Gun Adjectives - How They Really Work!

Regarding firearms and their descriptions (ie, "sniper rifle"), the truth shall henceforth be known:

The late Gunny Carlos Hathcock used a Model 70 '06 Target rifle that was capable of 2 moa groups. There was nothing particularly fancy or esoteric about it.

The terms "Sniper Rifle", and "Assault Rifle" are determined by how they're used, and who uses them - nothing more, and nothing less.

If John Doe uses Rifle X to kill some one for hire, its an assassination.

If it's Sgt John Doe, and he uses the same rifle X in covering his platoon's assault, then he's a designated marksman.

If Sgt John Doe uses the same rifle covering a trail intersection known to be used by the enemy, then it's a sniper rifle.

If Officer John Doe uses Rifle X in a hostage situation in a failed bank robbery, it's a counter-sniper rifle.

Now if Mr. John Doe buys Rifle X to compete in F-Class, it's simply a target rifle.

But while waiting for John Doe to show up at Smith's Gun and Bait shop, Mr. Bill Smith puts a mil dot scope on Rifle X. 'Sniper' or 'Tactical' now becomes a sales gimmick, and calling it a sniper rifle merely adds to the cost and profit.

IOW, why get hung up on names?

You put 'Sniper' or 'Tactical' on a varmint or hunting rifle, you can jack up the price.

The rifle I carried in LE was a Model 70 Varmint in 223. I could have paid more if the gun shop owner called it a 'sniper rifle'. He didn't and I didn't.

Before I retired it was a sniper rifle, now it's a varmint rifle.

Sniping is an act, not a Pronoun.

Many thanks to user Kraigwy at The Firing Line forum for the above summary. It bears remembering, and I've always stated that an Assault Rifle is nothing more than a rifle used in an assault. - period.