But the military did nothing beyond procuring scopes for M2s, effectively keeping the powerful .50BMG out of snipers' hands as the M2 was a heavy crew-seved wea

But the military did nothing beyond procuring scopes for M2s, effectively keeping the powerful .50BMG out of snipers' hands as the M2 was a heavy crew-seved weapon (vehicle or tripod mounted), unsuitable for a lone sniper to haul for miles. Sure, Hathcock et al could make amazing shots with it, but only from where it could be little farther than driven into position. It took the civilian market to translate it to the true sniper's rifle prevalent today.