10 best sniper rifles
See the world's best sniper rifles.
M21 (U.S.A.) - The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is the semi-automatic sniper rifle adaptation of the M14 rifle. It is chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. The United States Army wanted an accurate sniper rifle during the Vietnam War. The M14 was selected because of its accuracy, reliability, and the ability for a quick follow up shot. As a result, in 1969, the Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 National Match (target grade) M14s by adding a Leatherwood 3-9× Adjustable Ranging Telescope and providing National Match grade ammunition. This version, called the XM21, had a specially selected walnut stock and was first fielded in the second half of 1969. An improved version with a fiberglass stock was designated the M21 in 1975. The M21 remained the Army's primary sniper rifle until 1988, when it was replaced by the M24 Sniper Weapon System; some M21s were later re-issued and used in the Iraq War. Vietnam War era sniper rifles, US Army XM21 (top) and USMC M40 (bottom) In standard military use, the M21 uses a 20 round box magazine as the other members of the M14 family and weighs 11 pounds (5.27 kg) without the scope. The U.S. military never officially authorized or purchased magazines in any other capacity, although 5- and 10-round magazines are available. The M21A5 version is built by Smith Enterprise Inc. and is known commercially as the Crazy Horse rifle. The M21A5's metal components are cryogenically treated prior to assembly, which eliminates the need for bedding the stock with fiberglass. Additional upgrades include a completely adjustable trigger system (from 2.5 to 5 lbs) and an extended bolt handle for use in extreme cold environment. Vietnam War era sniper rifles, US Army XM21 (top) and USMC M40 (bottom)
More Photo Galleries
Hamas terror site-turned-memorial has feel of America's 9/11
Cheryl Chumley travels to the Nova Festival site near Gaza which is now a makeshift memorial.
Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game
Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game
Commanders show improvements, but can't close out Eagles in overtime
The Washington Commanders dropped to 2-2 on the season after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 34-31 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa., October 1, 2023. (Photos by Brian Murphy for the Washington Times)
Under the radar: U.S. stealth aircraft
See the stealth aircraft that revolutionized air combat.
Former President Trump dances onstage
Former President Trump dances onstage
Washington Commanders team name and logo reveal from Fedex Field
Photography: All-Pro Reels
Greatest gun-toting movie action heroes
See Hollywood’s best action movie characters
Second best: Greatest actors who've never won an Oscar
See the best actors who have never won an Academy Award
Oorah! United States Marine Corps weapons
Standard issue weapons given to US Marines
Pro athletes who were war heroes
See the professional athletes who became real American heroes for their military service
100-year-old headlines tell of baseball, protest, war
100-year-old headlines tell of baseball, protest, war
Inside Donald Trump's White House
A behind the scenes look at the Trump administration
Remembering Phyllis Schlafly
Conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly, the leader of the 1970s Stop ERA movement, has died.
Best Shooting Ranges in the United States
From long range sharpshooting to 24-hour target practice, here are America’s 10 Best Shooting Ranges.
The 15 best cheerleading squads in the NFL
See the NFL’s best-looking cheerleading squads.
Top 10 handguns in the U.S.
The most prolific makes of handguns manufactured in the U.S., based on production statistics provided to ATF.