If I were just getting into long-range, precision rifle shooting with the knowledge that I currently have, I know that I would have a lot less extra gear floating around the house. This “extra gear” is either obsolete electronics or items which I purchased and ended up not taking a liking to. The following list is the result of a compilation of knowledge over many years both as a recreational shooter, and a professional in the shooting industry. If you are looking to get into the long-range niche, here are some great suggestions on the setup that I would do it with.
Yes, some of these items are fairly costly… this is not a cheap sport to get into, even if you do so on a “budget build.” That said, I will acknowledge that you can get a decent setup for a lot less money, but the following items are what I would consider to be of the best in their category. Now, let’s get into the wish list!
THE RIFLE:
Daniel Defense Delta 5
There are a number of great factory rifles out there that come out of the box with sub-MOA guarantees and great high-end features, so there are many rifles that I could include on this list in this category. I chose Daniel Defense’s Delta 5 because I have ran several thousand rounds through this rifle and have come to love the feature set that it has to offer, as well as respect the accuracy that it has to offer. One feature that I specifically love is the the barrel-extension with barrel nut mounting system. Anybody with a torque wrench and a replacement barrel can go from one caliber to another on their kitchen table with the simple change of a barrel. The MSRP on this amazing rifle sits at $2,199.00 and the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering brings this rifle to a weight of 9.5 pounds.
Other features that the Delta 5 has to offer include an outstanding stock and chassis system, a high-end action and the barrel technology that has brought Daniel Defense so much fame. The stock is adjustable for both length of pull as well as comb height and yaw. The Mini-Chassis system creates the rock-solid base that helps squeeze every bit of accuracy potential out of the rifle system. The action also brags many amazing features such as a 3-lug bolt with 60-degree throw, integral recoil lug, stainless steel bolt and action construction with DLC coating on the bolt to create a smooth interface. It also has a 20 MOA removable scope rail, removable bolt knob and a Timney Elite Hunter Single Stage trigger that is adjustable from 1.5 – 4.5 pounds.
This rifle comes in 3 different calibers currently; 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington. Daniel Defense did a lot of research on the profile of barrel to use on this rifle and came to the conclusion to use a Heavy Palma profile which brings 95% of the accuracy of a bull barrel and only 64% of the weight. The barrel features DD’s cold hammer-forged results with the rifling, chamber and outside diameter being forged all at the same time in perfect concentricity.
Specs:
| Calibers available | 308 Winchester6.5 Creedmoor7mm-08 Remington |
| Barrel | Cold hammer forged to contourUser interchangeable |
| Barrel Length | 20” (308 Winchester)24” (6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington) |
| Muzzle Thread | 5/8” x 24 TPI W/ Thread Protector |
| Weight | 8.9 lbs (308 Winchester)9.5 lbs (6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington) |
| Action | Mechanically bedded stainless steel action with integral recoil lug |
| Bolt | Three lugs W/ 60 degree throw and floating bolt head |
| Bolt Knob | 5/16 x 24” removable bolt knob |
| Trigger | Adjustable single stage Timney Elite Hunter (1.5 – 4 lbs) |
| Picatinny Scope Base | 20 MOA/5.8 MRAD with four #10-32 bolts |
| Barrier Stop | Integrated into pillared bottom metal |
| Ergonomic Stock | Constructed with carbon fiber reinforced polymer |
| Adjustable Cheek Riser | For the preferred height, yaw, and drift |
| Configurable buttstock | Offers length of pull and butt pad height adjustments |
| Attachment Points | 11 M-LOK points along forend with one point on the bottom of the buttstock |
| Quick Detach | Ambidextrous M-LOK QD sling points on forend and buttstock |
| Magazine | AICS style detachable single feed |
| Capacity | Five round PMAG 5 7.62 AC – AICS short action magazine included |
Learn more about the Daniel Defense Delta 5 HERE!
To Purchase, CLICK HERE!
THE RIFLE OPTIC:
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56
The second most important part of a long-range shooting system is the scope. For this, I want world-class optical clarity, tracking accuracy, locking turrets and a decent power range. Oh, and make the whole thing light because I have to carry it!
The Leupold Mark 5HD line of optics are some of the most well-rounded optics on the market currently because they shine in all of the areas I mentioned. The M1C3 dial system is one of the most intuitive and feature-packed systems that I have used which offers a positive zero stop, the ability to dial slightly below your zero, rotation indicators and multiple rotation readouts for quick adjustments without doing mental math or counting. The optical clarity of the Mark 5HD line is INCREDIBLE. I would put this optic on par with many optics that cost much more, but this optic really pulls ahead when you examine the weight. The 5-25×56 only weighs 30 oz! The cherry on the top for me, because I run my equipment pretty hard, is how robust this optic has proven itself to be. I have fell on my rifle, scope first, carried it around the mountains on horseback and drug it through the harshest elements with flawless performance. MSRP starts at $2,599.99 but this is one area that I would not pinch pennies on.
Specs:
| Linear FOV (ft/100 yards) | High- 4.2Low- 22.4 |
| Eye relief | Low- 3.58 inchesHigh- 3.82 inches |
| Weight | 850 Grams30 ounces |
| Elevation Adjustment Range | 120 MOA |
| Windage Adjustment Range | 60 MOA |
| Exit Pupil | High- 2.2mm |
| Tube Diameter | 35mm |
| Objective Diameter | 56mm |
| Length | 15.67 inches |
| Illumination | available |
| Adjustable Eyepiece | yes |
Learn more about the Mark 5HD 5-25×56 HERE!
To purchase, CLICK HERE!
OPTIC ACCESSORIES:
Leupold Mark 4 35mm High Aluminum Rings
Because the Mark 5HD line of optics are a 35mm main tube, options for rings are limited. However, I would stick with Leupold because their products are very high quality and these rings have performed well for me in the field. MSRP sits at $249.99
Purchase HERE!
MK Machining Ultra-Low Profile Billet Scope Level
An easily overlooked addition to the ultimate long-range setup is a high-quality bubble level. As we extend our range, it becomes important that we are leveling the gun with something more accurate than the skyline, trees standing, or our gut feeling as it could cost us in a resulting miss.
Leupold currently does not make a 35mm bubble level, so you cannot bundle your optic purchase and add this in. However, MK Machining makes a great one! This bubble level is truly low-profile, allowing you to install it, or remove it even while the optic is mounted on the rifle: even with minimal clearance. This bubble level is also extremely easy to read, sits out just far enough to see past the turret while holding a cheek weld on the rifle and has proven to be very durable. MSRP is $54.99
Purchase HERE!
THE BIPOD
BT46-LW17 PSR Atlas Bipod: Standard height with ADM 170-S Lever
All Atlas bipods are extremely high quality, and would be great choices. I chose the BT46-LW17 PSR Atlas Bipod because it is small, light, sturdy and allows the user to adjust for 30 degrees of cant, 30 degrees of pan and has 5 leg positions at 0, 45, 90, 134 and 180 degrees. This adjustability allows you to create the optimal configuration in any kind of terrain or position. I would also choose the standard height of 5-9″ because I don’t often find myself looking for more length while in the field, but I do want it to be small and as light as possible. The final touch to this incredible bipod is the ADM 170-S lever system, allowing it to be attached and removed with ease. This bipod’s MSRP is $319.95
Specs:
- Height Range: 5–9″
- Preloaded Pan: 30 degrees
- Preloaded Cant: 30 degrees
- Position Button 0.5″ diameter
- Fore and Aft pivot limiting Bosses
- 5 leg positions: 0, 45, 90, 135 & 180 degrees
- Non-Rotating Legs: outer leg does not rotate around inner leg
- Larger, stronger inner legs
- Weight: 13.61 ounces approx.
- Footprint: 8–11″
More HERE!
THE RANGEFINDER
Sig Sauer Electo Optics KILO 2400 ABS Ballistic Laser Rangefinder
I have cycled through many rangefinders and I wouldn’t have if the first one I had purchased was a SIG KILO 2400 ABS. This rangefinder is yet another piece of equipment that reflects the “…get what you pay for” mantra. The KILO 2400 ABS calculates ballistics with an onboard Applied Ballistics program based on the rifle profile that you upload. It can also be paired with a wind meter and a smartphone to provide real-time wind holds, making it the ultimate tool for precision rifle shooters and hunters alike. With the 2 mile range that it will provide target distances on, you likely won’t ever ask it to pick up an object that it isn’t capable of. With an MSRP of $1559.99, you get a wind meter, ballistic rangefinder and a ballistic app compatible with IOS and Android.
Specs and Features:
• Ranges up to 2 miles with the Revolutionary LightWave DSPTM Technology for the fastest and longest distance rangefinder engine.
• Free downloadable SIG Ballistic App for your smartphone. iOS and Android are supported. Build, edit, and upload from the app to your device.
• Bluetooth 4.0 for synchronizing up to 4 custom ballistic profiles between the free SIG Ballistic App and rangefinder. Both Classic and Low Energy are supported for iOS and Android smartphones.
• 7x25mm monocular with SpectraCoatTM anti-reflection coatings for superior light transmission and optical clarity.
• HyperScanTM Technology provides 4 range updates per second in scan mode while RangeLockTM reports the last range result when ranging distant targets. Results displayed to the nearest 1/10 yard.
• Embedded Applied Ballistics Elite with bullet database and support for G1/G7 and AB Custom Drag curves. Users can choose CDM or G1/G7 when profile building.
• AB Ballistics Engine: Most accurate ballistic solver on the market. Trusted by professionals.
• Aerodynamic Jump, Spin Drift, & Coriolis Effect are all calculated in the system (Embedded sensors adjust for this in real time).
• Temperature, pressure and humidity sensors for real-time environmental inputs to the embedded ballistic calculator and the ability to train for muzzle velocity shift with temperature shift.
• Customizable Reticle allows you to change the look of the reticle by adding/removing parts of the milling grid.
• Advanced OLED display provides a smaller, extremely precise targeting circle along with milling features and ballistic info including holdover, angle, wind direction, wind speed, target mode, density altitude and shot angle.
• Digital Compass / Magnetometer / Inclinometer provides magnetic heading and incline for long distance shooting and Coriolis adjustment.
• Line of Sight or Angle Modified range in addition to full ballistic holdover and windage results in MIL or MOA.
• LumaticTM Display automatically calibrates display brightness to changing ambient light conditions.
• 3 Operating Modes: Target Mode for first, last or best options; AMR Mode where Angle Modified Range (Inclination) can be turned on/off; and LOS Mode for Line Of Sight (No inclination calculation adjustment).
• Compact, lightweight magnesium housing with binocular style eyecup and diopter adjustment.
• Sensor Override: Ability to override the current sensor readings and input your own parameters such as Temp, Pressure, Direction of Fire etc.
• Metric support
• Unique Housing/Color: Magnesium, Flat Dark Earth, with Applied Ballistics Medallion.
• Sleek design for one-handed operation and lanyard attachment.
• Adjustable Timeout – Adjust the timeout on the LRF from the app to 30(Default), 60, or 180 seconds.
• New milling reticle with 2.4 MRAD inner diameter and 3 MRAD outer diameter center aiming circle.
• Includes a smartphone wind meter, tripod adapter, and SIG Tactical pen/stylus.
• Covered by SIG SAUER’s INFINITE GuaranteeTM and Electronics Limited Warranty
• ASSEMBLED IN USA
Included Equipment
- Free App for Android & iOS.
- One Piece, Solid Machined, Tripod Mount.
- TYR Water Resistant Molle Gear Bag.
- Padded Ballistic Nylon Case.
- Wind Meter.
- Sig Sauer Tactical Pen/Stylus.
- Lanyard.
- 3 Batteries.
Technical Specs
– Compact Form Factor – 4.2in(107mm) Tall x 1.3in(33mm) Wide x 3in(76mm) Tall
– Housing – Magnesium, Flat Dark Earth, Housing.
-Lens – 7x25mm monocular with SpectraCoat™ anti-reflective coating.
-Performance – Deer (1400 Yards), Trees (1800 Yards), Reflective Steel (2000 Yards+).
-Field of View (FOV) @ 100 Yards – 35.67 ft.
-Angular FOV – 6.78 degrees
-Laser – 905nm
-Laser Divergence – 1.3 Mils (4.4 MOA) Round.
-Weight with battery – 7.5oz/215g
-Exit Pupil – 3.6mm
-Eye Relief – 15mm
-Readings: Temperature, Pressure, Humidity, Density Altitude, Direction of Fire (Compass), Inclination (Vertical Angel to Target), Range.
-Bluetooth BLE – Android/iOS/PC Compatible. Theoretical Max Range 100Meters(Perfect World).
Purchase HERE!
As I have stated, this list does not outline a budget set up for long-range shooting. Instead, it is more of a “buy once, cry once” compilation for the do all, end all equipment for long-range shooting. All of the equipment above would make up the system that I wish I had started with, so it is why it makes my long-range Christmas list. If you disagree, state in the comments what your ideal system would comprise.
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All of these weapons are expensive and probably made for military purposes. Here, I’m searching for a pocket-friendly hunting weapon to shoot long-range games. I’m about to spend money on either an AR or a 30-06. BTW, it was a fantastic giveaway!
Ha, so despite what some of the other comments have said, I think your list is great, it’s obviously a wish list.. I particularly like the Atlas Bipod.
Sorry guys, I know this stuff is extremely pricey, but it is what it is. The PRS long-range competition game is not cheap to get into. If you want to actually be in a position to win a big match you have to have the right equipment, and that equipment ain’t cheap. There are a lot of other gun games out there where you can be competitive for a lot less money, but this article isn’t about those sports. It’s about PRS, and, if PRS is your sport, you had better have the bank account to back it up if you want to win. I can’t afford it either, but that’s life.
Sorry boys, I will have to agree with Mr. Baxter. What he is talking here is actually low end in the Precision Rifle/Long Range Arena. Higher end scopes like the Leupold Mark 8 run around $5000, and precision rifle platforms run a minimum of $2500 and as much as 2x-3x that much, its definitely not a cheap sport to get into. You can still do a lot with less, but winning competitive matches may not be realistic.
I love the set-up, but adding ammo and taxes, I am around $10,000.00….. For that, I could begin to learn long range shooting,,,,,, but i, have to find a range near me. I guess I will settle with 500 yards available for me and my Savage 110.
“If I were just getting into long-range, precision rifle shooting with the knowledge that I currently have, I know that I would have a lot less extra gear floating around the house”
Yeah Right…..Because you’d be Broke…..Did you ever consider writing this article for working people?
Nice gear. Now how about the same article, but for the bottom 90%.
Bergara B14 HMR $950
Athlon argos BTR $300
Warne 20 moa $55
Warne maxima rings $60
Caldwell canting bipod $40
Sig kilo 1200 $200
Vortex bubble level $40
Total $1645
You’re way above my pay grade.