Book Review: Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship

by
posted on August 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
snipemarks.jpg

Author and law enforcement sniping instructor John C. Simpson undertook his 123-p., 6"x9" softcover Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship mainly because of the frequency with which he encountered students who lacked even a minimal knowledge of riflecraft.

In it, he offers chapters on: Marksmanship Fundamentals, Positions, Minute Of Angle, Reading Your Scope Knobs, Live-Fire Practice, Recommended Reading, Rifle Maintenance, Ballistics, Sniper Functional Fitness Test and Snipercraft Qualification Course. Those seeking an entertaining armchair tome filled with lengthy histories and encyclopedic equipment lists are likely to be disappointed.

Rather, as the back cover suggests, “This is not an over-your-head, in-your-face blast of complex information. It’s a starter-level gold mine of straightforward, mission-critical information that will help you develop your abilities as a new sniper.”

Sure enough, despite the utilitarian nature of the black-and-white photos and line drawings with which it is illustrated, the book is filled with clear writing that conveys innumerable nuggets of knowledge that could only have resulted from years of experience.

Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship should serve well as an initial volume for those new to the subject and as a worthy review for those who already have a shelf full of similar works. Price: $25. Contact: Looseleaf Law Publications, Inc.; (800) 647-5547;
looseleaflaw.com.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.