defending sniper pair (5 fixed targets with a rubber ball instead of a head). The number of shots is unlimited.
The performance of the task is evaluated according to such criteria - the defeat / non-defeat of the machine gunner, the number of affected soldiers, the time spent, the number of shots.
"Sniper on the offensive"
At a distance of 600, 800, 1000 meters, there is a signalman, commander and machine gunner of the enemy. The task of the sniper pair is to destroy all 3 targets in turn. 1000 m - a ball with a diameter of 400 mm, 800 m - a ball with a diameter of 300 mm, 600 m - a brick. Target display time is limited. The performance of the task is assessed by the number of targets hit, by long-range shot, by the time spent on hitting targets and the number of shots.
"Sniper Ambush"
After a sound signal, a car moving at a speed of 30 km / h leaves from a distance of up to 500 m. The balloon in the car imitates the head of the enemy commander. After driving 250-300 m, the car disappears from view. From a distance of 350 m. after the first shot, 5 targets appear, which are at a speed of 5-7 km / h. move towards the ambush and complete the movement 50 m before the firing line.
The task of the sniper pair is for minimum time destroy the enemy commander and other targets.
"Tactical Sniper Duel"
The exercise is performed by 2 sniper pairs. At a distance of 1500 meters, 2 balloons of different colors with a diameter of 400 mm are installed (each pair has its own color). The task of the sniper pair is to destroy the opponent's ball without being detected. The number of shots is unlimited. Competing sniper pairs shoot from an acceptable distance for themselves. Any maneuver is allowed. The judges observe the pairs, if found, the exercise ends, the task is considered failed. Judges can use any optical devices for observation. The execution time is limited to 30 minutes. The performance of the task is evaluated by the time spent.
"Shooting at the ordered distance"
Competitors must make a forced march by moving to the control point. Each sniper pair chooses the distance independently. The minimum target visibility distance is 650 m. If, after firing 3 shots, the pair did not hit the target, then it secretly moves forward 30 meters and performs new series shots until the target is destroyed.
The task of the sniper pair is to hit the target from the maximum distance, while spending the least amount of rounds.
After the target is hit, distances are measured and points are calculated (1 meter of distance is equal to one point scored).
It has been empirically established that shooting training should be carried out no more than every other day, and the duration of such training should not exceed 2.5 - 3 hours. Otherwise, the so-called "overtraining", well known in any sport, appears and then grows.
Observation training
Every sniper is also a bit of a scout. Indeed, before destroying the target, it also needs to be detected, as well as quietly approaching a distance from which it is possible to conduct aimed fire. Wait for the right moment or signal to attack. And before the attack - carefully observe the terrain, so as not to turn into a target for the enemy (for example, for his counter-sniper group). Sniper targets do not always carelessly wait for their death hour. Much more often they disguise themselves, using the slightest opportunity. The task of a sniper is to notice any, even the most insignificant deviations in the state of natural objects, the slightest changes in their location. A branch swayed a little, despite the fact that there is no wind? So there is a person hiding there. Somewhere in the distance appeared an extra Christmas tree? So there is something hidden in this place. Got grass? It means that someone has passed in this place recently.
The sniper must practice observation. Especially since he has time for it. Shooting practice, together with preparation for it, takes at most half a day, and takes place no more than every other day.
Several different items are laid out in front of the sniper: stones, buttons, cartridges, cigarettes, watches, a compass, chevrons, stars from shoulder straps. The sniper is allowed to inspect this still life for several hours, after which they are covered with a tarpaulin (the still life, not the sniper) and ordered to list all the items that he remembered. This is followed by provocative questions. What ammo/cigarettes? How many buttons were there? What time did the clock show? Each time, less and less time will be allotted for viewing such an exposition, and the expositions themselves, of course, will change.
Then the lesson is carried out in nature. The sniper looks at the landscape, then turns away, giving the opportunity to make any changes near the target field (break a branch, throw a cigarette butt, put a tin can). After that, the sniper should turn around and talk about what has changed. Gradually increase the distance (from 100 to 300 meters)
Then, already at the training ground, snipers (already with optical devices) watch the area for hours, looking for camouflaged positions.
Experienced snipers, in advance being reinsured from their colleague "on the other side", mentally put themselves in his place (as in chess) and figure out where and when the enemy will equip a sniper position. In a tactical game, this makes it possible to win, as in a real battle, but there life itself is already at stake.
Sniper groups consist of pairs, triplets and fours. Most often, snipers are used as part of sniper pairs. The use of snipers in pairs allows them to more effectively provide mutual security; increases the time of active work (due to load distribution); allows you to deploy, find and destroy targets faster; reduces psycho-emotional overload.
Snipers in a pair are designated by numbers. The first number is a shooter with a rifle, the second number is armed with support weapons. This can be either a self-loading rifle (SVD could fit this role if there was a grenade launcher), or an assault rifle with a grenade launcher, since the second number, in particular, is responsible for close fire contacts that may occur during advancement to a firing position. It is very important to understand that the second number, in fact, is the main one in the pair. At first glance, this may seem paradoxical, since the first number shoots. But shooting is not the hardest part, I mean pulling the trigger. The most difficult thing is to calculate this shot. And that's exactly what the second number does.
The duties of the second number, in addition to preparing data for firing, include the selection and assignment of priority targets, the preparation and verification of special equipment. He leads the march, he is the leader. And all the measures for the defense of the couple lie mainly on it. During the exit to the firing position, he follows the first number, that is, he becomes the follower. He covers the first number from pursuit, since he has weapons that allow him to suppress targets at close range. He, together with the first number, participates in the preparation of long-term field shelters, draws up sketches and fire cards. His word is decisive in determining the distance to the target. He observes with a telescope, evaluates the wind, measures meteorological parameters, conducts all ballistic calculations and informs the first number of the finished correction, which must be displayed on the sight. It takes into account the change in the wind and gives the command to the first number to open fire when it considers that the settings that are made on the sight correspond to the wind that is in this moment available. He also uses radio communications. Records all reconnaissance information along the route. Directs and coordinates support units, if any. Installs special equipment, including explosive devices and so on. Removes traces of stay when leaving a position. Who will now argue with the fact that this is the main number in the pair?
Another function of the second number, which needs to be highlighted in particular, is the hit score. It is not always possible to evaluate a hit at long ranges without resorting to special methods. There is a method for evaluating a hit using a telescope, which has long been developed in the West and is actively used in sniper art. The method is as follows. The flight of a bullet is very clearly visible through the pipe. More precisely, it is not the bullet itself that is visible, but the swirl that the bullet leaves behind. This can only be done by properly positioning the observer relative to the shooter.
The basic principle (although it does not always work, and again, you need to have experience in order to find the correct position before the shot) - is to be located strictly along the axis of the bore just behind and above the butt of the weapon.
The second number evaluates whether a hit has occurred or not, according to a given vortex wake. The first shot must always be made precisely by setting the required number of vertical and horizontal corrections on the drum (the so-called basic correction). But the second shot must be fired with a takeaway (operational correction). The second shot is fired on the basis of the hit evaluation made by the second number, preferably no later than 2-3 seconds after the first. This technique requires practical experience for a sufficiently long time.
The first number follows the second on the march and covers the rear. Removes traces throughout the march. Leads during the exit to the firing position, which is usually carried out with all the means and methods of camouflage. Leads while moving in the footsteps of the enemy. Observing with binoculars. Enters a correction for sight, wind, distance, angle and other parameters. He shares his opinion about the distance to the target, because after all this is a creative and collaborative process (in the absence of a laser rangefinder). It destroys manpower and material targets. He makes target designations to the unit, using tracers.
In fact, the leader of the pair is the second number. And maybe we should break the tradition and call him number one. But all over the world adhere to the classical numbering.
Although this has already been done in triplets and quadruples. Pairs are used mainly in military and police units. In special forces, for example, in the US Marine Corps Expeditionary Force (namely, sniper groups of its reconnaissance units - Marine Force Unit), as well as in SEAL sniper teams, they prefer to work in threes. The primary weapon in the trio is a .50 caliber rifle(s), usually a Barrett M82 A1.
Responsibilities in the sniper trio of marines are distributed as follows: the first carries the front of the rifle (barrel), the second - the back, the third - the scope and ammunition. The arrow function is transitional. The functions inherent in the second number of the pair (commander of the sniper group), as a rule, are assigned to one person.
Troikas of SEAL snipers work like this: the first one is the most physically trained, "porter", carries all the equipment for communications and special equipment, can be the commander of the trio. The second - the shooter, carries the front of the rifle. The third is an observer, gives meteorological parameters and wind, carries back, shutter, muzzle brake, ammunition, spyglass, rangefinder. Depending on the task, more than three people can be assigned to a sniper group.
The conscious use of fours occurred for the first time in the 1st paratrooper group of forces special operations(1 Special Forces Group (Airborne). Their main task is to work on hard targets at a distance of up to 2.5 km. Among the main targets are ground installations, including tactical missiles, air defense systems, i.e. any material targets, detection which is difficult from the air or from space during their inactive period.These groups are armed with four rifles, three of which are .50 caliber, that is, 12.7 mm.The fourth shooter is armed with a .338 Lapua Magnum rifle.He mainly works in terms of manpower, he is responsible for all the calculation of ballistic corrections and other things inherent in the commander of the group. He reports the data to the whole troika, which introduces a ready-made correction into the sight. He also assigns targets to them. He also gives the command to open fire. In general, the lion's part of all the work is done by this second number, who is actually a "director of fire" in American military terminology, that is, the commander of a sniper group.
Vladislav Lobaev
Photo from the editorial archive
Brother 07-2009
- Articles » Professionals
- Mercenary 4125 0
The end of February was marked by the Fifth International Sniper Competition special purpose that took place at the training ground in Balashikha. 23 teams took part in the tournament, consisting of servicemen of various special forces units of Russia and Belarus. All the prizes were taken by the Belarusians, so the 1st and 3rd places went to the teams special unit in the fight against terrorism "Almaz" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, 2nd place - the fighters of group "A" of the KGB of the Republic of Belarus won. Next, we offer a look at how these competitions were held.
The main goal of the tournament is to exchange experience and test the level of training of sniper pairs in shooting at short distances, in conditions as close as possible to combat.
Of the mandatory: to participate in the competition, each shooter must have one rifle with an optical sight and a whole arsenal of equipment and equipment strictly established by the rules of the tournament. Exchange of equipment is strictly prohibited. Even inside a sniper pair.
Compete with their regular weapons. It may be familiar to everyone sniper rifle Dragunov, and Heckler & Koch. Everything depends not so much on habit as on the financial capabilities of the ministries and departments that include sniper units.
The various types of weapons of the tournament participants do not interfere with a fair fight, the judges say. Exercises are performed at distances from 40 to 200 meters. At this distance, all rifles solve problems relatively equally. At the same time, one should not forget that in the “rifle-sniper” scheme, the main place is occupied by a person and his skills.
Every year the competition becomes more difficult. For example, an exercise with a moving target is included in the annual program, but individual elements may differ significantly: there may be two targets, not one, or they may move from left to right, and not vice versa. Tasks may be repeated from year to year, but the element of novelty is always present.
The collection and draw before the tournament took place on the basis of the Vityaz special training center near Moscow. From there, groups of snipers made an eight-kilometer forced march to the shooting range. The main part of the route went through the forest, but there were sections where the fighters crossed the route. The reaction of passing motorists to groups of snipers in full combat gear with weapons at the ready can only be imagined. And if it's no joke, then the time for the march to the shooting range is limited, and if the team does not arrive at the control point on time, "everyone, goodbye, regardless of the reasons."
Exercise #1 - Ambush Work
This exercise has several elements. The first is an impromptu tunnel - an imitation of advancement to a firing position in a plastunsky way.
Further, at the turn of the opening of fire, the deuce independently produces a “volley” at destructible targets. The task is to simultaneously fire a shot, in the lexicon of snipers called a doublet. Bricks are set on scales, and if one brick breaks, the second one will fall. The pair must work in sync.
The next stage is the identification and defeat of an unexpectedly appearing anatomical target. For a certain period of time, two groups of targets appear simultaneously - waist and "head". There are scoring zones on the targets, which means it is important not only to hit, but to hit the enemy “to death”. Each sniper has three rounds - one for each target.
The exercise is evaluated as follows: in case of a miss or mistake, points are deducted, if the target is successfully hit, points are awarded. For example, if you miss at least one destructible target - minus 100 points, for hitting an anatomical target in the zone of instant death - plus 25 points, but a seriously wounded enemy will bring only 15 points.
Exercise #2 - Working from a Vehicle
Snipers are inside the car and shoot at a target - a target, which is "hidden" behind a barrier - a double-glazed window. This simulates the execution of a police operation. The task is to hit the target at a distance of 100 meters through a double-glazed window in a limited time (45 seconds). Each sniper has his own target. Arrows produce a simultaneous "volley". The time between shots must not exceed 0.3 seconds.
Glass breaks on impact, the bullet can fragment and change the flight path. Therefore, the sniper must know how the ammunition behaves, understand the structure of the bullet, correctly calculate the distance from the glass to the target. Shooting must take into account all these factors.
Exercise number 3 - High-rise
A sniper pair is firing from a high-rise building. The bottom line is this: the group receives a photograph - an orientation. Storming the building, the deuce takes a position from which a shot is fired at a target corresponding to the orientation.
The distance to the target is 250 meters. Only one target is hit, all the rest are hostages. After the shot, both snipers must hastily evacuate along the outer wall of the building using climbing equipment.
If the arrows did not meet the time limit, an explosion occurs, simulating the beginning of a mortar attack. This means that the mission has failed and the sniper pair is considered destroyed.
The evaluation is based on two indicators: the time to complete the task and the quality of hitting the target. The exercise time is 1 minute 45 seconds.
Exercise #4 - Moving Target
Two pillars, between them is a moving target that needs to be hit. The sniper pair takes up a prone position and shoots at a target that is moving at the speed of a running person. The distance to the target is 170 meters, the time to shoot is the time the target moves from one "shelter" to another.
Shooters do not know the speed of movement - there is no preliminary display. They only know that the target will move from right to left. The fighters must calculate the distance, approximate trajectory and speed of movement, and then shoot.
There are two options for firing - with escort, when the shooter follows the movement of the target, or on the approach. Snipers shoot at the same time, but synchronism is not so important here. The speed of the target is unknown, which means that you need to actually shoot into the void, relying solely on your experience.
In this case, the target has no kill zones, it is important to just hit here without killing a civilian or, as the shooters call them, a “grandmother”. She has nothing to do with a gray-haired old woman and can look like anything. A young guy may be depicted on the target, but it will still be a “grandmother” for the shooter.
Exercise number 5 - Targets from the rear
When performing a combat mission, a sniper detects an enemy group from the rear. His task is to quickly switch to a backup weapon (in this case, a pistol) and hit the enemy. The exercise is performed individually, but the result of the sniper pair is still evaluated. The distance is up to 10 meters, the number of shots is not limited, the position for shooting is arbitrary, the time to complete the exercise is four seconds.
On the one hand, everything is extremely clear. The main difficulty lies in the fact that the targets are from the rear and not all of them are "enemies". Among them there are also "grandmothers". Within four seconds, the shooter must not only hit targets, but also not hit a civilian. At the same time, the sniper does not see the target before the start of the competition, but their small details distinguish them. So, the guy in the picture could be a killer with a gun, or just a passer-by with a bottle of beer.
On one target - a journalist. But on another target, the same girl is already holding a gun, not a microphone.
Killed enemy - 20 points, seriously wounded - 15, lightly wounded - 10 points. If there is no hit in the offender, then the exercise is not counted - 0 points. Killed hostage - minus 50 points.
Exercise number 6 - Classic
Hundred-meter shooting range. Here they test the ability to shoot in difficult, stressful situations. In three minutes, you need to have time to run 500 meters to the firing position from the starting line, take up a position for shooting and hit the target. Each shooter has five rounds. The three best shots from each sniper of the pair are taken into account.
After a run, it is difficult to recover your breath, focus and prepare yourself for shooting. The faster the shooter runs, the more time he will have to fire.
Drill #7 - Hostage Targets
Final exercise. The range to the target is 200 meters, the number of rounds is one for each shooter in a pair. After the timer signal, five seconds are given for the shot. Split - the interval between shots of fighters in a pair - no more than 0.3 seconds. Both the total time and the interval between shots of snipers in a deuce are evaluated.
This is where synchronicity is essential. There are two difficulties: the first is not to get into a hostage, and in this case a hostage, the second - at the moment of firing, a series of explosions distracting attention and making it difficult to aim is made. Hitting the "terrorist" - 50 points, that is, the maximum sniper pair can earn at this stage is 100 points.
The competitions were held in the traditional format for one day and included seven exercises. 23 teams from various law enforcement agencies took part in the tournament Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The organizers were: the Fund "Support and development of tactical fire skills" and the Federation of Precision Shooting of Russia.
Today, in most armies, there are two main concepts of sniping:
A sniper pair or a single shooter work in the "free hunting" mode, i.e. their main task is to destroy enemy manpower on the front line and in the immediate rear.
A sniper-reconnaissance patrol, consisting of four to eight riflemen and two observers, fetters the enemy's actions in their area of responsibility and collects information about the organization of the enemy's front line. If necessary, such a group can be reinforced with a single machine gun or grenade launcher.
To perform the combat missions assigned to him, the sniper must be located in a separate, carefully camouflaged position. When a target appears, the shooter must quickly evaluate its value (i.e., determine whether it is worth shooting at this object at all), wait for a moment and hit the target with the first shot. In order to produce the greatest psychological effect, it is desirable to hit targets located as far as possible from the front line: a well-aimed shot "from nowhere" that hit a person who felt completely safe plunges other enemy soldiers into a state of shock and stupor.
Sniper operations are most effective in positional battles. Under these conditions, three main forms of combat work are applicable:
A sniper (sniper group) is located among their positions and does not allow the enemy to move freely, conduct surveillance and reconnaissance;
A sniper (sniper group) conducts a "free hunt" away from their positions; the main task is to destroy high-ranking command, create nervousness and panic in the immediate rear of the enemy (i.e. "sniper terror");
"Group hunting", i.e. the work of a group of snipers of four to six people; tasks - disabling key facilities when repelling enemy attacks, ensuring secrecy when moving friendly troops, simulating an increase in combat activity in a given sector of the front. In some situations, it is advisable to use snipers on a company or battalion scale centrally. This allows you to increase fire resistance to the enemy in the main area of the battle.
When working in pairs, one of the snipers conducts observation, target designation and reconnaissance (spotter or observer), and the other fires (fighter). After 20-30 minutes, snipers can switch roles, because long observation dulls the sharpness of the perception of the environment. When repulsing attacks in cases where a large number of targets appear in the zone of responsibility of the sniper group, and in case of a sudden collision with the enemy, both snipers fire at the same time.
Sniper groups, including 4-6 shooters and the crew of a single machine gun (PKM type), can be used to reach the flank and rear of the enemy and inflict sudden fire damage on him.
It is extremely important not only the work of the sniper himself, but also his partner - the spotter. He solves the following tasks: transfers and prepares optical surveillance equipment for work, determines the route and methods of movement, provides fire cover for the sniper using an assault rifle (assault rifle) with an underbarrel grenade launcher, masks and eliminates traces on the route of movement, helps the sniper in setting up a shooting position, monitors the area and draws up a report on the operation, monitors the battlefield and designates targets, maintains radio communications, uses sabotage equipment (anti-personnel mines and smoke bombs).
The most effective tactical technique in sniping is a long daytime ambush. It is carried out at predetermined positions in the area of the most probable appearance of targets. The main task of the ambush is to limit the movement of the enemy, demoralize him and collect intelligence information.
When choosing a place for an ambush, all available intelligence information should be used. In cases of enemy activity in this area, snipers must be accompanied by a cover group. Before going into an ambush, a sniper pair must specify the coordinates of their “prone”, time and approximate routes of approach and withdrawal, passwords, radio frequencies and call signs, forms of fire support.
The ambush is usually carried out at night, so that by morning it will already be in place. During the transition, complete secrecy must be observed. At the ambush site, reconnaissance of the area is carried out, the position is equipped and camouflaged. All this is done in the dark, all work must be completed at least an hour before dawn, when the enemy's night vision devices begin to work. With the onset of the day, the sniper pair begins to observe and search for targets. As a rule, in the early morning and at dusk, soldiers lose their vigilance and can expose themselves to a shot. In the course of observation, areas of probable appearance of targets are determined, wind speed and direction are constantly assessed, landmarks and distances to them are outlined. At the same time, throughout the day, snipers must maintain complete immobility and strict disguise.
When targets appear, the group must quickly assess their importance and determine whether to open fire on them. Having opened fire, the sniper in many cases unmasks his "prone", so you need to shoot only at the most important and clearly visible targets. Aiming at the target is usually carried out by both snipers: in case of a miss, the observer will either open fire too, or will be able to correct the shooting of his first number.
The decision on whether to stay in position further is made by the senior sniper pair after shooting. If nothing suspicious happens at the enemy positions after the shot, then the group can remain in position until dark. Leaving the position is carried out only at night, as imperceptibly as possible. At the same time, the ambush site is given its original appearance, all traces of the "laying" are carefully eliminated in order to reuse it if necessary (although this is done only in exceptional cases). In some situations, a surprise mine may be installed at the leaving position.
Special mention should be made of the tactics of snipers serving at roadblocks. When organizing a checkpoint, it must necessarily include a group of snipers performing specific tasks to ensure the safe operation of the post. Therefore, a position for observation and fire, which would provide the maximum sector of view and fire, stealth from enemy observation, should be chosen not only on the territory of the checkpoint, but also beyond it. The specifics of the work of the checkpoint does not guarantee maximum stealth, so the sniper must remain constantly vigilant so as not to give himself away. To do this, he must observe the following precautions: be always prepared for the fact that the position may be under observation; do not make unnecessary movements; do not use observation devices without protection from direct sunlight on the lenses; maintain a natural position; take a position or make a shift covertly.
All-round defense is organized at each checkpoint. Therefore, snipers equip the main positions in the center of the defense area, but they are not used in everyday work. Special attention is given to the interaction of snipers. If there are several checkpoints in one direction, then snipers will definitely organize interaction with them.
It is believed that in the Russian law enforcement agencies, unlike similar Western structures, little attention is paid to the development of sniper business. Some domestic experts argue that there are world-class shooters only in the Special Purpose Center of the FSB of Russia, but they are armed with old British rifles.
Meanwhile, in trade publications and in social networks you can see photos from various competitions of sniper pairs, where not only employees of the Federal Security Service, but also military personnel of the Ministry of Defense and internal troops, even police officers armed with modern rifles, including foreign-made ones, and equipped with GPS receivers, weather stations, rangefinders, etc.
So how is sniping developing in Russia, what are the snipers of various law enforcement agencies armed with, what equipment and uniforms do they prefer to use? These questions were answered by active snipers from the Command of Special Operations Forces of the Ministry of Defense, the Special Forces Brigade of the Southern Military District, one of the units of the Airborne Forces, the Special Purpose Center of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and SOBR TsSN of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Sniping tactics
At present, the Russian Ministry of Defense has sniper units (companies, sometimes separate platoons) not only in the units of the Airborne Forces and Marine Corps, but even in motorized rifle and tank brigades. Also, each battalion or detachment of the Special Forces includes a sniper group, pairs of which “for the task”, as they say in the special forces, are attached intelligence groups. In special forces units of the internal troops, sniper pairs are not reduced to separate groups, but are regularly included in platoons.
For several years now, a sniper school has been operating in the Russian Ministry of Defense in Solnechnogorsk, Moscow Region, where trainees take three courses: the first is individual training, the second is action in a sniper pair, and the third is the qualification “Instructor”. The training is quite difficult, so the dropout rate is also high.
Similar courses operate in the FSB and the FSO, and in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the internal troops they look with envy at colleagues from the Ministry of Defense. " It is immediately clear that the military leadership is sick of this matter, they understand how snipers should act. Anyhow they don’t give anyone a rifle", - says the officer VV.
It is noteworthy that, regardless of the department, the pair is equipped according to a single principle. The first number is armed with the so-called precision weapon system - a non-automatic sniper rifle, also called a bolt or just a bolt. The second number of the pair, in turn, is armed with a self-loading SVD, it also carries all the equipment, including a tactical spotting scope (TZT), a range finder, a weather station, etc.
The organization of the pair, where the second numbers are armed with automatic sniper rifles, is traditional for the units of the armed forces of Great Britain, France and Germany, it is sometimes called English.
In the American scheme, the second number is armed not with an automatic sniper, but assault rifle with a grenade launcher. It is noteworthy that both schemes are present in the US military. In particular, in the Marine Corps sniper pairs are organized according to the American scheme, and in the US Army there is an English one, where the first number is armed with an M-24 rifle, and the second with a self-loading M110.
« Soviet snipers after the Great Patriotic War never acted in pairs. There was one shooter with SVD. But already in Afghanistan, a machine gunner began to be attached to a sniper for protection. True, he did not wear any equipment, but he protected the sniper and worked with him in tandem. Snipers acted in the same way during the first Chechen war ", - recalls an employee of the SOBR Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the interlocutor, sniper pairs of the FSB Special Purpose Center were the first to work according to the English scheme, from where it gradually spread to other law enforcement agencies.
It is noteworthy that in addition to the bolt rifle, the first number for the battle on close range also armed with Ak-74 (in the internal troops) or silent AS / VSS (in the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces).
« I carry a rifle in a backpack in a special compartment, and in my hands I have an AK-74, as well as a pistol in a holster on a belt system. It turns out that in the unit the sniper has the biggest load. Instead of an AK, we can have a sniper armed- says the officer of the internal troops.
His colleagues from the special forces of the GRU and the Airborne Forces have a similar ammunition load. True, according to the officer Airborne Troops, the second number, it would still be advisable, in addition to arming another AK with PBS.
The tasks of sniper pairs differ depending on the department. " For us, the main thing is observation, adjustment of artillery fire and aviation actions behind enemy lines. In exceptional cases - the elimination of enemy commanders and especially important targets. The most important thing is stealth, we are scouts first of all”, – notes the officer of the Special Forces brigade of the Ministry of Defense.
His colleague from the Airborne Forces adds that in a local conflict, special forces snipers have other tasks: “ In the so-called buffer zone, we, having settled covertly, can direct artillery and aviation fire at enemy units, as well as independently hunt for his personnel, and sometimes equipment».
An example of such work is the actions of SBU sniper pairs in Novorossia last August, when they completely blocked the road between Krasnodon and Lugansk, not only correcting artillery fire, but also destroying enemy vehicles on their own.
For snipers of the SOBR of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the main task is to observe, as well as destroy terrorists, often in urban areas. " We participate in search and reconnaissance activities. It happens that we look for, block and destroy terrorists in settlements, in the forest or in the mountains", - admits the officer of the internal troops.
Having taken a position, the sniper pair deploys weapons, equipment, communications and surveillance equipment. " The second number with the help of TRT helps the first to find and identify the target. The range finder determines not only the distance, but also the elevation angle of the target, and data on wind speed, humidity and temperature are taken from the weather station. Based on these parameters, the first number calculates the vertical and horizontal corrections and introduces them into the sight using special drums, as they are officially called - “angle input mechanisms", - says a special forces officer of the Ministry of Defense.
But the work of the second issue does not end there. " After the shot, the second number carefully observes the target in the TZT. Ideally, the sniper should hit her with the first shot, but at long range, the slightest gust of wind can lead to a miss. In this case, the main task of the second number is to track the contrail of a bullet flying near the target and give a correction for the second shot.
Depending on how the bullet passed relative to the target, the first number changes the aiming point and fires a second shot. You can, of course, try again to introduce corrections into the sight, but if you need to fire a shot quickly, then turning the sight and rifle to the right or left will be much faster", - explains the officer-paratrooper.
“If the bullet went higher or lower, then there was an error in measuring the distance to the target. A laser rangefinder gives an accurate distance, but, unfortunately, not all units have them, and often the range has to be measured using special scales on sights and TZT, ”says a special forces officer.
What's in the cases?
It should be noted that at present only the special forces of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are fully “packed” with domestic sniper weapons. “We are armed with MC-116, respectively, SVD and AS and VSS. SV and MTs are chambered for the domestic cartridge 7.62x54 mm, it is close to the Western one.308 (7.62x51),” says the officer of the internal troops. Until recently, SOBR snipers of the TsSN MVD were also armed, but now the detachment has received Finnish Sako TRG rifles of caliber .308.
SV-98 sniper rifle
Sniper rifle MC-116
The units of the Ministry of Defense use Austrian rifles of the company "Mannlicher" SSG-04(caliber .308) and SSG-08 (.300 and .338). “Some “specialists” like to say that the Mannlicher is a rifle designed for hunters, and it is not suitable for special forces operating behind enemy lines. The sniper complex requires a careful attitude to oneself, all the little things are important, and this is what makes the success. While you are running, sometimes something will fall into the barrel. There may be moisture if you get caught in the rain, - an airborne officer shares his experience. - You take with you "on the task" a can of oil and a rub to "drive" the barrel before firing. A good sniper will have no problems. You have to watch your rifle."
It is noteworthy that the Command of the Special Operations Forces, as a self-loading rifle, tried to purchase the NK-417 caliber 7.62 mm from Heckler und Koch, which is used as the weapon of the second number of a sniper pair in the American Delta and DEVGRU. " A couple of years ago, they tried to push through the purchase of HK-417 for our needs, but failed. Thanks to Alexei Navalny, if you remember the story of allegedly inflated prices for the purchase of Austrian Glock pistols and later with scopes", - says an officer from the KSSO.
Sniper rifle SSG-04
Sniper rifle SSG-08
SSG-08 caliber .338(8.6x70) are in service only in the special purpose centers of the KSSO, causing envy among snipers from other units of the Special Forces of the Ministry of Defense, their colleagues from law enforcement agencies.
“The .338 caliber ammunition has a much better ballistic coefficient, a longer firing range than the .308. External factors influence much less. For example, when shooting at 500 meters, I have to make corrections on my SV-98, make offsets. And the shooter p. 338, if there is wind - no, he lies down and hits the target without any unnecessary movements. To be honest, my dream is SSG-08, but they are not in the MVD. In the same caliber, I would not refuse the Russian T-5000, ”the officer of the internal troops argues.
A colleague from the special forces brigade agrees with him: “ According to the profile, we mainly work in the mountains, maybe the ranges there are small compared to the plains, but the weather, altitude, pressure difference strongly influence, you often need to shoot upwards with a significant excess. Of course, from SSG-04 we hit the target, but from SSG-08 it would be much easier».
According to an SOBR officer, the Finnish TRG, due to its dimensions and barrel length, is good for solving police tasks, but the detachment's snipers would really like to get models of 8.6x70 mm sniper rifles.
Unlike foreign rifles, Russian ones, according to the interlocutors of the publication, have to pay increased attention and constantly refine. “I don’t want to say anything bad about the SV-98 and MTs-116, but everything in them is somehow not worked out, not thought out. For example, the new version of the SV-98 is a light stock, but what prevented you from making a folding stock? The British AW has had this for over 20 years. The stock bipod does not hold the rifle in place. Just a little, she falls on her side, which means that the aim is lost. These are sniper rifles, everything should be neat, miniature, and there the screws are the same as in an electrical outlet, ”an officer of the internal troops gives an assessment.
But all the interlocutors of the publication expressed their interest in the Russian company Orsis. "Orsis" is still damp, but I'm sure that they will finish it and everything will be fine, ”the officer of the Airborne Forces notes. His colleague from the internal troops emphasizes that the T-5000 is produced in Russia: “ Now the difficult international situation, and foreign firms can refuse service. Even if you just need to modify the rifle, it is much more difficult to contact an Austrian or Finnish company than our Russian one. If necessary, I can drive up to Orsis at any time and solve all the problems».
Sniper rifle T-5000
The officers of the Ministry of Defense using the Manlichers note that from the point of view of ergonomics there are no special complaints about the rifles. According to a sniper from the Airborne Forces, the only thing that was additionally installed for the SSG-04 was the so-called suppressors, nozzles for sound attenuation.
« In fact, these are silencers that mask the sound of a shot, but since the bullet is not subsonic, when it exits the bore it overcomes the supersonic barrier and a pop is heard. It's much quieter with a suppressor.", - explains the officer of the Airborne Forces.
On MTs-116 and SV-98, SOBR officers and officers of the internal troops buy new bipods on their own, preferring Harris products, linings and adapters for Piccatini and Vivera rails.
Both in the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in the units of the Special Forces of the Ministry of Defense, a bullpup is used. large-caliber 12.7 mm, also known under the designation 6S8 "Kord". SOBR TsSN is armed with a silent large-caliber . It should be noted that the Russian military department purchased a small batch of South African sniper rifles Truvelo .50.
« We use 12.7x108 mm ammunition as a sniper cartridge, and 12.7x99 mm in the South African rifle, also known as NATO .50BMG. According to the characteristics, this cartridge is better than ours. True, the Truvela itself is a very specific rifle. The recoil is so strong that the first shot moves you from your spot. After a couple of days, your shoulder, spine hurt a lot, and you even go to the toilet more often, so the return on the kidneys affects”, - a special forces officer shares his feelings.
A colleague from the internal troops adds that firing from most large-caliber rifles generally affects health not for the better: “It's not only problems with the spine, lower back, etc. The pressure that forms after the shot negatively affects the eyeball and the fundus. We have only Kord in our unit, while others have . In OSV-96, due to the flame arrester and the design of the rifle itself, the recoil momentum is less than that of the 6S8. But Korda has slightly higher accuracy.
Large-caliber 12.7 mm ASVK sniper rifle
Silent large-caliber sniper complex VSK "Exhaust"
All units are armed with not only simple SVD, but also SVD-S with a folding butt. However, all interviewed snipers emphasized that they prefer to use pre-1970 SVDs. " Until that time, the rifle was produced with a rifling pitch of 320 mm, but later, so that not only special sniper ammunition could be fired from the SVD, the pitch was made 240 mm, and this greatly affected accuracy", - explains the officer of the internal troops.
His colleague from the Airborne Forces emphasizes that from the "old" SVD, an experienced shooter can put bullets in a circle equal to one so-called Minute of Angel - Minute of Angel (1MOA - hitting a bullet in a circle with a diameter of 2.98 cm from a distance of 100 meters). New rifles fit only 2 MOA.
I see the target!
SOBR and special forces of the internal troops have certain difficulties with standard sights for bolt rifles. " We regularly run PPO-3, PPO-5 and POSP. It cannot be said that this is the best option. For example, they have to be "reset" when used every day. True, Leupold and Night Force have now appeared. But there is technical problems, because on the MTs-116 and SV-98 the sight is mounted on the so-called dovetail, and all modern sights are mounted on the Piccatini or Vivera bar. You have to look for adapters for your money, then modify them.
But even here a problem arises: due to the adapter, the sight turns out to be higher than the place of the standard installation, which means that the aiming line “lifts up”, which is not very good", - said the officer of the internal troops. According to him, now the Russian 5-20 sight of the Dedal company has appeared in the unit. The same ones are already regularly starting to be delivered to the SOBR.
“If we compare the Night Force sight and the Dedalovsky 5-20, then the latter has lighter optics. When you look through the Night Force, there is too much yellow. When shooting at night, it is important to adjust the illumination of the reticle. When you look at a bright object, for example, at the illuminated window of a house, you need to increase the brightness, and decrease it in the night forest. Often this has to be done very quickly so as not to lose the target. On the Night Force, you need to open a special compartment, get a screwdriver from there and twist the backlight with it. And at 5-20 there is a special rubberized button, you press it and there are no problems, ”an officer of the internal troops issues a conclusion.
In addition, the 5-20 scope has a so-called blockage level indicator. " When shooting at night, there is a chance that you will miss the scope. It is clear that in this case, especially at long range, it will not work. It is very easy to make such a mistake on our scopes. At 5-20, if you deviate the sight even one degree, the reticle starts flashing until you straighten the sight”, - sums up the officer of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
SOBR snipers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs put not only on the SV-98 and MTs-116, but also on the Finnish TRG various Leupold sights purchased with their own money.
The officers of the Ministry of Defense are also not fully satisfied with the standard sights on their Mannlichers. “The Leupold Mark-4 is a so-called multi-turner, when you enter corrections, you have to spin the drums for too long, so there is a big chance of losing zero,” says an airborne officer.
For night shooting in the Airborne Forces and GRU special forces, special nozzles are used - night vision devices installed in front of the lens of an optical sight. " At 500 meters you are already shooting at the silhouette. Light loss on the nozzle itself plus on the sight - that's the result. But I think that for rifles of such a class as the SSG-04 and SSG-08, it is better to make a separate night sight combined with a thermal imager, or just a thermal imaging sight. We don't have these yet.”, complains an officer of the Airborne Troops.
In the special forces of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not only regular night sights DS-4 and DS-6 are used, but also nozzles, including thermal imaging ones. “There are no special claims to DS. With these scopes, I shot even at long ranges and fit into 1 MOA. A good night attachment is the American PVS-27, but it is very expensive. True, we sometimes manage to take them through acquaintances and friends. When performing service and combat missions, we mainly work at a distance of 350-500 meters, so it is much more convenient to put a nozzle in front of the sight, ”explains an officer of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to him, on the last business trip, the snipers of his unit managed to test the Infratek thermal imaging nozzle: “ The weather was bad. Fog. Visibility 5-10 meters. And through the nozzle, I could freely conduct aimed fire at 250-300 meters. There are much better products, from the same Daedalus, but, alas, they are not purchased for us».
To be continued…
