The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MARKSMAN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
A
R
K
S
M
A
N
More clues leading to the result MARKSMAN
- Celebrates fifth of November – and without a hint of drinking shot
- He’s unlikely to be found missing
- What a defender does for shooter?
- Identifies fellow as one likely to hit target
- Trading pioneer on offshore island, one hitting his targets?
- One who might shoot king arrested by alien?
- Goalscorer does defender’s job
- Someone missing rarely stays close to husband
- Great shooter, partner of one of the Waugh brothers
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MARKSMAN mean?
MARKSMAN noun- A man or person skilled at hitting targets, as with a firearm, bow, or thrown object.
- Goalscorer.