Here tis...july 2002
A world-record shot by a Canadian sniper detachment in Afghanistan could never have been made with the ammunition they were issued by the Canadian military, says the shooter, who used U.S. rounds for the landmark kill.
The Canadian .50-calibre rounds have a maximum range of between 2,200 and 2,300 metres. The U.S. rounds, they discovered, "fly farther, faster," said Corporal "Bill", a 26-year-old native of Fogo Island, Nfld.
The two-man Canadian team, outfitted with British desert fatigues and an array of equipment from all over the world, killed an al-Qaeda fighter from 2,430 metres on the second shot.
The first blew a bag from the hand of their target, who was walking on a road.
"He didn't even flinch," said Bill, who spoke on condition that his real name not be used. "We made a correction and the next round hit exactly where we wanted it to. Well, a bit to the right."
The kill, one of more than 20 unofficially credited to Canadian snipers during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan's Shahi Kot Valley, beat the 35-year-old record of 2,500 yards, or 2,250 metres, set by U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock in Duc Pho, South Vietnam.
"They trusted us to do our job, without question," Bill's partner, Master Corporal "James" said of his U.S. commanders.
The 31-year-old native of Kingsville, Ont., also asked that his identity not be revealed.
Bill and James said they were successful with several shots from 2,400 metres or more.
"Shots out that far are 60 per cent skill and 40 per cent luck, or vice versa," Bill said. "Usually, it takes two or three rounds, sometimes five.
"Normally, a sniper wouldn't take that many shots, but they were out so far we felt confident they couldn't tell where we were."
