United States Marines receive training for a number of different weapons. From standard-issue pistols to mortars and RPGs, Marines are well-rounded, combat-ready troops who have an unprecedented weapons skillset.
While each and every Marine possesses an immense amount of skills, those who train as snipers are heralded as being the top marksmen in their unit. Becoming a sniper is no easy task, and the amount of extra training required is enough to deter even the most capable of shooters.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a precision fires range with M107, M40 and M4 Rifles at Twentynine Palms, California. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
In a 2016 video posted to YouTube, viewers get a chance to see a handful of Marine Corps snipers in training. The clip includes the trainees firing off a wide variety of weapons including the M107, M40 and M4 rifles, and coordinating with their instructors as they learn to master the art of precision.
Check out the Marine snipers in action in the video below:
According to the video’s description, the U.S. Marines featured are with 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment. They are conducting precision fire range drills at the BSC Rifle Range at Twentynine Palms, Calif.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a precision fires range with M107, M40 and M4 Rifles at Twentynine Palms, California. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
One of their weapons of choice, a Remington M40A6/7, is an ultra-capable sniper rifle that can trace its roots all the way back to 1966. Based on the M40 sniper rifle that was used heavily in the Vietnam War, the updated M40A6/7 launched in June 2016.
The bolt action rifle has an effective firing range of more than 800 meters. It is currently in use by troops deployed throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a precision fires range with M107, M40 and M4 Rifles at Twentynine Palms, California. (AiirSource Military/YouTube)
Another rifle featured in the video is the incredibly capable Barrett .50 cal, also called the M107. This powerful semi-automatic rifle has been a deadly force for the military for more than 40 years. The most capable shooters can effectively trike targets with the Barrett up to 2,000 yards away. The weapon is so widely used that nearly every modern military nation on earth includes it in their arsenal.
The video offers some up-close and personal shots of the marksmen as they aim down their sights at the targets. The men also talk with their instructors who go over some of the tools and gear required for striking targets from a distance in less than ideal conditions.
A sniper’s shots can be affected by all sorts of outside conditions including the temperature, wind speed, and humidity. It is up to the sniper and their team members to analyze those conditions before every shot to ensure an accurately placed shot.
