The conversation is a detailed analysis of sniper scenes in movies by Nicholas Irving, a former Third Ranger Battalion Special Operations sniper and New York Times best-selling author.
Irving provides insights into the technical aspects of sniping, such as the importance of a sniper's pad, range finder, and 'dope book' (a record of previous engagements). He emphasizes the need for precision, especially in the use of the scope, the trigger, and the rifle's recoil. He also discusses the challenges of shooting at moving targets and the importance of having a clear line of sight.
Irving criticizes some aspects of sniper scenes in movies, particularly those involving shots through windows or scopes. He points out the unrealistic nature of these scenes, such as the bullet traveling through the scope and hitting the target in the eye. He also critiques the dialogue between snipers and spotters in movies, arguing that it's often inaccurate or lacks the necessary technical details.
Irving's analysis is based on his own experiences as a sniper in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he used a Remington bolt-action rifle. He talks about the difficulty of shooting under extreme conditions, such as the Coriolis effect caused by the Earth's rotation. He also mentions his interactions with other famous snipers, such as Chris Kyle and Carlos Hathcock.
Overall, the conversation provides a comprehensive and detailed look at the technical and practical aspects of sniping, with a particular focus on how it's portrayed in movies.
1. The speaker is Nicholas Irving, a former third ranger battalion special operations sniper and a best-selling author.
2. Irving spent six years in special operations.
3. He is known as the "reaper" for 33 kills in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
4. He is currently analyzing sniper scenes from movies.
5. He mentions the equipment used by snipers, including pads for laying on, range finders, and a dope book containing data on previous engagements.
6. He talks about the difficulty of shooting a moving train from a distance of 900 yards.
7. He discusses the challenges of shooting through glass panes and different types of glass.
8. He explains the use of a sniper rifle, including the bipod legs for stabilization, the scope, the trigger, and the butt stock.
9. He talks about the importance of a good eye position and cheek weld when using a sniper rifle.
10. He discusses the use of the term "one shot one kill" in the context of military sniper training.
11. He gives an example of a moment in a movie where a sniper has to decide whether to take a shot, mentioning the movie "Sniper Soul".
12. He talks about the training aspect of sniper school, where trainees are taught to detect targets and protect them from threats.
13. He discusses the tactic of wounding an enemy before killing them, explaining that it gives other individuals a chance to pick up or drag out the wounded individual.
14. He talks about the "Snap Bang Theory", a term used to describe the sequence of events when a sniper shoots and then hears the bang of the rifle followed by the crack of another rifle.
15. He mentions the story of Carlos Hacknock, a sniper who shoots and then has the bullet go through his scope and hit the enemy in the eye.
16. He discusses the difficulty of shooting a moving target from a great distance, mentioning the movie "Long Survivor".
17. He talks about the dedication of a spotter to a sniper team, explaining that in a sniper team, only the sniper and spotter exist.
18. He talks about the use of a 50 caliber rifle, mentioning that it's not a very powerful round but is accurate for open sights.
19. He discusses the use of a rifle without a scope, explaining that it's essentially like a scope without the scope.
20. He talks about the difficulty of shooting a moving target from a great distance, mentioning the movie "Long Survivor".
21. He discusses the dedication of a spotter to a sniper team, explaining that in a sniper team, only the sniper and spotter exist.
22. He talks about the use of a 50 caliber rifle, mentioning that it's not a very powerful round but is accurate for open sights.
23. He discusses the use of a rifle without a scope, explaining that it's essentially like a scope without the scope.
24. He talks about the difficulty of shooting a moving target from a great distance, mentioning the movie "Long Survivor".
25. He discusses the dedication of a spotter to a sniper team, explaining that in a sniper team, only the sniper and spotter exist.
26. He talks about the use of a 50 caliber rifle, mentioning that it's not a very powerful round but is accurate for open sights.
27. He discusses the use of a rifle without a scope, explaining that it's essentially like a scope without the scope.
28. He talks about the difficulty of shooting a moving target from a great distance, mentioning the movie "Long Survivor".
29. He discusses the dedication of a spotter to a sniper team, explaining that in a sniper team, only the sniper and spotter exist.
30. He talks about the use of a 50 caliber rifle, mentioning that it's not a very powerful round but is accurate for open sights.
31. He discusses the use of a rifle without a scope, explaining that it's essentially like a scope without the scope.
32. He talks about the difficulty of shooting a moving target from a great distance, mentioning the movie "Long Survivor".