American Sniper Scope
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Mosin-Marauder
New member
Nightforce I believe, though I have very little experience with scopes.
CarJunkieLS1
New member
It was a NightForce I saw the NF logo on it in the movie but as far as reticle or model # I have no clue.
I may burst some bubbles, but here goes.....
Movies rarely, if ever, show the actual view one sees looking through optics. Binocular views typically show two round images superimposed with a 25 to 50 percent overlap; in reality only one round view is seen looking through binoculars.
Rifle scopes are great for visual effects. I've never seen one in a movie that looks like anything I've seen through a scope. Unless the rifle's held perfectly still (never happens with it against the shoulder) there'll be a vertical semi-figure-8 shaped wiggle of the reticule about the aiming point due to pulse beat. Shooters are alive with beating hearts when they aim, aren't they? No movie view through a rifle scope shows that.
Movie's objectives are visual and acousitc wonders for our eyes and ears; reality is way down the list. Use a ballistic program to check out the bullet drop per yard of downrange travel and wind drift for a 1 mph crosswind a 300-gr. bullet has shot from a .338 Lap Mag when it's 2100 yards away; drop = 4" per yard, drift - 30" per mph. Then couple that with the 21" best accuracy circle at that range any rifle will have along with the rifle holding variables we all have and the amount of recoil that rifle has while the bullet goes down the barrel which disturbs accuracy. To say nothing about the atmospheric variables that have to be considered. Then the first shot probability of hitting someone above the chest will be realized when shoulder fired rifles rested as shown in the movie adds about 1 MOA to the rifle and ammo's best accuracy.
Ever watched 50 of the best long range competitors on this planet fire their first shot at 1000 yards with known zeros for their stuff held against their shoulder then note how far that bullet strikes from target center? Most folks won't believe how often they miss the 10" diameter X ring on the USA long range high power target. Sometimes, they don't even hit inside the 20" ten ring.
Best on-line article I've seen about Chris Kyle, Chief Petty Officer, USN:
http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2013/april/the-legend-of-chris-kyle-01?single=1
After seeing the movie, I though back to the early 1970's when the USN SEAL managers asked my detailer in the Pentagon to release me from a shore based training command to them to be a sniper in Viet Nam. Very glad he didn't as I would probably not liked it all that much.
Movies rarely, if ever, show the actual view one sees looking through optics. Binocular views typically show two round images superimposed with a 25 to 50 percent overlap; in reality only one round view is seen looking through binoculars.
Rifle scopes are great for visual effects. I've never seen one in a movie that looks like anything I've seen through a scope. Unless the rifle's held perfectly still (never happens with it against the shoulder) there'll be a vertical semi-figure-8 shaped wiggle of the reticule about the aiming point due to pulse beat. Shooters are alive with beating hearts when they aim, aren't they? No movie view through a rifle scope shows that.
Movie's objectives are visual and acousitc wonders for our eyes and ears; reality is way down the list. Use a ballistic program to check out the bullet drop per yard of downrange travel and wind drift for a 1 mph crosswind a 300-gr. bullet has shot from a .338 Lap Mag when it's 2100 yards away; drop = 4" per yard, drift - 30" per mph. Then couple that with the 21" best accuracy circle at that range any rifle will have along with the rifle holding variables we all have and the amount of recoil that rifle has while the bullet goes down the barrel which disturbs accuracy. To say nothing about the atmospheric variables that have to be considered. Then the first shot probability of hitting someone above the chest will be realized when shoulder fired rifles rested as shown in the movie adds about 1 MOA to the rifle and ammo's best accuracy.
Ever watched 50 of the best long range competitors on this planet fire their first shot at 1000 yards with known zeros for their stuff held against their shoulder then note how far that bullet strikes from target center? Most folks won't believe how often they miss the 10" diameter X ring on the USA long range high power target. Sometimes, they don't even hit inside the 20" ten ring.
Best on-line article I've seen about Chris Kyle, Chief Petty Officer, USN:
http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2013/april/the-legend-of-chris-kyle-01?single=1
After seeing the movie, I though back to the early 1970's when the USN SEAL managers asked my detailer in the Pentagon to release me from a shore based training command to them to be a sniper in Viet Nam. Very glad he didn't as I would probably not liked it all that much.
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The exterior of the scope was definately Nightforce, but the reticle was Hollywood, I believe.
How real is that??? I don't know. I thought they used a lot of Leopold and the special people shoot S&B??? Can somebody confirm?
2100 yds is a nearly possible shot, but with a 338, on a wobbly rest, with a sandstorm coming in???? No way. With the wind in front of that, 700 yds would have been a miracle.
Also, Mustafa's gun is a 300-500 yd gun on its best day. Probably closer to 300.
How real is that??? I don't know. I thought they used a lot of Leopold and the special people shoot S&B??? Can somebody confirm?
2100 yds is a nearly possible shot, but with a 338, on a wobbly rest, with a sandstorm coming in???? No way. With the wind in front of that, 700 yds would have been a miracle.
Also, Mustafa's gun is a 300-500 yd gun on its best day. Probably closer to 300.
Really good reading here about the weapons he used and liked:
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/01/17/american-sniper-chris-kyle-rifles/
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/01/17/american-sniper-chris-kyle-rifles/
precision_shooter
New member
Except, he did make that shot! Was there some luck involved, absolutely, but it's still an incredible shot.
I watched the movie a couple of nights ago.Lets remember Chris Kyle was not there to be a consultant on the accuracy of the portrayal.
I'm not a Veteran.WW2 was different.The whole country was in touch with it every day.
These modern wars,we are home,detached and comfortable.
Like all movies,this one will be imperfect.It is the best lense for me to understand what is/was.
In the movie"Saving Private Ryan",it was an Army unit.I doubt they would have the Marine variant of the Springfield sniper rifle,but I can see how the Unertl was more photogenic than a little 3/4 tube Weaver that would be on the Army 1903A4.The movie portrayed that rifle as "quick change" between the Redfield Jr type mounts and the target mounts for the Unertl.It does not work that way.In at least one of the scenes with the small scope,the scope was a Lyman Alaskan...which was a legit variant on paper,but the order was late in the war ,and few,if any,were ever fielded.
But,so what? "Saving Private Ryan " presented a a reasonably honest picture of WW2 to a later generation ..not so aware of that war.
IMO,there is a value in that...a tribute to the Greatest Generation.
The 2100 yd shot?I was not there.
I know I can't make a shot if I don't take it.I have taken some ridiculous shots where I shot close enough luck could take over.I know some of the best were when my buddy said "There is no way you can do that" and nothing but audacity made the hit.I witnessed a friend make an offhand neck shot on a running jackrabbit at about 200 yds with an old Winchester external hammer pump 22.Luck? Sure!!No doubt!!But it did happen.
I believe Chris Kyle could shoot well enough that he could make the spot that other sniper occupied a very dangerous place to be.
I believe 4 tours of actual expeience can go a long way toward developing a subconscious,seat of the pants "The Force" sort of competence.
I believe Billy Dixon scored one at Adobe Walls.
I agree a first round hit at long range on a small target is "iffy".I'll agree we can all count a lot of misses.
But haven't you also seen the 1000 yd first round "X" hit? They do happen.
Golfers hit a hole in one every once in a while.
I'm not a Veteran.WW2 was different.The whole country was in touch with it every day.
These modern wars,we are home,detached and comfortable.
Like all movies,this one will be imperfect.It is the best lense for me to understand what is/was.
In the movie"Saving Private Ryan",it was an Army unit.I doubt they would have the Marine variant of the Springfield sniper rifle,but I can see how the Unertl was more photogenic than a little 3/4 tube Weaver that would be on the Army 1903A4.The movie portrayed that rifle as "quick change" between the Redfield Jr type mounts and the target mounts for the Unertl.It does not work that way.In at least one of the scenes with the small scope,the scope was a Lyman Alaskan...which was a legit variant on paper,but the order was late in the war ,and few,if any,were ever fielded.
But,so what? "Saving Private Ryan " presented a a reasonably honest picture of WW2 to a later generation ..not so aware of that war.
IMO,there is a value in that...a tribute to the Greatest Generation.
The 2100 yd shot?I was not there.
I know I can't make a shot if I don't take it.I have taken some ridiculous shots where I shot close enough luck could take over.I know some of the best were when my buddy said "There is no way you can do that" and nothing but audacity made the hit.I witnessed a friend make an offhand neck shot on a running jackrabbit at about 200 yds with an old Winchester external hammer pump 22.Luck? Sure!!No doubt!!But it did happen.
I believe Chris Kyle could shoot well enough that he could make the spot that other sniper occupied a very dangerous place to be.
I believe 4 tours of actual expeience can go a long way toward developing a subconscious,seat of the pants "The Force" sort of competence.
I believe Billy Dixon scored one at Adobe Walls.
I agree a first round hit at long range on a small target is "iffy".I'll agree we can all count a lot of misses.
But haven't you also seen the 1000 yd first round "X" hit? They do happen.
Golfers hit a hole in one every once in a while.
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I love TV & movie scopes, in fact I want one.
Why?
The 5,000power zoom that makes 1,000 yds look like about 25.
The complete lack of mirage.
The flashing light thingies in the reticule with obscure labels like "Trajectory plotter"
The fact the cross hairs are always, at every distance dead nutz on for POI.
But they do have that annoying down side of having to twiddle knobs before every shot.
Why?
The 5,000power zoom that makes 1,000 yds look like about 25.
The complete lack of mirage.
The flashing light thingies in the reticule with obscure labels like "Trajectory plotter"
The fact the cross hairs are always, at every distance dead nutz on for POI.
But they do have that annoying down side of having to twiddle knobs before every shot.
Magnum Wheel Man
New member
Skill, Training, & Experience...
I have no doubt there are plenty enough rifles out there in the general public, that probably shoot better than the rifles that a lot of the best snipers are using... however most of the civilian shooters never reach that level of competence, because of the 3 traits listed above...
I have rifles with match grade barrels, & trued actions, in calibers quite capable... but I haven't been military trained, & with having to hold a real job to pay for my toys, & having other hobbies, that occupy my time, I'm light years away from shooting anything even close to calling it sniper, marksman, or even target shooter...
I guess personally I have a desire to shoot that good, but don't have any desire to have what a sniper uses for equipment...
...though I do play the cowboy action game, so I don't hold it against anyone that would want to collect & shoot authentic sniper equipment...
I have no doubt there are plenty enough rifles out there in the general public, that probably shoot better than the rifles that a lot of the best snipers are using... however most of the civilian shooters never reach that level of competence, because of the 3 traits listed above...
I have rifles with match grade barrels, & trued actions, in calibers quite capable... but I haven't been military trained, & with having to hold a real job to pay for my toys, & having other hobbies, that occupy my time, I'm light years away from shooting anything even close to calling it sniper, marksman, or even target shooter...
I guess personally I have a desire to shoot that good, but don't have any desire to have what a sniper uses for equipment...
...though I do play the cowboy action game, so I don't hold it against anyone that would want to collect & shoot authentic sniper equipment...
Dang, you dun the math!
But its Hollywierd
The place where Leroy Jethro Gibbs can do a dead nuts on 1,000yd zero cold bore head shot, through dirty glass on a terrorist & then sprint the whole 1000 yds while wearing a ghillie suit in 100+ degree temps in under 1.5 seconds.
But its Hollywierd
The place where Leroy Jethro Gibbs can do a dead nuts on 1,000yd zero cold bore head shot, through dirty glass on a terrorist & then sprint the whole 1000 yds while wearing a ghillie suit in 100+ degree temps in under 1.5 seconds.
A good movie could be made about a younger friend I used to shoot matches with. A SEAL in the late '60's whose Huey helo took machine gun fire,wounded him, it crashed, copilot died in his arms, found an M1911 and ammo then after dragging out another crew member to safety, nailed a bunch of VC with that .45 up to near 90 yards. US Army twice recommended him for the Medal of Honor; got the Navy Cross instead. Later was the OIC of the USN Rifle Team and a SEAL Team Commander.
http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...est-use-m1911-defensive-pistol-history-2.html
http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...est-use-m1911-defensive-pistol-history-2.html
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What I saw in the short clip that I viewed (IIRC) appeared to be the NightForce NP-R2 reticle, or a close reproduction thereof. I don't think they make it anymore, or at least I don't see it on any of their new stuff. Mine are all several years old.
Nevermind, went back and looked at the trailer and it looks like the NP-R2 except it has numbers on it. There are no numbers on mine. Maybe FCR-1?
Nevermind, went back and looked at the trailer and it looks like the NP-R2 except it has numbers on it. There are no numbers on mine. Maybe FCR-1?
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Saw the movie. NOW reading his book
I seem to remember like others that the scope shown in the movie was a Night Force.
In Kyle's book he states that he used a Night Force Scope on a .300 Win Mag!
He never mentions using a .338 Lapua.
Also in Kyle's book he talks about the killing of the Olympic sharpshooter BUT states: "I didn't take him out ... it was another sniper.
Kyle also relates in the book that he used a smaller caliber, semi-automatic sniper rifle when covering troops from shorter ranges offering multiple targets.
Only about a third of the way through the book but expect to find several other discrepancies. Needless to say, Chris Kyle was a great sniper, a great soldier, and a great man!
I seem to remember like others that the scope shown in the movie was a Night Force.
In Kyle's book he states that he used a Night Force Scope on a .300 Win Mag!
He never mentions using a .338 Lapua.
Also in Kyle's book he talks about the killing of the Olympic sharpshooter BUT states: "I didn't take him out ... it was another sniper.
Kyle also relates in the book that he used a smaller caliber, semi-automatic sniper rifle when covering troops from shorter ranges offering multiple targets.
Only about a third of the way through the book but expect to find several other discrepancies. Needless to say, Chris Kyle was a great sniper, a great soldier, and a great man!
reynolds357
New member
What all scopes are currently used by the military snipers? A few of them shoot on a private 1 mile range in this area on occasion. I also shoot there on occasion. A couple times our paths have crossed. Do not really know why they shoot there, but they do. Never asked. None of my business. Anyway, all their rifles have U.S. Optics scopes on them.
Saving Private Ryan was 17 yrs ago.Either of us might get it a little fuzzy.
IIRC, the story thread...one unfortunate mother had received telegrams that all save one of her sons had been killed.The decision was made in the War Dept that her last son be saved.
The character played by Tom Hanks was given the job to take his unit to find Ryan.I do not recall if he was a Ranger,or if his unit was Ranger.I can't say,but I don't remember the Ranger part.
That would be the unit with the sniper who carried the Springfield and prayed as he shot.
Later,when they found Ryan,he may have been with a "fog of war" group of Rangers..but,as I recall,they may have been the 82nd.My recall says Paratroopers rather than Rangers...but,really,its a movie.It told a story of WW2 a well as any movie ever had,IMO.I noticed the scope discrepancy..Thats movies!The Unertl was about movie making.It looked more "snipy".
My point was to step back and take the movie as a whole,rather than getting real excited about a detail like a reticle or a detail of the story.
IIRC, the story thread...one unfortunate mother had received telegrams that all save one of her sons had been killed.The decision was made in the War Dept that her last son be saved.
The character played by Tom Hanks was given the job to take his unit to find Ryan.I do not recall if he was a Ranger,or if his unit was Ranger.I can't say,but I don't remember the Ranger part.
That would be the unit with the sniper who carried the Springfield and prayed as he shot.
Later,when they found Ryan,he may have been with a "fog of war" group of Rangers..but,as I recall,they may have been the 82nd.My recall says Paratroopers rather than Rangers...but,really,its a movie.It told a story of WW2 a well as any movie ever had,IMO.I noticed the scope discrepancy..Thats movies!The Unertl was about movie making.It looked more "snipy".
My point was to step back and take the movie as a whole,rather than getting real excited about a detail like a reticle or a detail of the story.