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Sniper or Marksman?
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I was reviewing some literature on the terminology used in law enforcement and its implications in court and in the public opinion. Being a Team Leader for the Cover Team of my agency I found particular interest in the terminology we use for the officers on our team who are trained in the use of precision rifles. So here’s the discussion topic - do we call our precision rifle officers “snipers” or “marksmen”.
At first it sounds like a simple play on words, no big deal, right? But a closer look at common dictionary definitions may reveal a strong argument for criminal defense lawyers and civil liability lawyers alike, should the particulars of a precision rifle shot be the focus of a court case.
Steyr SSG 08 Sniper Rifle Review
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Most of those who recognize the name Steyr immediately think of the Steyr AUG series rifles with their unique European minded design that sets them apart from most patrol rifles used in the United States. That design creates a very sleek profile that places the rifle’s magazine to the rear of the trigger assembly and generates a profile like no other.
Designed to meet the strict specifications of the Austrian Special Forces, Steyr rifles make a bold statement of excellence in the tradition of European engineering. And what many may not know is that Steyr has made a strong bid in the American market with its Trussville, Alabama manufacturing plant. Now the Steyr AUG rifles sold in the United States will be manufactured in the United States in a partnership with Saber Defense. Some parts are still manufactured in Austria, but more and more these rifles are becoming home grown.
What many people might not know is that Steyr (officially Steyr Mannlicher) is also the producer of high quality sniper rifles. The latest release is the Steyr SSG 08, available in .308 Winchester and 300 Win Mag. This rifle incorporates many of the latest trends in mission ready sniper rifles. For instance, the Austrian engineers have used light weight aircraft aluminum in the stock, as well as highly durable synthetic components to keep the rifle’s weight easily manageable.
Federal v. Remington .308 Ammo Comparison: One Sniper’s View
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If you are a part of the law enforcement marksman (sniper) community then any discussion on ammunition selection will almost exclusively focus on the .308 caliber, 168-grain Match King boat tail hollow point (BTHP) cartridge. The 2007 American Sniper Association Annual Report cited the .308 caliber, 168-grain Match King BTHP as being the “preferred ammunition” for police marksmen “based primarily on its accuracy and consistency”. The Federal Gold Medal cartridge has, for many, been the preferred police marksman cartridge. This cartridge produces consistent match grade quality with the convenience of being factory made.
However, with the current state of the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the uncertainty felt by many Americans about the Administration’s views on the 2nd Amendment, a shortage of ammunition of all calibers and types has occurred. This drain on the available ammunition supply has caught many police departments and individuals off guard and has required them to reevaluate ammunition selection and training requirements to accommodate the circumstances faced by all.
