Sniper rifles are powerful weapons that help you be lethal from afar, from the soothing comfort of your covert position, somewhere in the distance. Check out this article to get some insight!

Introduction

A sniper rifle is a long-barreled rifle with a rifled barrel (also called a "breech-loading rifle") designed to accurately shoot targets at long distances. It is used by the military, police, and hunters. In police operations, due to its high precision, the final rescue shot is executed with this type of rifle. Yes, the final rescue shot also gets you a chicken dinner.

The maximum effective range varies depending on the specific weapon, as it comes down to its design and caliber. For military weapons, the average maximum effective range is around 1,000 meters. Nevertheless, there are rifles that can shoot over 2.5 kilometers.

In PUBG, it is less likely to hit a target at a 1000 meter distance, yet there are players who have managed to do so. In general, the further you land a kill, the better you improve your skill!

Criteria for ranking sniper rifles

The criteria for this list of the best PUBG sniper rifles is overall usefulness. While the Lynx AMR might be the strongest weapon in terms of damage, it only comes with very few bullets. So it's not very useful. The Winchester shoots quickly with nearly unlimited ammo, but has very little hit damage. 

After all, this article strives to recommend the best weapons for those who are not too familiar with the game. So let’s get to it.

Ranking

6. Lynx AMR

Lynx AMR stats

• Hit damage: 118
• Ammo Type: .50 Caliber
• Bullet speed: 780 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 10

This semi-automatic sniper rifle was originally designed to take out enemy troops in vehicles, penetrate light shelters, and even destroy missile launchers and hovering helicopters. It can shoot farther than 2000 meters. 

It is the strongest weapon in the game, considering the damage. This is why you can only find it in airdrops. But you rarely see it in action, as it comes with a strong limiting factor: only 10 rounds in total.

This makes the sniper rifle an object to muck around with in mid-game but not a valuable tool for the final stage of the game. See if you can stop a vehicle with this one, everybody will be surprised how well that works. 

Bottom line:

• It’s worth trying it out in mid-game, as the gun deals more damage than the AWM.

How to get the Lynx AMR: 

• Can only be found in airdrops, secret rooms, lab camps, or pillar boxes.

5. Winchester Model 1894

Winchester stats

• Hit damage: 66
• Ammo Type: .45 ACP
• Bullet speed: 760 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 8

This lever-action repeating rifle was invented in 1894 and quickly became a famous hunting rifle for the following century. Winchester stopped manufacturing in 2006.

In PUBG, the Win94 is a bit of an underrated weapon. Despite its comparably low hit damage, it comes with a built-in scope, as with the VSS. This is why you could consider using it in the early to mid game, as you basically find it everywhere.

The time between shots is around half a second, which gives you more opportunity to land a shot. Some players will be surprised that they actually got killed by the Win94 once you land the head shot.

Bottom line:

• Due to its availability, the weapon is suitable for early game.
• It comes with a scope, so you can engage in long range combat right away.

How to get the Winchester:

• High spawn rate;you find it everywhere.

4. Mosin Nagant

Mosin Nagant stats

• Hit damage: 79
• Ammo Type: 7.62 mm
• Bullet speed: 760 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 5

Being three years older than the Win94, this Russian made sniper rifle is the bedrock of all sniper rifles. It has been used in almost every major conflict since its first use in 1891.

In PUBG, the Mosin was added as a 1:1 copy of the Kar98, just differing in sound and appearance. It was intended to give more personal freedom of choice to the player.

The Mosin is not as loud as the Kar98 at short- to mid-range distances, giving you a slight advantage in terms of detection. Kudos to WackyJacky for pointing that out.

Bottom line:

• Without a silencer, the Mosin is more suited to low- to mid-range combat as it is less noisy than the Kar98.
• Question of choice, as the stats are the same for both vintage sniper rifles.

How to get the Mosin:

• As of 2021, the Mosin only spawns on Erangel and Vikendi.

3. Karabiner 98 Kurz

Kar98 stats

• Hit damage: 79
• Ammo Type: 7.62mm
• Bullet speed: 760 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 5

The Kar98 is a German bolt-action sniper rifle. After World War II, the rifle remained popular to this day, especially among collectors. These days, it is still being used as a hunting rifle.

The Kar98 is the first sniper rifle in PUBG. This is why the rifle is still popular. It has a little nostalgic feel to it, as in the beginning of PUBG, it was the only bolt-action sniper rifle. All the following snipers, except the Mosin, were drop-only weapons.

As previously stated, Kar98 and Mosin have the exact same stats. The Kar98 is louder but shorter in total length. This makes it easier to hide behind walls without the barrel sticking out and revealing your presence.

Bottom line:

• Shorter rifle than the Mosin;better suited for hiding.
• Due to the loud noise, it clearly gives away your position.

How to get the Kar98:

• It is randomly distributed among all maps.

2. M24

M24 stats

• Hit damage: 75
• Ammo Type: 7.62 mm
• Bullet speed: 790 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 8

This modern bolt-action sniper rifle has been in service for the U.S. Army since 1988. It has also been part of American military aid to Ukraine.

In PUBG, it used to be a drop-only weapon. Even though it has less hit damage than the more classic sniper rifles, the M24 excels in its muzzle velocity stats. Due to this fact, it has less bullet drop at longer distances.

It also comes with more attachment points, resulting in an increased magazine size of 8 bullets compared to 5. The suppressed sound of the M24 is hard to distinguish from the suppressed AWM.

Bottom line:

• Due to its high muzzle velocity, the M24 deals more damage at longer distances.
• More attachment points give you more advantages.

How to get the M24:

• It can be found everywhere on the map.

1. AWM

AWM stats

• Hit damage: 105
• Ammo Type: .300
• Bullet speed: 945 m/s
• Extended Clip Size: 8

The British Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum, or AWM, is the most modern of all sniper rifles in the game. In service since 1996, it has been produced until 2013. Counter- Strike fans are familiar with this bolt-action sniper rifle.

Due to its extraordinarily high bullet speed and damage, it is the best sniper rifle in PUBG. Despite its low ammo supply of 20 rounds, it is advisable to use the AWM when you get your hands on it.

When in the vicinity, this weapon is capable of making players with level 3 helmets uncomfortable. The dull sound of the shot propagates trouble.

Bottom line:

• The best weapon in the game due to its high damage and bullet speed.
• Capable of striking through a level 3 helmet, instantly knocking the other player.

How to get the AWM:

• Can only be found in airdrops, secret rooms, lab camps, or pillar boxes.

Tips for using sniper rifles effectively

There are some general tips and strategies for using sniper rifles effectively.

• Use the “hold breath” button, which helps you aim more accurately.
• Obviously, you want to aim slightly above the opponent’s head at a longer distance to counter the bullet drop.
• The Win94, Kar98, and Mosin have more bullet drop than the other sniper rifles.
• Strive to find quick-draw magazines.
• If possible, use silencers.
• Perform your shot as quickly as possible in sniper duels; focus on speed rather than accuracy.
• Pre-aim with the crosshair before you zoom in with the scope.
• In solo play, a sniper headshot kills an opponent instantly, unless the other player wears a Level 3 helmet

Conclusion

The AWM is undoubtedly the best sniper weapon in PUBG. Even though it only comes with 20 shots in total, you should always use it. The Winchester might be the weakest gun, but it is actually a proper early game gun and fun to play. 

There are a few points to keep in mind when using sniper rifles - but it really comes down to practice and experience. If you keep having trouble handling a sniper, just head over to training mode to perform some shots in…peace. The effort will be worth it. Peace!

Further reading on weapons in PUBG:

PUBG Best Handguns (From Worst To Best)

PUBG Best SMGs (From Worst To Best)

PUBG Best Assault Rifles (From Worst To Best)

PUBG Best DMRs (From Worst to Best)

PUBG Best Explosives (From Worst To Best)

PUBG Best Melee Weapons (From Worst To Best)