“Tag: Martin Pegler”

Before sniping could make an impact on the battlefield, two things were required: accurate rifles and optical sights.

After the Great War, Soviet Russia sought to upgrade its military capability—especially when it came to sniping rifles. The result was the scope-sighted, bolt-action Mosin-Nagant, used with deadly effect against the Nazis on the Eastern Front.

Without a suitable sniping rifle, and with no training organization in place, the Allies struggled against German snipers early during the Great War. That changed—and then the Americans arrived.

After the American Civil War, repeating rifles and smokeless powder revolutionized shooting. Accurate rifles that didn’t give away a sniper’s position, combined with optical sights, made the stalemate of the Great War’s trenches ideal conditions for the sniper’s work.

During the Civil War, sharpshooters brought marksmanship skills to bear, dispatching generals and influencing battles.

The biggest advancement in precise, aimed fire before the American Civil War wasn’t made to the rifle itself—it was made to the bullet. Ever heard of the Minié ball?

Today marks a significant day in the history of Great Britain and her empire. For it was 100 years ago today, 1st July 1916, that the Somme offensive, the “Big Push,” began.

Before sniping could make an impact on the battlefield, two things were required: accurate rifles and optical sights. While generals were interested in bayonets and smoothbores, hunters and target shooters tackled the problem of precision rifle fire.

Thompson submachine guns served with British troops during World War II.