Hello there, I'm Kimi, a specialist in military technology and history. I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the most popular sniper rifles, drawing from historical developments and current trends in the field.

When it comes to discussing the most popular sniper rifles, it's important to recognize that popularity can be gauged in several ways: historical significance, current military use, accuracy, range, and the sheer number of units produced and deployed. Sniper rifles have evolved significantly from their origins in World War I to the precision instruments they are today, with advancements in technology, materials, and design.

M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), which has been a staple for American snipers since the 1980s. It is renowned for its accuracy and reliability, having been used in various conflicts including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The M24 is based on the commercial Remington 700 rifle, which itself is a testament to its design's success and longevity.

The Knight's Armament Company SR-25 is another notable sniper rifle, designed as a semi-automatic platform that offers a higher rate of fire than bolt-action rifles. It is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and is known for its modularity and adaptability, making it a favorite among special operations forces.

The L42 Enfield, while an older design, is still revered for its accuracy and craftsmanship. It was the standard British sniper rifle during World War II and is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .303 British.

The M21 Sniper Weapon System was a further development of the M14 battle rifle, also chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It was used extensively during the Vietnam War and is known for its accuracy and the role it played in shaping modern sniping tactics.

The PSG1, developed by Heckler & Koch, is a highly accurate semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It is known for its precision and is often used by law enforcement and security agencies.

The AS50, manufactured by Accuracy International, is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed for long-range engagements. Chambered in .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO), it is capable of engaging targets at extreme distances.

The Dragunov SVD is a Soviet-designed semi-automatic sniper rifle that has seen widespread use, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia. It is chambered in 7.62x54mmR and is known for its ruggedness and reliability.

The CheyTac Intervention is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .408 CheyTac, which is known for its extreme long-range capabilities. It is designed for precision at distances beyond what is typically possible with conventional calibers.

Each of these rifles has its own set of characteristics that make it popular among snipers and military forces around the world. Factors such as the type of conflict, the specific mission requirements, and the personal preferences of the sniper can all influence which rifle is considered the most popular at any given time.

In conclusion, while it's difficult to pinpoint a single "most popular" sniper rifle due to the diverse needs and preferences of military forces and individual snipers, the rifles mentioned above have all earned their place in the top tier of sniper weaponry. They each offer a unique combination of accuracy, range, reliability, and adaptability that has been honed through years, if not decades, of development and real-world use.

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The M24 (SWS) is the military and police version of the Remington 700 rifle, M24 being the model name assigned by the U.S. Army after adoption as their standard sniper rifle in 1988.Feb 10, 2015read more >>