The Guns SEALs Prefer for Long-Range Work

Long-range marksmanship is one of the most demanding skills in the SEAL arsenal, and the rifle a sniper brings to the fight can ultimately shape the mission itself. Whether the job is counterterrorism, overwatch, or disabling enemy hardware from afar, certain rifles have proven themselves as invaluable over the years and earned a highly favored place in the Navy SEAL toolbox. Lets take a closer look at the long-range weapons that SEALs prefer to use..

To determine the longest-range guns used by US Navy SEALs, we reviewed a catalog of guns from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, and arms. We ranked the guns according to their maximum effective range and have excluded specific types of weapons from this list. We included supplemental data on the type of weapon, year introduced, and the caliber or ammunition used by each gun.

Few rifles in the world have a track record as formidable as the McMillan TAC-50, a weapon that has become synonymous with long-range Navy SEAL marksmanship. Built for precision and power, the TAC-50 operates as both a sniper rifle and an anti-materiel system, delivering accurate fire at distances beyond 6,500 feet. It's just one of several long-range weapons inside the SEAL toolbox.

Here is a look at the guns the US Navy Seals prefer for long-range work:

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the weapons and small arms used by today's militaries gives some insight into a nation's combat capabilities, or even tactical doctrines. These guns are not just instruments of warfare, but they actually reflect the technological innovation and defense budgets for a given military over the time. By exploring which rifles, sidearms, machine guns, and support weapons are fielded by various armed forces, we can better understand how nations prepare for conflict, defend their interests, and ultimately shape their battlefield effectiveness.

56. SIG-Sauer P229

Weapon type: Semi-automatic concealed-carry security pistol
Year entered service: 1993
Country of origin: Switzerland
Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .40 S&W; .357 SIG; .22LR, 12-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; short recoil
Maximum effective range: 82 ft.

55. Colt M1911

Weapon type: Semi-automatic service pistol
Year entered service: 1911
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .45 ACP, 7-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Single-action; short recoil-operated
Maximum effective range: 82 ft.

54. Heckler & Koch Mk23 Mod 0

Weapon type: Semi-automatic pistol
Year entered service: 1996
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .45 ACP, 10- or 12-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; double-action
Maximum effective range: 82 ft.

53. Steyr GB

Weapon type: Semi-automatic pistol
Year entered service: 1974
Country of origin: Austria
Manufacturer: Steyr-Daimler-Puch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 18-round box
Firing action: Delayed-blowback
Maximum effective range: 147 ft.

52. Beretta M9

Weapon type: Semi-automatic pistol
Year entered service: 1990
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Beretta
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 15-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic, single / double-action pistol
Maximum effective range: 164 ft.

51. Ingram MAC-10 (M10)

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1970
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Military Armament Corporation
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, .45ACP; .380 ACP, 30- or 32-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Blowback-operation; full-automatic fire
Maximum effective range: 164 ft.

50. Heckler & Koch HK P9

Weapon type: Semi-automatic pistol
Year entered service: 1969
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum; .45 ACP; 7.65x22mm parabellum, 7- or 9-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; roller-delayed; double-action
Maximum effective range: 164 ft.

49. Smith & Wesson Model 76

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1967
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 14-, 24- or 36-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Blowback-operated
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

48. SIG-Sauer P226

Weapon type: Semi-automatic handgun
Year entered service: 1984
Country of origin: Switzerland
Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 12-, 13-, 15-, 17-, 18-, or 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; short-recoil; double-action
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

47. SIG-Sauer P228

Weapon type: Semi-automatic service pistol
Year entered service: 1988
Country of origin: Switzerland
Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 13-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; recoil-operated
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

46. Glock 19

Weapon type: Semi-automatic service pistol
Year entered service: 1988
Country of origin: Austria
Manufacturer: Glock
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 15-round detachable box
Firing action: Short-recoil / double-action
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

45. Colt M45 MEU (SOC)

Weapon type: Special forces semi-automatic service pistol
Year entered service: 1986
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .45 ACP, 7-round box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; recoil-operated
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

44. Heckler & Koch HK 45

Weapon type: Semi-automatic service pistol
Year entered service: 2013
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .45 ACP, 8- or 10-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; single-action or double-action (model dependent)
Maximum effective range: 165 ft.

43. Smith & Wesson Model 686

Weapon type: Six-shot revolver
Year entered service: 1981
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, 6-round cylinder
Firing action: Double-action, rotating cylinder
Maximum effective range: 300 ft.

42. Heckler & Koch UMP

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1999
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum; .40 S&W; .45 ACP, 10-, 25- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Blowback; closed-bolt
Maximum effective range: 328 ft.

41. Heckler & Koch HK MP5SD

Weapon type: Suppressed submachine gun
Year entered service: 1974
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Roller-locked delay blowback; select fire
Maximum effective range: 600 ft.

40. Kalashnikov AKSU-74

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1983
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Manufacturer: Izhmash / Kalashnikov
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.45×39.5mm Soviet, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated
Maximum effective range: 656 ft.

39. Heckler & Koch HK MP5K

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1991
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9x19mm parabellum, 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Roller-locked delay blowback
Maximum effective range: 656 ft.

38. Heckler & Koch HK MP5N

Weapon type: Submachine gun
Year entered service: 1983
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 9×19 parabellum, 15- or 30-round detachable box
Firing action: Roller-locked delay blowback
Maximum effective range: 656 ft.

37. Heckler & Koch HK 416

Weapon type: Assault rifle
Year entered service: 2005
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 20- or 30-round detachable STANAG magazine; 100-round Beta C-Mag
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 985 ft.

36. Kalashnikov AK-47

Weapon type: Assault rifle
Year entered service: 1949
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Manufacturer: Izhmash / Kalashnikov
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x39mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 985 ft.

35. Colt CAR-15 Commando

Weapon type: Assault carbine / submachine gun
Year entered service: 1966
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm M193, 20- or 30-round detachable box
Firing action: Semi/full auto; gas-operated; locking bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,320 ft.

34. Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR

Weapon type: Designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 2004
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Smith Enterprises
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt, semi-automatic
Maximum effective range: 1,500 ft.

33. Springfield M14

Weapon type: Battle rifle
Year entered service: 1959
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt, selective fire
Maximum effective range: 1,509 ft.

32. Kalashnikov AK-74

Weapon type: Assault rifle
Year entered service: 1978
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Manufacturer: Izhmash / Kalashnikov
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.45x39mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.

31. Colt M4

Weapon type: Assault carbine
Year entered service: 1994
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing / Remington Arms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 20- or 30-round detachable box
Firing action: Gas-operated; semi/full-automatic; locking bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.

30. Fabrique Nationale FN SCAR (Mk 16 / Mk 17)

Weapon type: Automatic assault rifle
Year entered service: 2009
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, 20-(mk 17) or 30-round (mk 16) box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.

29. NORINCO Type 56

Weapon type: Assault rifle
Year entered service: 1956
Country of origin: China
Manufacturer: NORINCO
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x39mm Soviet, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-actuated; rotating bolt; selective-fire
Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.

28. Stoner 63 (Universal Combat Weapon)

Weapon type: Modular assault weapon
Year entered service: 1963
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Cadillac Gage Company
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.

27. Navy Mark 12 Special Purpose Rifle (Mk 12 SPR)

Weapon type: Sniper rifle / designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 2002
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.

26. Barrett M107

Weapon type: Anti-materiel / anti-personnel sniper rifle
Year entered service: 2008
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms Company
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO), 10-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Recoil operated, rotating bolt, semi-automatic
Maximum effective range: 1,850 ft.

25. Barrett M82

Weapon type: Anti-tank / anti-material rifle
Year entered service: 1982
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 10-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Semi-automatic; recoil-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,850 ft.

24. Colt M16A4

Weapon type: Automatic assault rifle
Year entered service: 1990
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56×45 NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated, semi-automatic, select fire
Maximum effective range: 1,968 ft.

23. Colt M4A1 SOPMOD

Weapon type: Carbine rifle with special forces modification kit
Year entered service: 1993
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Firearms / Knights Armament
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 1,968 ft.

22. Colt M16A2

Weapon type: Assault rifle
Year entered service: 1983
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Defense
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; semi-automatic; select-fire
Maximum effective range: 1,969 ft.

21. Heckler & Koch HK G28

Weapon type: Designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 2006
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 10- or 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; semi-automatic
Maximum effective range: 2,000 ft.

20. M86

Weapon type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
Year entered service: 1986
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Harris Gunworks / McMillan
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, 3-, 4-, 5- or 10-round magazine
Firing action: Manually-actuated bolt action
Maximum effective range: 2,400 ft.

19. M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle

Weapon type: Designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 2008
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: USMC Armorers
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 2,550 ft.

18. Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW / LMG

Weapon type: Light machine gun
Year entered service: 1984
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, 30-round detachable box; 200-round metal link belt
Firing action: Gas-operated; open bolt
Maximum effective range: 2,600 ft.

17. Fabrique Nationale FN Minimi

Weapon type: Light machine gun
Year entered service: 1982
Country of origin: Belgium
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine; 200-round metal link belt
Firing action: Gas-operated; selective fire
Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.

16. Fabrique Nationale Mk 48 LWMG

Weapon type: Light weight machine gun
Year entered service: 2003
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, Disintegrating belt
Firing action: Gas-operated; open bolt; belt-fed
Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.

15. Remington M24 SWS

Weapon type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
Year entered service: 1987
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Remington Arms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO; .338 Lapua Magnum, 5-round internal magazine / 5- or 10-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Manually-operated bolt-action
Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.

14. Fabrique Nationale Mk 46 LWMG

Weapon type: Light weight machine gun
Year entered service: 2003
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, Disintegrating Belt Feed
Firing action: Gas-operated; open bolt; full-automatic
Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.

13. Heckler & Koch HK 417

Weapon type: Designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 2006
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 10- or 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.

12. Stoner SR-25

Weapon type: Designated marksman rifle
Year entered service: 1990
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Knights Armament
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 10- or 20-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.

11. ST Kinetics Ultimax 100

Weapon type: Light machine gun
Year entered service: 1982
Country of origin: Singapore
Manufacturer: Chartered Industries of Singapore
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 20- or 30-round box magazine or 100-round drum
Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.

10. General Electric M134 Minigun

Weapon type: Six-barrel gatling gun
Year entered service: 1963
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: General Electric
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 4,000-round linked belt
Firing action: Electrically-driven; belt-fed
Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.

9. Remington M40

Weapon type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
Year entered service: 1966
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Remington Arms
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester, 5-round integral box magazine, 5-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Bolt-action, rotating bolt
Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.

8. Saco M60

Weapon type: General purpose machine gun
Year entered service: 1957
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Saco Defense
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, Disintegrating link belt of various counts
Firing action: Gas-operated open bolt
Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.

7. Saco M60E3

Weapon type: Light machine gun
Year entered service: 1986
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Saco Defense
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 100-round disintegrating link belt
Firing action: Air-cooled, gas-operated, disintegrating metallic link-belt
Maximum effective range: 3,600 ft.

6. Accuracy International Mk 13

Weapon type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
Year entered service: 2017
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Accuracy International
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .300 Winchester Magnum, 5-round detachable magazine
Firing action: Manually-actuated bolt-action
Maximum effective range: 3,940 ft.

5. Accuracy International AW50

Weapon type: Anti-materiel rifle
Year entered service: 1999
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Accuracy International
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 5-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Manually-actuated bolt-action
Maximum effective range: 4,921 ft.

4. McMillan TAC-338

Weapon type: Sniper rifle
Year entered service: 2005
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: McMillan Tactical Products
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, 5-round magazine
Firing action: Manually-actuated bolt action
Maximum effective range: 5,250 ft.

3. SIG-Sauer MG338

Weapon type: Light machine gun
Year entered service: 2020
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
Caliber of ammunition and feed: .338 Norma Magnum, 50-round disintegrating belt
Firing action: Short-stroke gas piston; full-automatic fire
Maximum effective range: 5,580 ft.

2. Fabrique Nationale M240

Weapon type: General purpose machine gun
Year entered service: 1977
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, Disintegrating metal link feed of various counts
Firing action: Gas-operated; open-bolt; belt-fed; full-automatic
Maximum effective range: 5,905 ft.

1. McMillan TAC-50

Weapon type: Anti-material / sniper rifle
Year entered service: 2000
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: McMillan Tactical Products
Caliber of ammunition and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 5-round detachable box magazine
Firing action: Manually-operated bolt-action
Maximum effective range: 6,561 ft.