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

target with holes
target with holes

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.