Weapon of Choice for spotters

[ReconCominAtYa]

Ok, i'm a little confused about what weapon the "spotter" uses in army and marine sniper teams. The marines are using the DMR, and the army modified M16A2s?

[HoboWithAK]

Just to clarify for those who know what they are talking about, what AO are you talking about? Iraq?

[ramy]

I remember reading that in the CDN forces a spotter is usually issued a C7 rifle or a variant which is pretty much a M16 so I would think its the same down south.

A spotter is a person who works with the sniper to find targets and protects the sniper.

[memphiz]

I remember reading that in the CDN forces a spotter is usually issued a C7 rifle or a variant which is pretty much a M16 so I would think its the same down south.

A spotter is a person who works with the sniper to find targets and protects the sniper.
Wrong, CF spotters/snipers use the C8/C8A1. They use this because the weapon is much lighter, and if a situation arises they can aquire their targets quicker.

[fozzy_the_mad]

I don't believe there is really absolute right or wrong for this answer. I would think it would be up to the sniper/spotter team to decide what would best be suited for their mission specific environment. Generally I would think it would be a carbine or something slightly heavier, as those above me mentioned.

[Yeoman]

I remember reading that in the CDN forces a spotter is usually issued a C7 rifle or a variant which is pretty much a M16 so I would think its the same down south.

A spotter is a person who works with the sniper to find targets and protects the sniper.
Wrong, CF spotters/snipers use the C8/C8A1. They use this because the weapon is much lighter, and if a situation arises they can aquire their targets quicker.

not from what I've ever seen from our snipers.
Greg

[memphiz]

I remember reading that in the CDN forces a spotter is usually issued a C7 rifle or a variant which is pretty much a M16 so I would think its the same down south.

A spotter is a person who works with the sniper to find targets and protects the sniper.
Wrong, CF spotters/snipers use the C8/C8A1. They use this because the weapon is much lighter, and if a situation arises they can aquire their targets quicker.

not from what I've ever seen from our snipers.
Greg
I mean it just seems practical for them to carry a C8 instead on a C7 due to its wieght and size, I figured they carried the same stuff as recce teams for the same reasons. I remember seeing a video on Canadian snipers and I swear that they had C8's. Ill look into it. :)

[ReconCominAtYa]

I was implying in general, but i guess iraq would be a good ao to talk about. I've seen pictures of M16s with what i assume were heavier, floating barrels. And i've seen plenty of pictures of the m-21, but i've heard they're pushing torwards replacing those? What are the arguments against using an SR-25? Cost?

[Yeoman]

some do, some don't.
just depends on what unit your in, lights usually get the c8's.
Greg

[ReconCominAtYa]

any info on american units?

[scm77]

There was an article(s) aboot Cdn. snipers in Afghanistan that said they use C7's because they can't attach the M203 to the skinny barrel C8.

[RFSU]

Army spotters will usually have the standard with a 203 attached US M16/203, Aussie F88/203, Cannuk C7/203.. As for SF I would not have an f-ing clue. :|

[Yeoman]

I know SF spotters and snipers were testing the 6.8 SPC catridge in a-stan and in iraq. but as for what exactly they use, I'm sure that's pretty hush hush.
Greg

[memphiz]

There was an article(s) aboot Cdn. snipers in Afghanistan that said they use C7's because they can't attach the M203 to the skinny barrel C8.
I guess thats why they made the C7A2.
Plus why would a spotter need a M203? Wouldnt firing it give away their position?

[DnA]

There was an article(s) aboot Cdn. snipers in Afghanistan that said they use C7's because they can't attach the M203 to the skinny barrel C8.
I guess thats why they made the C7A2.
Plus why would a spotter need a M203? Wouldnt firing it give away their position?


The spotter only shoots his rifle an other weapons when the enemy is engaging them/closing in on their position. All their 40mm grenades, hand grenades, assualt rifles, etc are for their own protection.

[memphiz]

There was an article(s) aboot Cdn. snipers in Afghanistan that said they use C7's because they can't attach the M203 to the skinny barrel C8.
I guess thats why they made the C7A2.
Plus why would a spotter need a M203? Wouldnt firing it give away their position?


The spotter only shoots his rifle an other weapons when the enemy is engaging them/closing in on their position. All their 40mm grenades, hand grenades, assualt rifles, etc are for their own protection.
Ah ok thanks, So the heavey stuff would be for 'sticky' situations then. Cool.

[scm77]

Other articles I've read about Canadian snipers in a-stan talked about 3 man teams. 1 man wiith 50 cal rifle, 1 with either the 7.62mm rifle or C7CT (can't remember) and a third guy for extra security/protection with C7+M203.

[Adam Wilhelm]

Saw some documentaries on the Discovery channel.
British army Snipers use L96 and the spotters L85.
US Army spotters use M16/M203.

In my opinion a Minimi would be a competent backup p-)

[ReconCominAtYa]

so the 5.56 is adequate for this role i assume?

[DnA]

Other articles I've read about Canadian snipers in a-stan talked about 3 man teams. 1 man wiith 50 cal rifle, 1 with either the 7.62mm rifle or C7CT (can't remember) and a third guy for extra security/protection with C7+M203.

Yea, the Master Sniper uses the Tac .50, another one uses the C3A1(7.62), an one or two have C7A1s with or without M203A1s. I read the article too.


Articles on Canadian Snipers in Afghanistan
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/CoolUnderFire.asp
http://www.stormpages.com/swellal/sof2.html
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/KillingShot_2430Metres.asp

[memphiz]

** Security for the snipers is provided by ‘spotters’ armed either with C7A1 rifles (often fitted with a telescopic sight) or C8 carbines.
http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-c3a1.htm
I knew I was half right ;)

[ramy]

I remember reading that in the CDN forces a spotter is usually issued a C7 rifle or a variant which is pretty much a M16 so I would think its the same down south.

A spotter is a person who works with the sniper to find targets and protects the sniper.
Wrong, CF spotters/snipers use the C8/C8A1. They use this because the weapon is much lighter, and if a situation arises they can aquire their targets quicker.

Memphiz, I said and a variant which includes the C8 too.. they are in the same family

[PrincessRAR]

Army spotters will usually have the standard with a 203 attached US M16/203, Aussie F88/203, Cannuk C7/203.. As for SF I would not have an f-ing clue. :|

Nah mate, in ET alot of spotters (known as number two snipers) used the m16/203, some removed the 203.

I have always used the styer with a wildcat scope when I am number 2 (even in timor) (in iraq on secdet i used a modified styer with a bipod).
Never had a 40mm on the bottom.

We have different resrictions obviously with what we can do to the rifle in terms of cammo and kitting it up.

Nothing beats the joy of doing your number one snipers cse. becoming the team leader and carrying that big mass in your arms.