This book is, overall, very good. The tactical and fieldcraft information is superb. Highly technical shooters should be aware that the information presented on "The Mil" on page 122 is erroneous. The correct values are: (1) There are 6283.2 mils in a complete circle; (2) 1 mil = 3.438 MOA; and (3)1 mil @ 100 yards = 3.600 inches. Use of Michaelis' values will put you off by 0.225 MOA (2 inches at 900 yards).

I read this book primarily for two reasons: (1) learn how to adjust for all factors in order to be on target with the first shot in varying conditions and at varying distances not known in advance of ranging, and (2) get an idea of specific makes and configurations of long distance rifles, optics, and related equipment so that I could make an intelligent selection. This book has been remarkably good in these two areas. It does present the information you need to know to dial in your shot accurately and adjust for changes in temperature, altitude, distance, and so on before you take the first shot. I've been pleased with the results using Dean's book and data tables. I've also used his reviews of rifles and optics to make purchases that I've been happy with.

If you have questions in any of these areas, this is a excellent book. Much of the book will be useful to you. The title does not fully reflect all the information contained in the book, though. It contains tons of useful information whether you shoot the big 50s or just 308s and 338s.

As far as other parts of the book of interest to real snipers or wannabes, such as target selection, evasion, etc, I have no expertise to judge, although I found the chapters an interesting read. My personal theory of combat is "when they're in range, you're in range" and therefore I'd just as soon stick to shooting paper targets or fresh venison.

The book contains a lot of information, much of it good background info and a good read for people with an interest in the subject matter. However, I would be careful about characterizing the work as a "Complete .50 Caliber Sniper Course" or anything approaching a "Hard-Target Interdiction" protocol. It is neither, in my view.

Anyone having with so-called "designated marksman" experience(using current politically correct language)knows full well that there is no one as necessarily self-confident and as self-reliant as the sniper. These attributes alone preclude the application the "cookie-cutter" or "formula" approach taken in the book.

As regards interdiction, the effort will be short-lived and unsuccessful given a presumption of an untalented target. In the real world, combatants are often relatively equally resolved, talented, and eqipped and success and failure are separated only by a greater level of paranoia and prevailing circumstances, with the target having the home town advantage. A successful effort, followed by an unsuccessful evasion (capture), may be expected to result in the sniper's swift execution and an unsuccessful mission.

The real world is a cold and harsh one. That which is needed to survive in the world into which the author takes his reader cannot be taught the way he strives to teach it and success and survival cannot be achieved with the insights and tools he provides.

Read the book, enjoy it for what it is - a good read on a subject that is, for most, an esoteric one in which many have an interest and there isn't too much around to read.

If you are interested in long range shooting and you like ballistics, GET THIS BOOK! I am in the process of moving up from a light-class system to a medium/heavy-class system, and this book had ALL the information I needed to get started. As for the use of theodolites versus lasers, I disagree with "Bragg"! I know from personal experience that lasers are very easy to detect on the modern battlefield. I'm looking forward to learning more about the use of a theodolite as supposed to a laser on longer distances. If you have any questions about this review or related topics feel free to e-mail me:

ballistics@usa.com

First, did you read the book, or is this purely a personal opinion. I would invite you to contact me to discuss your opinion. The reality is that nearly ALL sniper instructors in the military, current and past, did NOT see combat experience. I have a pretty good idea who this is, but why don't you step up and put your name to your review like the others did?

DM