Sniper Rifles
Sniper rifles are generally the same in COD2 from COD1, typically scoped versions of their bolt-action counterparts. COD2 features new scope reticules as well as a steady aim function, which allows players to hold their breath shortly for straight aim. Unlike COD1, and like CODUO, the scopes appear larger when aiming, facilitating easier usage than the smaller scope diameter in COD1.
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Springfield
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Name: M1903A4 Springfield
Country of origin: USA
Available for: American
Calibre: .30-06 (7.62 x 63mm)
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Firing mechanism: Bolt-action
Weight: 3.94kg
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Historical Background
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In the 1890`s, the US Army was looking into several rifle designs for adoption. Among them, the Mauser caught their eye, and soon they purchased licenses to copy certain parts of the Mauser. In 1900, the first Springfield rifle was developed. However, this weapon proved to be unsatisfactory, and it was re-designed along with its bullet. Chambered for the .30 round developed in 1906 (hence, .30-06), the Springfield modified several features of the Mauser design, including a two-piece bolt and improved rear-sights. The Springfield
was the standard-issue rifle of the American Army in WWI.
The Springfield underwent some refinements and modifications, including the Pederson Device, which converted the Springfield into a light automatic weapon firing a special round, intended to allow a charging soldier to continue to suppress enemy positions out of machine gun range. However, the war ended before it could be used, so all converted Springfields were scrapped. The M1903A3 was introduced in 1942, designed for mass-production and supplied units before the M1 Garand was finally shipped to all units, which was somewhat later in the Pacific theatre.
The M1903A4 was the sniper variant of the Springfield, featuring permanent blocks to attach a telescopic sight and had the iron sights removed, giving a curious "naked" look. The standard weapon for snipers, the Springfield was incredibly accurate and reliable.
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Call of Duty 2 notes
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The Springfield is identical to the COD1 version, with the only change being the loss of its cool firing echo, replaced with a sharper shot sound. It is the only scoped weapon that does not have a corresponding unscoped version, making the American team the only team without an unscoped bolt-action rifle.
The scope consists of a black cross reticule, with the intersection of both lines marking the exact point of impact. The weapon has perfect accuracy and will hit where it is pointed at. As a bolt-action rifle, it has a slow rate of fire, and it reloads one round at a time.
On a small note, the weapon model for the Springfield is incorrect. The M1903A4 sniper variant lacked iron sights, while the in-game model has a front post above the muzzle. The M1903A5 variant retained the iron sights.
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Scoped Kar98k
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Name: Mauser Karabiner 1898 Kurz
Country of origin: Germany
Available for: German
Calibre: 7.92 x 57mm Mauser
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Firing mechanism: Bolt-action
Weight: 3.92kg
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Historical Background
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Due to the reliability, power and accuracy of the Kar98k, it was the weapon of choice for German snipers and was issued with a telescopic sight. It continued to be the standard sniper weapon even after semi-automatic weapons were introduced, such as the Gewehr 43, due to the snipers` need for the best precision possible, which is not possible with semi-automatic weapons.
Refer to Kar98k section for the historical background to the unscoped rifle.
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Call of Duty 2 notes
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The Scoped Kar98k is identical to the COD1 version, down to the same firing and reload sounds. Like the Springfield, the Scoped Kar98k reloads one bullet at the time and holds five rounds in its magazine. The COD2 Scoped Kar98k now has a proper telescopic sight instead of the weird clamped-on sight of COD1.
The scope consists of a T-shaped reticule. The horizontal line aids in sighting a target, while the tip of the thick centre line designates the exact point of impact. This scope more closely resembles the COD1 scope rather than the CODUO crosshair.
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Scoped Gewehr 43
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Name: Gewehr 43
Country of origin: Germany
Available for: German
Calibre: 7.92 x 57mm Mauser
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
Firing mechanism: Semi-automatic, gas-operated
Weight: 4.33kg
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Historical Background
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As a semi-automatic rifle, the Gewehr 43 was often issued as a specialist weapon to marksmen in squads. While an accurate weapon, it was susceptible to poor production quality and favoured poorly against the preferred sniper`s weapon, the Kar98k.
Refer to Gewehr 43 section for additional background on the weapon.
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Call of Duty 2 notes
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The Scoped Gewehr 43 is not selectable from the Multiplayer menu, and is only available in Single Player at certain (usually out of the way) locations. The Gewehr 43 is the only semi-automatic scoped weapon in the game. Unlike the FG-42 from COD1, it cannot double up as a close-combat weapon.
The scope sight is the same as the Scoped Kar98k, with a T-shaped reticule. The tip of the middle line designates the exact point of impact. Because of its semi-automatic capability, the Scoped G-43 can fire a second-shot immediately after the first. However, the recoil is significantly noticeable while aiming down the sight, making accurate second-shots impossible.
The Scoped Gewehr 43 has the same damage as the regular G-43, so it can kill in one headshot and 2 torso shots. Because of its poor second-shot accuracy, it is essential that the first shot be aimed at the head to guarantee a kill.
Like the G-43, the Scoped Gewehr 43 is reloaded with a full 10-round box magazine.
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Scoped Lee-Enfield
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Name: No.4 Mk.1(T)
Country of origin: Great Britain
Available for: British
Calibre: .303 British
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
Firing mechanism: Bolt-action
Weight: 4.11kg
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Historical Background
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Like other sniper rifles during the war, the No.4 Mk.1(T) was from the derived from the standard Lee-Enfield rifle. The most accurate rifles were fitted with 3.5x telescopic sights for use as a sniper`s weapon, and is regarded as one of the best sniper rifles in the war.
For further information, refer to the Lee-Enfield section.
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Call of Duty 2 notes
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The British have lost the American Springfield in COD2, and instead have their own unique sniper rifle. The Scoped Lee-Enfield has the 10-round magazine of its unscoped version, and features an off-set telescopic sight, which makes it easier to see when carrying the weapon.
The scope contains features from the other scopes. It has the think black crosshair of the Springfield, the thick middle line of the German scopes, and the arrow-shaped tip of the Russian scope. It`s really hard not to figure out where the point of impact is; it`s at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines, made even more obvious by the thick line and arrow-head.
The Scoped Lee-Enfield is one of the more dangerous sniper rifles, as its 10-round magazine allows the sniper to take out many more targets than other sniper rifles. Like its regular version, the Scoped Lee-Enfield cannot reload with single rounds, but instead uses 5-round clips.
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Scoped Mosin-Nagant
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Name: Mosin-Nagant M1891/38
Country of origin: Russia
Available for: Russian
Calibre: 7.62 x 54mm
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Firing mechanism: Bolt-action
Weight: 3.8kg
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Historical Background
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Like the Kar98k, the Mosin-Nagant was a superb rifle in terms of power, reliability and accuracy. As a result, it was the snipers` weapon of choice and was issued with a scope and was kept in use well after the war, even after the introduction of the semi-automatic SVT-40.
For the rest of the Mosin-Nagant history, refer to section Mosin-Nagant.
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Call of Duty 2 notes
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Like Scoped Kar98k, the Scoped Mosin-Nagant is practically the same as the COD1 version, including the weapon sounds. However, it has received a visual overhaul. The Scoped Mosin-Nagant how has some cosmetic camouflage effects, with an olive-coloured cloth wrapped around the barrel and some hessian cloth wrapped around the scope, giving it a pretty cool appearance. It`s purely cosmetic though, as the player model isn`t camouflaged, hence rendering weapon camouflage ineffective.
The scope has changed from CODUO. Rather than using the T-crosshair (now used by the German scopes), the crosshair consists of a centre line tipped with an arrow-head. The point of impact is at the point of convergence of the arrow-head and centre line, in other words the tip of the arrow.
The Scoped Mosin-Nagant can no longer be reloaded with a 5-round charger, and is instead reloaded with individual rounds like the Springfield and Kar98k.
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General Sniper Tactics
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Firstly, it is essential to understand how the scope works in COD2. In COD1 and CODUO, the stability of the scope depended on your stance. This is no longer true for COD2, as the scope has a consistent sway regardless of whether the player is standing, crouching or prone. The sway is easy to counteract, but the fact that it`s there may make sniping a bit frustrating.
There`s a simple reason for the consistent sway though: COD2 now has a feature that allows snipers to hold their breath temporarily. This is activated by holding the Steady Aim button (SHIFT by default) while looking down the scope. While in Steady Aim mode, players will hear their heartbeat as the rest of their sound awareness is dulled. Most importantly, the scope is perfectly stable while players hold their breath, regardless of stance. This allows
snipers to pull off perfectly accurate shots, and a good sniper can release their breath after each shot and steady for another shot after the next round is loaded. Using this feature, snipers can take out 3-4 targets within seconds.
The Steady Aim function only works for around 7-8 seconds (or 5 heartbeats). You won`t die from holding your breath too long, thankfully. Instead, your character will suddenly release his breath, your scope will move around very erratically, and you will unable to use the Steady Aim function again for around five seconds. Consequently, it would be a good idea not to use the Steady Aim function until the moment of the shot. Shots can still be fired accurately without being steadied, but the perfect stability of the scope is highly desirable, and arguably makes scoped weapons too easy to use.
Snipers should avoid close combat at all costs, and remain in the rear to support advancing allies. Due to their precision, snipers are large threats when in a good vantage point, such as looking down an alley or towards a chokepoint.
However, it is also important to follow some general sniping guidelines. Pick vantage points that provide good cover when needed, and relocate now and then to throw enemies off your trail. Pick a position that is easy to defend when cornered and hard to flank, such as a building with only one entrance or one stairwell, or a rooftop that can only be accessed by running through your team spawn. When possible, swap the pistol for a submachine gun, as the pistol is poor at personal defense while the submachine gun is a solid weapon to use when you are aware of enemies coming up to flank you. If in a good position, the submachine gun is more than enough to deal with flankers.
Note that while looking down the scope, you will not see any HUD indicators, so you will not able to see the grenade indicator. Be strongly aware of the sound of grenades, footsteps and enemy weapons, as your hearing is your only early warning system. Often it is better to be cautious and suspend your sniping until you are sure your rear is clear. Ideally, work with someone who can cover your flank. Your personal defense is improved by the fact that the sniper carries a total of three frag grenades, more than any other class.
On a random note, the physical size of the scope on the weapon model is substantially larger in COD2 than in COD1. While is isn`t a problem while standing or crouching, the scope takes up a lot of space on the screen when prone, so be wary of scanning target areas when prone, as you will be unable to see unless you look through the scope.
Because of the large scopes and moderate zoom level, snipers are effective at both long and medium ranges, but are no match in a short-range engagement. The key to sniping is to find the right position, and the weapon will do all the work. |