Replying to a few things here since I just read it all.

Actually one post had the answer to the sniper question and its ignored. It is Mawhinney and not Hathcock.

I am glad I met Carlos and have shot with his son on a number of occassions. Fine people.

Sharpshooter at 1000 yards doesn't take much skill to qualify to. You are given the Marksman badge after a prerequisite number of shots. Sharpshooter is only the next step up. Thankfully qual skills have risen lately.

As to the term sniper rifle. I hate it personally. I have a few accurate rifles. Some are heavy, some not. But the way the term is used is any scoped rifle and so we should all beware!!

For those that feel uneasy when folks show up with heavy barreled 308s, why? It says nothing at all. Might be an idiot, might be a decent shot. Might be a tackdriver. Then there are those that can do it on the range but not in the woods. As to most police snipers-- there shots are 200 yards or less. Many much less than that. It doesn't take skill to do that. In fact our local PD used to qual on my personal range. Requirement to carry a rifle in the car? Standing, 5 hits at 25 yards and 5 at 50 yards on a regular silhouette. Who can't do that?( I have a clue but won't clarify it)

Too much made of this whole thing really.

And for those that say long shots are unethical and to stay within your proven range, some folks proven range is a whole lot further than others is. I think its a good way to say it. But leave the unethical part out. Just simply shoot only as far as you are 110 percent sure of first shot, first kill.

Jeff