The History of Long Range Shooting Records: A Never-Ending Quest
Long-range shooting is a fascinating discipline that pushes the boundaries of technology, precision and ballistics. From the first historical exploits to contemporary records, each achievement is a step in a relentless quest for improvement and perfection. A look back at the evolution of these exploits and long-range shooting records.
The First Historical Exploits in Long Distance Shooting
The origins of long-range shooting date back to black powder weapons. In the 17th century, muskets were capable of hitting targets at 100 or 200 meters, although the accuracy was rudimentary.
Significant developments came with the adoption of rifled muskets in the 19th century. During the Civil War, sharpshooters equipped with Whitworth rifles made accurate shots at over 800 yards.
The Advent of Modern Long-Distance Shooting Records (20th Century)
The 20th century marked a turning point thanks to major advances in ballistics, weapons design and optics.
World War I: First Confirmed Shooting Records
During World War I, long-range shooting was primarily the preserve of snipers. The use of rifles such as the British Lee-Enfield, the German Mauser 98, and the American Springfield M1903, all equipped with crude scopes, allowed for longer engagement distances. Reports confirm accurate shots out to 1,200 yards, although records at this time are often difficult to verify due to the chaotic nature of the fighting.
World War II: Progress and New Distances
World War II saw an increase in the use of snipers. Long-range shooting records were also improved thanks to innovations in optics and ammunition.
One of the most remarkable confirmed shots was made by Soviet Vasily Zaitsev during the Battle of Stalingrad. Although his longest shots probably reached around 1,000 meters, they played a crucial role in the morale of the Soviet troops.
On the Allied side, American and British snipers, using rifles such as the M1C Garand and the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (T), confirmed hits at over 1,200 meters. However, one of the most impressive feats is attributed to a German sniper using a modified Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle, hitting a target at approximately 1,400 meters on the Eastern Front.
In the Pacific, the use of long-range fire was less common due to dense terrain and shorter engagement distances. Nevertheless, U.S. Marines exploited advanced munitions and optics to outgun Japanese forces in some isolated instances.
The 21st Century: An Era of Spectacular Records in Long-Range Shooting
The 21st century has seen a real leap forward, thanks to the rise of measurement technologies, ballistic simulation and high-precision optics. Here are some of the records that marked this period:
2002: Rob Furlong's Record (2,430 m) Canadian shooter Rob Furlong makes a legendary shot in Afghanistan with a McMillan Tac-50 rifle. This record was notable for its use of a .50 BMG caliber, at a time when electronic aids were still limited.
2009: Craig Harrison (2,475 m) British Craig Harrison broke the record with a shot at 2,475 meters, using a L115A3 in .338 Lapua Magnum. This shot was made under operational conditions and with double impact (two targets hit consecutively).
2017: A record beyond the limits (3,540 m) An unidentified Canadian Special Forces shooter makes a shot at a staggering distance of 3,540 meters, using a McMillan Tac-50. This shot was independently confirmed, consolidating Canada as a leading nation in this discipline.
2023: A record falls in Ukraine, a 58-year-old shooter Vyacheslav Kovalskiy, at a record distance of 3800 meters. A Horizon's Lord rifle in caliber 12.7x114 a neck down version of the famous 14.5x114. The scope used is a March Genesis.
Records Outside the Military Framework: Sporting and Experimental Exploits
In a sporting or experimental setting, even more impressive records have been set. For example:
2020: Paul Phillips and his team (6,012 m) During an experimental shooting in the United States, Phillips' team hit a target at 6,012 meters. This type of shooting pushes the limits not only of weapons and calibers, but also of knowledge of external ballistics.
