sniper rifle

Sniper’s Choice | Bolt-action vs. Semi-auto precision rifles

Bolt-action vs. Semi-auto

There is an ongoing debate as to whether someone should purchase a semi-automatic rifle or a bolt-action rifle for long-range precision shooting. There are a few key variances in both which make them very different, and probably contribute to the wide divergence in opinion. Typically, the bolt-action precision rifle is considered more accurate than a semi automatic. However, this depends on numerous factors with regard to both firearm and ammunition, and modern semi-automatic rifles can be exceptionally accurate when designed with long-ranging shooting in mind. Some of the factors that precision shooters take into consideration when accuracy is discussed between the two platforms are:

Recoil
Gas release
Moving components

Recoil

The bolt-action rifle, when fired, has only one stage of recoil, this being recoil to the rear—into the shooter’s shoulder pocket. The semi-auto precision rifle, when fired, has three stages of recoil: One being to the rear as the bullet exits the muzzle, another to the rear as the bolt slams into the buffer, and the final stage as the bolt slams forward, picking up an additional cartridge. Because the bolt-action rifle has only a single stage of recoil to the rear, some shooters find they can “drive the rifle” in a superior manner to semi-automatic rifles.

Gas release

When a cartridge is fired inside the chamber of a bolt-action rifle, the force from the burning charge and expanding gases propels the bullet down the barrel. However, some of the energy is transferred to the shooter through its normal recoil. In a semi-automatic rifle, some of the energy used to propel the bullet down the barrel is used to cycle the action.

Moving components

The moving components of the two rifle platforms must also be considered. Typically, precision-rifle shooters prefer the bolt rifle simply due to its lack of moving components, and by extension, simplicity and reliability. Taking a look at the bolt rifle, the only moving part is the bolt, which is manually operated by the shooter. Once the bolt is locked, the entire rifle is merely one solid component, thus making it easier to control through recoil and avoiding bullet-impact deviation downrange due to shooter-induced movement.

The semi-automatic precision rifle will always have a moving part in some section of the rifle, this usually being in the upper and lower receiver. If you’ve ever looked through the scope while in the prone position, you may have noticed that the slightest movement with your firing or support hand causes the upper receiver to shift slightly left or right, or in some cases, up or down. This slight shift/movement within the scope may be caused by a number of factors: shooter flinch, undue sympathetic squeeze as the rifle is firing, etc.

As the shooter begins to fire or begins to perceive recoil, the shooter may cause the upper and lower receiver to shift where the two components meet, thus causing a change in desired point of impact when the rifle is fired. To the untrained or novice shooter, this may seem like a “sloppy gun,” or a rifle that is unable to achieve 1MOA.

Malfunctions

Semi automatic

As with any semi-automatic rifle or handgun, we can find an array of weapon-induced or shooter-induced malfunctions. Some of the malfunctions I have commonly seen within the semi-automatic family of precision rifles include the following:

Stovepipe: A stovepipe occurs when the casing that has been ejected is caught in the ejection port by the slide. This could be due to unburned powder, obstructions of various sorts that are placed near the ejection port not allowing the complete ejection of the spent casing, and poor-quality ammo.
Failure to extract: This results when the cartridge case remains in the chamber of the rifle. While the bolt and bolt carrier could move rearward only a short distance, more commonly the bolt and bolt carrier recoil fully to the rear, leaving the cartridge case in the chamber. A live round is then forced into the base of the cartridge case as the bolt returns in the next feed cycle. This malfunction is also one of the hardest to clear. A failure to extract could be caused by short-recoil cycles brought on by a fouled or corroded rifle chamber. A damaged extractor or a weak or broken extractor spring can also cause this malfunction.
Failure to eject: Here, a malfunction occurs when the cartridge is not ejected through the ejection port and either remains partly in the chamber or becomes jammed in the upper receiver as the bolt closes. This could be a result of carbon or fouling on the ejector spring or extractor, or from short recoil. Short recoil is usually due to a buildup of fouling in the carrier mechanism or gas tube. Resistance caused by a carbon-coated or corroded chamber can impede the extraction, and the subsequent ejection, of a cartridge.

Double feed: This malfunction occurs when a round is in the chamber and a second round attempts to feed into the chamber. This results in a true jam. On most semi-automatic weapons, the slide has a limited motion and the magazine will not eject by pressing the magazine release.
Failure to feed, chamber, or lock: A malfunction can occur when loading the rifle or during the cycle of operation. Once the magazine has been loaded into the rifle, the forward movement of the bolt carrier group could lack enough force (generated by the expansion of the action spring) to feed, chamber, or lock the bolt. Some of the causes could be the result of the following:

Excess accumulation of dirt or fouling in and around the bolt and bolt carrier.

Defective magazine (dented, bulged, or a weak magazine spring).

Improperly loaded magazine.

Defective round (projectile forced back into the cartridge case, which could result in a stubbed round or the base of the previous cartridge could be separated, leaving the remainder in the chamber).

Damaged or broken action spring.

Exterior accumulation of dirt in the lower-receiver extension.

Fouled gas tube resulting in short recoil.

A magazine resting on the ground or pushed forward could cause an improper lock.

Failure to fire: This malfunction occurs when a cartridge fails to fire despite being chambered, the trigger pulled, and the sear releasing the hammer. This occurs when the firing pin fails to strike the primer with enough force, or when the ammunition is defective. Probable causes of this malfunction include excessive carbon buildup on the firing pin, thus restricting the full forward travel of the pin, or a defective or worn firing pin. Proper inspection of the ammunition could reveal a shallow indentation or no mark on the primer, indicating a firing-pin malfunction. Cartridges that show an indentation on the primer but did not fire may indicate faulty ammunition.

Bolt action

One major benefit of having a bolt-action rifle is the lack of malfunctions they produce. Here are a some of the most common bolt-action malfunctions that I have seen over time, both shooter induced and weapon induced.

Falling firing pin: A falling firing pin occurs when the shooter closes the bolt too fast or too hard. The firing pin will not stay in the rear position, but will instead “fall forward” and move into the fired position. When this occurs, the shooter is not able to fire the rifle. The most common causes are a lack of maintenance on the bolt, dirt or buildup on the bolt face, etc.

Failure to fire: Failure to fire in a bolt gun occurs in the same manner as in the semi-automatic.

Failure to feed: A failure to feed occurs in the same manner as the semi-automatic. The problem usually occurs when the shooter bolt overrides the cartridge in the internal or external magazine.

Performance in the field

Although one rifle platform may surpass the other in certain applications or instances, we must also understand that a given platform is only a tool for a certain task, and may not be applicable in every situation. Let’s take a look at each platform’s advantages and disadvantages by discussing different situations/environments.

Multiple engagements

Precision shooters may find themselves in a multiple-target engagement situation not only in combat (defensive or offensive), but in a timed competitive event as well. As we all know, holdovers and holdunders will greatly increase our speed at getting rounds on target, but when time matters the most, the semi-automatic rifle will by far surpass the bolt rifle. The amount of time it takes to run the bolt, acquire the target, and get a proper trigger squeeze on target is greater than that of the semi, as the shooter only has to transition through targets and apply a proper trigger squeeze while utilizing the trigger reset.

Use in urban and woodland environments

In regards to the use of a precision rifle in an urban environment, speed, accuracy, and possible presentation of multiple targets plays a big role in the choosing the superior platform. While the bolt rifle may have the greater advantage in accuracy, which is commonly needed when engaging partially obscured targets at various ranges, it may lack the speed needed to engage multiple targets.

The semi-automatic rifle, while being superior in speed and engaging multiple targets, may lack the accuracy needed to engage small, partially obscured targets. This is usually due to the shooter not properly driving the rifle while in various alternate shooting positions, but it’s a consideration, notwithstanding.

Aerial platforms

As difficult in nature as aerial shooting can be, the amount of rounds used to engage a target while the shooter is airborne are typically more than three, due to the lack of a stable platform, the amount of time the shooter is actually on or able to engage the target, and proper lead needed to engage the target. This being the case, the semi-automatic rifle surpasses the bolt-action.

*Featured image courtesy of DVIDS

Barrett wins DoD contract for new sniper rifle

A Green Beret assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) aims his rifle during sniper training at Fort Carson, Colorado, Dec. 13, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anthony Torres)

Barrett, the famous gun manufacturer, recently won a contract by the Department of Defense (DoD) for its Multi-Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) sniper rifle. The DoD didn’t announce the size of the contract nor the recipient units. This contract, however, is fixed for the .300 PRC ammo.

The Tennessee-based gun manufacturer said in a statement that the “MRAD’s robust design, user modularity and unfailing accuracy combined with the new cartridge designed by Hornady, offer an unbeatable system for long-range effectiveness.”

The MRAD, however, has been primarily designed for the U.S. Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program that seeks to replace the current sniper rifles with new, more effective ones.

The ASR program was stipulated for a bolt-action rifle that could use three different calibers (the .300 Norma Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, and 7.62 NATO). Further, it requires the sniper rifle to be able to hit with accuracy targets at a minimum of 1,500 meters. The rationale behind the multiple calibers is to give shooters the ability to tailor their shots according to the situation they face on the battlefield. For example, a sniper could be faced with a vehicle that needs to be stopped with shots to the engine compartment, or he could have in his sights a human target that is close to civilians and thus would need a “lighter” round to avoid collateral damage.

According to Barrett, the ASR program is about to enter the second phase of testing and would soon begin replacing the current sniper rifles in SOCOM’s arsenal.

SOCOM isn’t unfamiliar with the .338 Norma Magnum caliber. The spec ops command is also seeking to have the round in its new medium machine gun. Currently, SOCOM rifles have been using the .300 WinMag, and .338 Lapua ammunition.

The previous sniper rifle competition for SOCOM, the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) program, was won by Remington with its Modular Sniper Rifle (MSR) in March 2013. It is a 10-year contract for over 5,000 rifles and 4 million rounds of ammunition. It is set to expire in 2023.

Barrett has been a longtime provider for the U.S. military. Aside from the MRAD contract and participation in the ASR project, Barrett received a contract in 2018 to supply more of its iconic M107 .50 caliber rifles to the U.S. Army.

The iconic Barrett M82/M107 first entered service in the U.S. military in the early 1990s. The .50 caliber rifle has been the weapon of choice for extreme long-range engagements.

Originally published on NEWSREP

Champion Pivot Traverse Bipod

When we have a piece of gear that serves us well during a critical moment, many of us tend to stick with it for a long time. During my military service as well as a few hunting trips, my issued bipod was reliable. So reliable in fact, I haven’t kept up on the latest in the bipod market. I’ve been stuck with 2002’s cutting edge technology and it finally caught up to me. While on a grizzly hunt in Alaska, my bipod explosively disassembled itself and I was left looking at a $90 replacement. I wasn’t sure if buying a direct replacement best suited my needs.

Luckily I came across the Champion Pivot Traverse bipod. With a street price of $49.99 it is certainly a less expensive option than the old warhorse it’s replacing.

Opening up the mailbox, I found model number 40635 waiting for me. With 6″-9″ adjustable legs and a sling swivel mount, it closely resembles the other guy it’s replacing. I mounted it onto “Dr. Green” and got into a few different shooting positions. The Pivot Traverse bipod is well built I can see already. I’m really enjoying the lever lock on the back of the bipod’s body. Unlock freedom of movement by flipping it counter-clockwise and I’m able to cant the rifle for shooting on uneven terrain or traverse left and right. Another quick flip of the lever and movement is locked down tight. This is one solid shooting platform. I can see both the cant and the traverse improving my shooting positions. Often in the woods, the log or branch you want to rest your rifle on is neither perfectly parallel nor perpendicular to the target. Being able to have both bipod legs solidly on a stable object while pivoting, traversing and locking down your rifle is key to getting into an ergonomic shooting position.

So far this looks and feels more like a high dollar item than a mid-range option.

Nemisis Arms Valkyrie: The ambidextrous sniper rifle

A couple of years ago, I fostered my interest in long-range shooting by attending classes at Marksmanship Training Center. I purchased a Ruger Precision Rifle and started getting busy throwing rounds out to 1000 Yards. It’s quite addictive and I ended up modifying my rifle with a bunch of bolt-on parts and a new Proof Carbon Barrel. Looking at the other guys shooting at MTC, I noticed very few compact rifles. Aside from one of the instructors, we all had these huge muskets. The Nemisis Arms Valkyrie looks to be a much more compact option.

When I saw this video, the packed size of the Valkyrie really caught my attention. Plus it has ambidextrous bolt actions to suit left and right-handed shooters. I’m not certain exactly how accurate this rifle really is, but the concept of breaking it down to a backpack includes some impressive engineering. Although I doubt the practical application within the military, this is still an interesting rifle. We’ve all seen the movies where some uber-sniper from Russia assembles his rifle from a briefcase atop a 5-star hotel. He makes the shot, disassembles the rifle and casually walks past the frantic authorities swarming the lobby. The Valkyrie looks like that kind of rifle.

Sig Optics Tango 6 Rifle Scope: First Look

Sig Sauer is well known in the shooting world for their finely crafted handguns, rifles and all things that goes BANG. Recently, I was given the opportunity to test a new offering from the renowned firearms manufacturer that makes no noise whatsoever, the Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope. Sig Sauer has opened a separate optics branch headquartered in Portland Oregon and is quietly breaking into the electro optics segment with some very interesting products. They now offer a full line of optics including; red dot sights, hunting & tactical scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders and even a thermal reflex sight. I also heard rumors that Sig Optics has acquired some of Leopolds engineers which may explain why they set up shop 7.5 miles from Leopolds headquarters.

I recently wrote an article on the Ruger Precision Rifle as well as an upgrade path to that platform. While building this affordable platform, I was researching and shopping for a suitable optic to place atop this precision rifle. Many hours were spent researching the current offerings like Nightforce, Vortex, Leupold, etc. I also tapped into my network of long distance shooters and snipers to see what they thought. When I came across Sig Optics new line of scopes, I was intrigued. It turns out, they design the scope in Oregon but build the Tango 6 in Japan, which is actually a good thing. The Japanese are world renowned “glass-smiths.” I’m not sure, but I may have just invented that word. I’ve spent a lot of money over the years on photography equipment and the Japanese “L” glass found in the Cannon lenses are trusted by top photographers worldwide. The Japanese know how to grind the glass with ridiculous precision.

The Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope in 5-30x56mm is what I settled on based on my requirements for the rifle and what I wanted to achieve with it. My initial intent with the Ruger Precision Rifle build was to keep it affordable. So before you bust my balls for putting an optic that retails for $2400 on a $1000 rifle, hear me out. The Sig Optics Tango 6 has every feature and specification that I was looking for, no compromises at all. The input I was receiving from “real-world” precision shooters was to never skimp on the optics. The surprisingly low price of the budget friendly Ruger Precision Rifle allowed me to spend a little more than I originally planned on the optics. There’s an old saying, “buy once, cry once” and I’m now a subscriber to that line of thinking.

My experience as a shooter was fine tuned while a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment but the majority of my time in Regiment was behind the M-4 Carbine. What I never had a chance to do, aside from a few weapons familiarization days with the sniper section, was to learn the craft of long range shooting. Now that I’m a civilian, I decided to enroll in long range classes at the Marksmanship Training Center in Michigan. And I can say after completing several days of classes in various weather and lighting conditions, I’m glad I went with the Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope. I’m currently working on a review of those classes for those interested so stay tuned.

The complete features and specs of the Sig Optics Tango 6 can be found on their website but I’ll highlight a few of my favorites. I like to keep things simple and the less math I have to do, the better chance I have of success. For that reason, a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle was a requirement for me. The first focal plane allows me to use the reticle to measure targets at unknown distances at any power magnification due to the reticle enlarging as you increase power magnification. This maintains the size relationship between the target and reticle. Second focal plane scopes require you to set the power at the manufacturers preset magnification for measuring a target using the reticle. Secondly, the MIL turrets and MIL reticle require no conversion like the old military MIL/MOA reticle/turrets further simplifying adjustments to elevation or windage. Less math required equals happy Ranger.

The large 56mm objective lens and 34mm main tube let in the maximum amount of light allowing the shooter to not only see the targets more clearly, but extends how far you can push into low light shooting situations. Think of it like a funnel for light rather than fluid. Rifle scopes using 30mm tubes and 44mm objective lenses equate to a more restrictive funnel so less light will fill the shooters eye. The quality of the glass and the large objective lens are what set apart high end optics from their lower cost counterparts. The 34mm main tube also allow an impressive 23.3MIL or 80 MOA of elevation adjustment depending on which reticle you choose. This level of adjustment is a must as you push out past the 1000 yard mark.

The “zero-stop” feature, although not a necessity, is really nice to have. While shooting at Marksmanship Training Center, the blocks of instruction were held in the classroom as well as the range. Being able to just spin the elevation turret until it stops at your designated 100 yard zero was nice as we headed back to the classroom after shooting. Knowing your rifle and optics starting point is critical and the Sig Optics Tango 6 make it fool proof with the zero-stop feature. Other students were referencing data books for the zero settings on their scopes or counting clicks until they returned to zero.

The Hellfire illuminated reticle uses fiber optic technology for illumination in low light shooting situations. The Sig Optics Tango 6 is equipped with a MRAD reticle that can be illuminated at 9 different visible intensities and 2 NV settings featuring “off” positions between each setting. In addition, Sig Optics uses a motion sensing technology called MOTAC. If you leave the reticle in the “on” position, it will power down after idle for 2 minutes to conserve the battery. Once the sensor detects the slightest movement, MOTAC immediately powers up the reticle allowing you to get on target without the need to turn on the power dial.

Sig Ballistic Turrets (SBT) is another innovative feature that may appeal to certain shooters. The SBT is a custom, laser etched elevation turret that perfectly matches the ballistics of your shooting system. You provide SIG with your bullet specifications, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, elevation, and other environmental factors and they’ll build a custom turret for you to install on your scope. This allows the shooter to dial the scope quickly for correct bullet drop compensation at any range. Sig Optics will provide the purchaser 1 SBT for their Tango series scope once you provide the necessary ballistic information. I have yet to receive my SBT and will post an update to this article once I do.

The overall construction of the Sig Optics Tango 6 is on par with high end Nightforce scopes and Sig stands behind their new line of rifle scopes with their Infinite Guarantee:

“We will repair or replace your SIG SAUER product in the event it becomes damaged or defective, at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition. It doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it.”

SIG SAUER® INFINITE GUARANTEE™

Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee
Fully Transferable
No Warranty Card Required
No Receipt Required
No Time Limit Applies
No Charge

warranty info courtesy of Sigoptics.com

Bottom line: The Sig Optics Tango 6 rifle scope is a welcome addition to the high end tactical scope segment. With it’s unique gray durable outer skin and a line-up of features sure to satisfy the most discriminating shooter, it’s well worth the price. The positive feel of the turrets and the smooth rotation of all the controls on the Tango 6 are good indicators of the high quality construction and materials used in this rifle scope. While at Marksmanship Training Center, both instructors and other students had a chance to look through the Sig Optics Tango 6 and nothing but praise. Take a good look at Sig Optics and their complete line of products. I’m certain they’ll have just what you’re looking for in an attractive, functional, price friendly option. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section below or issue a FRAGO if you’d like to see something in particular.

Environmentally Friendly Ammo | The Green Bullet?

I guess all of the depleted uranium and lead we’ve been firing overseas in recent conflicts has got our government concerned. According to Washington, the The Army is switching from lead bullets in many small-caliber arms to “environmentally friendly” rounds. The new green bullets will slowly start to replace the M855 (5.56 mm) and the 7.62 mm. The M855, which was designed in the 70’s, will be replaced by the environmentally friendly M855A1 (green bullet) which is 100% lead free.

For those of us who have used the standard M855 ammunition on live targets, most of us would agree that it lacks the “punch” to put a target down as fast as we would like, often taking more than 3 rounds to incapacitate a threat. The new “green bullet” is currently being tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The new round claims to be deadlier and faster than the Army standard issue 5.56 mm.

If the new projectile packs a deadlier punch than what we are being issued in combat, I have no issue with the new “green bullet”. I just hope that it holds up to its claims, I don’t think we could use anything with “knock down” than the M855. The Army predicts “the use of green 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition could eliminate the purchase of 3,683 metric tons of lead between 2013 and 2018.”