Editor’s note: When it comes to testing the accuracy of your rifle, what exactly (what features and accessories) do you need to get the job done?
In the (NSFW) video above, GunsAmerica’s resident War Chief Clay Martin discusses how he runs his “system” to test a rifle’s accuracy.
For many of you seasoned shooters who have developed your own workable system over the years, Clay’s approach may conflict with your own. That’s okay. There is more than one way to skin this cat.
Yet for new shooters, hopefully, this video provides you with a sound tutorial on some of the considerations you will need to ponder before you head to the range. Sandbags or bipod? Precision rifle stock or basic adjustable stock? Iron sights or scope? Etc., etc.
Also, to view Clay’s thoughts on pistol accuracy testing, specifically, why he believes it’s overrated, check out this post.
Product Links:
- Barnes Precision Machine rifle
- Leupold Scope with Horus Reticle
- Harris Bipod
- PRS Stock
- Accuracy 1st Rear Bag
- War Chief T-Shirt
- Stillwood Ammunition Systems
- Larue Scope Rings
Clay Martin is a retired Marine and Green Beret, having served with distinction in the 3rd Special Forces Group. A multi-service, multi-decade sniper, he’s also a seasoned 3-Gun competitor and a Master-ranked shooter in USPSA Production. When he’s not writing about firearms and tactics, Clay is the author of the novel Last Son of The War God, a gritty story about dispensing justice the hard way. Follow him on Twitter @offthe_res or visit his website at Off-The-Reservation.com.
Experience:
– U.S. Marine Corps Infantry, Scout/Sniper, and Recon Marine
– U.S. Army Green Beret, 3rd Special Forces Group (ODA Comms SGT, Intel SGT, SFAUC Instructor)
– Competitive Shooter – Master-ranked in USPSA Production, experienced 3-Gun competitor
– Tactical Instructor – Extensive background in teaching carbine, pistol, CQB, and survival skills
– Author – Fiction and non-fiction works on warfare, survival, and American resilience
– 2A Advocate – Defender of the Constitution and vocal proponent of gun rights
– Outdoorsman – Idaho-based hunter, adventurer, and father of feral children and dogs
Reticles vary but you have intersecting crosshairs and these are sometimes thicker then the lines on a grid type target. Regardless of crosshair thickness, I mount these targets 45° offset. Using the crosshairs and the grid lines (unobstructed), you will now have a more precise aiming point and visual clues to center on.
After you mount or check scope mount fasteners: Slip mark them. If they back off you will see the slip mark broke or misaligned.
Soft bags work better then a bipod on guns without free floated barrels due to barrel harmonics. IMHO
Great vid. Good advice. In the Marines we use the sling and “lock” ourselves into the prone position @ 500 yards, it wasn’t uncommon to place the bullet through the same hole every time.
I didn’t realize y’all put the crayons down that long……lol ^5 for the service…..lol
Sorry for the double post. It takes a while to post and I thought I didn’t click the submit button.
Clay,
Thank you for sharing. Us, non-gun nazis appreciate the information. I know that some one here will post that you can’t do this and you can’t do that or that we shouldn’t shoot on one leg, while riding in the back of a pickup, during a snowstorm, while being driven by your one-eyed pet cat, who’s fighting with the neighbors dog, over who should eat the four day old enchilada. Thank you for serving our country and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to you and your family.
P.S.
Looks colder than a witches in Idaho; stay warm dude.
thanks brother! Merry Christmas to you too! And damn, yes it is cold.
Also, it seems that it’s colder than a witches in Idaho.
Clay,
Thank you for always sharing your knowledge. I know that some people will comment about how their style is better and how you should not shoot on one leg, while riding in the back of a pickup during a snowstorm, uphill, while your one-eyed pet cat is driving and all sorts of blah, blah, blah. Thanks again for serving our country and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year.
Who had the nerve to place a thermometer between a witches breast? For that matter, a welldiggers buttocks. On a more serious note, do we really believe that science can so accurately determine the earths core temperature? Science concludes the core is one degree cooler than a century ago. Really!!!! Just how long is the thermometer that is used to penetrate to the center.
Dmcgee