First LR rifle ever. First day at the range.

[Slyexx]

Okay, so this is kind of a lie, because I haven't bought my long range rifle setup yet, but still want to ask where do I start on day one?

Obviously I want to zero my rifle. I'm assuming at 100 yards. Is that the first thing I do, and what's next?

Do I just get comfortable with my rifle and get a few nice groups and call it a day, or should I have more of a purpose and start gathering data?

 

[Bender]

Always shoot with a purpose. Get it zeroed and get a rough estimate of drops from JBM online, compare with actual data. True your data. Double check zero before you leave. This is what I do. Just some ideas.

 

[SubOptimal]

Not enough information to provide a meaningful answer.
What kind of rifle?
What adjustments to the chassis are available and what have you done?
What caliber and are you shooting factory ammo? If so, what kind?
What is your shooting experience? Do you know how to get a good zero? Do you know how to shoot decent groups? Can you?
What facilities does the range offer? Can you go prone? Do you want to shoot prone?
How many yards can you shoot at? How many yards do you want to shoot at?
Answers to these questions will allow some to tell you what their experience has given them.
Everybody had to start some time.

 

[_Windrider_]

Take a class.

 

[eklarsen]

First you need to impress her, take her to the range in a nice vehicle. Then while shooting get to know her better, what she likes and doesnt like. Where she likes to be held, what she likes whispered in her ear when pulling the trigger. Ive got more but think I will stop there.

 

[CRT2]

Being a wise ass, recommend you assemble your rifle setup first.

 

[tna9001]

I'd suggest spending some time on your living room floor with the rifle after you've got the scope properly mounted adjusting the fit of the rifle. If your 5'7" or so things are pretty easy if you are significantly taller or shorter (think arm length) then it's going to take some adjusting the LOP (length of pull) and the position of the scope on the rifle to get both proper eye relief and LOP. There are some excellent articles HERE. If you like videos Frank (the owner of this forum) has an excellent collection of instructional videos available by monthly subscription, $15/mo is an excellent value for what your getting.

 

[Sniperstud]

I always have a new rifle completely assembled, adjusted, cleaned, lubricated, and bore sighted before taking it to the range. I make sure all fasteners are set to the proper torque, I perform the recommended safety and function checks, and I verify headspace. I spend some time dry firing to familiarize myself with the trigger, as well as the feel of the rifle. I also start my rifle profile in my ballistic calculator. I don’t want to waste time doing these things on range day. I make a check list of everything I’ll need, so that my enthusiasm to play with my new toy doesn’t cause me to ruin the day by forgetting something important.

My goal for range day is to record performance data and start gathering DOPE. While zeroing, I chronograph my load and document SD and ES. I document any cold bore deviation throughout the day. I record any effect on POI caused by my suppressor. I shoot several groups and record the measurements. I usually shoot some dot drills, like the 100 yard challenge target. Record the results. Keep a log book. Finally, I verify DOPE out to 500 yards on steel, and document any discrepancies. This allows me to true the ballistic software, which I’ll check again after shooting longer ranges.

 

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

Get on paper at 25 first, shoot a tall target crank your elevation, note the rise, work the turrets and recheck, then shoot for zero at 100. Note everything

 

[TanktheFrank]

I agree with the others, and additionally I really suggest familiarizing yourself on the rifle AFTER you have it setup and understand the fundamentals. Not to be accusatory or anything, but I would need to take off my shoes to count how many times I've been to the local ranges and see guys with new rifles, new to shooting, and they proved to be not only dangerous but generally misinformed in proper procedures in safety and operations. It's hard to miff the manual of arms on a bolt gun, but it's a regular occurrence for some...
Back to the thread at hand, I'd also suggest taking plenty of ammo. It sucks to show up, have a single box, and experience issues that eat away at your limited "freedom pops" Take your time, be safe, and ultimately have fun.