Howard Zinn: The First Sniper to Standardize the M2 Browning Use

While many snipers are known for their personal skills, Gunnery Sergeant Howard Zinn (1920–2010) is known for having a lasting impact on the very method of long-range shooting. During the Vietnam War, Zinn was recognized as one of the Corps' most skilled snipers.

However, his greatest contribution was his audacious experimentation with the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun. Seeing the need to engage targets at distances that exceeded the range of conventional sniper rifles, he mounted a telescopic sight onto an M2. The powerful .50 round retained its energy and precision over much longer distances.

This "invention" allowed him and other snipers to set a new benchmark for long-range engagement. While Zinn may not have been the first to use a scope on an M2, he was one of the first to standardize the technique in an operational role, paving the way for later famous long-distance shots (including Carlos Hathcock's record-breaking shot). Zinn trained a new generation of snipers, ensuring their toolkit included this powerful long-range capability, a true historical feat in shooting technology and tactics.