TV has been a breeding ground for high-stakes drama and TV shows, explosive action, and characters who redefine what it means to be lethal for years. But in the midst of the bullets and battlefield bravado, there are a few who stand out not merely for their skill at pulling a trigger, but for how they do it. These are not merely gunslingers; they are artists of accuracy, tacticians of tension, and serene killers amidst a storm of noise. Whether it's a lawman delivering justice with precision rifle aim, a CIA agent who never squanders a round, or a time-traveling cowboy who never misses, every marksman on this list has something special to contribute to the sight.
From mathematically calculated military marksmen and post-apocalyptic survivors to AI-assisted assassins, their accuracy is only rivaled by their multifaceted personalities and compelling backstories. And in a time when audiences expect more than mere flashy shoot-em-ups, these characters hit their targets literally and emotionally. So grab your sidearm, steady your sights, and take a closer look at seven television sharpshooters who don't merely shoot to kill, they shoot to enthrall.
Sharpshooters from TV Shows are just too good with their firearms
1. Raylan Givens – Justified

Raylan Givens is more than a gunslinger, he's a contemporary cowboy in a marshal's badge. Deadlier shot and quicker wit, Timothy Olyphant gave life to Elmore Leonard's legendary character with aplomb and coolness. In Justified: City Primeval (2023), Givens comes back grayer but no less deadly, showing that his reflexes are still faster than his drawl. What distinguishes him isn't so much accuracy, but judgment; he only shoots when there's no alternative. Whether in Detroit or Harlan County, Raylan's mere presence causes criminals to think twice. It's his combination of Southern charm and lightning-fast judgments that has viewers stuck to his holster.
2. Jonah Hex – Legends of Tomorrow

A Wild West gunslinger thrown into time-travel turmoil, Jonah Hex is a dark addition to Legends of Tomorrow. Even with sci-fi anomalies spinning around him, Hex never misses a mark or a deadpan quip. Portrayed by Johnathon Schaech, he keeps his scarred face, hard moral compass, and vintage revolvers. In recent outings, he demonstrates he's not merely relic fan service; his accuracy becomes vital in a number of key battles throughout timelines. What sets Hex apart is his refusal to update. He's the past with impeccable aim, holding strong in a world that's moving too quickly.
3. Bob Lee Swagger – Shooter

Bob Lee Swagger is not merely a sharpshooter; he is, in fact, a precision strike operation unto himself. Portrayed by Ryan Phillippe in Shooter (2016-2018), Swagger is a decorated Marine sniper framed for a high-profile assassination. Awareness distinguishes him from others; he can read the terrain, wind patterns, and escape routes in a matter of seconds. The TV show treats the sniper sciences, ranging from long-range physics to psychological warfare. In one edge-of-the-seat moment, he eliminates a target from over a mile away, accounting for factors like humidity and bullet drop. Swagger remained calm while under fire and always stayed two steps ahead of his enemies.
4. Rick Grimes – The Walking Dead

Rick Grimes started as a small-town sheriff but evolved into a post-apocalyptic icon. In a world where bullets are precious, each shot has to be worth it, and Rick never misses. From revolvers to rifles, he learns, turns precision into a survival technique rather than an affectation. His most nerve-shuddering shot? Killing Shane in the moonlight was a flash of moral acuity as much as marksmanship. Now set to come back in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024), Rick's reputation as a marksman lives on. His intuitive aiming in the midst of chaos and ethical questions behind every shot makes him more than a survivor, he's an icon.
5. Annie Walker – Covert Affairs

Annie Walker might appear to be a bright-faced linguist, but behind the charm is an expert field agent with impeccable shot placement. Piper Perabo lent intelligence, refinement, and vicious accuracy to this underappreciated CIA series. For five seasons, Annie grew from newbie to rogue operative, with marksmanship skills forged through grit and betrayal. Her greatest moments don't depend on brawn; she fires when the situation calls for it, not to show off. In Season 5 of the TV show, she kills a sniper from atop a building using mirror angles and misdirection, an impressive combination of spycraft and gunmanship. Annie defined lethal elegance on television.
6. Root (Samantha Groves) – Person of Interest

Root isn't so much a usual marksman as a hacker-by-trade turned professional hitwoman served by an AI. Played with cold genius by Amy Acker, Root is a master gunman thanks to data fed to her by machines and which makes her all but unbeatable. Why she's terrifying isn't just her ability, it's her absolute confidence in "The Machine's" will. By later seasons, she's become the show's deadliest guardian, delivering perfect headshots while spinning philosophy. A highlight episode features her dispatching six foes in rhythm with Beethoven, as if doing a sniper ballet. Root reimagined the sharpshooter myth half-seer, half-killer, and all-inclusive.
7. Alice Morgan – Luther

Although not a traditional sharpshooter, Alice Morgan's gun accuracy in Luther is as chilling as her mind. Portrayed by Ruth Wilson, Alice is a sociopath with a genius-level mind who enjoys chaos and calm detachment. Her occasional usage of guns is thoughtful and dramatic when she shoots, it's always about someone, and eerily accurate. In one of the most memorable scenes of the TV show, she eliminates a threat without batting an eyelid, her shooting displaying cold logic over training. What makes Alice stand out is her unpredictability; she doesn't miss because she doesn't shoot unless she absolutely has to. She's the epitome of deadly with restraint.