Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km
Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km
Royal Marines

Snipers in the snow: Royal Marines practise their deadly craft on the range in Norway

Mike Morton
Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km
Snipers are used in a reconnaissance role as well as to apply lethal force, but this was range time - and that meant shooting
After the Vikings dropped off their kit, all the snipers adopted Leg Position 1, with their legs spread apart and feet flat to the ground for maximum stability
To ensure maximum stability, the L96 rifle is supported by a Harris-stye bipod up front and a monopod at the butt - note the bubble level to ensure the weapon has not been canted
A Royal Marines sniper is expected to operate in any conditions, including of course snow, being aware of the way the cold will affect the function of the weapon, ammo and the human body
The firer is supported by a fellow Commando using a spotting scope, held steady on a tripod, to record the fall of shot and pass back any observations they may have
Range sessions can be lengthy and comfort is important to avoid firer fatigue, hence the use of a sleeping system roll mat to lie on in the snow
The Accuracy International L96 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a potent cartridge that enables a Royal Marines sniper to target specific enemies from ranges in excess of 1km

Royal Marines snipers from 45 Commando have been honing their shooting skills in the snow in Norway.

Their weapon of choice is the bolt-action Accuracy International L96, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, which offers excellent ballistics making for both accuracy and lethality at distance.

While snipers are trained to take a precise shot at a human target – usually of high value and at an extended range – a lesser known role is that of reconnaissance.

 

Ready for the range - whatever the weather

This particular range session was focused on putting shots downrange rather than recce, and the snipers were well supported by observers equipped with spotting scopes to call and record the shots.

The weapons themselves were well up to the task, being equipped with bipods, monopods, Leupold telescopic sights and a suppressor to muffle some of the muzzle crack and reduce felt recoil.

But despite the hi-tech – and expensive – kit, the need to place a bullet exactly where intended is down to the firer and their level of skill, training and patience.

All this needs to be done while applying the four marksmanship principles:

1: Support

The position and hold must be firm enough to support the weapon

2: Pointing (natural alignment)

The weapon must point naturally at the target, without any undue physical effort

3: Aiming (sight alignment)

Sight alignment and sight picture must be correct

4: Release of shot

The shot must be released and followed through without any disturbance to the position

All images courtesy of the Ministry of Defence

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