Special Ops Sniper Rates 11 More Sniper Scenes In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Summary

In this video, former US Army Ranger sniper Nicholas Irving, also known as 'The Reaper,' analyzes sniper scenes from various films and TV shows. He shares insights based on his experience with over 30 confirmed kills in Afghanistan, critiquing the realism of sniper tactics, weapon choices, and shooting techniques depicted on screen. From the importance of body positioning and rifle alignment to the challenges of shooting in different environments, Irving provides an expert perspective on what works and what doesn’t, offering valuable lessons from real-life military operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nicholas Irving, a former US Army Ranger sniper with 33 confirmed kills, analyzes sniper scenes from TV and film.
• 😀 A clean shot in the military refers to a shot where the sniper aims only to wound or kill the intended target, not injure others.
• 😀 Snipers prefer closer targets, as they provide higher accuracy and more guaranteed success compared to long-distance shots.
• 😀 Sniper scopes often have specific reticles to assist in estimating distance and making accurate shots, but the use of red dot cameras is unrealistic in many movies.
• 😀 The realistic use of ghillie suits involves blending into natural surroundings, not just relying on the suit alone for camouflage.
• 😀 Sniper teams consist of both a sniper and a spotter; the spotter assists with targeting and tracking the enemy.
• 😀 Taking shots at night or in difficult conditions (e.g., dust storms) can significantly reduce accuracy due to visibility challenges.
• 😀 During sniper school, trainees are taught to avoid shooting too many times from one location to maintain the element of surprise.
• 😀 Bullet trajectory doesn’t follow a straight line; snipers need to account for gravity and aim higher at longer distances.
• 😀 Sniper positions are key to their success, and being hidden or having a concealed shooting position can drastically affect the outcome of a shot.
• 😀 Movie depictions often misrepresent the realistic sounds and dynamics of sniper rifles, as guns in film tend to sound quieter or more like semi-automatic weapons compared to reality.

Q & A

What role does Nicholas Irving play in the video and what is his background?

Nicholas Irving is a former US Army Ranger Special Operations Sniper, known as 'The Reaper' for his 33 confirmed kills in Afghanistan. He returns in the video to evaluate sniper scenes in TV and film for realism.

What is the importance of a 'clean shot' in military sniper operations?

A clean shot means hitting the target without injuring or killing unintended individuals. For example, a sniper must avoid wounding or killing bystanders or allies with the bullet's exit.

How does the position of the shooter affect the success of a sniper shot?

The shooter's body alignment plays a crucial role in recoil management. Proper positioning, like squatting or using a kneeling stance, ensures more control, preventing erratic recoil and improving shot accuracy.

Why is it important for a sniper to wait for a target to get closer?

Waiting for the target to get closer reduces the complexity of the shot, increasing the likelihood of a successful hit. The closer the target, the more predictable its movement, and the easier it is to aim accurately.

What is a ghillie suit and how does it work for a sniper?

A ghillie suit is camouflage designed to break up the human silhouette and blend with the surrounding environment. It’s effective when combined with natural vegetation, ensuring the sniper remains undetected.

What is the role of a spotter in a sniper team?

The spotter assists the sniper by using a spotting scope to identify targets and track the trajectory of bullets. The spotter also provides distance estimations and environmental factors that affect the shot.

How does bullet trajectory affect sniper shots at long distances?

Bullets don’t travel in a straight line; they follow an arc. Snipers need to aim higher to account for this arc and ensure the bullet falls on the target at the right distance.

What are the challenges when shooting at night as a sniper?

Shooting at night without night vision equipment is extremely challenging. The sniper’s visibility is limited, and external factors like dust or environmental conditions can severely affect the shot's accuracy.

Why is shooting through glass in a helicopter unrealistic for a sniper?

Shooting through glass distorts the bullet's trajectory. The glass can deflect the bullet unpredictably, making it nearly impossible for a sniper to accurately hit a target from inside a helicopter.

How realistic are the sniper scenes involving a sniper hiding in a tree or under a tree in the video?

Hiding in a tree offers no significant tactical advantage. Once a sniper’s position is detected, the tree can be targeted, and the sniper becomes vulnerable. Additionally, hiding in a hollowed-out tree is not ideal due to exposure to insects and other risks.