“The L129A1 Sharpshooter / Sniper rifle was born from the urgent requirements that came from the British forces deployed to Afghanistan. This requirement was based on the tactics employed by their opponents, who prefer to fire at convoys and foot patrols fromstand-off ranges (usually 500 meters or more), using 7,62mm rifles and machine guns. The standard issue 5,56mm weapons (L85A2 rifle, L86A2 LSW, FN Minimi LMG), whichare used by British troops, are mostly ineffective at these ranges, and a call was made for a semi-automatic rifle, chambered for 7,62x51 NATO ammunition, which is capable to engage individual targets at ranges of up to 800 meters. These rifles are intended for use at the section and platoon levels, to support small units operating ‘on foot’ and away from fire support bases and armored vehicles.”
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