Sniper is a rifle expert who specializes in shooting from a distant, hidden position. Most countries use snipers in their military or police forces. Some criminals are also snipers.
Snipers came about as gunmakers developed accurate long-range firearms. Early firearms, called muskets, fired round bullets. They were accurate only to about 80 yards (70 meters). Later gunmakers greatly increased the weapons’ accuracy and range by cutting spiral grooves—called _rifling—_in the gun barrels. These weapons, called rifles, fired longer, tapered bullets. During the American Revolution (1775-1783), most battles involved troops firing muskets at one another from close range. However, American militias armed with hunting rifles also fought in the war. They attacked British troops at long range from hidden positions. This technique, called sniping, received widespread attention around the world.
Since the American Revolution, snipers have played important roles in most major wars. Snipers disrupt enemy troop movements by forcing the soldiers to take cover. The presence of a sniper can create fear among enemy troops. Modern snipers can hit targets a mile (1.6 kilometers) or more away. Because bullets travel faster than the speed of sound, a sniper’s bullet can hit before its target hears the gunshot.
To be effective, snipers must stay hidden and move without revealing their position. Because they are skilled at these things, snipers are frequently used to scout enemy positions when not attacking targets.
Police forces use snipers when criminals present too much danger for officers to get close. Perhaps the most infamous criminal sniper was Lee Harvey Oswald. Oswald was arrested for shooting United States President John F. Kennedy with a rifle in 1963.
