
Reload Time: 2.5 Seconds / 3.1 seconds empty. (Note: The M21 is unlocked at Rank 7 Corporal)
You may wish not to hold your breath when taking several shots in a row, since the recoil is actually increased by taking a breath-held shot. Feel free to take several rapid shots at your enemy to take them down instead of the painstaking one shot, one kill method required by the bolt-action rifles. With the lowest recoil of any sniper rifle, this is the one most likely to be modified with an ACOG and taken to a closer range. The recoil goes from excessive for a battle rifle (M14) to acceptable for a semi-automatic sniper (M21). The M21 is adapted from the M14, so it basically functions as the M14 was supposed to anyway. The Army has switched its standard sniper rifle to the R700-based M24, but they also still use M21s and I guess the makers of CoD4 didn't want a third R700-based rifle in the lineup. Army sniper rifle in active service since the Vietnam Era.
Good Perks/Attachments: Iron Lungs, Stopping Power, UAV Jammer, Bandolier, Claymore x2. Reload Time: 1.1 First Round / 0.4 Next Round. *Because the bolt action rifles accept individual rounds, you can press fire while reloading to halt the reloading process and chamber whichever round you loaded last, in case you need to attack while reloading. The M40A3 is unlocked at Rank 3 Private along with Sniper preset class) Be patient, line up your shot and hold your breath before firing, and remember to change positions after each couple of shots if possible to avoid being located. Because it's bolt-action, choosing this gun restricts you to long-range sniping unless you enjoy using a pistol or using a second main weapon with Overkill. That's the tradeoff you have to consider when choosing between this gun and the R700. The Marines took the R700 and gave it lower recoil, a larger clip, and improved accuracy at the cost of bullet damage. Modified from the Remington 700 hunting rifle and used by the U.S.