Book Review: Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship

by
posted on August 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
snipemarks.jpg

Author and law enforcement sniping instructor John C. Simpson undertook his 123-p., 6"x9" softcover Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship mainly because of the frequency with which he encountered students who lacked even a minimal knowledge of riflecraft.

In it, he offers chapters on: Marksmanship Fundamentals, Positions, Minute Of Angle, Reading Your Scope Knobs, Live-Fire Practice, Recommended Reading, Rifle Maintenance, Ballistics, Sniper Functional Fitness Test and Snipercraft Qualification Course. Those seeking an entertaining armchair tome filled with lengthy histories and encyclopedic equipment lists are likely to be disappointed.

Rather, as the back cover suggests, “This is not an over-your-head, in-your-face blast of complex information. It’s a starter-level gold mine of straightforward, mission-critical information that will help you develop your abilities as a new sniper.”

Sure enough, despite the utilitarian nature of the black-and-white photos and line drawings with which it is illustrated, the book is filled with clear writing that conveys innumerable nuggets of knowledge that could only have resulted from years of experience.

Foundations Of Sniper Marksmanship should serve well as an initial volume for those new to the subject and as a worthy review for those who already have a shelf full of similar works. Price: $25. Contact: Looseleaf Law Publications, Inc.; (800) 647-5547;
looseleaflaw.com.

Latest

Shortage
Shortage

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Rimfire Power: The Primary Arms CLx 1-6x24 mm Riflescope with ACSS 22LR G2 Reticle

Low-power variable optics have become popular options for today's AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles, and Primary Arms now offers an option tailored for rimfire versions of those same guns.

Gun of the Week: Walther Arms PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM

One of Walther Arms' recent introductions combines the features of several other PDP handguns, meaning the Walther PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM is packed with a number of different design elements.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.