The "first" sniper rifles were "modified M-14s" ??
In WWII sniper rifles were the 03A3 Springfield with a trigger job and a scope. And since that time there have been many sniper rifles and most have been bolt action rifles - not the semi-autos.
The WWII rifle you are talking about is the 1903A4 (yes I own one of those too), and prior to that in the American Civil War they were using telescopic rifles for sniping. dumbag doesn't know anything about rifle marksmanship.