Moving Targets

In a real life scenario, a target will most likely be moving.  This movement adds yet another variable to be dealt with before squeezing off a shot.
Engaging moving targets not only requires the Sniper to determine the target's distance and the wind's effects on the round, but he must also consider the lateral speed and angle of the target, the round's time of flight, and the placement of a proper lead to compensate for both. These added variables increase the chance of a miss. Therefore, the Sniper should engage moving targets when it is the only option.

Techniques -  To engage moving targets, the Sniper employs the following techniques:

1) Leading- Engaging moving targets requires the Sniper to place the cross hairs ahead of the target's movement. The distance the cross hairs are placed in front of the target's movement is called a lead. There are four factors in determining leads:
 

a) Speed of the target - As a target moves faster, it will move a greater distance during the bullet's flight. Therefore, the lead increases as the target's speed increases.

b) Angle of movement - A target moving perpendicular to the bullet's flight path moves a greater lateral distance than a target moving at an angle away from or toward the bullet's path. Therefore, a target moving at a 45 degree angle covers less ground than a target moving at a 90 degree angle.

c) Range to target - The farther away a target is, the longer it takes for the bullet to reach it. Therefore, the lead must be increased as the distance to the target increases.

d) Wind effects - The Sniper must consider how the wind will affect the trajectory of the round. A wind blowing with the target's direction of movement requires less of a lead than a wind blowing in the same direction as the target's movement.

2) Tracking- Tracking requires the Sniper to establish an aiming point ahead of the target's movement and to maintain it as the weapon is fired. This requires the weapon and body position to be moved while following the target and firing.

3) Trapping or Ambushing - Trapping or ambushing is the Sniper's preferred method of engaging moving targets. The Sniper must establish an aiming point ahead of the target and pull the trigger when the target reaches it. This method allows the Sniper's body to remain motionless. With practice, a Sniper can determine exact leads and aiming points using the horizontal stadia lines in the mil dots in the M3A.

4) Firing a snap shot - A Sniper uses this technique to engage a target that only presents itself briefly, then resumes cover. Once he establishes a pattern, he can aim in the vicinity of the targets expected appearance and fire a snap shot at the moment of exposure.

Calculation of leads

1.  Time of flight ( in seconds ) x target speed ( in feet per seconds / fps ) = lead ( in feet )

2.  then take lead ( in feet ) x .3048 = meters

3.  next meters x 1000 = mil. lead

4.  divided by range

Time of flight

100m = .1 sec
200m = .2
300m = .4
500m = .7
600m = .9
700m = 1.0
800m = 1.3
900m = 1.5
1000m =1.8

Target speed

slow patrol = 1fps
fast patrol =  2fps
slow walk =  4fps
fast walk =   6fps
run =           11fps