American snipers have played a vital role in every American conflict since the American Revolution. However, there are a few sniper rifles that stand out from the rest due to their reliability, collectibility, and documented battlefield successes. In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most iconic sniper rifles of the American armed forces.
Springfield 1903
The Springfield Model 1903 rifle, also known as the United States M1903 Springfield, is one of the most iconic rifles in American military history. The M1903 Springfield served as the primary rifle of the United States armed forces from 1903 until it was eventually phased out in the 1930s. It continues to be a popular choice among hunters, competitive shooters, and collectors.
M1903A1 Variant
While the M1903 Springfield was primarily considered a standard infantry rifle, it was also used as a platform for sniper rifles during World War I and World War II. The M1903A1 version of the rifle was specially modified for sniping, and it was fitted with a Weaver 330C scope and a pistol grip stock for greater accuracy and stability. This bolt-action rifle features a five-round internal magazine and a 24-inch barrel. The rifle is made with a stock made of walnut wood and a blued steel barrel, receiver, and hardware.
One of the primary advantages of the M1903A1 Springfield Sniper rifle is its accuracy, as it was designed to shoot accurately at distances of up to 1,000 yards, which makes it ideal for long-range shooting. The rifle’s accuracy is aided by its heavy barrel, which helps to stabilize the rifle. The M1903A1 Springfield Sniper rifle fires the .30-06 Springfield cartridge with a five-round internal magazine, making it ideal for snipers who need to make accurate shots over long distances. However, the M1903A1 Springfield Sniper rifle is heavy, long, and cumbersome, weighing around nine pounds and coming in at a whopping 43″ long, so long treks and hours of carrying the firearm is less than desirable.
The M1903 Springfield remained in service as a sniper rifle until the introduction of the M1C Garand and the M1D Garand in the late 1940s. While these sniper rifles were more advanced than the Springfield, many soldiers and hunters continued to use the M1903 because of its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use.
Today, the Springfield 1903 is very collectible and prices vary widely depending on condition, with well-maintained rifles with minimal wear and tear selling upwards of $1,000 or more.
Today, the M1903 Springfield is a coveted rifle among collectors and enthusiasts, and it remains a popular choice for hunters and competitive shooters. While it may not be the most advanced rifle on the market, the M1903 Springfield has cemented its place in American military history as an iconic and reliable firearm.
M1 Garand Sniper Rifle
The M1 Garand Sniper rifle has become an iconic weapon, used widely by the United States military during World War II and the Korean War. Its roots, however, can be traced back to the early 1930s when John C Garand, a Canadian-born American firearms designer, began work on a semi-automatic rifle for the US military. The development of what would eventually become the M1 Garand Sniper rifle was a lengthy and intricate process that involved the collaboration of many individuals and organizations. In 1928, the US Army began testing potential new rifles, including prototypes by both John C Garand and Springfield Armory.
In 1932, Garand’s design was selected after extensive testing and was subsequently modified to meet the Army’s specifications. The resulting rifle, which was designated the M1 Garand, featured several significant improvements over previous weapons, including a semi-automatic action and a usable capacity of eight rounds. Over the course of the next few years, various modifications were made to the M1 Garand in order to improve its accuracy and suitability as a sniper rifle.
One of the most notable sniper variants of the M1 Garand was the M1C, which was developed and introduced during World War II. This variant was equipped with an M81 or M82 telescopic sight, which was mounted on a modified receiver bridge. The M1C had a longer barrel than the standard M1 Garand, which provided it with improved accuracy.
In addition to the M1C, there was also the M1D variant, which was developed during the Korean War. The M1D was equipped with an M84 telescopic sight, which was mounted on a special hardened steel base that was bolted to the receiver. Like the M1C, the M1D had a longer barrel than the standard M1 Garand. Both the M1C and the M1D utilized 10-round clips and fired the proven .30-06 Springfield cartridge. In addition, when the M1D variant was introduced in 1945, it featured a flash suppressor and other modifications to aid in long-range shooting. However, they were both capable of accurately engaging targets at distances of up to 800 yards.
Wartime Weapon
The M1 Garand was used primarily during World War II and the Korean War. It was also used in other conflicts including the Vietnam War. The M1 Garand was used by the United States Armed Forces and some of its allies, including Canada, during World War II in various theaters of war including Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. During the Korean War, the M1 Garand was once again used by American troops against communist forces from North Korea and China. It was also used by South Korean forces and some other U.N. member nations that participated in the war.
Today, the M1 Garand Sniper rifle remains an important part of American military history, revered by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its storied past and iconic design continue to inspire a sense of awe and admiration in those who appreciate its history and heritage. Ultimately, the price of an M1 Garand sniper rifle can vary widely depending on its condition, rarity, and historical significance. It is recommended that you consult with a reputable firearms dealer or appraiser to get an accurate estimate of what a specific rifle may be worth in today’s market.
M21 Sniper Rifle
The M21 Sniper Rifle is a popular weapon that has been used by the United States military for more than 30 years. Primarily used as a designated marksman rifle for long-range engagements, the M21 is a modified version of the well-known M14 automatic rifle developed in the 1950s. The M14 rifle saw service in the Vietnam War, but its long-range accuracy potential was found to be lacking and the U.S. Army began working on a new rifle that would provide better accuracy at longer ranges which resulted in the M21 of the 1960s.
One of the key features of the M21 was its adjustable rear sight, which allowed snipers to adjust the sight for elevation and windage, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges. Additionally, the rifle was equipped with a flash suppressor, which helped reduce the amount of light that was created when firing the weapon. Further, the rifle could be equipped with a variety of optics, including a telescopic sight or a night vision scope, and featured a heavy 22″ barrel with an overall length of 44″, which helped to reduce the effects of heat on the rifle during prolonged firing. The stock was also modified to provide better stability for the sniper which allows the shooter to adjust for length of pull and cheek weld.
The M21 sniper rifle has been deployed in a variety of conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. In particular, the M21 was extensively used by US forces during the Vietnam War, where it proved to be an effective weapon in engaging enemy forces at long ranges.
Today, there are several versions available on the civilian market, though it is highly advised to ensure that the rifle is an authentic M21 rifle. Collectors value guns with matching numbers as it indicates that the rifle was assembled in the same factory and production batch. Additionally, a complete set of accessories adds value to an M21 sniper rifle, so be on the lookout for rifles that come with the original scope, bipod, sling, and other related equipment.
M24 SWS Rifle
Following the Vietnam War, instructors from the newly established United States Army Sniper School quickly identified a necessary update that was essential to the current issued sniper rifle. The current rifle needed more reliability, accuracy, and consistency for long-range engagements, and as such the M24 Sniper rifle was introduced the following year. The M24 Sniper Rifle, also known as the M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System), is a bolt-action sniper rifle that was adopted by the United States military in 1988. The M24 Sniper Rifle was issued as the standard sniper rifle until it was replaced by the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR) in 2011. It has since become a prominent weapon in use by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
The M24 Sniper Rifle was designed to replace the older M21 Sniper Rifle. The M24 was intended to provide an improved level of accuracy and reliability, as well as better ergonomics for the shooter, therefore the design of the M24 was based on the Remington 700 hunting rifle, which is known for its accuracy and reliability. This made it easier to manufacture and maintain, as many of the parts were interchangeable with the Remington 700.
The barrel is comprised of 416R stainless steel with a unique 1:11.25″ twist. This groove style of rifling results in less bullet deformation, which in theory produces a more consistent point of impact. In 5R rifling, the “side” of the land is cut at a 65° angle, rather than 90° in conventional rifling. The M24 uses a long, 24″ heavy barrel which helps to dampen recoil and improve accuracy. It also uses a detachable box magazine that holds five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, which allows for a maximum effective range of approximately 800 meters. One of the key features of the M24 is its adjustable trigger, which allows the shooter to set the trigger pull weight to their preference, which helps to eliminate trigger jerk and improve accuracy.
The M24 rifle is highly accurate, reliable, and durable, making it the weapon of choice for snipers across the globe. The M24 has been used in many conflicts including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, the Iraq War, the Syrian Civil War, and the Yemen Civil War. It has also been used by various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and SWAT teams.
There are several things to consider when buying an M24 sniper rifle. The M24 is known for its accuracy, so look for a rifle with a good record of accomplishment of precision shots. The M24 only comes in a bolt-action design. Consider whether this action type is suitable for your needs and shooting style. The quality and length of the barrel can have a significant impact on performance, so be sure to look for a rifle with a high-quality, properly-sized barrel. Lastly, M24 rifles can be expensive, consider your budget when shopping for one.
Final Thoughts
American snipers have played a vital role in every American conflict since the American Revolution, and their rifles of choice have drastically altered the way wars are fought. As technology and the battlefield landscape continues to change, old sniper rifles are retired and become treasured collectibles among military collectors and firearms historians alike. Further, new technologies emerge every day, resulting in more accurate and more reliable rifles in the hands of some of the most elite marksmen in the world. The sniper rifles used today will someday become a thing of the past and we’ll soon see more of these iconic sniper rifles eventually being phased out before hitting the market and picked up in droves by hunters, competitive shooters, and collectors alike.
