Battlefield 1: Best Snipers, Ranked

Highlights

• The Carcano M91 Carbine offers a two-shot kill at any range, making it a versatile choice for scouts who want to support their teammates.
• The Type 38 Arisaka Patrol incentivizes more active plays with its decent ADS and movement speed, allowing scouts to engage and disengage quickly.
• The Martini-Henry Sniper has a wide sweet spot and high damage potential, making it a deadly choice at long ranges for skilled players.

Considered the Primary Weapon of the mobility-focused Scout Class, the Sniper Rifle in Battlefield 1 – set in the Great War – remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the FPS title. Unlike the support-oriented Medics and vanguard-leaning Assault Classes, the Scout being able to capitalize on range makes their Sniper Rifle of choice a determinant of how well they can perform in combat.

Given the versatility of the Scout Class, the game’s many Sniper Rifle options allow them to capitalize on specialized tools such as the spotting or blinding Flare Gun, the marking Trench Periscope, and even the attacker-revealing Sniper Decoys. With Sniper Rifles complementing the Scout’s tactical-oriented toolkit, just which of these long-ranged weapons suit their playstyles best?

Updated on April 26, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: While Battlefield 2042 back in 2021 remains the latest installment in the Battlefield franchise, fans who want a less futuristic take on their FPS experience may want to consider trying Battlefield 1. And for avid FPS fans who want to check how their skills would fare using Battlefield’s older weapons, perhaps using the sniper can be a worthwhile challenge. Depending on the player’s choice of sniper, their long-ranged incursions can become an efficient way of eliminating opponents or putting the team at more risk. Thankfully, some recommended snipers for players to choose from include a pre-order bonus for Battlefield 5, a fan-favorite multi-ranged weapon, a rather accurately reloading rifle, and an aggressive scouting tool.

14 Mosin-Nagant M38 Carbine

Pre-Order For BF5 With Iron Sights

While essentially a copy of the Mosin-Nagant M91, players who pre-ordered the online standard or deluxe versions of Battlefield 5 can also get the Mosin-Nagant M38 Carbine as a pre-ordered bonus. Unlike the M91, the M38 Carbine boasts iron sights compared to the traditional Lens Sight, as well as 55 RPM compared to the M91’s 56 RPM.

Other stats are largely the same, but its compact size makes it more suitable for mid-to-long-ranged incursions. Considering the practicality of mid-ranged firefights in Battlefield 1, players who want to adopt a more active navigational role in their Battlefield experience may want to grab the M38 Carbine for more varied plays.

13 Mosin-Nagant M91

A Reasonable Alternative To The 1895 In Terms Of Performance

Players who want an alternative gun to play with their Battlefield experience may want to opt out of the Russian 1895 with the Mosin-Nagant M91. Its most notable aspect is it’s varied reload animations, forcing players to think more tactically about positioning and engagements as a certain number of bullets remaining can change the overall reload time of the overall weapon.

With this in mind, the M91 sits at 56 RPM, slightly lower than the 1895’s 64 RPM. However, it does partial reloads faster at .023s, while bullet drop and muzzle velocity remain largely the same. Players should use the M91 if they want an alternative to the Russian 1895, especially if they’re looking for a bit of a challenge with its reload variants.

12 Russian 1895

Multi-Variant Lever-Action Rifle For Multi-Ranged Combat

Considered among the last lever-action rifles to see action in its era, the Russian 1895 is perhaps a fan favorite among snipers in Battlefield 1 due to the existence of its many variants. At its core, the Russian 1895 already boasts a higher firing rate compared to its counterparts. Its Infantry and Trench variants boast immensely powerful short-ranged potential, while its long-ranged Sniper variant boasts more efficient distance control.

Stats-wise, the Sniper Russian 1895 has stats that fall comfortably along the SMLE Mk3 and Gewehr 98 in terms of its ranged viability. This comfort zone can make the Russian 1895 an ideal weapon for Battlefield players who want a mid-to-long-ranged weapon they can reliably use in most firefights.

11 Vetterli-Vitali M1870/87

The Best Companion Of An Aggressive Scout

Despite being a crowd favorite among sniper rifles in the game, the Vetterli-Vitali M1870/87 does suffer from the low muzzle velocity and manual reload animations that make it slow at times compared to other weapons in the Battlefield experience. The weapon also boasts two variants, an Infantry variant and a Carbine variant.

The Infantry variant is much lighter, allowing players to control recoil better. Meanwhile, the heavier Carbine is more suitable for heavy-hitting medium-range incursions. In this regard, players may appreciate the Vetterli-Vitali for the versatility of its variants. Its overall ease of handling can make being a sniper more satisfying, which is perfect for aggressive matches.

10 Carcano M91 Carbine

Two-Shot Kill With Decent DPS Makes Misses More Manageable

At first glance, the more consistent damage profile of the Carcano M91 Carbine should allow the Scout to support its allies across all ranges, greatly boosting the survivability of otherwise more vulnerable teammates such as Medics. However, the Carcano M91 Carbine loses its luster when players realize it’s not a guaranteed one-headshot kill at certain ranges, with the rather expansive range and lack of a “sweet spot” encouraging more aggressive plays than necessary for the Sniper Rifle.

Thankfully, the Carcano M91 Carbine does compensate for this with a guaranteed two-shot kill at any range, something that other Sniper Rifles don’t always have. Its unique reload animation means players need to get used to the Carcano M91 Carbine’s more unique aesthetic, but the proper positioning should help long-distance Scouts dominate the field.

9 Type 38 Arisaka Patrol

Decent ADS, Movement Speed Encourages Peek-Then-Cover Plays

Players who enjoy aggressive plays like a Scout that is in line with the same offensive-leaning strategies of the Assault Class may enjoy the Type 38 Arisaka Patrol. Compared to the base Infantry variant, the medium power scope and better movement accuracy of the Patrol incentivize more active plays as the team’s resident sniper.

In combat, the Type 38 Arisaka Patrol can engage foes at long range via peek-cover strategies. Thanks to the improved speed, Arisaka users should be able to sneak an attack via peek, get back into cover for a reload, and quickly re-engage foes as soon as they peek back. However, the rather obstructive reload animation may put players at a disadvantage if enemies decide to rush towards them.

8 Lebel Model 1886

Closer Sweet Spot Elevates Riskier Multi-Range Plays

One of the most surprising aspects of the Lebel Model 1886 is its closer sweet spot, placing it as the Sniper Rifle just between the Russian 1895 and SMLE MKIII in terms of the most optimal distance. Its single-reload and post-reload delay can make the Lebel Model 1886 rather punishing when retreating, although the traditional strategy of switching back and forth between weapons can ease this reload conundrum.

Unlike other more consistent snipers in games like Battlefield 2042, the closer sweet spot of the Lebel Model 1886 encourages riskier close-ranged plays for Scouts. Players may like this aspect of the Lebel if they want to get up close into the action, especially if they have backups such as Assaults that can mow down enemies they spot.

7 M1917 Enfield Silenced

Further Sweet Spot Gives More Mobility To Players

Not including the rather atrocious iron sights of its Infantry variant, the M1917 Enfield Silenced can be a godsend to snipers who got used to Sniper Rifles from games like Ghost Recon: Wildlands, where long-distance plays can pay off at the hands of the right player. Granted, the 100-150-meter sweet spot in Battlefield 1 can be tough to achieve for first-timers, but at the hands of a specialist, this range can enable more versatile plays, especially for players who prefer hit-and-run playstyles.

The long-distance incentive of the M1917 Enfield Silenced works with its inconvenient stripper clip reload, as players in the heat of combat may find themselves punished if enemies spot them. With the right backup, a Scout with the Enfield can have teammates lure enemies out of their positions for the quick kill, especially if they’re confident with their headshots.

6 M1903 Springfield Experimental

Diversify Combat Flexibility With Dual Modes

The 100-150-meter sweet spot of the M1903 Springfield Experimental makes it one of the best Sniper Rifles in the Scout’s arsenal, allowing players to dominate any Battlefield map provided they know their vantage points well. Compared to the heavy-sniper nature of the base variant, the Experimental version’s dual-firing modes can further add versatility to the Scout’s toolkit by enabling them to switch to a detachable magazine as needed.

Despite the rather lengthy transition times between these loadouts, the M1903 Springfield Experimental should allow players to make more tactical adjustments to gameplay without sacrificing mobility. After using up a sniper clip with the Experimental, they can switch to its pistol mode in the meantime to wreak havoc in close-to-mid-range before going for cover to make another switch.

5 Gewehr M.95

More Consistent Firing, Reload Facilitates Faster-Paced Plays

The lack of a damage sweet spot makes the Gewehr M.95 tough to appreciate as an FPS Sniper Rifle, especially in a game like Battlefield 1, where range matters in using these armaments. However, what the Gewehr M.95 lacks for a sweet spot, it more than makes up for general versatility. At its core, the Gewehr M.95 has a guaranteed headshot kill at any range, making this quite a deadly sniper at the hands of a skilled player.

This skill ceiling aside, the Gewehr M.95 also boasts a more consistent reload animation on top of a decent firing rate, allowing players to dish out attacks much faster compared to other Snipers. Its capacity to reload full mags at a time with a traditional FPS’s damage falloff at range makes the Gewehr M.95 behave like a typical sniper.

4 Martini-Henry Sniper

Dominate Positions With One-Shot Kills At Sweet Spot

When it comes to Battlefield 1 Sniper Rifles with a rather high skill ceiling, the Martini-Henry Sniper pays off with its wide sweet spot and high damage potential. Its 112 maximum damage is one of the highest compared to other Primary Weapons in the game, affording its users the opportunity to one-shot-kill within the 42-68-meter range. However, being able to pull off a shot at this distance heavily relies on players being confident with their shooting abilities.

Not only that, the rather demanding one shot per reload can be extremely punishing for players unfamiliar with the Martini-Henry’s handling. In turn, Scouts hoping to maximize this weapon should depend on a high-firing Secondary just in case. That way, the Martini-Henry can become a part of quite a deadly Scout loadout that provides the most optimal long-distance plays for teams should they know where to position themselves.

3 Ross Mk 3

Consistent Firing Rate At ADS Enhances Long-Range Plays

Serving as more of an in-between compared to the SMLE Mk 3 and the Gewehr M.95, the Ross Mk 3 has a better firing rate than the SMLE Mk 3, while the latter has a higher capacity, making the Ross Mk 3 more optimal for default long-range plays. Due to its Straight Pull Bolt nature, the firing rate remains the same even when shooting at ADS, giving snipers the opportunity to utilize consistent shots without too many adjustments.

Similar to the need of the Support Class to have weapons optimized for their combat performance, the Ross Mk 3 stands out compared to other snipers due to its optimal sweet spot range. Versus other snipers that demand more precision targeting, combat usually happens within the 40-75-meter range, making it ideal for players to swoop in and shoot fast without opening too much room for punishments.

2 SMLE Mk III Marksman

Adds Versatility To Sniping With Decent Mag Size, Damage Output

Considered one of the most versatile Sniper Rifles in the World War 1 game, the SMLE Mk 3 Marksman makes for an ideal go-to rifle for players who want to snipe at enemies without the demanding requirement of distance control and precision targeting. The Marksman variant of the SMLE Mk 3 being the default for the Scout Class makes this the ideal middle-ground for weapons of its type.

At its core, the SMLE Mk 3 boasts a decent enough mag size to ensure players aren’t immediately punished should they miss their first few shots. The rifle’s sweet spot falling at around the 40-to-75-meter mark should allow them to engage and disengage more efficiently, even without the aid of their allies. The capabilities of the Marksman variant to have a palm rest and a bayonet also expand its emergency capabilities.

1 Gewehr 98 Sniper

Sweet Spot Optimized For Long-Ranged Shooting Capabilities

Unlike FPS titles set in World War 2, Battlefield 1, taking place in World War 1, means its set of weapons uses much older technology that can significantly factor into their overall performance. With the Gewehr 98 Sniper, players of Battlefield 1 can enjoy optimized sniping performance without sacrificing too much range or demanding battlefield control. Its sweet spot of around 60 to 80 meters can help players reliably kill enemies trying to retreat or get closer at a distance, incentivizing staying a bit further back without leaving the team defenseless.

The Sniper variant, having a bipod and a high-magnification scope compared to its other iterations, can make the Gewehr 98 a must-have for Scouts who want to excel in long-range combat. Compared to other weapons of the class, the Gewehr 98 traditionally plays like a sniper, with its animations feeling more “seamless” compared to other weapons of the class.