M 40 sniper in Iraq...

[Clark Kent]

I haven't read Generation Kill, but reading this thread reminded me of Mike Force, written about combat in Vietnam.  The author, Lewis "Bucky" Burruss, is not a reporter, but was one of the commanders of the highly mobile Special Forces units called "Mike Force" that raced to assist other more conventional units that were in trouble.  

Bucky's a neighbor and friend.  He concluded his military career as deputy commander of the Army's 1stSFOD-D (Delta Force), which he helped create as an aide to Col. Beckwith.  Bucky was a high school English teacher before he decided to make his career in the Army.  He's written five novels in addition to the first-person Mike Force, in which he names names and pulls no punches.   Unfortunately the book received little attention in the Vietnam era, just as our military people were scorned and ignored.

But the book's back in print.  It's a treasure.  

[tombogan03884]

 I've seen it at the Library, I will have to read it.

[m25operator]

I actually watched that episode. M40, yessir, Me like, here is mine.

[twyacht]

When you care enough to send the very best.

I know its not the same caliber, but the foundation is still there.



 

Is it me or does Clark Kent look like Gene Hackman in a great hat,...





Hat? Sunglasses?  He was once Lex Luther after all,....

Just an observation, Clark, you will always be Clark Kent here...

[Clark Kent]

Damn!  You guys are good - glad you're on our side! 

[Sponsor]

[seeker_two]

Great video....but it got me thinkin'......if all the Marines were issued a .308 battle rifle w/ optic, they wouldn't have needed to call in a sniper on those two baddies.....

Keep up the good work, Devil Dogs!   

[Badgersmilk]

It isn't the rifle that makes a shot like that possible.

I wonder why the spotter was taken out first???  I would have thought the guy holding the weapon would be target 1...

[m25operator]

BM I am the 1st to say give that rifle to the untrained and they will not make that shot, give the sniper a rack grade 700 sporter and he will do better than anyone else. The distance called was 979, I don't know yards or meters, either way a head shot at that distance probably would not happen with the standard rifle, and truth, would be bad ass with the M40, mine shoots 7" on a great day at 1,000 yds. That means on a great day, it will hit 3.5" from point of aim. Easy to miss a head size target, but no problem on a torso.

It's TV, but I think the spotter was 1st because he had eyes on them, could call in Artillery on their location. Could just be TV drama as well.

[Badgersmilk]

My only question was.  I wonder why the spotter first?  In my mind, and in any protocal I've seen, the guy who is a direct threat is the first target.    

I've read, & heard from several sources when the military buy's M40's they completely rework them before they ever get in the field.  Action, barrels, bedding, often completely different barrels are installed after the action is blue printed, polished & rebuilt...  The out of the box M40 is SWEET.  But...  It appears not "sweet" enough.  What I meant by my first comment was to reply to the previous comment of "every soldier should be toteing a bolt action"...  The average soldier I've seen shoot isn't going to gain much by it.  It's not the rifle, it's the shooter who makes a head shot at 979 whatevers.    

Remember the video on here a while back where the guy made a shot with a snubby at 100 yards?

[twyacht]

Without his spotter, a shooter is taking more time with lack of rangefinder, and partner in windage, and other variables.

Similar to a pilot losing his wingman, they become vulnerable to counter attack without the benefit of back-up.

Take out the spotter with the better scope, and the shooter has to rely on many more conditions while under the possibility of being discovered, were talking the better part of a mile shot.

1000 yds. = 3000 feet approx.  hitting a Dixie Plate "head shot". Lots of conditions that I am thankful our snipers know how to compensate for.