When talking about the best snipers in Tarkov, it all comes down to consistency, damage output, and how each rifle feels during real combat. I’ve always believed that Tarkov sniping is less about theorycraft and more about actual field results.
After dozens of raids across Woods, Streets, and Reserve. Sniping from rooftops, bushes, and towers, I’ve developed a clear sense of which bolt-action rifles truly deliver.
From budget beasts to premium performers, this list covers five of the best snipers in Tarkov 2025, based on my personal use across several raids. These aren’t just meta picks, they’re what worked, failed, and surprised me on the battlefield.
Also Read: Best Weapons in Tarkov: Top 5 Guns in 2025
Best Snipers in Tarkov 2025
Tarkov isn’t short on sniper rifles, but only a few truly stand out in terms of efficiency, feel, and performance.
T-5000
There’s just something about the T-5000 that makes it feel right. This isn’t just a sniper, it’s a weapon you trust when the stakes are high and the target is far.
- Performance: It’s easily one of the most accurate rifles I’ve used, with near-zero sway when fully modded.
- Ammo Options: Uses 7.62x51mm rounds like M61 and M993, making it armor-shredder territory.
- Attachments: Fully modular, allowing elite builds with top-tier scopes and suppressors.
I had it equipped during a Streets raid, posted up in a second-floor apartment across from Sparja. As soon as a three-man squad crossed below, I landed a chest shot with M61, followed by a second clean headshot on the straggler. Two shots, two confirmed kills.
Use if: You want reliability, precision, and a sniper that screams quality.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Assault Rifles in Tarkov 2025
SV-98
This one surprised me. I always thought of the SV-98 before, but using it with SMB rounds turned it into a headshot machine.
- Handling: The bolt cycle is fast, the ergonomics are better than average, and it handles like a dream.
- Sound Profile: With a suppressor, it’s noticeably quiet, which allows you to reposition without giving yourself away.
- Ammo Compatibility: Fires 7.62x54R, which is a strong and armor-piercing when loaded with SNB or SMB.
I ran the SV-98 on an early morning Woods raid with low visibility and a slow pace. Crawling through the underbrush near Scav House, I spotted a player scoping the hill. I lined up a suppressed shot with SNB ammo, one click, and he dropped like a sack of bricks.
The SV-98 has a sleek, professional feel. It’s not flashy, but in the hands of someone who plays with patience, it becomes a surgical tool
Use if: You want a smooth blend of affordability and performance.
Also Read: Best Budget Weapons in Tarkov: Top Cheap Guns in 2025
M700
When I slapped a suppressor and M80 rounds on the M700, it transformed. Suddenly, it was quieter, deadlier, and far more satisfying to use.
- Flexibility: You can build it out for lightweight stealth or go all-in with range and recoil control.
- Ammo Choices: Same 7.62x51mm as the T-5000—M80 early wipe, M62 and M61 later.
- Recoil/Ergo Balance: Feels lighter and snappier than it looks, especially with the right stock and bolt.
One raid on Woods, I ran an M700 fitted with a thermal scope and suppressed barrel. I sat near Scav Bunker, scanning the sawmill. A duo was looting crates, two clean headshots with M80 rounds ended their run. I barely had to reposition between shots thanks to the smooth recoil.
The M700 is what I use when I want control over every part of the build. It’s a versatile rifle that adapts to my playstyle raid after raid.
Use if: You want a reliable, customizable sniper that performs across maps.
AXMC
The AXMC is a beast you won’t pull out every raid, but when you do, it’s showtime. It fires the devastating .338 Lapua Magnum rounds and feels more like an artillery piece than a rifle.
- Penetration: .338 Lapua Magnum AP rounds are unmatched in Tarkov, capable of punching through Class 6 armor like it’s cardboard.
- Range Dominance: Built for 300m+ engagements, this rifle was made to lock down open areas or punish from rooftops.
- Recoil Control: Despite its power, the recoil is surprisingly tame when modded properly—allowing quick re-engagements.
During a Streets raid, I posted near Lexos with a thermal scope AXMC build. A squad started crossing from Cinema. I tagged the pointman in the chest and he dropped instantly. His teammate froze, and before he could react, a second round ended his run. No one peeked me for the next three minutes.
Use if: You’re rich, confident, and want to delete players from existence.
VPO-215
You wouldn’t expect much from the VPO-215, but it earned my respect. The stock scope is garbage, and AP rounds are a pain to get, but when it connects, it connects. If you only have spare change but need a sniper that delivers a bang for your buck, this is it.
- Value: It’s one of the cheapest bolt-actions that still offers one-tap potential.
- Ammo Strength: Uses 7.62x54R, giving it access to powerful rounds like LPS Gzh and 7N1.
- Mobility: Light and quick to move with, which makes it perfect for hit-and-run sniping.
On a broke stretch of the wipe, I picked up a VPO-215 with a basic scope and a handful of 7N1 rounds. I hit Reserve and climbed the dome. A player peeked the barracks roof—one round to the head dropped him instantly. That kill paid for five more runs.
The VPO-215 isn’t flashy, but it hits way above its price range. I often keep one in my stash for budget sniper runs or tasks where gear fear is real.
Use if: You’re broke, gutsy, and love underdog plays.
Conclusion
There you have the best snipers in Tarkov 2025, forged through frustration, trial-and-error, and a few glorious one-taps. Sniping in Tarkov isn’t just about picking the loudest gun, but it’s about feel, positioning, and having a rifle that won’t let you down when the shot matters most.
So, if you’re on a budget or running top-tier gear, there’s a sniper for you. For me, this journey wasn’t just about kills, it was about getting better, and these five rifles played a big part in that.
