Greetings from the Panhandle of Texas

[Boonigan]

Hello!

I am from the Panhandle region of Texas and have recently gotten into longer distance shooting. I've been very into shooting for several years now but only recently have I started trying to make shots beyond 300 yards or so. Until now, it has mostly been plinking at the range or night shoots under night vision with friends.

With my new job, I now have access to a range that goes all the way out to 1600 yards so I can finally get into some real long distance shooting! A couple of my coworkers are also very into PRS style shooting and I have the itch now.

For now I'm making do with my 5.56 AR build as I continue to learn and refine my skills. I plan on purchasing my first true long range setup soon, though! I'm really just deciding on an optic at this point - 5-25 Mk5 HD, 4-32 NX8, or go all out and get the 7-35 ATACR. I've been very, very happy with my 1-8 NX8 so I'm currently leaning toward the 4-32 NX8 most but might spring for a Mk5 if I find a solid deal.

Here are some pics from my most recent range trip. Nothin like shooting off the caprock of Texas!

 

[LinkLow]

Nice setup and view! I think most will steer you towards a NF versus the Leupold on this forum.

I like the glass a little better in the Mark 5, but the durability and tracking seem to make the NF an easy winner in my opinion.

 

[Boonigan]

Nice setup and view! I think most will steer you towards a NF versus the Leupold on this forum.

I like the glass a little better in the Mark 5, but the durability and tracking seem to make the NF an easy winner in my opinion.

Yeah. I have done an absurd amount of reading on it all and have come to a similar consensus. I also really enjoy the Mil-XT reticle, which further leads me to thinking that the NF might be the better purchase for me. I've read that it's best to buy the reticle that you want.

All that being said, I am now trying to decide if the NX8 or ATACR would be a better buy for me. Used NX8's seem to be ~$1000 less than an ATACR. That would allow me to buy additional gear (chrono, Kestrel, even more ammo, etc). Staying closer to the $2000 mark would be a bit more comfortable for me currently.

On the other hand, I'm wanting to ensure I'm spending my money wisely and want to do things right. I don't want to end up buying an NX8, only to wish I had gotten the ATACR. I guess I shouldn't lose too much cash if I were to buy a used NX8 off here and then decide to upgrade down the line.

 

[Wild8cat]

Welcome aboard, nice setup! I’m new here as well.

 

[Boonigan]

Welcome!

And thanks! It's certainly not a purpose-built long range rig but I've been having fun with it as I save for something more meant for long range shooting

 

[Wild8cat]

Welcome!

And thanks! It's certainly not a purpose-built long range rig but I've been having fun with it as I save for something more meant for long range shooting

That’s what matters most, having fun with it. Sounds like a great setup to hone your skills while you work toward your ideal long range rig!

 

[Boonigan]

That’s what matters most, having fun with it. Sounds like a great setup to hone your skills while you work toward your ideal long range rig!

Definitely. My shooting buddy and I are really just trying to learn at this point and have been blessed with access to such a nice private range.

I think we're going to try using an old .308 DPMS AR-10 I have sitting in the back of my safe, along with an old NF 2.5-10. It's not the nicest setup but it'll let us play around with something different while we each keep saving and planning out our long range rigs.

 

[Wild8cat]

Definitely. My shooting buddy and I are really just trying to learn at this point and have been blessed with access to such a nice private range.

I think we're going to try using an old .308 DPMS AR-10 I have sitting in the back of my safe, along with an old NF 2.5-10. It's not the nicest setup but it'll let us play around with something different while we each keep saving and planning out our long range rigs.

That sounds like an awesome way to learn and experiment! Having access to a nice private range is definitely a blessing. That .308 DPMS AR-10 with the old NF 2.5-10 should still be a solid setup to get some quality trigger time and refine your skills. It’s all about the experience, enjoy the journey!