Best WWII Sniper Variant Rifle

Which is the best sniper variant rifle?


  • Total voters
    28
  • Poll closed .
I noticed in the Best WWII Rifle poll most wondered about which would also be the best bolt action. So, going with the trend what was the best sniper variant of these rifles.
 
P14

The British snipers favourite weapon at the start of the war was the P14, but from 1942 they got the Enfield No 4 Mk I (T). Those rifles were hand rebuilt from selected No4 by Holland and Holland and they get my vote...
 
Mauser variations

Most snipers preferred the long barrelled G98 model over the Kar98 for sniping work. If you're a Mauser fan, the Swedish M41 sniper version in the excellent 6,5x55 caliber is the must have one...
 
well the no4T's were rebuilt afterwards as the L42 and only left service in early 90s-so nay bad eh?
 
Just to be a bit contrary here, though not without reason. I'd go with the Ariska for a very simple reason. Its called K.I.S.S. as in Keep It Simple Stupid. The scope on the Ariska used an etched reticle with windage and drop markings much like that found in modern varmint scope. The action was extremely robust as was remarked upon by none other than P.O. Ackley who's post-war experiments included testing bolt action rifles to destruction.

One other valuable aspect is that the ammo issued for snipers in the field used a fast burning powder in the cartridges. When fired down the 32" barrel there was no flash and little smoke.

The problems were that it was a bit cumbersome (something it shares with the Nagant) and the scope could not be adjusted in the field, a mixed blessing because this also made it somewhat idiot proof.
 
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