Discovering the LRS (Long Range Shooting), Sport Shooting, When Passion matters…

When we are new to the practice of sport shooting, we betempted to believe that it is simply a matter of hitting the target with a bullet. This can be done with a handgun or a rifle, as long as we are facing the target.

You can believe that if it was that simple, there would not be so many disciplines and competitions, some even being part of the prestigious Olympic Games.

We will focus on the most complex practice that exists in sport shooting, Long Range Shooting. It can be done with a handgun for some disciplines, but especially with rifles for others. We are going to focus only on the LRS, long range rifle shooting or the PRS Precision Rifle Shooting.

If you are one of those people who thinks that handgun shooting at 10, 25 or 50 meters requires special skills and perfect self-control, what would you say when you’d try shooting a  target at distances up to 2,500 meters?

We agree that we are no longer playing in the same court, this is the big league, even the very big ones.

Indeed, while handgun shooting at short range requires beside the quality or the model of the weapon, the caliber or the ammunition used, very specific techniques which mainly consist in mastering five pillars: the position of the shooter, the grip of the weapon, the aiming, breathing and last but not least, the 'drop' (trigger pull).

Now we're going to do the same drill again, but this time for a long-range shooter trying to hit a target at 1000 yards with a rifle. What do you think are the fundamentals to master in order to reach that target?

We would have gladly used magic to simplify the process, but this is where Passion comes into its own, the search for the perfect algorithm that will lead us to the high stalls of precision.

To start, we are going to take the first 5 pillars of handgun shooting which also apply to LRS, long range shooting, but we will add some ingredients: ballistics knowledge (adequate caliber, loadings, powder, bullet grain, curve of the bullet, trajectory), sighting tools, in this case, precision rifle scopes (parameters, diopter settings, elevation, windage , parallax etc.), the environment (eg: level of elevation) and in particular meteorological knowledge; how to use an anemometer (speed and direction of the wind, humidity, temperature etc.).

Now you will start to understand the complexity of a perfect long-range shot.

Indeed, beyond the ability of the shooter to master all the parameters and tools mentioned, it is above all necessary that he is capable of combining them all together so that the work of each is in accordance with the other. Such a conductor who’d be at the same time the conductor and the musicians, who would have the capacity to conduct the orchestra at the same time as he is playing of each instrument to achieve the perfect melody.

Beyond the shooters knowledge and talents, that can take us to the top of precision, you have to be very attentive to the choice, the quality and the ccombination of the material which should constitute a homogeneous and perfect whole allowing you to go as far as possible in your LRS long range shooting results. Whatever the chosen discipline: PRS: Precision rifle shooting, Benchrest, DLR: Dynamic Long Range, Steel Target, NRL: National rifle League,… And many more.

Components of the perfect Long Range shooting gear:

The rifle

A long-range rifle is more commonly known as a bolt-action rifle.

Bolt-action rifles worthy of the name must have a guaranteed accuracy of half MOA (Minute of Angle) and they must be able to offer the following specs:

• A Match grade barrel; Typically, heavy stainless-steel barrels, most often cold hammered or ideally "Button Rifled" barrels, are the most accurate and durable.
• A floating barrel design; in order to avoid parasitic vibrations which often have a disturbing effect on precision, the barrel must absolutely be free from any contact with any other part or component of the rifle.
• A Sniper buttstock; rather robust, rigid and offering the possibility of multiple position adjustments for a maximum of comfort. An optional folding stock would reduce the size of the bolt-action rifle, and considerably facilitate its transport and carriage on the range.
• A Match grade, single or double stage adjustable trigger. A crucial component for accuracy.
• A Rigid beam; able to withstand the recoils of big calibers without flexing and using lightweight materials to limit the weight of the rifle.
• High Polished steel bolt receiver and action; (ensures smooth loading), preferably three lugs action for more reliability when extracting the cartridge from the chamber.
• A sturdy and lightweight handguard with a Picatinny rail on the top for attaching optical sighting instruments. Prefer an M-LOCK type handguard, which offers the most flexibility in the location of accessories, such as the bipod.
• A muzzle brake, the essential instrument for reducing recoil allowing better stability of the rifle when shooting.
• Ideally, a multi-caliber platform. Indeed the 'BET' of the bolt-action rifles, offer multi-caliber platforms, which give the shooter the possibility of changing caliber whenever its needed, according to the distance he wishes to shoot while keeping the same rifle with the same stock, trigger, mounting and optics.

The choice of the caliber

Each caliber has its preferred distance and specifications. Trying the 1500 meters with a 308 Win would be like riding a Diesel Ferrari. Conversely, attempting a shot from 300 meters with 338 Lapua Mag. would sound like throwing pearls before swans.

- The 308 Win caliber remains the most efficient and popular caliber for the LRS, long range shooting ranging from 100 to 800 meters.

- Beyond 800 meters, there is a list as long as this article among which we have selected the most popular calibers: 6 Norma BR, 243 Win, 7.08 Rem, 0.30-06, 6,5x47 Lapua, 6 and 6 , 5 Creedmoor, 300 Win.Mag., 7Rem. Mag.

Giving the multitude of calibers, it is wise to seriously consider a Multi-Caliber bolt action rifle, allowing versatility. It will certainly represent a higher initial budget, especially for those among us who are new to LRS, Long-range shooting, but it will also allow to achieve significant savings when we start to change or vary the calibers and the disciplines of LRS, Long distance shooting, not to mention the greatest advantage of keeping the same platform to which we have become accustomed and well trained! Like buying a sports car with of various power and interchangeable engines.

Rifle Scope Mounting System

- It is the link between the rifle and the rifle scope. There is no point in having an excellent rifle scope and rifle if the mounting system does not fulfill its function of solidarity between the two.

- Ideally, a good mounting system facilitates access to the turrets.

- It should be made of specific light alloy, such as 6063 or 7075 T6 for rigidity that can withstand the recoil of big calibers

- Tilt of 20 to 30 MOA to allow shots at distances greater than 600 or 1000 meters.

The Rifle Scope

This is the Achilles tendon of the LRS, Long range shooting. The decisive sighting instrument for the expected precision. The selection criteria are very important for the chosen shooting discipline.

• Magnification from 6 to 52 X
• Diameter of the scope body, commonly 25, 30 or 34 mm
• Lens diameter size, up to 56 mm
• Adjustment unit in MIL (measurement in meters / cm) or in MOA (Yard / Inches)
• Choice of reticle, type, luminous or not etc.
• Choice of focal plane, first or second- FFP or SFP
• Parallax adjustment
• Turrets on the right or on the left

The Bipod

The thing that will keep your rifle steady at the front. We must choose  a model that has the least flexion movement in the legs and the most rigid possible.

• Type of mounting interface
• Maximum and minimum heights possible
• Number of possible positions (in height and in positioning angle)
• Maximum leg spacing for optimal stability
• Materials used, ensuring robustness, rigidity and lightness, making it capable to withstand big calibers recoil.

The shooting Mat

Important element for the comfort of the shooter but has no impact on the accuracy. Prefer a dense but light and foldable shooting mat.

The Transport Case

Watch out for the trap of saving temptation when it comes to the transport case.

Many shooters have paid dearly for the choice of a cheap, low-budget rifle case at the accidental fall shock. This is indeed the instrument that will have the heavy task of protecting your expensive equipment in the best possible way.

- Choose a strong and light alloy such as fiberglass / polypropylene, high impact resistance

- Preferably IP67 waterproof, dustproof and moisture proof.

- Choose a model with wheels, side and front handles, to facilitate loading / unloading and transport maneuvers.

How much does it cost ?

Now that we are seduced by the concept, we would like to equip ourselves, and we wonder of how much will the joke cost us?

When we seek to satisfy a passion, we seek pleasure above all. Here we are part of a subjective approach, more related to affection than to reason. This does not preclude that we may all have limits or budgetary constraints to consider, but not to be confused with a purchase of necessity where our reason will instinctively direct us to the most economical.

The good news is that in the world of LRS, long range shooting, there is a wide range to choose from allowing us to equip ourselves with budgets that may suit everyone's purse.

As in any other fields, the most expensive will absolutely not mean the most efficient. We are indeed going to find the phenomenon of big brands where, apart from the quality and performance of the product, we are also going to pay for the name we buy. Fortunately to find our way, there are well-defined sections:

The Bolt Action Rifle

From € 300 for a Savage 300GTB, up to € 825,000 it's no joke, the VO Vapen Falcon.

To help you place the cursor in such a wide range, we recommend from € 2,500 to € 8,000 which includes a fairly complete spectrum, including multi-caliber platforms!

You can start with a Savage 110 Precision at around € 2000. On the other hand, it will be necessary to plan to switch to models above as you progress.

You can also look for a model with a prestigious brand, you will have to go to Barrett (average € 10,500), Accuracy International (average € 12,500), Desert Tech (average € 10,000), or Ritter & Stark (average € 7,500). This is the selection of exceptional rifles that will make the eyes of sport shooters of all levels shine.

In between, we have unearthed the rare pearl which we would choose without hesitation, The RS1 2.0, a fully Custom, Multi caliber, Full option bolt action rifle, which is right in the middle at € 5700 and which represents more than its unbeatable value for the money.

Beyond its Versatility, it is extremely precise, durable, and reliable. It will have the merit not only of accompanying you throughout your career as a sports marksman, whatever disciplines you choose, but also of offering you the high places of the podium.

The Rifle Scope

Do not look for anything below € 700 at the risk of becoming disillusioned very quickly.

The efficient range is between € 750 and € 3,500.

You can reasonably start with a $ 750 model, the Vortex Strike Eagle or the Bushnell Forge at around $ 1,000. They represent a good quality and sufficient performance to get started with the LRS, long distance shooting.

On the other hand, you can take a tour in the higher spheres where you will find the Nightforce B.E.A.S.T at € 4,800 or the Schmidt & Bender PMII from € 5,000. Surprisingly, despite impeccable quality and performance, they do not justify their price, especially since we estimate that there are scopes almost half the price that would be better suited to LRS, long range shooting.

We choose the Kahles K525i DLR (Dynamic Long Range) at € 3500. The last born of the K-Series, designed specifically for the LRS, long range shooting. It will have the advantage of satisfying you with its performance and ease of use, but above all by its great versatility, which like the Multi-caliber rifle, can accompany you in all disciplines of LRS, long distance shooting that you would choose to practice.

The Scope mounting system

The performing range is between € 190 and € 400.

You will have the choice among the most serious manufacturers like Burris, Warne, TPS, Spuhr, etc.

Given the insignificant price differences between the different brands and models, we will choose the best of them, the monobloc scope mounting system from Spuhr at € 390.

The Bipod

From € 130 to over € 500, there are a variety of models available from the best-known manufacturers.

€ 130 for a Harris bipod (small model), or € 150 for the latest model from Magpul, up to € 570 for the Accu Tac FC5-G2 or the Atlas Super Cal at € 560.

Our choice stops on the Model BR4-G2 from Accu-Tac at € 379. In our opinion this is the most rigid model there is, despite the disadvantage of being heavier than its competitors, it has the advantage of not having any flexion in the legs.

The Shooting Mat

We will go straight to the Lyman TAC-Mat HD shooting mat. Practical and light, for around € 129 it will offer you all the comfort you need.

The transport case

Two well-known brands dominate the market:

• For the Low slice, the Nuprol brand, around € 120, offers various sizes and colors. The only advantage it has in our opinion is its lightness compared to its size. It would be more suited to Air soft replicas than to LRS long range shooting weapons.
• For the upper range, we will go to Pelicase, the ‘Must’ of rifle cases around € 650.

Between the two we will choose the case from Alpha Elite, in fiberglass, as resistant and waterproof as the Pelicase but certainly less neat in terms of finish. For 350 € she will do the job perfectly.

In short, budget summary of the ideal complete equipment for the LRS, long distance shooting:

• Rifle:                                 € 5,700
• Shooting scope:            € 3,500
• Assembly:                      € 390
• Bipod:                              € 379
• Carpet:                            € 129
• Case:                               € 350
• Total:                              € 10,448.00

Some tips to equip yourself in case the estimated budget is out of your reach.

- Some armory shops readily offer payment facilities, usually in 3 times without extra charge, and sometimes up to 10 times without extra charge.

- If the budget is too high for you, be patient and watch out for promotional offers. You will be able to achieve savings of 5% in average on the rifle and 10% on accessories.

- You also have the possibility of orienting yourself towards second-hand equipment. In this case you can cut the bill by 30 to 40% in average.

Above all, favor the option of second-hand equipment rather than the choice of brand-new equipment but of lower quality that you will always end up regretting.

Keep in mind that your shooting equipment will always be of value and that the better quality it is, the lower the depreciation will be, and it will be easily resalable.

Otherwise, the more you go towards a low-end material, the less you will come out unscathed.

Moreover, if you opt for second-hand equipment, do so only with a professional who will have the obligation to offer you real guarantees.

Good shot everyone.