Does the spotter really tell the shooter when to fire? If so, why - wouldn't the shooter know when he's ready more so than the spotter? Also, is hitting a moving target at that range realistic or just very lucky?
...then whoa, differences...
The spotter is also a trained sniper.
The spotter is tasked in performing many duties:
• Responsible for the team's security: both during movement (march) as the point man and in the final firing position (FFP)
• Follows shooter while stalking
• Identifies and prioritizes targets
• Estimates and confirms: range, windage, elevation, temperature, humidity, angle of shot; providing any necessary scope adjustments to the shooter
• Tells shooter when to fire
• Observes and reports impact of bullet, provides scope adjustments if shooter missed shot
• Handles communication (radio); coordinating with other elements/units, calling up reports, call for fire (close air support, CAS or artillery), etc.
• Records information
• Relieves shooter
• Provides additional firepower
The spotter tells the shooter when to shoot, by the book. However, in the real world, it depends on the situation and it may be up to the shooters discretion when to fire.
◦ https://youtu.be/7pzpLms88-s?t=1m48s
◦ https://youtu.be/w2JZgkLIzSg?t=3m56s
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5VyY2dTuMA
◦ https://youtu.be/CjrUSwoY4y8?t=1m10s
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-zaloxkMKE
Great example of several teams, both shooters and spotters communicating to each other
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGdqcJHAuA0
"Toto, I've [got] a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."