14 Legendary Sniper Shots That Defied the Odds

Every war has its share of unbelievable moments, and sniper history is no exception. From shifting winds and limited visibility to extreme distances, a select group of marksmen delivered shots that seemed impossible. Here, History Computer takes a closer look at some of the most remarkable examples.

To identify the most extraordinary sniper shots ever recorded, we reviewed a range of historical and military sources. The entries are listed alphabetically and include supplemental details such as military branch, rank, rifle, and ammunition used.

Snipers play a critical role in modern warfare, providing long range precision, reconnaissance, and strategic overwatch. Their ability to neutralize high value targets and support ground forces makes them a key asset in complex combat environments.

Chris Kyle is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished snipers in modern American military history. Serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL during the Iraq War, he provided overwatch in high risk urban operations, helping protect Marines and coalition forces. His precision, composure, and battlefield awareness contributed to his lasting legacy. He is one of several snipers featured in this list of remarkable long range shots.

Here is a look at some of the most extraordinary sniper shots ever recorded:

Some battlefield moments defy the limits of training, physics, and probability but they happened regardless. These impossible sniper shots didn't just pull off the unthinkable; they reshaped how militaries understand precision, range, and the value of a single expert marksman. Each of these engagements forced planners to rethink doctrine, improve equipment, and account for the fact that one well-placed round can alter the trajectory of an entire operation. By understanding these shots we get a clearer picture of how skill, discipline, and situational awareness can change the battlefield in ways we could not imagine.

• Country: Canada
• Military branch: Canadian Army
• Rank: Master Corporal
• Rifle and munition: McMillan TAC‑50 (.50 BMG)

Perry's 2,526‑yard Afghanistan shot came at a time when ultra‑long‑range doctrine was barely defined. Mountain winds, low air density, and multi‑second flight time made success nearly impossible. The shot disrupted enemy operations and validated extreme‑range sniping as a battlefield tool.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: U.S. Army
• Rank: Staff Sergeant
• Rifle and munition: M21 SWS (7.62×51mm NATO)

Waldron struck an enemy fighter from a moving patrol boat at roughly 900 yards—while the target was also moving. The constantly shifting geometry should have made the shot impossible. Instead, it neutralized a hidden ambusher and demonstrated how snipers could secure mobility operations.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
• Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
• Rifle and munition: Winchester Model 70 (.30‑06 Springfield)

Hathcock's shot through an enemy sniper's scope required flawless alignment and reflexes. The margin for error was microscopic, yet the hit neutralized a hidden threat stalking Marines. It was considered impossible due to angle, reflection distortion, and timing, but it became a defining moment of tactical counter‑sniping.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: U.S. Navy SEALs
• Rank: Chief Petty Officer
• Rifle and munition: Mk 12 SPR (.223 Rem) / TAC‑338 (.338 Lapua)

Kyle made precision shots across chaotic urban lines of sight, often through dust storms and turbulent rooftop winds. One of his most difficult engagements required threading a shot within inches of a hostage. These conditions should have made accuracy impossible, but his fire protected Marines and shaped control of Ramadi.

• Country: United Kingdom
• Military branch: British Army
• Rank: Corporal of Horse
• Rifle and munition: Accuracy International L115A3 (.338 Lapua Magnum)

Harrison made two lethal hits at 2,707 yards—distances where atmospheric distortion should have made accuracy impossible. His shots destroyed a Taliban machine‑gun team, relieving pressure on friendly patrols and proving that NATO snipers could dominate from beyond doctrinal engagement ranges.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: Delta Force
• Rank: Master Sergeant
• Rifle and munition: M14 variants (7.62×51mm NATO)

During Black Hawk Down, Gordon took precision shots while under overwhelming fire and moving across debris fields. Maintaining accuracy under that stress is nearly impossible. His actions delayed enemy advances and protected crash survivors.

• Country: Iraq
• Military branch: Non‑state insurgent
• Rank: Unknown
• Rifle and munition: SVD Dragunov (7.62×54mmR)

Using extremely narrow firing slits and dense Baghdad angles, Juba achieved hits that required threading rounds through tiny windows of exposure. Urban clutter made these engagements nearly impossible to execute. His attacks forced U.S. forces to overhaul counter‑sniper doctrine.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: 75th Ranger Regiment
• Rank: Sergeant
• Rifle and munition: SR‑25 (7.62×51mm NATO)

Irving engaged sprinting insurgents and partially exposed fighters with rapid semi‑auto precision. Coordinating wind, movement, and timing in seconds should have been impossible. His overwatch fire repeatedly saved Ranger assault teams in Afghanistan.

• Country: United States
• Military branch: Delta Force
• Rank: Sergeant First Class
• Rifle and munition: M14 variants (7.62×51mm NATO)

Shughart made controlled precision shots in chaotic, close‑quarters combat during Mogadishu. Dust, confusion, and shifting threats should have wrecked shot placement. His fire slowed enemy encirclement and bought crucial time for survivors.

• Country: Canada
• Military branch: Canadian Army (CANSOFCOM support)
• Rank: Corporal
• Rifle and munition: McMillan TAC‑50 (.50 BMG)

Furlong's 2,657‑yard shot demanded near‑perfect ballistic judgment. Wind drift, air density, and bullet drop spanning multiple seconds made it almost unworkable. Yet it eliminated a machine‑gun team threatening coalition units, proving extreme‑range interdiction could decisively shift battlefield outcomes.

• Country: United Kingdom
• Military branch: British Army
• Rank: Lance Corporal
• Rifle and munition: L115A3 (.338 Lapua Magnum)

Chaney delivered a long‑range shot through a narrow gap between buildings while compensating for multi‑direction winds. The required alignment was so precise that a few inches of deviation would have missed entirely. His hit eliminated a machine‑gun nest blocking troop movement.

• Country: United Kingdom
• Military branch: Royal Marines
• Rank: Corporal
• Rifle and munition: Accuracy International L115A3 (.338 Lapua)

Matthews made long‑range shots through extreme Afghan heat shimmer, which warps sight pictures and flight paths. Such distortion typically ruins precision, yet his engagement stopped an enemy assault and protected pinned‑down units.

• Country: Finland
• Military branch: Finnish Army
• Rank: Corporal
• Rifle and munition: M/28‑30 Mosin‑Nagant (7.62×53mmR)

Häyhä made kills at distances normally requiring optics—even in blizzards. Achieving cold‑bore accuracy under sub‑zero wind made such shots nearly impossible. His precision stalled Soviet advances and demonstrated that elite fieldcraft can rival modern equipment.

• Country: Soviet Union
• Military branch: Red Army
• Rank: Senior Sergeant
• Rifle and munition: Mosin‑Nagant M91/30 PU (7.62×54mmR)

Zaytsev's duel against a German sniper commander required hitting a target hidden behind rubble and deception tactics. Light reflection, debris, and urban distortion made a clean shot almost impossible. His victory broke German sniper dominance and boosted Soviet morale during Stalingrad.