Semi-Automatic

The SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) is a Soviet-designed semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62×54mmR. Developed by Yevgeny Dragunov and adopted in 1963, it has been the standard squad-level marksman rifle for Soviet and Russian forces for over 60 years.

The SVU (Snayperskaya Vintovka Ukorochennaya — Shortened Sniper Rifle) is a bullpup-configured variant of the Dragunov SVD developed for Russian special forces. It offers the same 7.62×54mmR ballistics in a much more compact package ideal for urban and airborne operations.

The Galil Sniper, also known as the Galatz, is an Israeli semi-automatic sniper rifle developed from the IMI Galil assault rifle by Israel Military Industries. It features a heavy barrel, a two-stage trigger, and a bipod mounted near the receiver. The Galatz has served as the standard sniper rifle of the Israel Defense Forces since the 1980s.

The Heckler & Koch G28 is a German designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, derived from the HK417 battle rifle. It was adopted by the U.S. Army as the M110A1 CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System), replacing the KAC M110 in frontline service.

The HK417 DMR is a designated marksman variant of the Heckler & Koch HK417 battle rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It features a longer, heavy barrel for improved accuracy and a free-floating handguard. The weapon is used by several NATO special forces units as a precision semi-automatic rifle.

The Heckler & Koch MSG90 (Militärisches Scharfschützengewehr 90) is a militarized, lighter, and more cost-effective version of the legendary PSG1 precision rifle. Adopted by numerous military forces, it offers similar accuracy in a package suited for field deployment.

The Heckler & Koch PSG1 (Präzisionsschützengewehr 1) is a German semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Introduced in 1972, it is renowned as one of the most accurate semi-automatic rifles ever produced, legendary for its precision, build quality, and equally legendary price tag.

The Knight's Armament Company M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is the U.S. Army's standard semi-automatic sniper rifle, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Based on the SR-25 platform, it delivers sub-MOA accuracy in a semi-automatic package.

The Knight's Armament Company SR-25 (Stoner Rifle 25) is an American semi-automatic precision rifle designed by Eugene Stoner in the early 1990s. Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, it is the direct predecessor to the U.S. military's M110 SASS and is widely used by special operations forces and civilian precision shooters.

The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System is a gas-operated semi-automatic sniper rifle used by the US military, built on the Knight's Armament Company SR-25 platform. It features a free-floating barrel, URX rail system, and fully adjustable buttstock. The M110 gave US Army snipers a semi-automatic capability previously lacking in the M24 bolt-action platform.

The M110A1 SDMR is a 7.62x51mm NATO semi-automatic designated marksman rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch for the United States Army as part of the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program. Based on the HK G28 platform, which itself is derived from the HK417, the M110A1 features an adjustable gas block with a suppressor-ready muzzle device, a Geissele M-LOK handguard, and the SIG Sauer TANGO6 1-6x24 optic. It delivers enhanced accuracy and range over standard M4 carbines while being lighter and more maneuverable than the M110 SASS it replaces. The M110A1 bridges the gap between infantry riflemen and dedicated sniper teams by providing squad-level precision fire capability.

An enhanced battle rifle version of the M14 used as a designated marksman rifle. It features a chassis stock system for improved ergonomics and accessory mounting.

The M21 Sniper Weapon System is an accurized semi-automatic rifle based on the M14, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. It served as the primary U.S. Army sniper rifle from 1969 until the adoption of the bolt-action M24 in 1988, seeing extensive combat in Vietnam and beyond.

The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR) is a semi-automatic, magazine-fed, gas-operated designated marksman rifle (DMR) developed by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide squad-level precision fire capability. Based on the M14 rifle platform, the M39 EMR is a purpose-built, accurized variant designed to bridge the gap between standard-issue M16/M4 carbines and dedicated bolt-action sniper rifles. Its primary purpose is military, specifically for USMC scout-snipers and designated marksmen in combat roles. Key innovations include a heavy, free-floating match-grade barrel, a modified gas system for improved reliability, and a Marine Corps-optimized stock with an adjustable cheek rest and length of pull. The weapon is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, typically achieving sub-MOA (minute of angle) performance with match ammunition, and its robust, reliable operation in adverse conditions. Its reputation in the firearms community is that of a highly effective, battle-proven DMR that maximizes the M14 platform's potential for precision semi-automatic fire. Notable design characteristics include the use of a McMillan fiberglass stock, a Harris bipod, and a modified operating rod to reduce felt recoil and improve follow-up shot accuracy. The M39 EMR is unique as a Marine Corps-specific evolution of the M14, optimized for the rigors of combat marksmanship.

The Barrett M82 is a recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle designed by Ronnie Barrett in the early 1980s. Its primary purpose is military and law enforcement engagement of hard targets such as parked aircraft, light armored vehicles, radar installations, and unexploded ordnance, as well as long-range personnel interdiction. The M82 is distinguished by its massive muzzle brake, which reduces felt recoil by up to 70%, and its large box magazine feeding from the top. The design philosophy centered on creating a portable, semi-automatic platform capable of delivering .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) firepower from the shoulder or bipod. Its reputation in the firearms community is iconic; it is widely recognized as the world's most famous anti-materiel rifle, appearing in countless films and video games. Notable design characteristics include a long-recoil action with a rotating bolt, a dual-chamber muzzle brake, and a receiver that houses the barrel and bolt assembly on a shock-absorbing slide. The rifle's distinctive shape and size make it instantly identifiable, and its reliability in harsh environments has cemented its status as a benchmark for heavy sniper systems.

The Mk 11 Mod 0 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle used by the United States Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. It was developed by Knight's Armament Company as a variant of the SR-25 design. The Mk 11 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and features a free-floated barrel and an adjustable gas system. It has a shorter barrel than the M110 SASS and uses a fixed stock rather than the adjustable stock of the M110. The rifle is known for its exceptional accuracy for a semi-automatic platform.

The Mk 12 Mod 1 is a designated marksman rifle used by US special operations forces. It was developed as the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) program to provide a precision semi-automatic capability in 5.56x45mm NATO. The Mk 12 Mod 1 features a free-floated match barrel and a PRI handguard system. It is built on an AR-15 style lower receiver with a match trigger. The rifle is designed to extend the effective range of the M4 carbine for designated marksmen in squad-level units.

The PSL (Pusca Semiautomata cu Luneta) is a Romanian semi-automatic designated marksman rifle. It is chambered in 7.62x54mmR and externally resembles the Soviet Dragunov SVD. Despite the visual similarity, the PSL is mechanically based on the Kalashnikov action rather than the SVD's short-stroke piston system. It features a heavy barrel, a 10-round magazine, and a side-folding bipod. The PSL is known for being a rugged and cost-effective marksman rifle used by Eastern European forces.

The Tabuk Sniper Rifle is an Iraqi-designated marksman and sniper rifle based on the Yugoslav Zastava M70 assault rifle system. It was developed in the 1980s at the Al-Qadissiya Establishments in Iraq. The Tabuk Sniper is chambered in 7.62x39mm Soviet and features a longer, heavier barrel compared to the standard assault rifle variant. The rifle has a wooden thumbhole stock, a detachable 10-round magazine, and a scope mount affixed to the receiver. The Tabuk is designed as a squad-level designated marksman rifle for Iraqi infantry. It provides increased accuracy and effective range over standard assault rifles while using the same ammunition as the rest of the squad.

The Walther WA 2000 is a German bullpup semi-automatic sniper rifle produced in extremely limited numbers in the 1980s. Despite its limited production (only 176 units), it is one of the most recognizable sniper rifles in popular culture, appearing in numerous films and video games.

The Zastava M76 is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle developed in Yugoslavia. It is based on the Zastava M70 Kalashnikov action enlarged to handle full-power rifle cartridges. The M76 fires the 8x57mm Mauser round, giving it superior range and stopping power compared to 7.62x39mm AK-based rifles. It features a heavy-profile barrel and a detachable 10-round magazine. The M76 is equipped with optics as standard and has been used as a front-line sniper system.

The Zastava M91 is a Serbian semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62×54mmR. Developed in the early 1990s, it is based on a long-stroke piston AK action scaled up for the full-power rifle cartridge, serving as the DMR for Serbian military and special forces.