How to shoot with a sniper rifle correctly. Sniper Rifle Lessons: Sniper Training

At first glance, it seems that the longer the barrel, the better: you can accelerate the bullet to more high speeds without increasing the powder charge. But this is not so - the speed increases only up to a certain length of the barrel. At the beginning it increases by 6-7 m/s for every inch up to 30 inches. Up to 34 inches - within 4-5 m/s per inch, after forty - 3 m/s, and so on until zero. As a result, practical length is limited to 34 inches. “For ultra-long-range shooting, we recommend to our clients .408 caliber barrels no larger than 34 inches,” says Lobaev. — For practical tasks, 30-32 inches (maximum 74 cm) are sufficient. A longer barrel only makes sense for demonstration and record purposes.”

Measure - half hit

An ultra-long range rifle, which typically costs around $20,000, is not the most expensive part of the package. Let's start with the fact that it is not easy to accurately measure the distance at 2 km. And this needs to be done very accurately - just at the end of the bullet, the trajectory of the bullet is very steep. Only a laser rangefinder provides the necessary accuracy. Hunting ones are not suitable - they are designed, in extreme cases, for distances of up to 1500 m. We have to use military ones. The most affordable offering (from ¤7000 in Europe) is the Leica Vector IV, which allows you to measure distances up to 4 km. Even better is the Leica Vector 21 (up to 12 km), but it’s hard to even imagine how much it might cost. They definitely won’t offer it to you in the store. If you have enough money and connections for the 21st Vector, you can think about lidar - a laser wind speed meter at a distance. If not, you should buy a weather station, for example Kestrel 4000NV for 14,000 rubles. Current, maximum and average wind speed, air temperature, reduced temperature, relative humidity, Dew point, Atmosphere pressure, altitude above sea level, atmospheric density - without all this data it is simply impossible to shoot today.

Self-loading .408 caliber cartridges with solidly turned Lost River J-40 Utra VLD bullets

Third Eye

You can’t go without a scope, and the choice here is small; the main problem is insufficient correction consumption. In human terms, the trajectory during ultra-long-range shooting is so steep that most sights simply do not have enough travel for the correction drum. You can, of course, install special rings or “spacers” for them, but then it will be impossible to shoot at short distances, for example 300 m - there will not be enough adjustments in the other direction. And to avoid “hemorrhoids”, for shooting at 2 km it is optimal to have a sight with an adjustment rate of 150 arc minutes. This is a Leupold Mark IV M1. You can use Night Force 5.5−22 IXS, but it, having an amendment consumption of 100 minutes, needs a special bar. The ideal option is almost any US Optics SM model, which comes with 200 minutes as standard and can be expanded to 300 minutes. Although it is almost as difficult to export such sights from the USA as, say, a machine gun, in our vast expanses they are not common, but they are found.

Without mathematics you can't go anywhere

The most important part precision shooter equipment - ballistic calculator. This is a program that calculates all the ballistic parameters necessary for shooting, including at ultra-long distances. There are no recommendations here; for shooters, choosing a calculator is akin to choosing a religion.

Fundamentally, all calculators are divided into two groups: tabular and mathematical. The first are based on measuring specific shot data (most often using Doppler radar). The ABC calculator, the most popular in the United States, is made using this technology, which is also used for shooting 408 caliber. This approach has a disadvantage: if there is no fired cartridge in the database, it is impossible to accurately calculate ballistics, which is especially critical for self-loading cartridges.

The spread of hits may seem large. Exactly until you find out that the shooting was carried out from a distance of more than 2 km

The latter use a mathematical ballistic model, and different programs are needed for bullets of different geometries. For example, there are programs to calculate the ballistics of ultra-low drag bullets.

Who's in charge

The shooter also needs a very good spotting scope with at least 60x magnification for number two. Why, when you have a scope? After all, 2 km away the holes in the target cannot be seen even with a telescope. Here we come to the most interesting thing: why in Western films snipers go in pairs and why the second number is the main one. But because it is he who calculates the distance to the target, assesses the wind, meteorological parameters, carries out all ballistic calculations and gives the first number ready-made corrections. Pulling the trigger when you have everything lined up in your sights is not that difficult. Verified.

But most importantly, the second number has a truly mystical skill of seeing the flight of a bullet, because, as already mentioned, it is impossible to see a hole in the target. The fact is that through the good optics of a telescope you can see the vortex flow that the bullet leaves behind it. It is difficult to see him, but possible. This requires an extremely precise position of the observer relative to the shooter: strictly along the axis of the barrel and slightly above. Ideally, if the sighting reticles in the tube and the sight coincide, then the second number after the first shot immediately gives a correction along the reticle.

If you decide for yourself that you want to learn the basics of marksmanship, then you have at least two options: join the army or enroll in a shooting course. sniper rifle. But not everyone has the opportunity to serve in the army. Also, if you have your own weapon, it is quite possible to learn how to shoot with a sniper rifle. This process aims to teach you how to take the correct stance, aim and fire a shot. After some time, with desire and persistence, you will be able to successfully hit any target in the bull's eye.

Required accessories

Before you start learning how to shoot a sniper rifle you need to decide on the place where you will practice. In the presence of firearms Shooting is permitted only in designated areas. See photo.

If you have an air rifle, then it will be enough to retire to some deserted area, for example, a forest. The main thing you should have with you is, of course, a weapon, ammunition for it and several targets.

Sniper shooting involves using an optical sight, with which the weapon should be equipped. Therefore, this is another device that you cannot do without when learning. The weapon can also be equipped with a bipod at your request, which is intended to increase the stability of the weapon and minimize vibrations.

This video will tell you the basics of shooting with an SVD rifle.

For convenience, it won’t hurt to take a camping mat, since the main position when shooting will be a prone position. When using a combat rifle, it is worth having special ear protection - headphones. Devices for cleaning/lubricating weapons after shooting are not superfluous. For shooting, you can choose Gamo products; see prices for Gamo rifles. In addition, popular models are, and.

Safety precautions

The main safety requirement is preventing harm to the life and health of people and animals, as well as the safety of other people’s property in the target field area.

The use of a specialized range/shooting range simplifies the implementation of this rule, since the shooting range has clearly defined boundaries. When shooting from air guns no less caution must be exercised.

The main rules when handling any type of weapon are:

1. Regardless of whether the weapon is loaded or not, hold the rifle only in the direction of fire.
2. When people/animals are on the firing line, shooting is prohibited.
3. It is prohibited to fire from a faulty rifle.
4. Use only specified ammunition for this type of weapon.
5. Do not remove a loaded combat rifle from the firing line.
6. If an instructor is available, strictly follow his commands to open and cease fire.
7. Upon completion of shooting, inspect the weapon and put the safety on.

Both athletes and army snipers use practically same rules for shooting, which allow them to be guaranteed to hit targets at any distance. The only difference is in the type of target.

About the training of army snipers, watch the following video:

The main stages of firing a shot are: taking a shooting pose, aiming and pulling the trigger. This will be enough for a novice shooter.

Snipers of the armed forces also study methods of camouflage and unnoticed movement and many other disciplines that are not necessary for a civilian.

Therefore, we will analyze only the basics of marksmanship and the technical part directly related to it. We'll leave the rest to the professionals.

Rules

Shooting position

The posture for firing a shot must ensure that the arrow stability to successfully hit the target. The main way to achieve this is to assume a prone position, in which the weapon is placed on some kind of support.

This position allows you to almost completely eliminate barrel vibrations, which is important for an accurate shot. It is important to achieve full contact of the body with the ground, which increases the support area. Feet should be spread 1.5 shoulder widths apart, heels pressed firmly to the ground.

To avoid accidents, follow safety precautions when shooting from PM, about them at:

The right leg and the barrel of the weapon should ideally form a straight line. At the initial stage, this needs to be monitored. The position of the torso should be stress-free, the muscles should be relaxed if possible. Adjustment of the direction for shooting is carried out by moving the legs left and right.

For beginners, the preferred method of shooting is from a rest, in which the left hand supports the butt at the right shoulder, and the elbow touches the ground. It is also necessary to place something soft on the stop to prevent the barrel from bouncing when firing.

Successful shooting from a sniper rifle is unthinkable without the correct attachment. A proper butt rest on the shoulder can eliminate unpleasant sensations from recoil when shooting from large-caliber weapons. The butt also affects the accuracy of the shots fired, so it should not be neglected.

The butt is pressed tightly against the shoulder and is not too low and not too high. When firing a series of shots, it is necessary to maintain uniformity in the application, which will increase the average accuracy.

Aiming

One of the most important moments in making a shot. It determines what position the barrel will take and, accordingly, where the bullet will fly. An important rule to remember is to keep both eyes open.

When you close your left eye, muscle tension is transferred to the right eye, which causes rapid fatigue, which directly affects shooting performance. In a combat situation, this is especially important, since binocular vision makes it easier to determine distances “by eye.”

In addition, the viewing angle increases. When using an optical sight, aiming is achieved by moving the aiming mark to the aiming point, taking into account external factors (distance, wind speed). The eye must be kept on the optical line of the sight.

One of the most important rules is to prevent the weapon from falling over when the sight reticle is not in a horizontal position. The actual aiming is divided into two periods. The first is checking the workmanship, eliminating inconveniences in position.

The second is holding your breath, increasing the pressure on the trigger, intensively observing the sight reticle relative to the target, right up to the moment of shooting. It is important to remember to rest your eyes between shots.

If you are unable to hold your left eyes open, you can use a piece of fabric or paper that is used as a shield.

No less important than aiming is a process. Errors in trigger release can negate even excellent aiming of the barrel at the target. For sports systems, the trigger force ranges from 50 to 150 grams, while for combat systems it is at least 1.5 kg.

To overcome this moment, the shooter must create a similar force in the index finger. But, since it is forbidden to strain the muscles of the right hand, the shooter more energetically clings to the neck of the rifle butt with the remaining fingers of his right hand. So those same 1.5 kg are evenly distributed on the fingers holding the hand on the butt.

After the shot, the 1.5 kg that held the trigger goes away, but the tension in the hand remains, as a result of which it twitches along with the rifle. At this moment, the weapon moves away from the aiming line, sending the bullet to the wrong place.

This is called “failure” of the trigger with “pulling” of the weapon. The problem described above is “treated” this way: only the index finger presses on the trigger, and everyone else just holds their hand on the butt.

The finger is placed on the hook with a bend between the first and second phalanges. This is a rule that has been tested over the years. If you place your finger incorrectly, the rifle will oscillate slightly from side to side, which can result in a serious miss when shooting at long distances.

Breath

Experienced shooters tend to fire during the interval between exhalation and inhalation, since the chest, when completely filled with air, lifts the shooter’s body, and with it the butt. The trunk goes down.

Shooting with a pause between exhalations allows you to hold the weapon aimed precisely at the target. Also, while holding your breath, carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood, dilating blood vessels and relieving tension in the muscles.

With proper preparation and compliance with all the rules of the shot, holding your breath should not take more than 8 seconds.

Conclusion

Now you can imagine how to shoot with a sniper rifle. Practice and conscious control of one’s actions at the initial stage are of no small importance. Go ahead. If the rifle breaks down, then read the material about repairing air guns.

1. General Provisions.

A. To become a sniper, you must know and be able to practice the basic principles of marksmanship, which include aiming, shooting position, trigger pull, sight alignment, weather conditions, and conditioning the weapon for normal combat. The purpose of studying these principles is to develop stable and correct shooting skills and consolidate them at the level of instinctive actions. Shooting training Sniper training is a continuation of basic marksman training. It teaches the sniper how to hit a target with the first shot at various, mostly long, ranges.
b. The marksmanship fundamentals taught to a sniper range from those taught to the average soldier to those required to perform sniper missions. To be trained at the expert level, the sniper must be equipped with the most best weapon and the best ammunition. He also equips himself with additional knowledge and skills in the field of survival on the battlefield, which allows him to enter into a duel with the enemy and emerge victorious.
V. Every sniper must periodically retake a course in the basics of marksmanship, regardless of shooting experience. Even an experienced sniper from time to time experiences a deficiency in the correct application of the basics of marksmanship, which is a consequence of the development of other skills and abilities. The basics of sniper marksmanship should be practiced in the sequence given in the following sections.

2. Aiming.

The first skill a sniper develops is proper aiming. The importance of proper aiming cannot be overstated. Not only because it is a fundamental skill, but because it provides a means by which the sniper can check for proper shooting position and trigger pull. The aiming process includes the following phases: the relationship between the eye and the sights, the "flat front sight", the aiming point, the breathing and aiming process, and exercises to develop correct aiming.

A. The relationship between the eye and the sights.

1. To understand what is required in the aiming process, the shooter must know how to use his eye. The variety in the position of the eye in relation to the aiming bar results in a variety of images perceived by the eye. The appropriate positioning of the eye is called "de-pupilling." Correct eye relief, allowing for minor variations, is approximately 7.5 cm. The best way Observing correct eye relief is the use of a butt pad (the so-called “cheek”) or the thumb of the shooting hand.
2. For a clearer understanding of the use of the eye in the process of aiming, it is necessary to remember that the eye is capable of instantly focusing when moving from one range to another. It cannot be focused simultaneously on two objects located at different distances.
3. To achieve an undistorted image when aiming, the shooter’s head should take a position in which he looks straight, and not sideways or from under his brows. If the head is in a position that forces the shooter to aim through the nose or under the eyebrow, the eye muscles tense and cause involuntary eye movements that reduce the accuracy of the image. This not only affects vision characteristics, but at the same time has a negative psychological impact on the shooter. The eye functions better when it is in a natural position, that is, when the gaze is directed straight ahead.
4. Do not concentrate your vision on the aiming point for more than a few seconds. When the eyes are focused on a single image for a certain time, it is imprinted in the perception zone. This effect can be illustrated with the following example. For 20 to 30 seconds, look at a black dot drawn on a piece of paper and then look at a white wall or ceiling. You will see a faint image of a dot on the wall, but the sharpness of the image in the area of ​​​​the image will be lost. This effect is very important for the shooter. The captured image dulls the sharpness of the image in the perception zone and can be mistaken for the true image of the target.
5. Many shooters with bushy eyebrows have difficulty aiming, which leads to a distorted image of the target. In such cases, it is recommended to shave or tape the eyebrows.

b. "Smooth fly."

1. “Even front sight” is the relationship of the front sight and rear sight in relation to the eye. This is the most important element of aiming, since errors in its implementation lead to a change in the position of the axis of the weapon bore.
2. When using an open sight, a “flat front sight” means such a position of the front sight in the slot of the sighting bar, in which it is located in the center of the slot in direction and in line with the mane of the sighting bar in height.

V. Aiming point.

1. After the shooter has been trained to take the “straight front sight”, it is necessary to begin studying the choice of the aiming point. This element differs from the “flat front sight” only in that a point on the target is added to it, to which the front sight is brought.
2. The aiming point used by the sniper is the center of the target. All novice shooters should know this, as it is the most commonly used and more understandable, unlike others.

d. The process of breathing and aiming.

1. Breath control is very important for the aiming process. If the shooter is breathing while aiming, the up and down movements of his chest will cause the weapon to move in a vertical plane. The "straight sight" is taken while breathing, but the shooter must hold his breath to complete the aiming process. To hold your breath correctly, you need to inhale, then exhale and hold your breath during the natural respiratory pause. If the “straight front sight” is not on the target, it is necessary to change the position of the body.
2. The respiratory cycle lasts 4 - 5 seconds. Inhalation and exhalation take approximately 2 seconds. Thus, between cycles there is a pause lasting 2 - 3 seconds. It can be increased to 12 - 15 seconds without much effort or discomfort. It is during this extended pause that the sniper must fire the shot. Arguments in favor of this: during a respiratory pause, the respiratory muscles are relaxed; thus, the shooter avoids stressing the diaphragm.
3. The shooter must assume a shooting position and breathe normally until the "flat sight" begins to approach the desired aiming point on the target. Many shooters then take a deeper breath, exhale, pause, and fire the shot during the pause. If the sighting devices do not take the desired position on the target, the shooter resumes breathing and repeats the process.
4. A respiratory pause should not cause discomfort. If the pause is prolonged, the body begins to lack oxygen and sends a signal to the brain to resume breathing. These signals cause slight involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and affect the shooter's ability to concentrate. In general, the safest possible period for a respiratory pause is 8 - 10 seconds.
5. As mentioned above, the eye plays a very important role in the aiming process. While exhaling and moving the front sight up towards the target, the focus should alternately move from the front sight to the target until the shooter determines that the sights are in the correct position on the target. Once the correct aiming pattern is achieved, focus must be on the front sight to accurately determine the position of the sights relative to the aiming point at the time of the shot and to identify variations in aiming.
6. Some inexperienced shooters fail to understand that the final focus should be on the front sight; In poor lighting conditions, when the target is not clearly visible, an inexperienced shooter tends to focus his eye on the target. Shooting at a "blank" target (a target that does not have any outline or a regular target with the white side facing the shooter) can prove to the shooter the need to concentrate his vision on the front sight.

d. Exercises to develop correct aiming.

e. Using an optical sight

The optical sight device allows you to aim without using an open sight. The aiming line is the optical axis passing through the centers of the lens and the crosshair of the sight. The crosshair of the sight plays the role of the front sight. The crosshair and target image are in the focal plane of the lens (the plane that passes through the focus of the lens perpendicular to the optical axis). The sniper's eye perceives the crosshair and the target image with equal clarity. To aim with an optical sight, the sniper's head must be positioned at the exit pupil of the eyepiece so that the line of sight of the eye coincides with the optical axis of the sight. The sniper then moves the crosshair to the aiming point on the target.

1) Removal of the eye. When aiming, the eye should be at a distance of 7.5 - 9.5 cm from the exit pupil of the eyepiece. This distance - the removal of the eye - is quite large, but it must be maintained to ensure safety during recoil and to obtain a full field of view.

(a) Shadow effect. While aiming, the sniper must ensure that there is no shadow in the sight's field of view; it must be completely clean. If the sniper's eye is not located far enough from the scope, a concentric shadow appears in the field of view, which reduces the size of the field of view, worsens observation conditions through the scope, and makes aiming difficult. If the eye is positioned incorrectly in relation to the optical axis of the sight, crescent-shaped shadows appear at the edges of the field of view; they can form on any side, depending on the position of the axis of vision relative to the optical axis of the sight. In the presence of such a shadow, the bullets are deflected in the direction opposite to the direction in which it appears.
(b) Adjusting head position. If the sniper observes shadows at the edges of the field of view while aiming, he must find a head position that allows his eye to see the entire field of view. Therefore, for accurate aiming, the sniper must fully concentrate his attention on keeping his eye on the optical axis of the sight and on the exact location of the crosshairs at the aiming point.

2) Advantages of an optical sight.

The optical sight provides:

(a) Increased aiming accuracy, which allows the sniper to fire at distant, subtle and camouflaged targets that are invisible to the naked eye.
(b) Speed ​​in aiming due to the fact that the sniper sees the crosshair and the target image with the same clarity, in the same focal plane.
(c) Fire accuracy in conditions of limited visibility (at sunset, twilight, fog, moonlight, etc.)
(G) Better conditions observations, more accurate determination of ranges and fire adjustments.

3) Lateral tilt of the weapon. Represents the deviation of the weapon's position to one side relative to the vertical axis. In Fig. 3A shows the correct aiming picture, in which the optical sight and rifle barrel are positioned exactly in a vertical plane. Rice. 3B shows the relationship between the aiming line and the throwing line. At the moment the bullet leaves the barrel, it is directed to point A, but under the influence of gravity, its flight trajectory decreases and the bullet hits point A1, i.e., the desired impact point. Rice. 3B illustrates the lateral tilt of the weapon; sights are slightly tilted to the right. In this case, the line of sight also ends at point A1 on the target, but the throwing line now passes through point B instead of point A. The bullet is lowered in the same way as in the first shot, its lowering occurs from point B and the point of impact is point B1. A greater inclination will lead to a greater deflection of the bullet to the right - down, as shown in the inset of Fig. 3.

3. Shooting position

A. The sniper must choose a position that provides him with greater stability along with the ability to observe the target and cover from enemy observation. The sniper must be able to fire from all of the standard and supported positions discussed in this section. To hit the target with the first shot, it must have a stable shooting position. The shooting position can be improved by using a sling. Although the use of a belt when shooting in combat is not recommended, the choice should be left to the sniper, depending on the situation. It is recommended that you practice the same amount of training when shooting using a sling as when shooting using a rest.

b. The shooting positions below should be considered as guidelines and not as the only possible shooting positions for each individual. Each of the above positions is an excellent “platform” for a weapon and should be used taking into account the structural features of each person’s body.

V. Three constituent elements The correct shooting position is bone rigidity, muscle relaxation and a natural aiming point.

1. Rigidity of the bone apparatus. The shooting positions are designed to be used as a "mount" for the rifle. The rigidity of such a “machine” is very important. If a house is built on a weak foundation, it will not stand upright. The same is true for a sniper using a weak rifle "mount" (position). It will not be able to withstand the repeated recoil of the weapon when fast pace shooting. Consequently, the shooter will not be able to use his shooting skills properly.
2. Muscle relaxation. The sniper must be able to relax his muscles as much as possible using various provisions for shooting. Excessive muscle tension causes trembling, which is transmitted to the weapon. However, in any position a certain, controlled muscle tension is necessary. For example, when firing at a fast pace, pressure must be applied thumb shooting hand on the neck of the butt. Only through practice and use of the natural point of aim will the sniper learn to relax his muscles.
3. Natural aiming point. Since the rifle becomes an extension of the body, it is necessary to adopt a position in which the rifle will naturally be aimed at the target. When the sniper gets into a shooting position, he should close his eyes, relax, and then open his eyes. Once the front sight is aligned in the rib slot, it will take the position of the natural aiming point. By moving the feet or body, and using breath control, the sniper can move the natural point of aim to the desired point on the target.

d. Belt adjustment serves two purposes. It allows you to maximally stabilize the position of the weapon when used correctly and helps reduce some recoil factors.

D. Proper contact between the cheek and thumb of the shooting hand or the cheek and butt of the weapon plays an important role in the aiming process.

1. As stated above, the distance between the eye and the sights must be constant. This consistency is achieved through cheek contact. Proper contact involves the shooter's cheek contacting the butt of the weapon in the same place with each shot, which promotes uniformity of aim and correct eye position at the appropriate distance from the sight.
2. To provide better contact When aiming with an open sight, you need to press the fleshy part of your cheek against the top of your right thumb, covering the neck of the butt.
3. When aiming with an optical sight, it is necessary to press your cheek against the butt in such a way as to ensure the correct distance of the eye from the sight. Using your thumb is not possible in this case. Very important point is to firmly press the cheek so that the head and weapon work as a single unit during recoil, which achieves quick recovery of aiming after a shot.
4. Once the correct cheek position is determined, it must be adopted with each shot. In the initial period, the cheek may hurt. To prevent this, you need to press your cheek firmly against the butt.

Prone shooting positions:

1. Standard shooting position is prone. This position is very stable and easy to adopt. It provides a low silhouette and meets the requirements of shelter from enemy fire and surveillance. To assume a prone shooting position, the sniper first adjusts the belt and faces the target. Left hand is located on the fore-end near the swivel, the right one is on the stock, near the heel of the butt. Then he spreads his legs to a comfortable width for him, shifts his body weight slightly back and lowers himself to his knees. The toe of the stock is lowered to the ground in front, in a line between the shooter's right knee and the target, the shooter lowers to his left side, placing his left elbow in front, on the same line (the weapon is lowered carefully so as not to throw off the aim). With his right hand, the shooter rests the butt plate of the butt on his right shoulder. Then the right hand wraps around the neck of the stock and the right elbow is lowered to the ground so that the shoulders are approximately at the same level. The sniper then ensures proper cheek-to-stock contact and releases the sling tension. To move the natural point of aim onto the target, the sniper uses the left elbow as a pivot point. The position is well balanced if, when the sniper breathes, the crosshairs of the scope move in a vertical plane without tilting.
2. Prone shooting position. To assume this position, the sniper first selects a firing position that provides the best view, firing range, and cover from observation. He then takes a comfortable position for prone shooting and prepares a platform (rest) for the rifle. The emphasis should be as low as possible. The rifle should rest firmly on the rest with the part of the stock between the front swivel and the magazine. Care must be taken to ensure that moving parts and the barrel do not touch the stop, as this may lead to a miss. The sniper then forms a bipod with his elbows. At the same time, he covers the neck of the butt with his right hand, the thumb is on top of the neck, the index finger is on the trigger; then rests the buttplate of the butt against the right shoulder. The left hand is also placed on the neck; the thumb covers the neck from below, and the remaining fingers from above. The fingers of the left hand are involved in ensuring proper contact of the cheek with the butt and the necessary removal of the eye. The sniper then relaxes and uses his left hand (if necessary) to change the scope settings. To adjust the shooting position vertically, he simply moves his elbows, and horizontally, he moves the body to the right or left. The store can be changed with either hand; Single reloading is done with the right hand, while the left one supports the neck of the butt. When shooting from this position, it is very important that the firing sector is clear. If the bullet hits a branch, leaf or grass, the shot may fail.
3. Checking the correct standard shooting position includes the following elements:
   a) There is no lateral tilt.
   b) The left hand is in the area of ​​the front swivel.
   c) The forend lies in the fork formed by the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, supported by the palm (but not the fingers).
   d) The left elbow is directly under the receiver (as far as the shooter’s body structure allows).
   e) The belt is located high on the left hand.
   f) The butt plate is located in the shoulder “pocket”, close to the neck.
   g) The shoulders are located approximately at the same level (to prevent lateral tilt).
   h) The body is in line with the rifle (to absorb recoil energy).
   

Seated shooting positions:

1. Standard position. There are three standard seated shooting positions: spread-legged, crossed-legged, and crossed-ankled. These positions are equally good, depending on the shooter's body characteristics. He must choose one of them, the most stable and comfortable.
   a) Cross-legged shooting position. For this position, the belt adjusted for prone shooting is reduced by 5 - 7 cm. Then the sniper turns half a turn to the right, crosses his left leg over his right and sits down. Leaning forward, the sniper moves his left hand behind his left knee and slides it down his left shin. With his right hand, the sniper rests the butt against his shoulder, covers the neck of the butt and places the elbow of his right hand on inner part right knee.
   b) Shooting position with legs apart. To achieve this position, the sniper proceeds in the same way as for the crossed-legged position, except that after squatting, he leaves his legs in place without crossing them and places his elbows on the inside of his knees. He extends his legs into a comfortable position and spreads his feet about 90 cm. By turning the soles of his feet slightly inward, the sniper prevents his knees from moving apart and maintains pressure on his hands. Accepting the position is completed by transferring the weight of the body forward, relaxing and correctly pressing the cheek to the butt. Many snipers use this position because it is very quick to assume.
   c) Shooting position with ankles crossed. To achieve this position, the sniper crosses his ankles, sits down, and moves his feet slightly forward. Leaning forward, he places his hands between his knees. As in other positions, it is imperative to regulate the natural point of aim with body movement, but not muscle tension. In a sitting position, this is achieved by moving the foot, both feet or buttocks until the sights are aligned with the target.
2. Seated Shooting Position This position requires the sniper to be in an area or position where he can or must assume a modified seated position to provide an observation and firing range. To assume the position, you need to prepare a platform for the rifle or use natural cover as a rest. In this case, you must make sure that the barrel or moving parts do not touch the stop. Then the shooter takes a comfortable sitting position, grasps the neck of the butt with his right hand and rests the butt plate against his shoulder. The left hand is also placed on the neck to ensure proper contact between the cheek and butt and necessary removal of the eye. The shooter then places his elbows on the inside of his knees, as in the standard cross-legged position. Position adjustment is made by changing the position of the elbows or body. Because this position is tiring, it is necessary to rotate sniper duties between team members.
3. Checking the correct standard seated shooting position includes the following elements:
   a) There is no lateral tilt of the weapon.
   
   
   d) The left elbow is approximately under the receiver.
   e) The right shoulder is fixed in front of the right knee.
   f) The belt is located high on the left hand.
   g) Shoulders are approximately at the same level to prevent lateral tilt.
   h) The butt plate is located in the shoulder pocket, close to the neck.
   i) The cheek is pressed firmly against the butt at a point that ensures proper removal of the eye.
   j) There is space between the index finger and the stock.
   l) The distance between the knees is less than the distance between the heels (with legs apart).
   m) The index finger of the right hand presses the trigger straight back.

Kneeling shooting positions.

Like the seated shooting position, the kneeling position has three options: low, medium and high. The sniper uses the one that suits him best.

1) Standard kneeling position.

a) Any kneeling position requires level terrain. To assume the standard position, the sniper lowers himself to his right knee so that his right shin is parallel to the target. The right foot can take one of three positions described below. For a low position, the foot is tucked under and the sniper sits on the inside of the ankle. For the middle position, the ankle remains straight and the foot touches the ground with the instep of the leg. The sniper sits on the heel. In the high position, the ankle is also straight, but the foot rests on the ground with the toe of the boot. The right buttock is on the right heel. When using these positions, balance may be compromised if the body is too far back.
b) The left leg is in a vertical position, the foot is on the ground. For greater stability, your toes should be pointed approximately toward the target. To prevent lateral movement, the toes of the left foot should be turned slightly inward by rotating the foot around the heel. Once in position, the left leg can be pushed forward or pulled back to lower or raise the barrel of the weapon.
c) The shin of the right leg should be in a position that would ensure stability when pointing the weapon at the target. When viewed from the front, the lower leg should be approximately vertical. In this position, the left leg acts as a support to support the body weight.
d) The right elbow is usually at shoulder level to form a “pocket” into which the butt plate rests. The elbow can be positioned lower if the butt plate does not slide off the shoulder. The left hand supports the rifle, so it is very important to know the placement of its various parts in relation to other parts of the body. The shoulder has a flat part located on the back surface, above the elbow. With this part the hand is placed on the same flat part knee of the left leg. In this case, the elbow of the left hand is in front of the knee and the weight of the body is transferred forward to the left leg. The left foot should be under the rifle for maximum stability. There should be a gap between the elbow bend and the belt, which indicates that the forearm is supported by the shoulder using the belt. The sling supports the bones and in turn the bones support the rifle. Approximately 60% of the body's weight is transferred to the left leg, reducing stress on the right foot and leg, promoting a relaxed posture.

2) Position for shooting from a kneeling position with a rest.

a) This position is used in cases where it is necessary to quickly assume a shooting position, and there is not enough time to assume a prone position. It is often used on level ground or when there is a parapet in front of a position when other provisions are not possible.
b) The position is adopted in the same manner as the standard one, except that the rifle is supported by a tree or other fixed object that is used for support, shelter from fire or observation. Support is provided by the contact of the shin and knee of the left leg, forearm, shoulder or rifle lying on the palm with a support. As in other cases, care must be taken to ensure that moving parts and the barrel do not come into contact with the stop. Otherwise, it may result in a failed shot.

3) Checking the correctness of the standard kneeling position includes the following elements:

a) There is no lateral tilt.
b) The left hand is on the forend in the area of ​​the front swivel.
c) The forend lies in the fork formed by the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, supported by the palm; the fingers are relaxed.
d) The left leg, when viewed from the front, is approximately vertical.
e) The elbow of the right hand is approximately at shoulder height.
f) Body weight is transferred to the left leg.
g) The cheek is pressed firmly against the buttstock at a point that ensures proper removal of the eye.
h) There is a gap between the index finger of the right hand and the forend.
i) The index finger presses the trigger in a direction strictly back.
j) The belt is high on the left hand.
k) There is a gap between the belt and the elbow bend of the left arm.

PRACTICE OF OPTICAL SIGHT

An optical sight is an integral part of the sniper “trade”. This device is indispensable for convenient, fast and accurate aiming. Only it allows the sniper to reach the target at long distances. Thanks to the aperture ratio and image magnification with an optical sight, it is possible to fire at targets not only significantly distant, but also small, inconspicuous and camouflaged, as well as hit targets invisible to the naked eye.

The properties of the optical sight allow you to shoot effectively in adverse lighting conditions and in conditions of limited visibility. The magnification of the sight, combined with sufficient aperture, allows you to fire even at dusk and in moonlight. An optical sight makes it possible to observe the battlefield and correct shooting results, helps to find targets and determine distances to them.

An optical rifle sight is a telescope with mechanisms for setting aiming angles and taking into account lateral corrections and consists of a body, an objective and an eyepiece tube.

On the body there are: a mechanism for aiming angles (corrections for firing range, or vertical corrections) with a flywheel and a distance scale, notched in numbers every 100 meters, a lateral correction mechanism with a flywheel and a lateral correction scale with a division value of one thousandth of the distance.

The optical part and sighting threads are placed inside the sight. In the old PU, PE and PB sights, the sighting reticle is formed by steel elements - the sighting stump and side leveling threads (Diagram 12). In modern PSO-1 sights, metal sighting threads are replaced by an aiming reticle (Diagram 13) applied to the surface of one of the lenses. The optical part consists of a lens, a wrapping system (diagram 14) and an eyepiece (diagram 15). The lens and eyepiece with their frames are fixed in the sight, but the wraparound lens system with its frame and inner tube can move along the axis of the sight when the diopter ring or micrometer screw (for a PU sight) is rotated. By moving the wraparound lens system along the scope, the clearest visibility is achieved.

Scheme 12. Sighting thread diagram

Diagram 13. Reticle of the PSO-1 sight mounted on the SVD rifle

Diagram 14. Section of the wrapping system:

1 - glued group;

2 - frame;

3 - body

Diagram 15. Section of the eyepiece of the PU sight:

1 - glued group;

2 - eye lens;

3 - eyepiece frame;

4 - eyepiece ring;

5 - eyepiece nut;

6 - locking screw

In PU, PE, PB sights, the vertical sighting thread, which has a sharp end, is called the sighting stump (Diagram 16). When the rifle is properly sighted, the tip of the aiming stump is aligned with the desired point of impact, and the bullet should "fall" on the tip of the aiming stump. The threads located on the sides of the aiming stump are called lateral leveling threads, designed for the correct orientation of the weapon along the horizon to avoid its “stall” and for determining distances to the target. The aiming threads can move up, down, right and left in the sight's field of view.

Diagram 16. Sighting threads for PU, PE, PB sights:

Projection of the angular values ​​of the aiming threads in thousandths

The mechanism for introducing amendments is shown in Diagrams 17 and 18.

Diagram 17. Sighting device:

1 - horizontal hair (thread); 2 - vertical hair (thread); 3 - crosshair washer; 4 - slider; 5 - crosshair frame; b - screw; 11 - handwheel with lateral correction scale; 12 - handwheel with distance scale

Diagram 18. Mechanism for setting aiming angles and lateral corrections of the PU sight:

1 - crosshair frame; 2 - locking screw; 3 - release washer; 4 - lateral correction scale dial; 5 - dial of the vertical correction scale; 6 - mechanism body; 7 - handwheel for setting range (aiming angles); 8 - lateral adjustment handwheel

When the vertical flywheel with the distance scale rotates, the screw rotates (6 in diagram 17). The slider connected to the screw will move along the screw and, being connected to the crosshair frame (5 in diagram 17), on which the threads are attached (7, 2 in diagram 17), will pull it up or down, depending on the direction of rotation of the flywheel .

In the same way, by rotating the handwheel with the lateral correction scale, the aiming threads (or the reticle) can be moved to the right or left. Thus, range corrections are made by rotating the upper (vertical) flywheel located on top of the sight. Horizontal corrections are made by rotating the horizontal (lateral) flywheel located to the right or left of the sight.

As the firing range increases, the vertical remote flywheel rotates clockwise (if you look at it from above), while the aiming threads (or reticle) go down, the rifle barrel rises up and the bullets, accordingly, also go up (Diagram 19). When the firing range decreases, the vertical remote flywheel is rotated counterclockwise; in this case, the aiming threads (reticle) go up, and the bullets, accordingly, go lower. As mentioned earlier, the scales of the remote flywheels are calibrated in hundreds of meters (diagram 20). Therefore, after visually determining the distance to the target, the remote flywheel is set with the corresponding number against the control mark. This principle of vertical distance corrections is the same for PU, PE, PB and PSO-1 sights.

Diagram 19. Introduction of range corrections in PU, PE, PV, PB sights. The remote flywheel rotates clockwise, the threads (mesh) go down, the bullets go up

Diagram 20. Reticle of the PSO-1 sight mounted on the SVD sniper rifle

Introduction of amendments to the PSO-1 sight.

By range: set the upper flywheel to the required division - it corresponds to the distance. Horizontally: turn the side handwheel to the red numbers - the reticle will go to the left, the bullets will go to the right; on black numbers - the reticle will move to the right, the bullets will go to the left

Horizontal (lateral) corrections (for wind and moving targets) are made by rotating horizontal (lateral) flywheels. On the lateral correction scale there are divisions with a + (plus) sign for corrections to the right and with a - (minus) sign for corrections to the left, always 10 divisions in each direction. Only the fifth and tenth divisions are numbered. Each division corresponds to one thousandth of the distance. But on different types of sights, the side handwheels do not rotate in the same direction. On PU, PE, PB sights they are located on the left so as not to interfere with opening the shutter manually on non-automatic three-line rifles (photo 98), and on the PSO-1 sight, intended for automatic rifle SVD, side flywheel is located on the right (photo 99). Consequently, the side flywheels rotate in different directions. On PU, PE, PB sights, when the side flywheel is rotated (with it in front of you) counterclockwise, from 0 to plus, the threads go to the left, and the bullets (the middle point of impact) go to the right (Diagram 21). When you rotate it clockwise, from 0 to minus, the threads go to the right, and the middle point of impact, naturally, to the left (Diagram 22).

Photo 98. Location of adjustment wheels on the PB sight. The lateral adjustment flywheel is located on the left so as not to interfere with opening the shutter

Photo 99. Location of adjustment flywheels on the PSO-1 sight. The lateral correction flywheel is located on the right. It does not interfere with opening the bolt on the SVD rifle

Scheme 21. Lateral corrections for PU, PE. PB. The average point of impact (MPO) always goes in the direction opposite to the movement of the aiming threads

Scheme 22. Lateral corrections on the launcher. PE, PB. The average point of impact (MPO) always goes in the direction opposite to the movement of the aiming threads

On PSO-1 sights, if you rotate the lateral correction flywheel (with it in front of you) clockwise, from 0 to the red numbers, the aiming reticle goes to the left, the average point of impact (MIP) goes to the right (Diagram 23). If you rotate the mechanism counterclockwise, from 0 to the black numbers, the reticle goes to the right, the middle point of impact goes to the left (Diagram 24). On the end surfaces of the flywheels of the PSO-1 sight, for better clarity, there are rotation arrows and the corresponding movement of the middle point of impact: STP > to the right; STP up, STP

Scheme 23. Lateral corrections for PSO-1. The average point of impact (MPO) always goes in the direction opposite to the movement of the reticle

Scheme 24. Lateral corrections for PSO-1. The average point of impact (MIP) always goes in the direction opposite to the movement of the aiming reticle

Photo 100-A. Side view of the horizontal flywheel of the PSO-1 sight. Designation of the direction of the midpoint of impact (MIP)

Photo 100-B. Top view of the remote flywheel of the PSO-1 sight. Designation of the direction of the midpoint of impact (MIP)

Photo 101. If you turn the side handwheel of the PSO-1 sight clockwise, the bullets (middle point of impact) go to the right “into the palm”

Photo 102. If you turn the side handwheel of the PU sight counterclockwise, the bullets (middle point of impact) go “out of the palm” to the right

Photo 103. If the remote flywheel is turned clockwise, the bullets will go up into the palm of your hand.

After the shooter sets the distance to the target with the upper flywheel and sets the lateral correction for wind, bullet derivation and target movement (if necessary), you can begin aiming. The target image enters through the lens onto its focal plane in a reduced and inverted form (Diagram 25) and will be located inside the sight at a distance of 70-100 mm from the lens (depending on the type of sight). Sighting threads (or glass with a reticle) are also installed in the same place. The inverting system (Diagram 14) flips the target image and makes it straight, but reduced; the eyepiece lenses (Diagram 15) are used for magnification.

Diagram 25. Diagram of the path of rays and construction of an image in an optical sight

When the weapon is properly sighted, the bullet should “fall” on the tip of the aiming element (diagrams 26 and 27).

Diagram 26. Aiming with PU, PE, PB, PV sights. The bullet “falls” onto the tip of the aiming stump. This is the aiming point. The field is clear, without shadows

Diagram 27. Aiming with the PSO-1 sight. The bullet "falls" on the top of the main square - at the aiming point. The sight field is clean, strictly defined around the edges

The sighting device and the target image are in the focal plane of the lens, so the shooter's eye adjusts to only one distance, and aiming consists of aligning the tip of the sighting devices with the target image. Some designs allow you to set the sharpness of the image according to the shooter's eye using a diopter ring. Removing the exit pupil by 85-95 mm from the eyepiece lens allows you to shoot with glasses and a gas mask, and also ensures eye safety during rifle recoil.

At correct aiming The shooter's eye must be strictly on the optical axis of the sight (diagram 28). This means that the visual field of the sight must be absolutely clear, its perimeter strictly defined, without semi-lunar (or, as they also say, lunar) darkening and shadows at the edges. Bullets will always go in the direction opposite to even a slight crescent darkening, and they will go quite far from the aiming point (diagrams 29-31). The eye is placed at such a distance from the eyepiece of the sight at which its visual field will be visible completely, in full size, no closer and no further from this optimal distance.

Scheme 28. Field of sight without moon-shaped and ring shadows.

Remember! The following rules for aiming with an optical sight must be strictly observed: the sight field must be absolutely clear on all sides, without ring or semi-lunar darkening

Diagram 29. Bullets go in the direction opposite to the half-moon shadow

Diagram 30. The eye is not on the optical axis

Moon-shaped shadow from below

The bullets will go up

Diagram 31. The eye is not on the optical axis

Moon-shaped shadow on the right

The bullets will go to the left

If the eye is located further or closer, the field of view is reduced and its edges are “blurred” (Diagram 32). In general, this is not scary if the visual field is blurred evenly along the edges, but it is very undesirable, because when the visual field is “blurred” along the edges, the correct position of the eye on the optical axis imperceptibly goes out of control.

Diagram 32. The eye is on the optical axis, but the optimal distance is not maintained. Field of view is reduced

The visual process of aiming with an optic is very rigorous and requires solid skill acquired through rigorous training. For beginners (there is no need to be shy about this word), a practical way to establish the perimeter of the field is recommended: gradually bring your eyes closer to the eyepiece while aiming; the narrowed visual field observed in this case expands until its so-called “front” border becomes clearly visible. This will be the working distance from the eye to the sight for a particular shooter. In this position, you should constantly monitor this border so that it is clearly visible. In the aiming process, this element is perhaps the most important. This skill can be acquired very quickly if you carry an optical sight removed from your rifle with you and use it instead of binoculars for a couple of days.

The process of shooting with a telescopic sight is much more difficult than it might seem. Shooting with optics is difficult. Seduced by information about the wonderful properties of sighting optics, beginners try to install sights with higher magnification on their weapons. And often, to their chagrin, they state that with optics they hit worse than with just an open sight. Let's explain why this happens.

The greater the scope's magnification, the more the target "jumps" in its visual field and the harder it is to "catch" on it. How more goal"jumps", the more the shooter tries and "rests". And the more he tries, the more the target “jumps.” The natural pulsation of the body enhances this process. The shooter takes aim. The target “comes to life” in the visual field of the sight and in its own way “interferes” with the aiming process. The vicious circle closes.

Only very trained snipers, whose combat specifics of work allow shooting with the use of a rest (for example, shooters sitting in a stationary ambush, or shooters of anti-terrorist groups), can shoot with a high magnification of the sight. Snipers working in mobile reconnaissance or search groups do not have this luxury.

Army sniper scopes with magnification usually 3.5-4.5 times, less often with six times, tied to strict front-line practice, are produced in all countries. During the last war, German and Finnish snipers on ultra-precise Mauser-7.92 rifles (photo 104) had sights with a magnification of only 2.5 times (photo 105). The Germans (and these were smart people) believed that it was no longer necessary. German snipers had scopes with tenfold magnification, but only virtuosos shot with them. Russian sniper Vasily Zaitsev obtained such a sight as a trophy in a duel with the head of the Berlin sniper school.

Photo 104. Arsenal of a German sniper. Rifle "Mauser-7.92", pistols "Walter PPK" and "Walter P-38"

Photo 105. German sniper scope with 2.5x magnification

Low to intermediate shooters will hit better shots using low power scopes. The optical sight is a great invention. With its help, distant and indistinguishable targets become close and within reach. With an optical sight, the target is clearly visible at dusk, when it is not visible at all to the naked eye. With an optical sight, the target is slightly visible even in the dark. But the aiming process with a telescopic sight is very strict, you have to be very focused and very attentive when aiming. An optical sight does not so much facilitate aiming as it mobilizes the efforts of a trained shooter to aim and hold the weapon. It is in this regard that the optical sight allows highly trained shooters to realize their reserve capabilities. An optical sight is a means of realizing the shooter’s training. And the greater the degree of training and acquired stability the shooter has, the greater the magnification of the sight he can afford. Only professional snipers with a well-established posture, developed stability, a nervous system balanced to the point of complete indifference, with no pulsation and possessing hellish patience, can afford to work with a scope of 6x magnification or higher. For such shooters, the target in the sight behaves calmly and does not try to control the shot.

After purchasing an optical sight and installing it on the barrel, shooters are often faced with unpleasant surprises. Sometimes an expensive and luxurious sight behaves incomprehensibly during the zeroing process, it is difficult to control in adjustments, instability of the accuracy of the battle is revealed, etc. Few people know that the sight is not the same as the sight. Optical sights are divided into military sniper, sports and hunting. And although according to the technical principle they are arranged approximately the same, they are not the same thing.

From the owners rifled weapons who want to put optics on their barrel, there is natural question: Which scope is better? The practical experience of many generations of shooters shows that the best and most reliable optical systems- those that have been tested in war.

Army sniper sights of the previously mentioned types (PU, PE, PB and PSO-1) were designed for use in extreme conditions combined arms combat and for particularly accurate, error-free shooting at long distances in sniper fishing. They have very durable thick-walled cases, durable lenses designed to withstand the strong recoil of military weapons, and have a multiple reserve of mechanical strength. Their very clear mechanisms for vertical and horizontal corrections are manufactured to the first class of accuracy.

The front objective lenses of sniper scopes are made of small diameter: the sniper does not need a large visual field. In addition, the sniper does not need unmasking reflections from large glass and its large frontal silhouette, which also unmasks. The sniper scope brackets are made very durable and massive; the weight of the weapon system has a positive meaning for the sniper - the larger it is (within reasonable limits), the more accurate the combat. In most cases, the sight is tightly attached to the weapon to eliminate the slightest play and wobble.

The sighting elements of army sniper scopes are made so that they cover the target as little as possible and so that they can select the aiming point as accurately as possible. For this purpose, the crosshairs of the PU, PE, PB and PSO-1 sights are open at the top. In PU, PE, PB sights, the target is clearly visible on the tip of the aiming stump. In the reticle of the PSO-1 sight, the target is visible even better: both on top of the aiming square and just below its tip. In addition, the PSO-1 sight has an illuminated reticle. At dusk, this device is difficult to overestimate.

To the above, it should be added that sniper precision and reliable optics (there simply cannot be another one) are installed on barrels of particularly precise manufacture and high purity of internal processing, which provide high accuracy of combat. All this together forms an accurate or high-precision sniper system.

Hunting and sporting scopes are not made for war. Their purpose is different, and the requirements for design and manufacturing are not so stringent.

For hunting purposes, scopes are typically manufactured with large diameter front objective lenses that provide a larger field of view. With such a sight it is easier to shoot at a running large target at real forest hunting distances of 150-200 meters. It is easier to “capture” a running target in a large sight field. There are usually no aiming stumps and squares in hunting scopes: instead of them, “for an amateur” various aiming marks are placed: dots, marks and, most often, solid crosses, the center of which is easier for beginners to “get attached” to various places animal body.

Hunting scope bodies are made thin-walled to reduce weight. For the same purpose, the mounts for these sights are made of light alloys. Mechanisms for introducing vertical and lateral corrections are also made of a lightweight type and with a lower degree of accuracy. To please the consumer, optical hunting sights are made with variable magnification. With such optics, the moving rubbing surfaces sooner or later wear out, backlashes appear, and associated mechanical displacements cause optical parallaxes(mismatch of optical axes; for this reason, army sniper scopes are made with constant magnification - precision optics does not tolerate backlash).

Sports scopes differ from hunting scopes in the cleaner processing of lenses and increased precision in the manufacture of correction mechanisms (for example, TO-4 and TO-6 scopes for shooting at a “running boar”). But their cases are also thin-walled with a small margin of safety.

Most sporting and hunting scopes are designed for small-caliber rifles and hunting carbines with low recoil. When a powerful "St. John's wort" is equipped with such sights (as well as night vision sights), they are mounted on special "floating" shock-absorbing brackets.

Not knowing all these subtleties, many hunters and even snipers installed luxury optics on three-line rifles and hunting carbines that fired live ammunition. The recoil of combat systems is not comparable to the recoil of hunting weapons. After several dozen shots, the large and heavy front objective lens simply flew out of the frame or broke into pieces. The thin-walled bodies of the sights were crushed by a sharp recoil impulse, and the sight began to “breathe” in the bracket. Due to the increased load, backlashes formed in the joints of the elegant light-alloy “proprietary” mounts and in the places where they fit on the weapon. During side impacts, the delicate structures of these openwork mounts were deformed, knocking the aimed sight to the side. There could no longer be any question of shooting accuracy.

As snipers and hunters shoot, sighting adjustments are constantly made, and the flywheels of the sights have to be turned all the time. Military and sporting scopes are adapted to this, but hunting scopes are not always suitable.

There are often cases when, working with the recoil-damaged adjustment mechanism of a hunting scope (and very often even a completely new and generally “unfired” one), the average point of impact (MPO) does not want to move across the target. The flywheel is rotated again and again, until the bitter end, and the middle point of impact suddenly sharply “jumps” over the place in the target where it is intended to “lie.” This means that the sighting adjustment device is either "loose" from recoil, or poorly designed and poorly manufactured, or worn out. In PSO-1 sights, the cause may be poor installation or improper fit (swelling) of the dust- and moisture-proof leather seals. The adjustment unit is the most important part in optical sights, and you should pay attention to its operation first of all. Even in the army sniper scopes this phenomenon of “wandering FTF” is a no-no, and it manifests itself due to wear of the micrometric screws. Therefore, knowledgeable snipers, before introducing a correction, first set the flywheels to zero, and then set them to the desired correction value.

When purchasing a scope, pay attention to the cleanliness and transparency of the lenses, the clarity of the target image and the reticle (threads). Hold the sight longer in front of the aiming eye. If the eye quickly gets tired even with a clear image, the sight must be discarded or repaired. Rapid eye fatigue is explained by incorrect placement of lenses and mismatch of their optical axes (parallaxes). Then fix the sight motionless, rotate the adjustment wheels in different directions and visually observe how synchronously the sighting threads move in the sight field. If you turn the flywheel, and the threads do not move immediately, but with a delay, it means that the fastening and fixing screws in the correction mechanism have either “lost” or, most likely, the threads of the micrometric screws have worn out. The fastening screws can be “tightened” and the situation will be corrected, but if the micrometric screws wear out, the shooting accuracy will no longer be possible. With older sights, when the vertical flywheel rotates, you can notice a displacement of the sighting threads along the horizon, or when the horizontal flywheel rotates, the threads move vertically. This is due to wear on the micrometer screw slides and the crosshair frame. In this case, the sight is often unsuitable for use.

Press each flywheel in turn, visually checking the position of the aiming threads: they should not move. Gently but firmly tap the sight with the edge of your palm in the area of ​​the adjustment mechanism - the threads should remain in place.

Sometimes all the negative phenomena described above occur due to spontaneous unscrewing of the mounting screws. It happens that the sight begins to work flawlessly after it is carefully disassembled and reassembled correctly. But only an experienced master can do this.

Please note that the accuracy of the battle of even a luxuriously finished rifled hunting weapon is, at best, equal to the accuracy of the battle of an army Kalashnikov assault rifle. Add to this the errors described above in the correction mechanisms of hunting optical sights and don't expect any miracle. A sniper shoots at an enemy between the eyes at 700-800 meters, a hunter shoots at a moose carcass at 150 meters. Different goals - different weapons. Knowing the negative aspects described above, before purchasing an optical sight, balance your goals and capabilities. If you need to equip optics for a combat or hunting system with increased recoil (and in most cases this is the case), choose a hunting scope with a massive, thick-walled body and a small front objective sleeve. Or use a military scope. Don't forget about recoil - it's the number one enemy of optics. On a three-line rifle, the reverse blow of which is simply monstrous by modern standards, you can only install its “native” PU, PE and PB sights. On this rifle, even the PSO-1 sight “breaks” over time, which works perfectly and for a long time in the hunting systems “Tiger”, “Bars”, “Saiga”, “Argali”, “Vepr” and on the combat systems SVD, SVT, SKS.

But that is not all. Mounting the sight on a weapon should prevent the slightest movement and swing. We must not forget that even a small but sharp recoil impulse of a small-caliber rifle slowly but surely loosens the bracket at its joints, and if it “rocks”, then the use of optics no longer makes sense.

REMEMBER! The quality of the bracket is almost more important than the quality of the scope itself. The bracket must not have any weak points. Most weapon systems are not designed to be scoped. Therefore, if a hunter wants to equip his rifle with sighting optics, in each specific case the bracket is manufactured individually according to a separate drawing by an experienced milling machine operator. The bracket must be massive and reliable, made of good steel. It must be tightly attached to the receiver of the weapon. This is easy to do on old repeating rifles with their thick-walled receivers (diagram 8, photo 94). But in modern automatic systems having thin walls of receivers than larger area contact of the base of the bracket with the box, the better. Why? Because the wall is thin receiver there is simply nowhere to screw thick screws (MB, M8), and the sight with the bracket does not hold well on thin screws. Photos 106, 107 show a successfully crafted weapon by a master gunsmith. individual project bracket for the relatively heavy PSO-1 sight, covering the thin-walled receiver of the SVT rifle on both sides. The use of a bracket must prevent the scope from being knocked down even during strong direct and side impacts, otherwise the practical value of the optics will be reduced to zero. Both the hunter and the sniper have to work in harsh conditions; the weapon will repeatedly fall and hit the sight (according to the law of meanness) on the most inappropriate objects. And if the bracket is not firmly attached to the receiver of the weapon, it will be moved to the side during a side impact, and when fired, it may simply be blown away by the recoil along with the sight.

The design of the bracket must allow disassembly, assembly, cleaning and lubrication of the weapon without removing the optical sight. (Except for factory-made systems, in which the sight mounts are very precisely manufactured and provide the ability to quickly remove and quickly install the sight or change sights from day to night.)

In addition, the design of the bracket must provide free aiming with an open sight. To do this, the optical sight is mounted on the side of the receiver (sights PE, PB and PU have side brackets). If the sight is mounted on top of the receiver, the bracket must have “windows” that allow operation with the sight open (photo 88). Despite all the advantages of optics, having an open sight on your rifle is a must! Optics are glass and can break or crack easily. And then all hope lies in the sighted and verified open sight. In addition, having a well-aimed open sight, you can very quickly “set up” and zero the optical sight (see below).

Photo 106. PSO-1 sight on the SVT rifle (left view):

1 - “dovetail” - sight seat,

2 - M4 mounting screw;

3 - M8.5 mounting screw, screwed from the inside through the buffer sleeve, unscrewed when cleaning the weapon;

4 - if it is necessary to move the sight body to the sides, thin metal spacers are placed in this joint

Optical sight on modern weapons often shifted to the left from the axis of the barrel (firing plane) by 1-4 cm for ease of aiming and loading the weapon. At distances of more than 300 meters, such a shift does not affect the shooting results.

Photo 107. PSO-1 sight on the SVT rifle (right view). The sight is shifted to the left of the barrel axis. At the same time, it is more convenient for the shooter to aim and there is an opportunity to fill the magazine from the clip from above (arrow 1). 2, 3 - M4 mounting screws

The sight must be secured to the bracket with clamps at two points located farther from each other (PB and PU sights). The posts to which the clamps are screwed must have a common base. The fastening clamps must be made as one piece with the bracket (PU sight bracket), or be one piece with the sight body (PSO-1 sight), or be made with great precision. Otherwise, sooner or later, under the influence of vibrations, they will begin to shift on the scope tube, and even the slightest displacement is enough to deteriorate accuracy.

On the SVD rifle, the dovetail mounting of the sight is made very accurately. The dovetails are also precisely made on other rifles, the designs of which provide for the possibility of installing optical sights (all modern small-caliber rifles and most hunting carbines). But in any case, the bracket is a mechanical part of the optical sight. The bracket must be adjustable on the sides to align the center of the visual field with the target.

In old and other long-barreled systems, where the designer does not provide for the installation of optics (for example, a three-line rifle), the base of the bracket (PU sight) or the bracket itself (PB sight) have in their design the ability to use micrometer screws to change the overall direction of the optical sight along the axis when zeroing it (see further section “Practical zeroing of a sniper rifle”).

Setting up and adjusting the sight is a piece of work. Due to the fact that an optical sight with a bracket is adjusted to each specific rifle, the rifle number is marked with an electric pen on the base of the bracket and on its lower part.

Table 4

Technical data of optical sights produced in the USSR