#navy-seals

#navy-seals

Long-range marksmanship is one of the most demanding skills in the SEAL arsenal, and the rifle a sniper brings to the fight can ultimately shape the mission itself. Whether the job is counterterrorism, overwatch, or disabling enemy hardware from afar, certain rifles have proven themselves as invaluable over the years and earned a highly favored place in the Navy SEAL toolbox. Here 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the long-range weapons that SEALs prefer to use..

The Accuracy International Mk 13 sniper rifle is one of the newer additions to the Navy SEAL toolbox. It combines an old-school sniper tradition with modern bolt-action hardware that gives SEAL snipers extended range and improved firepower. In practice it's not necessarily about bigger guns so much as better ballistics, modular barrels and advanced optics. The versatility of this anti-personnel rifle is the key.

Peak performance is a myth. It depends on perfect conditions, and life is rarely perfect. What matters more is optimal performance, which can be achieved within chaos.

Thinking of the long-term impact of a military career, I realized that 20-plus years as a SEAL could mean serious bodily injuries and strained personal relationships. I couldn’t afford to go down that path.

Mendoza: In the army, I was trained to be adaptable, which is crucial in high-stakes situations. You must adjust quickly, especially when plans derail.