Sniper rifle



The DKS-501 Sniper Rifle is an excellent long range projectile weapon. Originally .308, versions chambered in other calibers are also common.

Fallout and Fallout 2
Originally .308, this one is chambered in the more common .223 caliber. Allows to do insane damage to the critical body areas, if player has correct stats. This rifle does not share the same reduction in accuracy when enemies close in as the Scoped Hunting Rifle.

Fallout Tactics
Originally .308, this one is chambered in the more common 7.62mm caliber.

Fallout 3
The rifle is an older model of the famed DKS-501. Still chambered for .308 ammunition, it's also extremely fragile and requires regular repair and maintenance to keep it in working condition.

The Sniper Rifle is much more powerful when fired outside V.A.T.S. mode, as V.A.T.S. does not take into account accuracy bonuses of the weapon's scope.

Outside V.A.T.S., it's effective range seems to be about 1/4 - 1/3 the distance you can see in the scope. Using a human target as reference, you may need to wait until your target fills at least 3/4 of the diameter of the smaller dashed circle in the scope to hit it.

The sniper rifle has very noticeable sway to it when manually aimed. The sway can be reduced with either a higher skill level in small guns, or when in sneak mode.

Both images below, taken from the southwest guard platform at Fort Bannister will be a 1-shot kills. The color of the first shot has been inverted to improve clarity.

Locations

 * Shooting range of the National Guard Depot in one of the lanes
 * Accepting the quest You Gotta Shoot 'Em in the Head from Mister Crowley in the Underworld, he will give you a Sniper Rifle.
 * One of the Slavers or Raiders on top of the overpass near Springvale usually carries one
 * Arkansas, found in the town of Minefield, has a sniper rifle
 * A sniper rifle can also be found in Tenpenny Tower if you kill Allistair Tenpenny
 * The southeast guard platform of Fort Bannister.
 * There is a sniper rifle on the second floor of a ruined house near Hubris Comics along with some ammo and a skill book.
 * [[Image:Sniperstash.jpg|thumb|The hollow rock with a sniper rifle inside]]One can be found just before entering Megaton early in the game. When facing directly at the Megaton gate on the outside, you go right and hug that wall. Eventually you start killing some mole rats, around half way or near the end of the wall, there will be some boulders on the right, you run your cursor over them (search them all if you're unlucky and can't find it) and you'll see that it can be looted and has the name "hollow rock". Only search the rocks that are closest to the wall, don't stray too far. Inside is some ammo, a note, other stuff? and a sniper rifle. The Note is called "As Requested". It states: "S, Here's that stuff you wanted. If anyone asks where you got it - say it was a gift from your grandma. Happy hunting! E". It's possible 'S' refers to Sam Warrick.
 * Several Raiders in Bethesda have sniper rifles
 * In Georgetown, on the top story of a building across the road from a Missile Launcher wielding Super Mutant
 * In the elevated shack to the south of Warrington Trainyard, along with some .308 ammo.

Appearances
The Sniper Rifle is a weapon appearing in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3 and Fallout Tactics.