Photo File: The optics of the 10th USASOC Sniper Competition

At the 10th USASOC Sniper Competition, there were some exciting images that highlighted the equipment of the SOF snipers. Today we want to give you a closer look at the sniper's targeting aids. We will come back to the cover picture later. First a little note: we left the photos in a higher resolution than usual so that no detail escapes you. In plain text: Click to enlarge!

(U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

The shooter in the image has a Schmidt and Bender PM II 5-25×56 on his weapon, with a Wilcox Raptar-S Ballistic Computer. For more detailed information about the Raptar-S, click HERE.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin W. Stafford)

Here is another riflescope from Schmidt and Bender. We are not entirely sure of the exact model, but it is definitely a PM II. In the foreground on the ground is the Hensoldt Spotter 60+ Gen2 spotting scope with a matching tripod.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver)

Same rifle as in the previous image but from the other side. Again, a Wilcox Raptar-S is used. This calculator is very popular and will be encountered more often.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver)

The riflescope again from Schmidt and Bender. On the 45° position is an Aimpoint Micro T2. Above the scope, you see an AN/PSQ-23. Also interesting is the good old PCU L5 Jacket.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michelle Blesam)

One of the rifles from behind. Another Wilcox Raptar-S is featured, along with a scope from Nightforce.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver)

The riflescope from Nightforce, with a Wilcox Raptar-S. On the side, you can see the AN/PEQ-15 laser box. The bipod is an ATLAS Bipod.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver)

Shooting on blue barrels be more fun. Similar setup as the previous image, but here they used the classic Harris Bipod.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver)

Snipers are known to always appear in pairs, one shooting and one observing. To keep everything in sight, the observer uses a very simple Leupold Mark 4 12-40.

(U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

An overview of the competition with the Hensoldt spotting scope Spotter 60+ Gen2 with a Picatinny Rail. It is also worth mentioning the Multicam Arid uniform.

(U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

Schmidt and Bender in pairs. Also, Harris Bipod and AN/PEQ-15 appear twice here. Not sure whether the flag on the helmet represents Scotland or the southern states. Multicam is the standard for SOFs, but Crye is also a strong presence here with the AVS.