The transcript is a conversation between Nicholas Irving, a former 3rd Ranger Battalion special operations sniper and New York Times best-selling author, and an unnamed individual. The discussion revolves around sniper scenes in movies, with Nicholas providing insights and critiques from his experience.
Nicholas shares his expertise on various aspects of sniper work, such as the use of equipment (like the DOPE book, which stands for data on previous engagements), the importance of precision and the correct use of the rifle, and the challenges of shooting at moving targets. He also comments on the realism of certain movie scenes, such as the sniper scene in "Saving Private Ryan," and provides his perspective on the training and tactics used in sniper school.
The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of sniper work, such as the life-altering, emotional-roller-coaster experience of ending a life. Nicholas discusses the importance of maintaining situational awareness and the physical demands of the role, such as the need for a strong skeletal structure to withstand recoil.
Nicholas also shares anecdotes from his own military service, including his time in Afghanistan and his interactions with other high-profile snipers like Chris Kyle. He critiques the accuracy of movie depictions of sniper work, particularly in relation to the difficulty of achieving a one-shot, one-kill strategy and the challenges of shooting through glass.
The conversation concludes with Nicholas providing a final assessment of the movie scenes discussed, and commenting on the overall standard of wartime movies.
1. The speaker, Nicholas Irving, is a former 3rd Ranger Battalion special operations sniper and a New York Times best-selling author.
2. Irving spent six years in special operations and is known as "The Reaper" for 33 kills in about a three-month time span in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
3. The speaker discusses sniper scenes in movies, stating that the shot itself is the most challenging part.
4. Irving mentions that the train is moving too fast and that shooting through glass may deflect and alter the bullet's flight.
5. The speaker uses a Remington bolt-action rifle that shoots a 6.5mm Creedmoor round.
6. Irving explains the importance of having a good body position behind the gun, a precision trigger squeeze, and a smooth trigger return.
7. The speaker discusses the use of a sniper scope, explaining that the reticle inside the scope is used for measurements.
8. Irving mentions the importance of target detection, something taught in sniper school.
9. The speaker recalls a scenario where he was pinned down by an enemy Chechnyan sniper for about three hours.
10. Irving talks about the importance of sniper dialogue and how a spotter should correct the sniper if they miss a shot.
11. The speaker mentions that the single shot with the .50 cal is realistic and has never seen or heard of it before.
12. Irving discusses the grueling experience of special operations and the best training they receive.
13. The speaker mentions meeting Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper accredited with the most kills in the US military as a sniper.
14. Irving talks about the importance of understanding the flight time of a bullet and taking into consideration the Coriolis effect.
15. The speaker discusses the use of a Mosin-Nagant rifle and how a sniper can adjust the elevation by sliding a lever.
16. Irving mentions that most of his shots overseas were from the knee and that even a good sniper could pull off a shot from that distance.
17. The speaker discusses the use of a sniper in a movie and mentions the importance of not letting the rifle hang out the window.