Shooter by Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin USMC and Capt. Casey Kuhlman, USMCR

11 August 2006, 07:52

Shooter is a good book that basically covers Sgt Coughlins sniping in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (the invasion). It is a good but not great read, I'd give it about 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Sgt. Coughlin is, according to most counts, the Marine with probably the most kills of any sniper. In the book he makes some very impressive shots while "zoned in" as he calls it. Basically, as he was trained to do, he blocks everything out but the conditions and the target and kills them a very high percentage of the time. One time, he was shooting at some bad guys bobbing in and out of a bunker comples at about 1/2 mile. He shot 7 times and only killed 4. As he said, "7 shots for 4 targets is a terrible ratio for a sniper, but of all the shooting I did in this war, I considered this the best. The fluid battlefield was cluttered, visibility was terrible, it was hard to read firing lines, the targets were moving quickly and at crazy angles, and I had no trained observer to call the shots or targets."

Sgt. Coughlin developed the idea that a mobile sniper cadre could be very effective in a fast moving war. His ideas, initially frowned upon by the higher ups, were proven very effective in Iraq. He often shot out of a sitting position on top of a Humvee, not exactly a classic sniper hide.

xxxxxxxxxx
When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere.

NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR.

I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process.

14 August 2006, 07:27

Norman Conquest

Have you read "A Rifleman Went To War",by Herbert McBride?A snipers memoirs in WW1.I have'nt read it in years but remember really enjoying it.Especially the generally positive attitude displayed while living in those conditions.When I was a kid I had an Uncle who had fought in WW1,+ the stories he told of living in the trenches were memorable,to say the least.

14 August 2006, 08:05

billinthewild

quote:
Originally posted by Norman Conquest:
Have you read "A Rifleman Went To War",by Herbert McBride?A snipers memoirs in WW1.I have'nt read it in years but remember really enjoying it.Especially the generally positive attitude displayed while living in those conditions.When I was a kid I had an Uncle who had fought in WW1,+ the stories he told of living in the trenches were memorable,to say the least.

The most compelling account I have ever read about the war in the trenches, and underground, is in Birdsong, by Sebastian Faulks. Compelling.

14 August 2006, 08:06

Gatogordo

Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting, I'll try to find it. Thanks for the tip.