The Ultimate Sniper

H

hewn

Private
Minuteman
Feb 12, 2010
8
0
37
#1
Since I am just starting out in long range shooting, I was wondering if the book: The Ultimate Sniper by Maj. John L. PLaster is worth getting. Is there a ton of good info in it to get me started? Can anyone recomend any other good shooting books? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kyle
 
#3
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

Lot of good info there for the beginner, Plaster isnt well thought of by some on this site though. I'm a bigger fan of Glen Zediker's books, look at them before you buy. Lots of good literature out there, take your time.

okie
 
#6
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plaster isnt well thought of by some on this site though. </div></div>

File that under "W" for Who Cares. Get it. Read it. Read a whole lot more. Decide what you like.

No one ever got DUMBER for reading something.
 
#7
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shaggy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plaster isnt well thought of by some on this site though. </div></div>

File that under "W" for Who Cares. Get it. Read it. Read a whole lot more. Decide what you like.

No one ever got DUMBER for reading something. </div></div>

Wrong, have you read the NY Times.
 
#9
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shaggy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plaster isnt well thought of by some on this site though. </div></div>

File that under "W" for Who Cares. Get it. Read it. Read a whole lot more. Decide what you like.

No one ever got DUMBER for reading something. </div></div>

Wrong, have you read the NY Times. </div></div>

"The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers" Thomas Jefferson
grin.gif
 
#11
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

It's decent, but I do prefer Mike R. Lau's book. Though I've not read the updated version of The Ultimate Sniper. It appears quite a bit thicker from what I've seen.
 
#12
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shaggy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plaster isnt well thought of by some on this site though. </div></div>

File that under "W" for Who Cares. Get it. Read it. Read a whole lot more. Decide what you like.

No one ever got DUMBER for reading something. </div></div>
I've got three undergrad years at UT Austin that would argue that.
wink.gif

I've got both Plaster tomes adn the Lau book. Both have some good gouge and some odd things. Couple them with some technical books like the SOTIC, 23-9, 23-10, 23-14, some Zediker, and even that giant phone book sized book from Constantine and you should have the academic side covered.
 
#13
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

I like Maj. Plaster's book. It was well worth the money in my opinion. I read it and got and said "damn" alot when reading about some of the military guys and what they go through.

It was a good book that taught me some good things. I'm reading Mike Lau's book too and it's really good as well. I'd say Lau's book as more relevant information in it regarding shooting in the wind and ranging than Plaster's book. Plaster had a lot of information about stalking in it which was fun to read, but I'll never use. Again, one of those "damn" moments for the guys that are snipers and not hobbyists like me.

I picked mine up from the NRA Store. They were priced better than most online stores and it helps the NRA out.

If you can, I'd say get both and start with Plaster's and then go to Lau's.

I've not read Zediker's books so I can't comment there.

Oh, and just to make sure I'm clear, there is an old version and an updated version of the Ultimate Sniper.
 
#14
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hewn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since I am just starting out in long range shooting, I was wondering if the book: The Ultimate Sniper by Maj. John L. PLaster is worth getting. Is there a ton of good info in it to get me started? Can anyone recomend any other good shooting books? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kyle </div></div>

Kyle, don't waste your time reading books. Just buy this movie and watch it everyday until you know all of the lines.
Sniper.jpg
 
#15
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

I have The Ultimate Sniper (Original and Updated Versions)

The Military and Police Sniper (Lau)

The Complete .50 Cal Sniper Course

Reloading for Competition Zediker

Army Sniper Manual

Army MP Sniper Manual

One on Reading Wind by an old Militay Master Shooter

And several more that I would have to look up to find.

You will gain something from every one of these books.

Plaster gets some bad press, however he was the first to get a book out to the general public about sniper operations. The first version did have a couple errors that I believe were errors copied from other manuals that were wrong. His book is a worth while read.

The more you read the more you understand. Much of the subject matter you will read about is stuff you would never use, however it is still interesting if you are into sniper history and deployment. It is also nice to know what you are talking about.
 
#18
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sled</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd probably invest in the online training here, first. The ability to ask questions on things that are not clear to you is invaluable. </div></div>

+1 on this. I signed up and it's absolutely been worth $10 a month. I've already drastically improved with the lessons out there.
 
#19
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

I actually wasn't trying to put down Plaster's book, I have it and refer to it quite often. Fact is, I recommended it to a beginner on this site several years ago and was immediately bitch slapped for doing so by a "senior" member here. I was told then that Plaster never had been a sniper and is only repeating what he has heard to which I thought "so what". Anyway, its a very useful piece but certainly not my favorite. Lots of good literature out there.

okie
 
#20
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

Do not narrow your choice down to just one book. I have a lot of books on shooting not just from a tactical stand point but from 3 gun competitors and br shooters. Some were a waste of money, some had only one thing I took away, and some are like bibles. What you need to do is read as many sources as possible and try things out to see what works for you and what does not. Even if a book just gives you thing to help you out, if it saves a life or wins you a comp, it was worth it. The problem with shooting is everyone either thinks their opinion is word of god or has someone on a pedastal. Never get to that point. We are always students and can learn soemthing from somebody in shooting. TTPs are always changing and you must try to evolve with them. Just my dos pesos
 
#22
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

i liked the book, i have the updated version although some of the things are outdated due to the new equipment use thats in field today its still not bad it does have some new things and mainly his learning experience
 
#25
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

I thought the updated Plaster book was pretty good, however the videos are more applicable to mil only types. Fieldcraft was emphasized way more in the vids. The Lau book has more depth in some places and seems much more relevant today.

Buy both books, watch the Plaster videos, too. And try to get a copy of Darrell Hammond's videos, as well. Watch and read everything you can get your hands on, including both tactical precision shooting and long range hunting media. You'll find yourself learning something in practically everything you read or watch. It all builds and helps sharpen the picture.
 
#27
Re: The Ultimate Sniper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Viper225</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have The Ultimate Sniper (Original and Updated Versions)

The Military and Police Sniper (Lau)

The Complete .50 Cal Sniper Course

Reloading for Competition Zediker

Army Sniper Manual

Army MP Sniper Manual

One on Reading Wind by an old Militay Master Shooter

And several more that I would have to look up to find.

You will gain something from every one of these books.

Plaster gets some bad press, however he was the first to get a book out to the general public about sniper operations. The first version did have a couple errors that I believe were errors copied from other manuals that were wrong. His book is a worth while read.

The more you read the more you understand. Much of the subject matter you will read about is stuff you would never use, however it is still interesting if you are into sniper history and deployment. It is also nice to know what you are talking about. </div></div>

Nice list, thanks. Think I just added a few things to start scouting for. The list of aquisitions seems to just keep growin and growin'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

10.5stang
SOLD The Ultimate Sniper 700SA stock.
Replies
5
Views
1K
10.5stang
10.5stang
Southern Custom
6 Dasher Bushing size
Replies
4
Views
120
Southern Custom
Southern Custom
C
AZ NEWBIE
Replies
15
Views
189
M8541Reaper
M8541Reaper
KentuckyKestrel
What to buy getting into long range
Replies
48
Views
1K
OkieMike
O
Lowlight
The Everyday Sniper Podcast: Jacob & Frank Talk UFOs
Replies
0
Views
198
Lowlight
Lowlight
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts