Long-range rifle shooting requires more than just skill and experience, it also demands the right gear to make accurate shots. Assuming you already own a quality rifle and scope, we will dive into the discussion of gear considerations for long-range shooting to help you take more confident and precise shots on your next shooting adventure.
Ammunition Considerations
Quality match-grade ammunition is essential in long-range shooting applications. Engineered to provide the best accuracy, precision, and consistency, match-grade ammo features carefully-chosen bullet profiles and weights to provide the best possible ballistic performance, resulting in flatter trajectories and increased accuracy over longer distances. These precision-matched bullets also tend to have extremely low standard deviations in velocity and pressure, which further contributes to their consistency and accuracy. Moreover, using the same brand and batch of ammunition will help to reduce variations in your shots.
Bipods
A good bipod provides stability to your rifle and helps maintain consistent shooting angles. It also helps to reduce fatigue during extended periods of time shooting long-range. They are typically made of metal or polymer materials and attach to the underside of a firearm’s stock, providing a steady platform for the shooter to rest their weapon on. Additionally, bipods can also be easily adjusted to different heights, making them versatile and adaptable to a variety of long-range shooting scenarios. Bipods can also be customized with additional features such as spiked or claw-like feet for added stability and leg extensions to elevate the platform even taller to reach uneven terrain or have clearance over vegetation.
Tripods
A quality tripod should be sturdy and able to hold the weight of the firearm without wobbling or tipping over. This is especially important when using firearms with high recoil, as any movement during firing can lead to inaccurate shots. Further, a good tripod should be able to accommodate different shooting positions and angles, enabling the shooter to adjust the height and angle of the firearm for maximum comfort and accuracy. This can be especially important when shooting in the field, where the ground can be uneven or rocky. Overall, a well-designed tripod can make a significant difference in the accuracy and overall performance of a firearm, it is important to choose one that meets your specific needs and requirements.
Shooting Bags
Shooting bags are also essential gear items to consider, as they’re highly portable and provide additional stability for your rifle by absorbing recoil and reducing any movement. They can also help elevate your rifle for better positioning and angle, depending on your position. Material options can also impact its effectiveness. Look for bags made from durable materials that can withstand frequent use and keep their shape over time. The size and weight of your shooting bag should be appropriate for the type of firearm you will be using. For example, a heavier bag may be necessary for a heavier rifle. The shape and designs vary and are suitable for diverse needs. Some shapes, for instance, aid in the stability of the rifle, while others conform to accommodate positional shooting from barricades. Depending on how and where shooting will take place, portability may be a consideration with the ease of carry and transport of the shooting bag.
Chronographs and Rangefinders
A chronograph is a device that measures the velocity of a bullet as it leaves the barrel of a firearm. By providing accurate data on the bullet’s velocity, a chronograph can help a shooter to make more precise adjustments to their scope, dial in their rifle, and hit their target more accurately. There are several chronographs available on the market, ranging from simple handheld devices to more advanced models that can be connected to a computer or smartphone.
The importance of a chronograph in long-range shooting cannot be overstated. When shooting at long distances, even small variations in bullet velocity can have a significant impact on accuracy. By accurately measuring the velocity of a repetitious series of shots, a shooter can input more accurate data into the ballistic calculator to make more precise adjustments to their scope or other sighting equipment. Thus, ensuring that each shot hits the target as accurately as possible.
A rangefinder is another useful tool, designed to measure the distance between the shooter and the target. They can do so accurately and quickly, using a combination of optics, lasers, and other advanced technologies. By using a quality rangefinder, shooters can be sure that they are aiming at exactly the right point, giving them the best chance of hitting their target. Another key advantage of range finders is they save time. Without a range finder, shooters would need to estimate the distance to their target using other methods. Having the ability to use a rangefinder allows the shooter to know the exact trajectory hold needed from the ballistic calculator to have a much more accurate target engagement.
Rail and Mount Accessories
Arca
Arca rails and Picatinny mounts are two popular styles of attachments used for attaching accessories such as scopes, red dots, or bipods. While they may look similar, there are some notable differences between the two. Arca Swiss is a developed system for attaching cameras to tripods, but it quickly caught on in the firearms world. Arca rails are characterized by their dovetail shape and come in various lengths. One major benefit of Arca rails is that they allow for faster and easier attachment and detachment of accessories. Instead of having to loosen screws, slide the accessory off, and then reattach everything, you can simply clip on or off accessories that are designed for the system. This makes it a great option for hunters or competitive shooters who need to change out accessories quickly.
Picatinny
Picatinny mounts, on the other hand, are a long-established system that dates to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The system is very versatile, with a wide variety of accessories designed to fit the system. One downside of Picatinny mounts is that they require more effort to attach and detach accessories than Arca rails. Small screws are used to tighten clamps or rings around the mount, which can be time-consuming. Ultimately, the choice is based on personal preference and the specific needs of your long-range shooting setup.
Muzzle Devices
Muzzle devices are designed to control the release of gases when the rifle is fired, thereby reducing recoil, and improving accuracy. Some muzzle devices, such as suppressors, are designed to help reduce the noise level of the gun, while others are designed to improve muzzle flash or reduce the amount of dust or debris kicked up by firing a rifle. There are many diverse types of muzzles available, including flash hiders, compensators, muzzle brakes, and suppressors. It is important to note that the use of certain types of muzzles may be regulated or restricted by law in some jurisdictions.
Flash Hiders
Flash hiders are designed to reduce the visible flash produced by the rifle by redirecting the gases produced by the rifle to the sides, reducing the amount of light produced at the end of the barrel. They are especially useful in low-light situations when a shooter’s position could be revealed by the flash of their weapon. A closed-prong flash hider features a cylindrical body with prongs at the end that are angled inward toward the center. The prongs help reduce the brightness of muzzle flash by disrupting the flow of gases. Open prongs are similar to the closed prong, but with prongs that are angled outwards.
The traditional birdcage flash hider features a series of cylindrical extensions that are designed to redirect gas and flash away from the shooter. This style is often used in military rifles due to its effectiveness and durability. Phantom-style flash hiders feature a series of small holes, or slots, on the surface of the body, which allow gases and flash to escape in multiple directions, reducing the overall brightness of the muzzle flash. A three-pronged flash hider features three prongs that are angled outward from the center of the body to mitigate muzzle rise, while the open design helps to reduce the brightness of the muzzle flash.
Muzzle Brakes
Muzzle brakes are designed to reduce the amount of recoil experienced by the shooter. They do this by redirecting gases produced by the rifle when it fires. This redirection helps to reduce the amount of force exerted on the shooter’s shoulder, making it easier to maintain a consistent aim. However, muzzle brakes can increase the amount of noise produced by the rifle, making them less suitable for hunting or other situations where stealth is important. Compensators work by redirecting gases produced by the rifle to help minimize muzzle rise. When a rifle is fired, it can produce upward movement, making it difficult to maintain a consistent aim. Compensators help to reduce this movement by redirecting gases upward, helping to stabilize the weapon.
Suppressors
Suppressors, also known as silencers, come in various styles that can affect the performance of a rifle in different ways. Some of the most common styles of suppressors are direct-thread, quick detach, integral and over-barrel. Direct-thread suppressors attach directly to the threaded barrel of the rifle, providing a stable connection with minimal added weight. However, suppressors may affect the balance of the rifle and can cause the barrel to shift slightly, potentially impacting accuracy. Quick-detach suppressors attach to a muzzle device that screws onto the barrel and detaches easily for removal. This allows for faster interchangeability of suppressors, but it may affect the point of impact due to the additional weight and potential for movement. Integral suppressors are built directly into the barrel of a rifle, providing a seamless and lightweight design. However, they can be difficult to replace if damaged or if the user wants to use a different caliber. Further, the rapid heat generation can cause a mirage in the scope and distortion of the sight picture, which will cause an increasingly challenging time with consistency.
Magazines
Designed for use with rifles equipped with Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) or similarly designed rifle stocks, AICS magazines are the preferred magazines for snipers and civilian long-range shooters alike. They are known for their durability and reliability under harsh conditions, and they’re available in various calibers and capacities. They’re also popular among long-range shooters due to their easy interchangeability and quick reloading capability.
When it comes to choosing a magazine for your rifle, there are two main options: metal or plastic. While both types of magazines have their advantages and disadvantages, the decision comes down to personal preference and intended use. The AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazine, is available in both metal and plastic designs. Metal magazines are becoming increasingly popular among expert shooters and hunters alike.
Metal
The metal AICS magazine is known for its durability and reliability. Made from stainless steel, the metal magazine is resistant to corrosion and wear and tear, ensuring that it will last for years. The metal construction also provides a consistent and reliable feed, which is essential for accuracy when long-range shooting. However, the metal magazine is rather heavy and cumbersome, which may be a consideration for those who prioritize weight reduction. In competition shooting, the smallest margin of error can mean the difference between winning and losing. A metal AICS magazine ensures that every round feeds correctly, enabling you to spend less time troubleshooting and more time putting rounds downrange. In remote locations or rugged terrain, a metal AICS magazine can be invaluable for its durability and resistance to damage. Whether you are firing prone or from a tripod, a metal AICS magazine will handle the elements without fail.
Plastic
On the other hand, the plastic AICS magazine is significantly lighter than the metal version. The plastic construction also offers some advantages over metal, such as being quieter when inserting and removing the magazine, which can be useful in hunting situations. Additionally, plastic AICS magazines can be easily molded and customized, allowing manufacturers to produce magazines in various shapes and sizes to fit specific types of rifles. This feature makes these magazines highly compatible and versatile, ensuring that they can be used with a variety of rifles and shooting styles.
One of the primary benefits of plastic AICS magazines is their durability. These magazines are built to withstand tough conditions, including adverse weather and rough handling. Unlike metal magazines, which can get dented and damaged over time, plastic AICS magazines retain their shape and functionality even after prolonged use. Moreover, plastic AICS magazines are less prone to rusting and corrosion, making them an excellent option for those who hunt or shoot in damp or humid conditions. However, one important consideration when choosing plastic magazines is that they are more prone to cracking and breaking over prolonged periods, which can lead to a malfunction when firing.
Ultimately, the gear you choose to equip yourself with largely depends on your individual needs, experience level, and shooting preferences. Factors such as expected use, weight, durability, and accuracy should all be considered when making the decision. Furthermore, it is important to do research and read reviews of varied brands and gear models to ensure that you are getting the best quality and value for your money.
