Sniper Rifles

Sniper rifles are a class of two-handed precision firearms used to ensure more accurate placement of bullets at longer ranges.

It is a common misconception that any scoped rifle is a sniper rifle, and while certain long guns are more suited for the application than others, it is the act of using a weapon strategically as a sniper that designates it as such. A typical sniper rifle is built for optimal levels of accuracy, fitted with a telescopic sight and chambered for a military centerfire cartridge. Despite this, not all rifles in the series have a scope. Almost all sniper rifles won't allow the player to move while aiming, except the Rifle and Marksman Rifle, this, however, doesn't apply to the enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto V.

Like in many shooter games, the rifle's bullets fly straight to the targeted point (it is a  weapon) - real life variables like distance, wind, or target movement do not affect the bullet, but it does in one mission in GTA V'', or when hunting. GTA IV however, did introduce one element of sniping, the shooter's heart rate and breathing affect the aim (this is displayed through the fact that the aiming "piper" will "dance" around in the scope). Holding down a button will slow Niko's heartbeat and stop his breathing for a bit, which steadies the aim.

In the Grand Theft Auto series, sniper rifles are generally expensive, and are given to the Protagonist in missions that are specifically made for usage of said weapon, as a mean to familiarize the player with the weapon and the special controls for zooming in/out.

Trivia

 * Before an update, the Musket used Sniper Rifle ammo instead of shotgun shells, however, it has been fixed.