World War II sniper rifles

[Slater]

This is probably a matter of opinion, but was there any particular weapon that could be called tye "best" sniper rifle of World War II? Accuracy and reliability would be two of the most important factors.

[Jason The Argonaut]

No. 4 Mk I (T) Enfield



The accuracy of the heavier free floated barrel proved well, when selected No4's were fitted with a 4x power sniper scope. This combined with a little stock bedding and some simple tuning, the No4(T) sniper rifle proved to be the best of the war. So good in fact, that after the war some of the No4(T)'s were re-barreled in 7.62mm NATO to continue serving as sniper rifles.

[Andy O'Pray]

Jason, the 303 version was still being used up to the mid 60's.

Aye - Andy.

[GINGE]

The L42 is all but the same weapon This has a free flooting barrel unlike the Mk4 above , we used this bad boy untill well into the 1980's. the weapon above I believe is a Enfield 303 with Telescopic sights fitted there was not a great deal of difference between them. Mind your eye Sir, He won't want to try that again, Heres a tissue sir wipe the blood away, hi hi.

L42A1
Caliber(s): 7.62mm NATO (.308Win)
Operation: manual, rotating bolt
Barrel: 700 mm
Weight: 4.42 kg
Length: 1180 mm
Feed Mechanism: 10 rounds detachable box magazine
After the adoption of the 7.62x51mm round as the NATO standard rifle round in 1950s, British Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield Lock developed a conversion for many surpulus .303 British caliber Lee-Enfield SMLE No.4 rifles. The conversion included new, heavy barrel, chambered for 7.62mm NATO ammunition, shortened forend and handguard. This conversion was intended for competitive shooting. The civilian version had been known as Enfield "Envoy" match rifle, military target rifle was designated as L39A1. Both versions fetaured ajustable open sights.
Later, with the addition of the scope mounting bracket to the left side of the receiver, the L39A1 became the L42A1 military sniper rifle.
Production of the "Enforcer" and L42 rifles ceased circa 1985, and it was replaced in military service by Accuraly Intl. L96A1 rifle. know this was nice