Editing CIA A Study Of Assassination (1953) (section)

=====(a) The precision rifle. =====

In guarded assassination, a good hunting or target rifle should always be 
considered as a possibility. Absolute reliability can nearly always be achieved 
at a distance of one hundred yards. In ideal circumstances, the range may be 
extended to 250 yards. 

The rifle should be a well made bolt or falling block action type, handling a 
powerful long-range cartridge. The .300 F.A.B. Magnum is probably the best 
cartridge readily available. Other excellent calibers are . 375 M.[illeg]. 
Magnum, .270 Winchester, .30 - 106 p.s., 8 x 60 MM Magnum, 9.3 x 62 kk 
and others of this type. These are preferable to ordinary military calibers, 
since ammunition available for them is usually of the expanding bullet type, 
whereas most ammunition for military rifles is full jacketed and hence not 
sufficiently lethal. Military ammunition should not be altered by filing or drilling 
bullets, as this will adversely affect accuracy. 

The rifle may be of the "bull gun" variety, with extra heavy barrel and set 
triggers, but in any case should be capable of maximum precision. Ideally, the 
weapon should be able to group in one inch at one hundred yards, but 2 1/2" 
groups are adequate. The sight should be telescopic, not only for accuracy, 
but because such a sight is much better in dim light or near darkness. As long 
as the bare outline of the target is discernable, a telescope sight will work, 
even if the rifle and shooter are in total darkness. 

An expanding, hunting bullet of such calibers as described above will produce 
extravagant laceration and shock at short or mid-range. If a man is struck just 
once in the body cavity, his death is almost entirely certain. 

Public figures or guarded officials may be killed with great reliability and some 
safety if a firing point can be established prior to an official occasion. The 
propaganda value of this system may be very high.