For those in the audience who have not shot competitively, were not in the Marines, or have studied history in the "Public Education System" I have a history lesson, and story for you.
In 1966 during the Viet Nam Conflict, a young Gunnery Sergeant by the name of Carlos Hathcock II made a 400 yard shot on an enemy Guerilla who was lying in wait for a group of Marines. His actions that day probably saved the lives of at least a few of our Devil Dogs. Gunny Hathcock would go on to win the Silver Star, and ended his career with 93 confirmed kills, including one at 2,500 yards.
Forward 39 years. Fallujah, Iraq. Sgt. Herbert B. Hancock, a Marine scout sniper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, made the longest confirmed kill of the Iraq War, 1,050 yards. Just for those who are math impaired at home, that's 3,150 feet, or roughly 10 football fields. He made this shot while insurgents were shelling his compound. He used a M40A3 with a twenty power scope.
Why the history lesson? Both G. Sgt. Carlos Hathcock and Sgt. Herbert Hancock, used the M40. The M40 is a Remington 700 short action, married to a Schneider Match Grade barrel. This is paired with a kevlar stock, to prevent the shrink/swell that can sometimes happen with wood stocks. Yummy...
I think I see another PIG pic coming on..
Congrats Sarge! Thanks for all you do over there!
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2 comments:
Let's not forget to mention that Hancock is a Marine reservist serving since 1992, and is a Police offier back in the world. This guy just can't get enough public service!
CF
GySgt Carlos Hathcock's 2250 yard shot was made by mounting his sniper scope on the feed cover of a M2 HB Browning .50 cal HMG.
Gunny Hathcock was severely burned while rescuing personnel who had been aboard an M113 APC. He received serious burns that eventually led to MS. He was medically retired and lived out his life in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
His injuries caused him to give up his beloved sport of marksmanship, and a few buddies "brought him back from the brink" by introducing to deep sea fishing.
He passed away on February 23, 1999 from complication of MS.
Semper Fi.
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