Although sniper rifles are one of the most essential tools of modern militaries throughout the world, they have been around for quite some time. Although the Whitworth rifle is often considered first long-range sniper rifle, invented in the mid 1800s by prominent British engineer Sir Joseph Whitworth, it is said that sniper rifles were around since the early days of the American Revolution. (Here are guns that helped fight the Revolutionary War.)
Advances in technologically have significantly changed the impact these weapons have in warfare. What once were muskets modified to have longer barrels and equipped with optical devices to support in aim, have advanced to the weapons of today with sophisticated speed and accuracy. Sniper rifles are recognized as one of the most essential tools of modern military forces, allowing users more precision and destruction in long-range engagements.
Since its inception, there have been hundreds of sniper rifles used by military across the globe and today there are certain models favored more than others; weapons that are the clear frontrunners as the longest-range sniper rifles currently in use. Many of these rifles are paramount to the success of today’s snipers and together with these weapons, have changed the course of war.
One of the best examples of this can be found in Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who is known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. During his tour in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006, he recorded 91 kills, earning him the name of “The Devil of Ramadi.” Kyle was also credited with hitting an insurgent over 1.2 miles away, a feat of incredible skill aided by modern sniper technology.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed sniper rifles cataloged by Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more to determine the longest-range sniper rifles used by militaries worldwide. Guns were ranked according to their maximum effective range, limiting the list to guns with maximum effective ranges above 3,000 feet. Supplemental data on country of origin, first year of service, caliber, cartridge, and the ammunition used by each rifle also comes from Military Factory.
There are two categories that the rifles listed here fall into – anti-personnel rifles which are meant to neutralize combatants, and anti-materiel rifles (AMR), which are longer-range than most anti-personnel rifles, and are meant to pierce armor or fortified positions and anti-personnel rifles. Many of the top sniper rifles on this list are AMRs.
The longest-range sniper rifles used by militaries worldwide
29. Siyavash SWS
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Originating in Iran, the Siyavash SWS entered service in 2013 and is used by Iran.
28. MKEK JNG-90
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Originating in Turkey, the MKEK JNG-90 entered service in 2008 and is used by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
27. Brugger & Thomet APR
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO, .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester
Originating in Switzerland, the Brugger & Thomet APR entered service in 2005 and is used by Switzerland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Singapore.
26. Accuracy International L96
- Maximum effective range: 3,608 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum
Originating in the United Kingdom, the Accuracy International L96 entered service in 1982 and is used by the United Kingdom, United States, France, and Belgium.
25. NORINCO CS/LR4
- Maximum effective range: 3,610 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester, 8.6x70mm
Originating in China, the NORINCO CS/LR4 entered service in 2012 and is used by China, Philippines, and Venezuela.
24. GA MSSR
- Maximum effective range: 3,610 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 5/56x45mm NATO
Originating in the Philippines, the GA MSSR entered service in 1996 and is used by the Philippines.
23. Accuracy International AWM
- Maximum effective range: 3,610 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum
Originating in the United Kingdom, the Accuracy International AWM entered service in 1996 and is used by the United Kingdom, Norway, Russia, and Poland.
22. Remington M2010 ESR
- Maximum effective range: 3,935 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .300 Winchester Magnum
Originating in the United States, the Remington M2010 ESR entered service in 2011 and is used by the United States.
21. Accuracy International Mk 13 (SOCOM)
- Maximum effective range: 3,940 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .300 Winchester Magnum
Originating in the United States, the Accuracy International Mk 13 (SOCOM) entered service in 2017 and is used by the United States.
20. PGM 338
- Maximum effective range: 4,600 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum
Originating in France, the PGM 338 entered service in 1993 and is used by France, Armenia, and Israel.
19. Steyr HS.50
- Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .460 Steyr, .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in Austria, the Steyr HS.50 entered service in 2004 and is used by Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.
18. Remington MSR
- Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO, .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum
Originating in the United States, the Remington MSR entered service in 2013 and is used by the United States, France, and Israel.
17. Haenel RS
- Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum
Originating in Germany, the Haenel RS entered service in 2016 and is used by Germany.
16. Zbrojovka ZB Falcon
- Maximum effective range: 4,921 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 12.7x108mm DshK
Originating in Czechoslovakia, the Zbrojovka ZB Falcon entered service in 1990 and is used by the Czech Republic and Ukraine.
15. Accuracy International L115
- Maximum effective range: 4,921 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum
Originating in the United Kingdom, the Accuracy International L115 entered service in 1997 and is used by United Kingdom, the United States, Egypt, and Ireland.
14. Accuracy International AW50
- Maximum effective range: 4,921 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United Kingdom, the Accuracy International AW50 entered service in 1999 and is used by United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia.
13. PGW C14 Timberwolf MRSWS
- Maximum effective range: 4,925 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum
Originating in Canada, the PGW C14 Timberwolf MRSWS entered service in 2005 and is used by Canada.
12. Harris M96
- Maximum effective range: 5,000 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the Harris M96 entered service in 1996 and is used by Malaysia and the United States.
11. Barrett M95
- Maximum effective range: 5,900 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the Barrett M95 entered service in 1995 and is used by the United States, Austria, Denmark, and Finland.
10. Barrett M90
- Maximum effective range: 5,900 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the Barrett M90 entered service in 1990 and is used by the United States.
9. TASKO 7ET3 (AMR)
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 12.7x108mm Soviet, .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in Ukraine, the TASKO 7ET3 (AMR) entered service in 2018 and is used by Ukraine.
8. Robar RC-50
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the Robar RC-50 entered service in 1985 and is used by Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Malaysia.
7. CheyTac Intervention
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .408 CheyTac, .375 CheyTac
Originating in United States, the CheyTac Intervention entered service in 2001 and is used by Italy, Poland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
6. XADO Snipex Alligator
- Maximum effective range: 6,561 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 14.5x114mm Soviet
Originating in Ukraine, the XADO Snipex Alligator entered service in 2020 and is used by Ukraine.
5. Vidhwansak AMR
- Maximum effective range: 6,561 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: 12.7x108mm. 14.5x114mm, 20x82mm
Originating in India, the Vidhwansak AMR entered service in 2007 and is used by India.
4. McMillan TAC-50
- Maximum effective range: 6,561 ft. (tied)
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the McMillan TAC-50 entered service in 2000 and is used by Canada, United States, France, Israel, and Turkey.
3. ArmaLite AR-50
- Maximum effective range: 8,000 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in the United States, the ArmaLite AR-50 entered service in 1999 and is used by the United States and Malaysia.
2. Baher-23
- Maximum effective range: 9,840 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: 23x152mmB
Originating in Iran, the Baher-23 entered service in 2015 and is used by Iran.
1. WKW Wilk / Tor
- Maximum effective range: 9,842 ft.
- Caliber/Cartridge: .50BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
Originating in Poland, the WKW Wilk/Tor entered service in 2005 and is used by Ukraine, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.