So Now the Russians Have the Hots to Deploy Lots of Snipers

[Waitone]

http://www.rferl.org/content/why_soes_the_russian_army_need_a_lot_more_snipers/24366025.html

Could be they are incorporating US experience in Afghanistan.  Then again they could see the need developing at home, a la Syrian scenario.

Interesting article.

[MicroBalrog]

400-500 meters is now "ordinary" rifle engagement range?

[Angel Eyes]

400-500 meters is now "ordinary" rifle engagement range?

Doesn't the USMC do rifle qualification out to 600 meters?

From the article, it sounds like the Russian crash course is for more of a designated marksman role, not a sniper as the Americans or British use the term.

[MicroBalrog]

Happily I do have some more knowledge of this topic than the authors of this article.

[this isn't too hard].


The Russian military already has a 'sniper' (a designated marksman with an SVD) on the platoon and detachment level. Now, however, they want to add a sniper company to every brigade. These will be classic snipers, armed with a variety of rifles ranging from accurized SVDs to .50 rifles. In some units, Austrian-made .308 bolt-actions have been issued.

[Perd Hapley]

In some units, Austrian-made .308 bolt-actions have been issued.

Steyr?

[MicroBalrog]

Steyr?

Likely. I will post pictures later on.

Meanwhile, a serviceman with the 59th Mechanized Infantry Brigade has been kind enough to leak the details on the rifles his specific brigade is getting for this sniper company:

Company HQ:

1 8.61mm rifle, 1 9mm VSS rifle, 1 AKS-74U

Mechanized Platoon  HQ:

Mechanized Rifle detachment: 1 12.7mm B-94 rifle,  2 8.61mm rifles, 6 9mm VSS rifles, 2 AKS-74U rifles, 3 SVDs
1 8.61mm rifle, 1 9mm VSS rifle

Mechanized rifle platoon HQ: 1 9mm VSS, 1 AKM, 1 SVD-S

Rifle Detachment: 5 9mm VSS rifles, 5 SVD rifles

sauce

[MicroBalrog]

Here's the Steyr rifle I discussed:

[birdman]

Given its near universal acceptance now, the 8.61mm rifle is most likely a 338 lapua mag (8.61x70mm)

[Perd Hapley]

Here's the Steyr rifle I discussed:

The very first gun I ever bought was one of those Steyrs, with that extended magazine. Mine was the standard sporter model with the butterknife handle. I traded it, and the scope, for a CAI sportered Mauser and an 870.

[AJ Dual]

You traded a Steyr SSG and God knows what optic for a CIA bubbaed Mauser and an 870?

  if you're joking.

  if you're serious.

[Perd Hapley]

It was the Pro-Hunter, not the SSG. Similar action, and I had the extended magazine (10-round, I think). Actually, that one looks just like mine, except for the bolt handle, adjustable comb, and the color. I'm assuming it also has a bipod, which mine didn't have. I think I payed about 700 for it, plus whatever the magazine cost. And a Redfield that cost like 150 (?). I didn't like it all that much. A friend of mine had the Mauser and the 870, which I liked better.

I don't got no regrets. But you can laugh at me if you like.  

[birdman]

Doesn't the USMC do rifle qualification out to 600 meters?

I thought it was 500?

[Jamisjockey]

I thought it was 500?

Correctamundo. With open sights I might add.