To explain - The following is what I sent back to a buddy, who sent the picture to me last monday and asked me some questions about it. My reply back to him is copied, verbatim, below. There is a little background humor, but not worth sharing, since my friend deals with much bigger ordnance. I realize the reply is long, but he's on a different wavelength, so I was a little wordy.
To all who ventured into replying in this thread. I believed this picture may create some thought processes, so that's what I found interesting about it. I'd say there are no perfect answers to the questions I posed, except for the ranging. Actually, the ranging was simplistic, since the picture made it rather easy - if the math is clear, it's a decent example.
Actually, a lot would happen in the first 3 seconds after pulling the trigger in my solution (to take the shot).
Here is the reply I sent:
Hi John…
Well, another picture – you Navy guys are a hoot (just kidding). Where did you gin this one up? I assume you gleaned it from a web site? Some Sniper site, maybe? Most of that stuff is a Internet speak, but there are some good ones, I guess. Anyway, since you asked, the answers to your questions are fairly simple. My analysis is based on my experience, etc. and likely there are many opinions on what to do, based solely on the picture.
After I send this to you, I’m going to post it on my favorite web forum. It’ll be interesting to see how some of the members analyze the picture. I’ll not divulge the name of the Forum, cuz you just probably join it to clone my reply to you. That would be an evil trick.
AND, Since it’s only a picture the only possible wrong answer is “the range to target”.
First – I’d immediately get the ranging and set the scope for a “ready to shoot” stance. Then watch a while to see what transpires.
The range to target is 278 yards away.
You’d know that because you have all that trick Navy equipment. But, I just do the math…Oh yeah…you wouldn’t be able to use your tricked up stuff, since it’s only a picture…LOL
To explain - The ToO centered in the scope (in white) has about a 1.3 mil exposure. He has a 10" head (trust me on that), so I’d calculate 1 mil for head, and subtract appx. .3 mil (from the 1.3 mil) for the turban/towel (or whatever).
On paper (or from memory, in my case) to solve for Distance (in yards)….divide 1000/36, which = 27.777; So: Formula is:
height of target in inches X 27.78 = Distance in yards
X Mils
Calculations are:
10" = 10 X 27.78 = 277.8 yards rounded = 278 yards.
1 (Mil).
More intel:.
Based on only the picture; I say the shooter has an M110 (since rifle has an illuminated scope), which means a 7.62, with 175gr. M118LR in the mag. Not your super precision bolt action and while it would be an easy shot (for some), the odds of making a cranial shot at that range is risky (for most) with that weapon. I’d go for the safe(r) hits. More on that later.
Would I take the shot? NOPE.
Based on the picture – it would appear that this group are probably not active terrorists – no weapons are visible. They’re probably just local Iraqis trying to work something out, or earn an honest living. But, I’d watch them for any nefarious activity. It’s easier to speculate on what was real (in the picture) cuz, the “shooter” took the time to take a "I’m gonna post this to the web" picture. He obviously wasn’t concerned about doing HIS job at the time.
However, if the activity changed, to one of aggressive (armed) or IED activity - I’d take the shot(s). Could probable get 3, before the others krapped in their pants.
Who FIRST and WHERE?
I’d shoot the guy in white, FIRST, because he would appear to the the “main guy”. Take the shot just a hair left of his right shoulder blade (center mass). Not go for a head shot. Then, a REAL Quick followup shot – shoot the guy on all fours in the left hip; THEN Quicker, yet, third shot in the back (center mass) of the guy with the striped shirt. To get all three, it’s a natural 45deg sweep downward. IF first three were good hits, they will die; and chances are the last four would be eating dirt. The loose garb on the four standing complicates (a little) trying to take them out first. But, if they stick their heads up – they’re toast..
That’s my solution to the picture. Spoken like a true Internet Ninja….
Have a good flight, Amigo. See ya in about four days or so.
Shadow AR
Now I feel like a Jedi-Shadow, with all the knowledge and skill in the world 
AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF AMMO HANDY AND THEN SPRAY AND PRAY. 
