The precision rifle utilises a telescopic sight and a higher calibre 7.62mm round than the assault rifle, making it both more accurate and considerably more powerful than its semi-automatic counterpart. It is therefore an excellent long-ranged support weapon and particularly useful against armoured targets, as the larger round offers far more penetration than the 5.56mm round of the assault rifle. The supreme accuracy of the weapon also reduces the protection of any cover that the target may be sheltering behind, making it is very useful for dealing with dug-in enemies.

Conversely, the length of time required to take a shot with the precision rifle is considerably longer than that of the lighter weapons, making it an inefficient method of delivering firepower over short ranges. Incapable of burst fire, it is also little use at close quarters. Because of this, the battlefield role of snipers tends to involve precision marksmanship in long-range engagements and using reaction fire to guard large areas of the battlefield against extraterrestrial activity.