Gear choices/next purchases

H

Himrightthere

Private
Minuteman
Sep 11, 2024
9
4
Virginia
#1
I've been to a few matches and picked up some gear along the way. Right now, I'm using a B14R with an MPED. I've got a bipod, a schemedium, a Kestrel, a chronograph, rangefinder, and some 8x10 Crossfire binoculars.
Is there anything essential or just nice to have that I'm overlooking? Should I consider getting a tripod, a new chassis, upgraded binoculars, or maybe save up for a custom rifle setup? Or should I just stick with what I have for now.
 
#2
Shoot what you have until it becomes the reason you don’t improve. Once you get the point were your improvement has stopped, see if you can try someone else’s “ better” rifle. If after a number of shots you are again seeing better results ( no fliers you can’t explain) and you feel comfortable with the change, then consider a new rifle. You have a decent rig now ( you did not mention your current scope/mount), If you can see the target shoot it, load and repeat.
 
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#3
oldrifleman said:
Shoot what you have until it becomes the reason you don’t improve. Once you get the point were your improvement has stopped, see if you can try someone else’s “ better” rifle. If after a number of shots you are again seeing better results ( no fliers you can’t explain) and you feel comfortable with te change, then consider a new rifle. You have a decent rig now ( you did not mention your current scope/mount), I you can see the target shoot it, load and repeat.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your feedback back. I have a bushell match pro Ed in an American rifle company rings.
 
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#6
You need a timer so you are shooting for score in the time allotted by the class you decide to shoot.
All smart phones and tables have a clock app with a timer feature.
FWIW, if you are shooting (just for practice) you will find the other shooters will stop to chat and make you run out of time.😄

Opps...and a friend who will honestly score your target with the right score gage.
 
#9
Sure…getting your rifle properly balanced a few inches in front of the magazine well.

To do so, you will need to add weight in the front of the rifle via weights or a heavier barrel. This may require you to change chassis (MDT, MPA, etc) that have slots to do so.

This will allow you to remain extremely stable on props and make more accurate shots because you’re not fighting the rifle while on the prop.

Most all rifles out of the box are extremely rear heavy.
 
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#11
I think it's important to understand - and accept - that you'll want to acquire more "stuff" just because you want to. Of course, the rationale of "it will make me shoot better" is the standard justification... but the reality is we wanna try new toys.

Fine, get new toys, try them, sell them, repeat - as long as you're not going into debt or shortchanging family, food, housing, retirement planning, etc.

There doesn't have to be a reason. We're guys. We like toys. Go with it. Just "play responsibly."
 
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#12
I'd toss those binos in the trash.

Can't ever go wrong upgrading glass and electronics. That said, you will likely get more use out of a case of quality ammo to practice with.


And the binos are really only used to watch other people.
 
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#14
Himrightthere said:
Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Something that costs more than $99...

Glass and coatings are individual. What looks great to me may suck for you.


Find a decent store that will take you outside. Look at details at 100, 500, 1000 yards. You'll see why the expensive ones are expensive.

I keep "cheap" bx-4 in the truck. Sig Zulu 9 electronic stabilizing for matches. Bought my kids Zeiss in hunter orange so I can see where they leave them...


There's all sorts. If there was only 1 best nobody would buy anything else.
 
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#15
Himrightthere said:
Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Do not throw those Binos in trash.. I have a set of those and if they are like mine if they where $200+ they would be a good deal..They see fine enough for me.. I usually run my spotter, it has a mil reticle in it. It's an Athlon Aries G2..Great Glass for the money. The reticle helps you mil the target so you can see how much wind the target can hold. It can be hard sometimes to find targets off your spotter, especially if you are running behind in prep. Just pull those Binos out an use them to find the targets and get some quick landmarks.
The Bino's are not world class, but they are useful. If you decide to Spot with Binos (not a bad idea) but like most things buy once and cry once and go big, might as well get the rangefinder and reticle in there too..and why not add the ballistic calculator as well.. less to carry.. There are two worlds in this sport, stay cheap and get by (Nothing wrong with that), or spend and get the stuff really worth spending for.. In the middle and you are wasting your money..
 
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#16
Lastsaint21 said:
Do not throw those Binos in trash.. I have a set of those and if they are like mine if they where $200+ they would be a good deal..They see fine enough for me.. I usually run my spotter, it has a mil reticle in it. It's an Athlon Aries G2..Great Glass for the money. The reticle helps you mil the target so you can see how much wind the target can hold. It can be hard sometimes to find targets off your spotter, especially if you are running behind in prep. Just pull those Binos out an use them to find the targets and get some quick landmarks.
The Bino's are not world class, but they are useful. If you decide to Spot with Binos (not a bad idea) but like most things buy once and cry once and go big, might as well get the rangefinder and reticle in there too..and why not add the ballistic calculator as well.. less to carry.. There are two worlds in this sport, stay cheap and get by (Nothing wrong with that), or spend and get the stuff really worth spending for.. In the middle and you are wasting your money..
Click to expand...
I’ve been eyeing the Match Pro Ed Binos. After looking through the razor gen3 I’ve finally realize there are levels to glass.
 
#17
What type of matches is my first question? Some gear lends to be a better fit for certain applications.

I'd keep what you have for now, but never underestimate the binos......good glass to observe, and catch anything is never money wasted.
 
#19
One nice option, now that it's getting darker and colder would be an inside dry fire system like the DFAT. Screws onto your scope and makes it look like closer things are farther away. Can use chairs, ladders, etc for all sorts of positions from home.



Having a tripod is nice, throw a tac table / Mod Dos type on top and will give you a way to try out extra positions. Companies like Sharps Mountain and Armageddon Gear make caddies that fit on them that are great for organizing your stuff on game day.


Really though, I'd echo everyone else, buy nice ammo and train a ton. Use paper and see where hits are going, etc.
 
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