Firearms - Precision Rifle

Precision rifle shooting is a highly specialized endeavor requiring highly specialized gear.  Standard hunting rifles and gear do not possess the accuracy, durability, maneuverability, or ruggedness necessary for this type of shooting.  There is no room for cheap or flimsy gear in this arena. 

The FN series of rifles are currently the best "out of the box" requiring little or no gunsmithing. Otherwise the recommended rifle is a bolt-action built on the Remington 700 or Winchester Model 70 action, 20- to 26-inch free floating heavy barrel, and bedded in a high quality synthetic stock such as those by HS Precision or McMillian.  There are very few semi-automatic rifles that can achieve the accuracy necessary for precision shooting; however, if yours shoots under one MOA and is reliable, it is welcome.  Production bolt-action rifles such as the Remington PSS, VS, LTR  and VSSF are acceptable providing they are capable of shooting under a minute of angle accuracy.  Custom precision rifles such as those made by HS Precision, NorCal Precision, Texas Brigade Armory, Chandler Brothers, and others are acceptable.  Plan on spending between $800 and $2,000 for a precision rifle alone.  Precision rifles should have a trigger pull between 2 and 4 pounds. 1 ounce target triggers are not acceptable. 

Optics must be of the highest quality and should feature 30 mm main tubes and target style adjustable knobs.  Recommended scopes are Leupold Vari-X 3 Long Range Tactical scopes in 3.5-10 magnification or 4.5-14 magnification, and Mark 4 with 10 power magnification.  Either 1/4 minute or BDC turrets are acceptable.  The bottom end of suitable scopes are along the line of the Leupold Vari-X 3 Tactical scope with mil dot reticules, which features a one-inch main tube, 3.5-10 power magnification, and 1/4 minute target turrets. Expect to spend $850 to $1,200 for the scope. 

Just as important as the rifle and scope are the scope mounting base and rings.  Standard hunting-style rings and mounts are not sturdy enough for field use.  We recommend heavy duty steel rings and bases such as Leupold Mark 4's, MWG Tactical, Badger Ordnance, NightForce, and Atuagua Arms.  We also recommend that the bases be tapered 15-25 MOA to ensure enough scope elevation adjustment to long ranges.  Plan on spending $250-300 for rings and bases. 

The recommended caliber is .308 Winchester due to the vast availability of match grade ammunition, its mild recoil, and long barrel life.  However, other calibers such as .223 Rem. are acceptable. 

Precision Rifle School Required equipment:

1. 1 MOA rifle (Capable of 1" groups at 100 yards) .223 or .308
2. High power scope w/target knobs
3. Bipod
4. Ammo cheek pad
5. Pen, pencil, clipboard
6. *Bean Bag
7. Pack
8. Vail
9. Shooting mat
10. Tarp and or pancho
11. Folding chair
12. Shooting glasses and ear protection
13. Boonie Hat
14. Knee & Elbow pads (optional)
15. Leatherman type tool
16. Shooting jacket (optional)
18. Data Book (provided)
19. 200 -400 rounds Match grade ammo
20. Cleaning supplies including: Rod, bore guide, jag, patches, copper solvent, oil, rags torque wrench (must be staff approved)
21. Sun screen, bug spray, chapstick, and bandanna
22. Drag bag (optional)
23. Spotting Scope
24. Appropriate clothing for weather conditions
25. Tripod
26. Range finders
27. Binoculars

Please do not buy anything without consulting us first!! All items will be available for purchase at class with advanced notice.