How Far is a Sniper Longshot in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2?

As an experienced MW2 player and content creator, I get asked this question a lot by snipers trying to unlock camo challenges. Here‘s the definitive answer:

To score a longshot kill with a sniper rifle in Modern Warfare 2, you need to take down an enemy from at least 50 meters away.

Breaking Down Sniper Longshot Distances

Let‘s compare the sniper longshot requirement to the other weapon categories:

As you can see, sniper rifles have the longest longshot threshold in MW2 by a significant margin. Almost the length of an entire football field!

This extended range makes sniper longshot camo challenges uniquely tricky compared to other weapon types.

Why Earning Sniper Longshots Matters

Getting longshot kills is crucial for completing camo mastery challenges to unlock badass cosmetic rewards like Orion, Polyatomic, and Blue dot reticles.

For example, one of the camo challenges for sniper rifles requires you to get 125 longshot kills to obtain the expert Orion camo!

As a sniper connoisseur, pulling off long-distance kills also provides immense satisfaction and bragging rights.

Earning longshot kills takes patience and skill, but yields great rewards (image via GGR)

However, these longshot challenges can be frustrating when you aren‘t racking up 50m+ kills consistently.

The next section covers my top tips for snagging longshots much more reliably.

Tips from a Sniper Expert on Scoring More 50m Kills

Based on extensive gunsmithing and map knowledge, here is my sniper blueprint for effectively earning longshots:

Choose the Right Maps

The map you play on has a huge impact on longshot opportunities.

Large maps with wide open sight lines and 50m+ engagement distances are ideal:

• Al Mazrah – Massive map with elevated city rooftops perfect for longshots
• Taraq – Complex interconnected buildings enable 50m shots down streets
• Sa‘id – Open desert map with dunes and ruins offering extreme longshot views
• Mercado Las Almas – Spacious streets and hill provide longshot spots overlooking the central market

Conversely, small chaotic maps like Shipment, Embassy, and Al Bagra Fortress offer almost no sniper longshot potential.

Leverage Ground War for Longer Matches

Ground War‘s 32v32 player count pairs nicely with large maps above for more longshot chances per match.

The core 6v6 modes may end more quickly before you can lock down prime longshot spots.

So Ground War enables more stable, extended longshot hunting with less lobby churning.

Optimize Builds for Range

Attach sniper barrels that push out your one-shot kill potential:

• SP-X 80 Folding Stock – Extends one-shot chest shot to 82 meters
• Signal 50 Barrel – Increases one-shot kill to 65 meters
• LA-B 330mm Barrel – Boosts lethal range out to 60 meters

Paired with a variable or high zoom scope like the Cronen DS-X, you gain the zoom and precision for distant kills past 50 meters.

I also advise focusing builds on aiming stability, recoil control, and bullet velocity – critical for hitting long range moving targets.

Pick Tactical, Elevated Positions

Just as vital as your loadout is smart in-match positioning:

• Post up elevated perches overlooking busy sniper sight lines
• Move along the extreme edge of the map perimeter
• Watch popular lanes between objectives
• Peak open areas enemies are likely to cross
• Have solid cover from multiple angles to stay alive

Patience is key – avoid sprinting into action and let enemies wander into your crosshairs.

Lead Distant Targets

At extreme 50m+ ranges, properly leading targets becomes critical to land shots due to slower bullet travel time.

I generally aim slightly ahead of distant enemies relative to their movement direction and speed when lined up for a longshot.

You eventually develop an instinctual feel for exactly how far to lead targets once you adjust to each sniper rifle‘s bullet velocity.

Play Core Over Hardcore

While it may seem counterintuitive, core modes are better for sniper longshots since you often won‘t instantly die when getting shot first at range.

Core provides a bit more room for error to reposition and line up distance kills compared to hardcore where any bullet instantly melts you.

Use Spotter & FMJ

The Spotter perk lets you see enemies through walls to easily pre-aim for longshots as soon as they appear.

FMJ ammo helps wallbang enemies that try to hide behind thin cover at range.

Both boost your longshot consistency without needing perfect aim or reactions.

Hopefully these expert sniper tips give you an effective blueprint to earn longshot medals more reliably! Let me know on my stream if you have any other MW2 sniping questions.