Unless you're on the Rifles Only server, your choice is fairly limited to the standard weapons of each team. However, I'd like to give you some hints and information about the guns that each team provides so you can have at least a small edge with the weapon.
SCOPED KAR98K
Reload Time: 5 rounds/ 5 seconds
Fastest Firing Time: 5 rounds/ 6 seconds
Unique: The tip of this rifle's scope allows for one of the best, easiest headshots in the game.
LEE-ENFIELD
Reload Time: 10 rounds/ 3 seconds
Fastest Firing Time: 10 rounds/ 14 seconds
Unique: Only sniper rifle to offer 10 rounds, 5 round clips. This is basically due to the fact that the scope sits to the right side of the rifle.
SPRINGFIELD
Reload Time: 5 rounds/ 5 seconds
Fastest Firing Time: 5 rounds/ 6 seconds
Unique: The full crosshairs allow for a more instructed shot, but the downside of these is that at a distance, they can block out much of an opponent's head in a shot, leaving little room for error.
SCOPED MOSIN-NAGANT
Reload Time: 5 rounds/ 5 seconds
Fastest Firing Time: 5 rounds/ 6 seconds
Unique: Has a distinct sound to it. Unlike the Kar and Springfield who sound basically the same, the Mosin-Nagant "thunders". Not particularly proven, but I always feel that this gun is slower or bulkier than the others…
Basics
Being a sniper is probably one of the easiest things to do in COD: 2 once you have a general idea on how to play as a sniper. Unlike most other weapons in the game, the Sniper Rifle allows for long distance shots that are 80% guaranteed to kill in the first shot.
Necessary Controls
Q & E: To lean left or right will save you a lifetime of trouble. Instead of being forced to continue an engagement under the terms of your opponent, hide and come back out. Make sure not to do this too many times though. Sooner or later, the other guy is going to be waiting.
Crouch and Prone: Crouching is a snipers best friend. Next to leaning, crouching allows for quick shooting and ducking into a covered position. The more your practice, the faster you get. When you are laying or crouching after a shot, make sure to move a little to the left or right to avoid standing up into a shot!
Toggle Zoom: Make sure to always keep this button handy. The faster you zoom in, the faster you shoot. Speed is the difference between the quick and the dead.
Toggle Rifle/Pistol: When you are in motion, use your pistol. 6, 7, 8 shots is better than one unless you are a bad-ass with a no-scope. Also, with the pistol you move quicker, avoiding some slow or bad shots.
Styles and Tactics
As a sniper, your objective is to be heard, not seen. It's easier said than done most of the time. There are many different styles of snipers out there and it is up to you to choose which style you are going to use.
Camper/Householder: Though not a tactic many people like, it is a tactic never the less. These are the types of snipers who hold in a house or behind a solid position. Much like real snipers, they'll wait in a position until the target reaches them. On the plus side of this tactic, you will have the upper hand on anyone who comes into your domain. On the downside, you can easily be surrounded or flanked being "caught in the moment".
Combat Sniper: This is the type of sniper you see running with the army. They are active, and generally some of the best snipers. These are generally the best snipers considering their adaptability and consistent action in the battle. The major pro is that they are surrounded by allies when they play, moving with the action. The downside is that the combat sniper submits many of his distance and hiding abilities in combat.
Rambo: These are the snipers who you see running around behind the enemy, doing damage wherever they can. This is a good approach for veteran sniper or snipers with partners to watch their backs. The only pro is the possibility of more kills. On the downside, you lose everything that a combat sniper would, as well as the protection of a team with you.
