Recon players choose between two families of rifle: bolt-action snipers and semi-automatic marksman rifles. They look similar through a scope, but they reward different habits. This guide explains the practical differences and which to buy first.
The short answer
- Marksman rifles (SKS, SVD, BMR-308) let you fire a second shot straight away. They suit newer players and mixed-range fights.
- Snipers (Mosin Nagant, SV98, MK22, AMR 50) hit harder per shot, especially to the head. They suit patient players who pick a position and stay there.
- If you are unsure, start with a marksman rifle. Missing is much cheaper when you can correct and fire again.
What each rifle costs and weighs
| Rifle | Type | Price | Weight | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKS | Marksman | $2,400 | 3.85 kg | Semi automatic |
| SVD | Marksman | $4,800 | 5.3 kg | Semi automatic |
| BMR-308 | Marksman | $6,000 (Recon Lvl 30) | 3.9 kg | Semi automatic |
| Mosin Nagant | Sniper | $4,500 | 4.1 kg | Bolt-action |
| SV98 | Sniper | $5,200 (Recon Lvl 19) | 5.8 kg | Bolt-action, magazine fed |
| MK22 | Sniper | $6,400 (Recon Lvl 25) | 6.3 kg | Bolt-action, magazine fed |
| AMR 50 | Sniper | $8,800 (Recon Lvl 35) | 12.5 kg | Bolt-action, magazine fed |
The Scout Rifle TD ($1,100) is a break-action sniper that holds a single round. Community guides call it the weakest gun on the sniper track, since it reloads one bullet at a time. Most players are better off saving for something else.
Why damage multipliers matter
The base damage of the two families is similar. The difference is in the multipliers. Marksman rifles use a 2.50x head multiplier and a 1.30x chest multiplier, which separates the SVD from a true sniper rifle. Snipers get a much bigger head multiplier. The Mosin deals 176 on a headshot against the SVD's 137.5.
In practice, a Mosin headshot at range is reported to kill through helmets and body armour. A marksman rifle usually needs two hits against armoured targets. The SKS cannot one-shot armoured enemies, but landing two quick shots is not difficult. The community-reported damage figures, such as 42 for the SKS and 55 for the SV98 and Mosin, come from third-party sites rather than official notes. Treat them as a guide.
Choosing by playstyle
Pick a marksman rifle if you
- Move between positions and get caught in mid-range fights.
- Are still learning to judge drop and lead.
- Want a cheaper loss when you die, which matters because the SKS costs half the SVD's price.
The SKS is the natural starting point. If someone closes the distance, you can remove the scope and still have a reliable rifle. The SVD is the step up. It is semi-automatic, hits like a sniper round, and lets you correct a missed shot instead of waiting on a bolt.
Pick a sniper if you
- Hold one elevated or well-covered position for a whole fight.
- Value one-shot headshots over speed.
- Have a squadmate who can cover your flank.
The SV98 is magazine fed, so reloads no longer take you out of the fight. It is the usual recommendation for a first serious bolt-action. Do not count on it in close or mid-range gunfights. That makes your sidearm, and an escape route, more important.
A note on the BMR-308
The BMR-308 hits hard for a marksman rifle. Check the optics before buying it. In our loadout data, the 6x and 6-10x scopes are not listed for it, and the 4x Combat Prism Scope with Reflex is. If you want a long-range scope, the SVD or a sniper is the better fit. You can check compatibility in the loadout builder.
Distance, drop and leading shots
Every rifle here is affected by bullet drop. Inside 100 metres it is negligible, but past 300 metres it decides the shot. A sprinting target at long range can need several metres of lead.
Bolt-actions make this harder, because a miss costs you the time it takes to cycle. A marksman rifle lets you watch where the first round landed and fire a corrected second one. That is why it is more forgiving while you build the feel for it.
Optics and bipods
- 6x Precision Rifle Scope ($680): fits the SKS, SVD and all the bolt-action snipers, including the Scout Rifle TD. It is a sensible first scope.
- 3x-6x LPVO Short Dot ($860, Recon Lvl 11): a variable option if you swap between mid and long range.
- Bipods: the SKS Bipod ($800, Recon Lvl 7), SVD Bipod ($1,120, Recon Lvl 14) and SV98 Bipod ($1,250, Recon Lvl 21) all help when prone. Bipods make the SKS smoother to control, and the community says a bipod build gives an almost recoil-free experience.
- Ammo: the SVD, Mosin Nagant, SV98 and PKM all use 7.62x54mm. A Support player with a PKM can keep you supplied. The SKS uses 7.62x39mm, and the MK22 and BMR-308 use .308 Win.
Staying hidden
The Ghillie Body Suit ($3,000) and Ghillie Headwear ($2,500) unlock at Recon Lvl 24 and must be worn together. They remove the death cam after a kill. They also hide you from infrared range finders, but those were pulled from the vendor.
Do not skip the cheap items. One guide prefers a Small Hammer over a monocular or range finder in the specialist slot. A quick build of cover around your position is often worth more than extra zoom.
Common mistakes
- Buying a bolt-action too early. If you miss often, you will spend most of the fight cycling the bolt.
- Staying put after a shot. Every shot shows your position. Move after a kill or two.
- Ignoring spotting. A first infantry tag pays $100 and 25 Recon XP, with another $400 and 150 XP if that target dies. Tagging for your squad pays well and is safe.
- Chasing long shots with no spotter. Ask a squadmate to call targets. Squad nights are good for practising this.
- Carrying too much weight. The AMR 50 is 12.5 kg. Check your total before you spawn.
What changes in Season 2
This guide was checked against Update 0.1.2 and the 2 October hotfix. The hotfix removed IR Rangefinders from the vendor, and they return in Season 02 needing batteries. Before that, snipers could mark a target with one and then take a one-shot kill.
Season 2 starts on 15 October. BULKHEAD says it will adjust weapon damage, recoil and suppression to give each weapon class a clearer role. The full patch notes were not out when this guide was written, so numbers may shift. For the wider picture, see our Season 2 guide.