Carlos Hathcock: Marine sniper

[xrMike]

Just a page I came across that provides some of the details of his life and sniping career with the Marines in Vietnam:

http://oldbluejacket.com/CarlosHathcock.htm

It's interesting if you don't know anything about him. Might want to turn your sound down or off -- it gets old quick.

I wonder if the bullet-through-the-scope story is real, or legend? His long-distance kill record was only recently broken by a Canadian sniping team in Afghanistan... Also, imo the Marines were really wrong to force-retire him right before his 20 years was up, even if he did have multiple sclerosis. I assume he wasn't eligible for retirement pay as a result? That's just not right, not for a Marine who served his country so well.

[GenLee]

Very nice read. Thank you for that.

[Soldier415]

1,500 yard head shot with minimal prep time.

oorah!

[AngelDecoys]

Also for those intersted. Here's an interview with Carlos. 3 parts. First part linked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVJONj95so4

[Army]

J

I wonder if the bullet-through-the-scope story is real, or legend? His long-distance kill record was only recently broken by a Canadian sniping team in Afghanistan... Also, imo the Marines were really wrong to force-retire him right before his 20 years was up, even if he did have multiple sclerosis. I assume he wasn't eligible for retirement pay as a result? That's just not right, not for a Marine who served his country so well.

Gunny, being Gunny, and also a true sniper in every sense of the word, was simply not inclined to lie or fabricate. If he relates the story of shooting through the scope, you can bet your bottom dollar it is true.

Biggest, hugest, most gigantic difference between Gunny's shot, and the Canucks long shot....is Gunny did it with an M2 machine gun and one shot for kill with regular ball ammo. The Canadian fired for range a number of times until he hit his target...with a very much purpose built McMillan rifle and specific ammo.

Good shooting, yes. But Gunny has it all over our northern neighbor on "Holy cow, you hit him!" shooting.

[AfricanHunter]

The shot through the scope is true. He recovered the weapon/scope, turned it in as captured arms and I think it is on display somewhere.

[AfricanHunter]

I have a book on Carlos, just got done reading it a couple months ago. If anyone wants it I will send it off to them for free.

[Soldier415]

I have a book on Carlos, just got done reading it a couple months ago. If anyone wants it I will send it off to them for free.

Ill take it! PM inbound

[eta34]

There is an interesting article on the military sniper in this month's issue of Military History. My wife is a history teacher and gets this magazine. I must say, I am pretty impressed with the shooting of these guys. I need a rest and match ammo to make a pie plate pattern at 200 yards. This guy drilled an enemy at over 2000 with comparable equipment or worse...wow.

The article talked about how modern snipers use the .50 cal with all of the bells and whistles. Vietnam era guys, if I remember correctly, used a version of the Remington 700. I will check the article again.

[AfricanHunter]

There is an interesting article on the military sniper in this month's issue of Military History. My wife is a history teacher and gets this magazine. I must say, I am pretty impressed with the shooting of these guys. I need a rest and match ammo to make a pie plate pattern at 200 yards. This guy drilled an enemy at over 2000 with comparable equipment or worse...wow.

The article talked about how modern snipers use the .50 cal with all of the bells and whistles. Vietnam era guys, if I remember correctly, used a version of the Remington 700. I will check the article again.

Yes, from what I have read, some of the Vietnam Snipers used a specially made version of the R700 but I think it was only available in the second half of the war(and not to everyone). Hathcock used a Winchester Model 70 with a heavy barrel in 30-06 for most of his tours. His spotter used a M14 (I think).

[AfricanHunter]

Ill take it! PM inbound

You got it

[cseabass]

i had the pleasure of meeting him before he passed away. a true gentleman.

[rod]

Ill take it! PM inbound

Would you mind letting me read it when you're done?

[El Barto]

I think that comparing Carlos to the Canadians is almost apples to oranges.

For good measure, I'd like to give those guys what Carlos had, put them in a similar set up and tell them they have one shot. Then we'll see how well they do.

I got a couple of Carlos' autographs around somewhere. I also got the book signed by the author (or maybe Carlos, I forget). I used to work in a bookstore in Norfolk, VA and he came in once for a book signing (I wasn't there)

It does seem upsetting that they would "force" him out out because of his disabilities, but someone may have decided that he would get the most benefits; i.e. 100% disability pay and medical, versus retirement pay and whatever medical that would provide. Even if it was to his benefit, I can see how he would take this as being kicked out and how it would affect him.

Great man, none the less.

[FallingDown]

There's t.v., magazine and the movies and real life

1,500 yard head shot with minimal prep time.

oorah!

LOL - some SWAT magazine contributor (latest issue) was implying they do 1,500 from a moving helicopter all the time. Had to check the cover of the magazine to make sure it wasn't an issue of MAD.