[the-Brit]

I assume that a sniper would have these weapons: sniper rifle (obviously)
pistol 9mm?
Combat knife
My question is that would a sniper have a secondary rifle, like a M16 for a higher rate of fire, in case he got discovered, was out numbered and firing when retreating.
I know that this question defeats the whole purpose of sniping but what is a snipers back up option for when the "**** hits the fan"?

 

[mele]

Nope, way too many things to carry. The other team-mate carries a M16/M203 or other type of support weapon for in case the stuff hits the fan. No way to carry a sniper rifle and another backup rifle. Perhaps a small SMG, but even then, I'd say no.

MEL

 

[Jeff_850]

a US Army Sniper would carry the M24 SWS, USMC sniper the M40A3 sniper rifle
they would probably have an M9 pistol like everyone else
the spotter would be heavily armed one

 

[AK]

In most images I see, both the spotter and the sniper carry sniper rifles. Both generally have sidearms, and their knives.

Logic would dictate that the sniper carries the sniper rifle, whatever it may be, and the spotter carries a battle/assault rifle. (Yes, there is a difference.) Generally, the spotter would carry one of the shortened rifles, assuming his nation's military had them - M-4A1, C-8, AKS-74M, et cetera.

 

[Drew]

I saw a show on the British Royal Marine Snipers on the History Channel and the sniper carries a L85A1 and has his AI in a drag bag behind him. Now whether they do this all the time I don't know I just know that that is what they said they do and they even demonstrated it.

 

[AK]

I can see how they would do that, but all the things I have on UK snipers is that they both carry sniper rifles.

 

[westpointranger]

I think it may be a matter of personal preference and mission perimiters. I've had a Marine sniper tell me he carried an M16A2 and had his M40A1 in the drag bag. I've seen pics of Israeli Sayeret Operatives holding M4s with M24s on their backs. I've seen pics of Delta Force Operators doing the same. San Antonio SWAT snipers carry MP5s (but they're not having to lug 'em across no-man's-land). It probably doesn't happen much with regular military forces, but I guess certain spec ops units must do it (situation permitting of course).

 

[ag3nt]

A sniper uses its sniper and handgun thats it. maybe a frag nade.

ag3nt

 

[seal_hopeful]

drew is right the brits do carry their L85A1 with their AI. the idea does make sence on paper, but remember a good sniper only needs 1 good shot. a sniper's job is to hide and shoot, amd when discovered to get the heck out. not to exchange lead with a much larger force. i'm not a sniper so ask a sniper and see what he tells you.

 

[Jeff_850]

exchange lead to keep thier heads down while you RUN like hell
or if you cant escape atleast go down taking someone with you heh

 

[The Science of Boom!]

That or you could lay a claymore and take a WHOLE lot of them with you

 

[Finn.]

If a sniper has to use a anti-material sniper rifle they usually don't carry an assault rifle, if they use an anti-personnel sniper they usually do. The British Army recently recognised that carrying two weapons can be a little cumbersome. So they began introducing “Marksman Rifle’s”. These are 7.62mm long range assault rifles, which can be used in both regular contacts and long-range engagements.

 

[Tim37]

If a sniper has to use a anti-material sniper rifle they usually don't carry an assault rifle, if they use an anti-personnel sniper they usually do. The British Army recently recognised that carrying two weapons can be a little cumbersome. So they began introducing “Marksman Rifle’s”. These are 7.62mm long range assault rifles, which can be used in both regular contacts and long-range engagements.

I can't decide if I should make a comment about nunchucks and throwing stars or how this guy dug up a 13 year old thread for his first post.

 

[Scratch]

I can't decide if I should make a comment about nunchucks and throwing stars or how this guy dug up a 13 year old thread for his first post.

I vote for nunchucks and throwing stars...

 

[MitchAlsup]

I know that this question defeats the whole purpose of sniping but what is a snipers back up option for when the "**** hits the fan"?

At that point, it is already too late.

Don't forget the spotting scope.