In March of 2002, Master Cpl. Arron Perry and Cpl. Rob Furlong, both serving in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), shattered the longest recorded sniper kill record. This had been previously set by Marine Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hatchcock at 2,286 meters (2,500 yds) while in Vietnam, in February of 1967. Incredibly, Hatchcock used a .50 cal. Browning M2 machine gun fitted with a telescopic sight to register his kill on a lone VC.
M/Cpl. Perry took out an enemy combatant from a range of 2,310 meters, only to be bested days later by Cpl. Furlong who eradicated an enemy combatant from a range of 2,430 meters (2,659 yds). Both men were using the Canadian issued, bolt-action MacMillan TAC-50 rifle. The rounds used were Hornady A-MAX .50 (.50 BMG). The two men and others in their sniper cell made many such shots during their tour of duty in Afghanistan, as they fought alongside contingents of the American 101st Airborne Division (Rakkasans), during Operation Annaconda.
Since that time, the record has been twice eclipsed and credit should go where credit is due.
Cpl. Furlong's record was first broken in November of 2009, by a British lad. Corporal of Horse (CoH) Craig Harrison, serving with the Household Cavalry - Life Guards in Afghanistan. He eradicated an enemy combatant at a range of 2,475 meters (2,707 yds). He was firing a L115A3 Long Range Rifle, using .338 Lapua Magnum rounds. (LockBase B408 bullets).
More recently in 2012, also in Afghanistan, this record was broken yet again, by an undetermined Australian sniper operating with Delta Company, Australian 2nd Commando Regiment. Two shooters were employed simultaneously to take out the target, so who actually acheived the shot is unknown. He took out two enemy combatants consecutively (machine gunners) at a range of 2,815 meters (3,079 yds), using a Barrett M82A1. The rounds used were .50 BMG.
The records keep falling and God only knows, there is no lack of targets of opportunity out there nowadays. Better weapons, better munitions... The count continues.
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