Writing for officer.com, Mark Lang sounds the death knell for the .308 bolt action rifle as the SWAT officer’s go-to sniper rifle in his article Hunting Rifles for a SWAT Sniper? Not Any More, Mr. Lang somehow fails to mention the Remington 700’s trigger troubles. He’s also not satisfied by the bolt-action rifle’s limited ammo capacity . . .
The .308 hunting bolt rifle was designed to kill varmints not people. Consequently, the follow up shot or shots required was not as important if the shooter missed and the animal got away. Who could possibly need more than four or five rounds at the ready? The ability to reload on demand and continue to engage a target(s) is critical for the police sniper. The interior magazines design only support (4) four rounds compressed and a (5) fifth round chambered. The police sniper is only good for a maximum of (5) five rounds before he has to hand load a single round into the chamber, close the bolt and fire. Depending on the snipers training and efficiency in performing this, it may be the difference between saving a life and losing a target of opportunity.
Mr. Lang goes on to talk about ergos — and neglects to name a suitable replacement. So, what rifle for our long-range boys in blue?