Learning long range riflery from scratch

[drootang]

Yes, i was referring mostly to equipment...
"It is expected, however, that enrollees will have experience shooting their rifles and be very familiar with their personal weapon."
Not only do I not have the equipment, but I do not have any experience with it

[roland]

Drootang, I found a site that sells a book on long range riflery, http://rifleshootingbynancy.com/ , it sells for $35. I don't have it, but am ordering it soon. I hope this helps out.

[djturnz]

Originally Posted by aubie515

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You could look at a Savage package deal which includes rifle, scope base, rings, cheap scope for under $400. Savage rifles are very accurate out of the box...the factory stock is flimsy and feels cheap, but it will do until you upgrade to a better stock. In a 223, you won't need a stronger stock because the 223 recoil is not bad at all. Stevens is another company you could look at...Savage owns Stevens, but the Stevens rifles are cheaper.

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Look into either a Stevens Model 200 or Savage model 10 in .223. Later you can get a .308 barrel and put it on the Savage/Stevens Action. http://savageshooters.baker-media.com/SavageForum/ This is a link to a forum for Savage/ Stevens owners. Many of them have switch barrel guns that use the same action (mostly Stevens 200) with different barrels. There are some high dollar precision rifles built from the Stevens action and changing everything else. So you could start with a Stevens, and be half way there to your $2K rifle. Stevens run less than $300 at Gander Mountain, Dick's, Caballas.

[PA Dave]

Hey drootang, Awesome you want to shoot extreme range. I personally do not shoot extreme distance. I have on two occasions with others equip but thats it. I have a comment to make and that is, shooting very long distances requires a further refinement of the skills needed for shooting not so extreme distances. Perhaps before you climb into that lotus espri you should spend some time learning where the gas clutch and brake are. I don't want to discourage anyone but it takes more skill to shoot extreme distance than under 300yd. The idea of a 223 or 308 was a good one to get the basics down. Way Mo Goodness of Luck!

[1911shooter]

My 1,000yrd bench rifle is build in 6.5-284 cal. and it takes alot to get it to shoot minute of angle or less at 1,000yrds, and that goes for the shooter as well. i would suggest you see if some one will let you use their equipment before you decide to go out and spend any where from 2200 dollars on up on the equipment built to play the game. its not for everyone.

[Pukindog]

There is no easy answer to this question. Many different facets of long range shooting. Over the Course military, bench rest, silhoutte, hunting. Each requires different equipment, but, all require the same disciplines. Sight alignment, trigger control, wind doping, shooting positions.
Research the ones that sound interesting to you. None of these, I repeat, none of these disciplines can be shot with much success using make do equipment.
get a couple of books and read. I recommend "The Big Lie" by M/SGT James Owens. Another idea is to find/join a range that has a formal rifle program like the DCM. Get out and shoot some matches. 100 yard target shooting on a reduced bull using open sights is not as easy as it may sound. With practice and perserverence you can succeed.
Find an Appleseed seminar. You will learn a wealth of information.
I shoot Over the Course matches and Long Range metallic silhoutte matches. Both are completely different from the other.
For me the most fun is the Long range metallic silhoutte matches using black powder cartridge rifles. These sports take many years of practice, hard work, and money to properly hone to the point where you can be successful.
Practice with a .22. Sight alignment, breathing, trigger control is the same for a .22 RF or any of the center fire cartridges.
In a couple of words, practice, practice, and more practice.
Take care and good luck, Jeff