The course instructor, Marko Vorobiev, proved to be a wealth of information and a gifted teacher. (Photo: Suarez International)

Fieldcraft played a big role in the recent Spetsnaz Sniper Course taught by Marko Vorobiev and hosted by Suarez International. To cover all the shooting necessary, as well as fieldcraft and tactics, would have taken much longer than the allotted 3 days, but we did manage to include a little of everything.

We learned to conduct squad movement, as well as dig a sniper's nest in several locations, fortify it, conceal it, then shoot from it. Some built minimalist nests while others made themselves "at home." Vorobiev explained that it all came down to concealing the shape, shadow, silhouette and shine of the shooter to provide concealment from the enemy. The use of natural features, vegetation (including how to remove it so that it could be reused and look natural), "shelves" to expedite reloading and impenetrable mass such as stones or flak jackets were all incorporated into the sniping nests.

We used wooden silhouettes to depict infantrymen as well as machine-gun nests, at Marko's direction, as they used in Russian military training. Steel targets would probably have worked better but we wanted to see how it was done in the Russian military. These targets were placed on a hillside partially concealed at distances ranging from approximately 125 yards to around 250 yards.

Students were instructed in how to sketch the battlefield and utilize terrain features for points of reference. The concept was: The natural features are essentially immovable and will not change, and thus make better reference points than infantry or machine gunners who can and will move during a firefight. Later we'd use these features to help the snipers locate specific targets.

These targets were then assigned and engaged under Marko's watchful eye. The emphasis was on rapid second-sight picture and follow-up shots as well as quick second- and third-target acquisition. This sometimes involved moving across the entire field of fire from one flank to another.

It became apparent that speed was facilitated by a lower magnification, while precision of course was better at the higher magnifications. Typically, those with well-established rifle skills were able to perform the multiple shots and new target acquisitions somewhat easier.

By the third day the distances were moved back and steel targets were used. We moved into the adjacent hills, and set up a hasty camp. We utilized natural features such as rock formations for cover and concealment and adapted to the terrain more than have the terrain adapted to our needs. The distances increased to around 500 yards. The targets were in the 225- to 350-yard range with additional targets farther out at 400 and 500 yards. We spent the day shooting at this long range.

I think the biggest thing to understand is that field shooting at targets placed at unknown distances is far more challenging than on a flat, square, known-distance range. Taking a field shot at 500 yards is difficult no matter what your rifle and scope.

Some Comments About Gear

We saw several aftermarket magazines for the Saiga fail when filled with the Arizona dirt and dust. Saiga Factory magazines did fine.

Factory Saiga magazines only hold eight rounds, but there's a way to modify the magazine to hold 10 rounds. I did this to mine and have had great success - the 10-round Saiga 308 is able to keep up with the 10-round SVD/PSL.

On calibers, if I was running a PSL or an SVD, I'd stockpile 7N1 as the preferred fodder. This is really good ammo and the supply will eventually run out. I'd also research other ammo types to replace the 7N1 if it becomes unavailable.

On accessories, I haven't been a fan of the bipod since my old days as a police sniper. But for field use, I'm rethinking the bipod issue. I saw a lot of good bipod work with the Harris systems and there may be a good place for one on your rifle. Slings are useful for carry, but of all the attendees, I didn't see one man use his sling for shooting. There was simply no call for it.

Binoculars, laser range finders, and good rucksacks were also used quite well. And of course, the shovel. The Russians are known for their affinity for the shovel. Now I know why.

The best quote of the course came after a long day of shooting, when a handful of us went back to retrieve the steels we'd emplaced earlier in the day. We had to drive there, and then do some hiking. We got to the furthest steel when staff instructor Karl Kasarda stopped one of the students (who happened to have been a novice and had never fired outside of a 100-yard square range).

"Turn around and look at where you were hitting from."

The look on his face was priceless, and his comment unprintable here.

Marko was a great instructor and he's a wealth of information. We want to thank him for the training and hopefully this won't be the last class we do with him.

-End of part 2 (of 2) -

Gabe Suarez is an internationally recognized close-combat shooting authority. He served 15 years in law enforcement as a SWAT operator. Currently he's the president of Suarez International USA - a training organization with branches all over the free world. For more on Suarez, visit SuarezInternational.com.