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Featured Articles
Deep Six: Ruger’s Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor Breaks the 1,000-Yard Barrier
Until recent years, owning a high-end chassis rifle was restricted to those with an excess cash problem, as many such rifles easily hit and surpass the $10,000 mark. For the most part, these rifles — used in both Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition and among hardcore long-range enthusiasts of all stripes — have been produced mostly by small manufacturers and custom shops, hence the crushing price tags often associated with them. Click here to read more
The Round of the Future: The 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor isn’t a new round, it was introduced in 2008 by Hornady. But this will be remembered as the year it began its dominance in the marketplace. In reference to .308, I think the words of Winston Churchill say it best. “This is not the end, this is not even the beginning of the end, this is just perhaps the end of the beginning.” Click here to read more
The Best Rifle Scope Ever Built: NightForce ATACR 7-35X
At this year’s SHOT Show, “Sniper Jesus” told me the new Night Force ATACR 7-35X was the best deal going in optics. I have anxiously been wanting to put this to the test. I begged, borrowed, cajoled, harassed, and arguably stalked NightForce for a review sample. Arguably stalked is a loose interpretation or so my lawyer tells me. Click here to read more
Columns
Going the Distance – Hornady’s 6mm Creedmoor
Since its introduction in 2007, Hornady has continued to hit the sweet spot among long-range shooters with the 6.5 Creedmoor. A modification of the .30 TC and ultimately an offspring of the .308 Win., the 6.5 Creedmoor is effective because it capably seats bullets with high sectional density and ballistic coefficients, which are remarkably adept at producing flat trajectories and handling the wind. Click here to read more
Intro to Precision Rifle Series Mindset, Equipment & Skills
Precision Rifle Shooting (PRS) has been gaining a lot of ground in recent years and with that an increasing interest in precision rifle competitions. I started shooting precision rifle competitions about 12 years ago and back then, the competitive landscape was different. There weren’t as many matches around as I was getting into it and there certainly weren’t any standardized rules about what was and wasn’t allowed. Click here to read more
Departments
First Focal Plane Riflescope vs. Second Focal Plane Riflescope
When a prospective buyer is shopping for a new riflescope, he or she will quickly realize that riflescopes are available in first and second focal plane configurations. In this situation, he or she may ask, “What is the difference between the two configurations, and which do I need”? Click here to read more
Bipod Business – Selecting the Best Bipod for the Task.
As far as tools go for your rifle, a bipod is very important. If you have never used one, it is an absolute game changer. Yes, I realize lots of animals got shot before we had them. Lots of animals were harvested using an atlatl as well, but I don’t see them often on store shelves. There are many things to consider when selecting a bipod for the task at hand. Click here to read more
Great web site for those of us who like to shoot long ranges for fun and to improve our accuracy
I would like to see a lot more articles on long range shooting.
I would really like to see long range target shooting.
I am interested in knowing the real accuracy of a firearm at long range not just hitting a steel plate.
Many guns can hit a large enough plate at 1,000 yards. But what group can they hold at that range.
Is long range shooting in magazine form or online only.
I wish there was a magazine that would deal with over the counter firearms and not just with 1,000,00 dollar super customs.
I do not expect a Ruger,Remington or Savage to shoot a one hole group at 1,000 but it would be very interesting to see what they would do.
In response to many of the comments here, the purpose of this magazine seams more aligned with long range shooting than long range hunting. Although I would not mind if there was hunting included. I believe the craze of long range shooting (not something new) actually teaches one there abilities and what shot they can properly make. I wish more people would practice this and learn the importance of range and wind instead of just guessing and flinging bullets as most due even at close ranges. Most range finders can not range deer size game at more than 400-500 yards. Nobody can look out there and tell the difference between 400 and 700 yards. To each his own, but no matter your preference learn your abilities get out there and practice. And a smart phone app does not due, shoot.
I pursue a rather unique long range shooting interest – shooting a 22LR rifle accurately at distances not usually associated with this type of firearm. I like the increased challenge of reading the wind correctly and being able to adjust and consistently group my rounds where I intend them. I shoot a stock Anschutz 64 MPR topped with a Leupold VX3 6.5-20 X 50 scope with a Varmint reticle. I use Federal 510 ammo and shoot at steel plates ranging from 200 – 300+ meters on a friend’s farm. This allows me to pursue the challenge and satisfaction of long range shooting using a first-class rifle, excellent scope and good ammunition, but without breaking the bank, as well as being able to shoot at distances that don’t force me to find places where I can shoot safely out to 1,000 meters. I would appreciate it if you could include something in your excellent publication that might address my interest, especially if there are those out there with similar interests. Hope to hear from you soon on this!
Well safe comment
I too chase the long 22lr shot
I shoot a Savage Bull barrel in stainless with a Boyed Stock with a 4×16 Bushnell 22 target scope.
Good shooting to you sir
Brian
Sounds great to me. Distance and equipment is only relevant and can always be matched up. I was shooting prairie dogs out to 75 yards with a 22 caliber bull barreled T/C , and had a ball.
Great to hear from a couple of folks who appreciate the challenge and fun of long range shooting on a reasonable budget. The marksmanship demands and skills for the .22LR round are just the same as they are for centerfire, but on a smaller and more affordable scale.
Right on Gary, I love the 22lr and use a Winchester 69A (old man, old school) and a S&W mdl 14. Keep on pinkin!!!
At my range we shoot a 200 meter 30 round match using .22LR against steel 5″x7″ pigs, one of the most challenging and satisfying matches I have ever competed in. Rifles range from Anshutz, CZ, Remington, Savage, to Winchester, scopes vary but usually have a high magnification of 20-25X. Great fun.
Jim
I’ve been a varmint shooter/hunter for many years. I don’t have a ton of gear mostly because I travel light hiking. However this rag is a great idea and I’d subscribe in a heartbeat. I’ve learned, over the years, to maximize my equipment usage, minimizing to need to pack extra, and often expensive, add on’s. Sign me up.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the only LRR publication I have come across, and I am excited that you are publishing it; hope feedback will stimulate you to continuing publishing.
A much needed re entry to replace the old “Precision Rifle” publication of long past.
Interesting to see some of the more mature responses from the supposed (anyone can claim anything on the internet) hunters to Ms Kovarik’s post. The point being made is how far out will technology increase range and performance, and at what point is the machine driving the man. There are already many people that see the tree-stand heroes blowing game away in what is actually an ambush, as hardly hunting. She brings up some interesting points for thought. If the object is to hit long ranges targets, then a target will do. What next, satellite gps directed ‘smart’ rounds? Is it asking too much just to consider the post without the crap back….apparently for some it is.
Very well done layout and articles…congrats!
I would also like to see articles relating to the history of long range shooting and ones about the current long range shooters who use some of these historical cartridges. For example I see many folks shooting 45/70’s with cast bullets.
Great information produced in a very informative format. Keep it up!
Dell
Dear Ms. Kovarik
Sport hunting with firearms is in danger and at a critical fork in the road where its ethos is concerned. True hunters are migrating to the use of archery equipment. Our big game are part of our national patrimony and deserve the sporting chances that 300+ yard shots do not give. The desire of a group of men and women to play sniper with our big game animals will endanger all hunters rights to enjoy what is a “sporting” endeavor. Big game hunting is not a military operation to ambush a target at un-sporting distances. There are military recruiting offices in all our major cities and towns where they are happy to welcome people who would like to test their abilities with long range shooting against the nation’s enemies. That is where long range shooting belongs. Not turned against our fabulous variety of big game animals that deserve our respect as hunters, and a sporting chance in the hands of “sportsmen”. It is sad to see that technology phobia is now destroying the sporting culture that has been part of big game hunting’s heritage. A heritage that has been formerly passed down to younger generations as a right of passage. Hunting is about a connection with the game you hunt, an ability to enter its habitat, and to get as close as possible as a matter of hunting pride. Long range shooting belongs on ranges, and not “on the range”.
I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.
All the best,
Frank
Oh, puh-lease!
I grew up in Colorado and learned to hunt in the Rockies where long range shooting is the norm. Taking an animal at long range with a 30-06 or close range with a bow serves the same purpose; to take the animal. We did it for food but others did it for trophies, which is fine.
If you have the time and inclination for bow hunting, more power to you. Just kindly don’t disparage those who prefer the long shot, which arguably requires as much, if not more, skill that using a bow.
Frank,
I very much respect your comments but have to strongly disagree with your comments starting with “true hunters are migrating to the use of archery equipment.” I would very much like to see your research and statistics on that statement. I would venture a guess you don’t have the data to back it up. In general I took most of your comments as a slam against those of us that enjoy using equipment that offers the opportunity to harvest game at ranges you don’t approve of. I was a bow hunter for many years straight and hunted with a bow strictly in pursuit of elk and mule deer. I was successful in those endeavors each year. I have had a passion for accurate rifles since childhood and have received some very sophisticated training in LR shooting in one of my other lives too lengthy to go into here. The ethical LR hunting community is as devoted to the humane harvest of big game animals as the archery community. I saw and heard of more animals being lost to inappropriate shot placement with archery equipment than I have ever seen within the LR shooting community. I truely believe it is counter productive to pit one group of hunters against the other. To say the LR shooting community is endangering hunter rights is a statement I must disagree with. I suppose you could say the same thing about bow hunters who fail to recover wounded game or standard rifle hunters who spray rounds at running game with the “hope of hitting it somewhere.” We are all hunters and it does none of any good to pit one group against the other. That thinking only causes division when what we all need is unity.
Frank spare us the dim witted analogy and opinions. Long range shooting and hunting has been around for over 100 years. Those Sharps rifles were developed back then for hunting both man and animals and frequently used on both. Elk, Buffalo, Deer, Moose and Caribou were all hunted out to 1000 yards at times. The need for being able to shoot this far was driven by many factors. Do you have to?; probably not but as long as it’s a humane kill, why not? You can always go at with a knife between your teeth and just jump on your prey and stab it to death on all accounts. I guess that might be a bit too barbaric for some to stomach but it certainly makes it “sporting”. Your veiled attempt at further limiting of gun and hunting rights is extremely offensive to me. Trying to impose some sort of “Higher Than Thou” standards to suit is equally offensive. Long range shooting and hunting has a place and really has nothing to do with long range sniper shooting. Taking of ANY life is serious business and should never be taken lightly and as long as those carnal rules are closely followed, then rights should remain untouched and unfettered.
John S
Frank spare us the dim witted analogy and opinions. Long range shooting and hunting has been around for over 100 years. Those Sharps rifles were developed back then for hunting both man and animals and frequently used on both. Elk, Buffalo, Deer, Moose and Caribou were all hunted out to 1000 yards at times. The need for being able to shoot this far was driven by many factors. Do you have to?; probably not but as long as it\’s a humane kill, why not? You can always go at with a knife between your teeth and just jump on your prey and stab it to death on all accounts. I guess that might be a bit too barbaric for some to stomach but it certainly makes it \”sporting\”. Your veiled attempt at further limiting of gun and hunting rights is extremely offensive to me. Trying to impose some sort of \”Higher Than Thou\” standards to suit is equally offensive. Long range shooting and hunting has a place and really has nothing to do with long range sniper shooting. Taking of ANY life is serious business and should never be taken lightly and as long as those carnal rules are closely followed, then rights should remain untouched and unfettered.John S
Well Frank, you make a number of assertions but, unfortunately, site no surveys or supporting documents. That leaves us with but one conclusion, these are your opinions and since they are offered for free we can consider their value being exactly what has been paid for them.
One question, do you even hunt or are you a member of PETA?
Finally I read someone that is respecting the animal that is being hunted. An animal should not be shot just because it is in season. Let’s level the playing field and give the living a chance.
Well said!! Hunting used to be a means of putting food on the table and ambush tactics could be condoned back then. Walking slowly through the forest until a deer or elk was discovered, then stalking to get close enough to place a killing shot with a 30/30 lever action rifle was also the norm. But advanced technology in firearms and sighting equipment has taken the “sporting” out of hunting. Game animals are basically the same as they were a century ago. If they had gotten more intelligent and could cope with modern technology we wouldn’t see so many dead animals on the highway. We need more 1,000+ yard shooting ranges where we can compete against each other shooting at paper and steel knock-down targets.
Ah, a snob bow hunter. Why not use a knife. Or better yet, a rock? I find a lot of deer on my land dead with arrows in them (surrounded by state land). Guess many of your fellow hunters didn’t bother to follow them.
Stick to your bow and enjoy it. Just don’t look down on others that prefer a different challenge. I do long range ground hogs, not exactly bow territory. I hunt bear and deer with an open sight handgun.
Real hunting men run bare foot with a 6″ knife in their teeth while running down their game!
Not a true ‘long range’ shooter. Mostly 300 yards and under.
This clears some things up I see and hear at the club.
Thank you.
As I haven’t even begin on PRS yet, every piece of information is very valuable for me and I appreciate this first issue very much. It clarifies lots of aspects and doubts.
Thank you!
Great info without going to way to much info range, KISS , Kespecially it simple stupid, thanks