Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

[Handyandy]

Here is a picture of the 13 pound 7 ounce beast.

So I am signed up for a John Mcphee, 2 day, Heavy Marksman class in September (Click here for course description). What I have now is an LMT MWS with a 16" CL barrel w/ a 2.5-10x32 Nightforce mil-dot scope on a LaRue QD mount. If that doesn't qualify as a heavy carbine, I don't know what does. So far, all I have done is zeroed and shot it at 100 yards with FGMM 168 grain. Of course it still has the LMT SOPMOD stock on it. Something I recently discovered is that I actually get a better line of sight through irons and optics with the good old Colt M4 stock. So I would like to find a stock without the big lump on the side, although I'm not opposed to a <span style="font-style: italic">riser</span>, if it might help. I am leaning towards A1 or A2 fixed, I would like something with a QD cup so I could still use my BFG sling with sewn in QD swivels. I have an Geissele Hi-Speed trigger, Atlas bipod, good Leupold spotting scope, plently of ammo and mags. So, to boil it down, my questions are:

1. Should I zero at 200 yards?

2. Any recommendations on a buttstock? Is the PRS worth the $$$?

3. Other than practice, practice, practice,anything else I should be doing?

Thanks, Andy

 

[KAC23]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Hey,

Sounds like you have a great setup for the course. Post some pics if you can.

1.) I would recommend staying zeroed at 100. Chances are the school will have you zero at 100 and reconfirm everyday at 100 before you start doing anything else. There will be a plethora of different rifles/scopes mils/moa etc at that class. It would be in the instructors best interest to have everyone zeroed at the same distance which i can almost guarantee will be 100.

2.) I have the PRS on my SR25 and I think it's definitely worth the money. Some people think it's a little heavy which it might be on the heavier side of stocks, but it's a very solid platform. Very customizable to the shooter and worth every penny in my book.

3.) Well you mentioned practice, that can't be stressed enough. Dry firing is critical and get used to calling your shots. Aim dead center and take a mental picture when that trigger breaks where the cross hairs are. Get used to calling your shots.

I would also make sure you have a good data book. You are going to get some great data for your rifle at that school. Use a ballistic calculator online and print up the data for the rifle/load you are going to be shooting and stick that in your book. I would also recommend a mildot master, great little tool to have in your book.

 

[jason8251]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

I agree with KAC but if you don't want to spend %225 on a PRS you can customize an A2 (zero moving parts = sturdy) to almost any shooter, especially if you're adding material to it like cheek rests and butt spacers, as long as the LOP is not too long for you now.

 

[Handyandy]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Great advice. So now I have follow up questions.

1. What is a good data book? I saw this one (fourth one down) at Brownells.

2. What is a good ballistic calculator for an Android. I don't mind paying for a good one.

Thanks, Andy

 

[T2CH]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Impact Data Books, contact NOMAD here on the hide.

Strelock is pretty good. If you know the MV get the FDAC from Impact Data Books with your Data Book and learn to use it. It will get you very close to the target.

Good luck in the class, it's a lot of fun.

 

[KAC23]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

+1 on the impact book. It is all I will ever use from now on.

 

[biscuit75camaro]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Go with shooter for android its 10$, but has more features than strelok.

 

[kritos666]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

I took my 1st long-rang precision class in April.

This is what I took away.

- go with an open mind try whatever is being taught.
- don't expect to shoot your best per se.
- if have sudden major changes in how your shooting, stop and ask why. (yourself or the instructor)

I hadn't shot in the desert, I live in western Oregon (no sand). We had a sudden dust devil come up. I went from being the 2nd best on the line 3/4-1/2 MOA, to not being able to hit a silhouette at 300. I went back to the hotel after the 1st day, and it turns out I had a dime sized blob of sand just in front of the recoil lug.

I cleaned things up and wasn't the 2nd best anymore, but learned more than I can remember and will be back next year to refresh. All told I improved a lot.

That was my experience.

 

[kritos666]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kritos666</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took my 1st long-rang precision class in April.

This is what I took away.

- go with an open mind try whatever is being taught.
- don't expect to shoot your best per se.
- if have sudden major changes in how your shooting, stop and ask why. (yourself or the instructor)

I hadn't shot in the desert, I live in western Oregon (no sand). We had a sudden dust devil come up. I went from being the 2nd best on the line 3/4-1/2 MOA, to not being able to hit a silhouette at 300. I went back to the hotel after the 1st day, and it turns out I had a dime sized blob of sand just in front of the recoil lug.

I cleaned things up and wasn't the 2nd best anymore, but learned more than I can remember and will be back next year to refresh. All told I improved a lot.

That was my experience. </div></div>

I forgot, log book (as mentioned) and however you take copious notes for later review.

 

[luvtolean]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

I highly recommend the PRS. It's not cheap, but it is worth it for precision shooting with an AR, and you will appreciate having it when they do rifle fitting.

If you're going to be shooting past ~600m I recommend going to 175Gr, the 168 gets unstable. With that short barrel and out of a gas gun, you're going to get there earlier than the bolt guys as you'll be sending them slower.

I wouldn't worry about zeroing, that is part of pretty much every PR1 class.

 

[kritos666]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvtolean</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I highly recommend the PRS. It's not cheap, but it is worth it for precision shooting with an AR, and you will appreciate having it when they do rifle fitting.

If you're going to be shooting past ~600m I recommend going to 175Gr, the 168 gets unstable. With that short barrel and out of a gas gun, you're going to get there earlier than the bolt guys as you'll be sending them slower.

I wouldn't worry about zeroing, that is part of pretty much every PR1 class.</div></div>

+1 on the 175's ... made a big difference for me out to 1k

 

[RufDog]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Just be happy & be prepared to learn & willing to take direction. Also, quoting SH always scores points w/instructors.

 

[Handyandy]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Well so far, after reading the replies here, I have ordered a PRS and the parts to install it, I also ordered an Accu-shot Monopod as well. I will be ordering 800 or so FGMM 175 grainers tomorrow. I need to read some threads about the Impact data books and get one ordered. Then, the biggest thing is to get to the range but things at work are insanely busy and I'm running a defecit of free time.

 

[NoFail]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Guys, like OP I have 16" gasser, mine 1 in 10" twist. How about 178 Amax? I ordered box of them to work some loads and see.
Anyway wish I could do that class with OP

 

[-Nick-]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Handyandy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well so far, after reading the replies here, I have ordered a PRS and the parts to install it, I also ordered an Accu-shot Monopod as well. I will be ordering 800 or so FGMM 175 grainers tomorrow. I need to read some threads about the Impact data books and get one ordered. Then, the biggest thing is to get to the range but things at work are insanely busy and I'm running a defecit of free time. </div></div>

I would order up your 175 from either Josh at Copper Creek Ammo or Andrew with McCourt Munitions . It will be cheaper and the ammo performs better in my opinion. McCourt is taking a little longer at the moment, so if you need it quickly call Josh. As for the PRS stock it's great and you'll like the ability to adjust your cheek and LOP.

 

[Handyandy]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

Bump for picture in original post.

 

[pmclaine]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class

If you order an IDB take advantage of the free shipping code for orders over $60. NOMAD ha a post in the equipment section listing the July promotion.

 

[TeamGrom]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

To heavy carbine dude,

You don't need anything but the rifle in the pic and ammo.

Bring what you have and I will make you good with it.

Bring a ballistic program of any type, learn to use it.

We will true you to the gun with data and easily make hits farther than you thought.

You will shoot man on man against me for the shirt off my back.

You will have a great weekend.

John McPhee

 

[Blue Line]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

Well, I guess that answers that. LOL.

 

[Blackrifle1]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

Nice rig!! Let us all know how the class went for you when completed. I am thinking of taking a class also after I get my GAP10.

 

[Blackrifle1]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Handyandy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Here is a picture of the 13 pound 7 ounce beast.

So I am signed up for a John Mcphee, 2 day, Heavy Marksman class in September (Click here for course description). What I have now is an LMT MWS with a 16" CL barrel w/ a 2.5-10x32 Nightforce mil-dot scope on a LaRue QD mount. If that doesn't qualify as a heavy carbine, I don't know what does. So far, all I have done is zeroed and shot it at 100 yards with FGMM 168 grain. Of course it still has the LMT SOPMOD stock on it. Something I recently discovered is that I actually get a better line of sight through irons and optics with the good old Colt M4 stock. So I would like to find a stock without the big lump on the side, although I'm not opposed to a <span style="font-style: italic">riser</span>, if it might help. I am leaning towards A1 or A2 fixed, I would like something with a QD cup so I could still use my BFG sling with sewn in QD swivels. I have an Geissele Hi-Speed trigger, Atlas bipod, good Leupold spotting scope, plently of ammo and mags. So, to boil it down, my questions are:

1. Should I zero at 200 yards?

2. Any recommendations on a buttstock? Is the PRS worth the $$$?

3. Other than practice, practice, practice,anything else I should be doing?

Thanks, Andy

</div></div>

Can you post a link to the school? I clicked on the link and it went to the SH forums...didn't see anything about a long range shooting school--thanks

 

[lord of war619]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

very nice build

 

[Handyandy]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

John: After taking a carbine class from an old Navy guy named Kyle something or other, who had a lot of good things to say about you, I am totally pumped about the class. I can't wait! Thanks for the reply!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TeamGROM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To heavy carbine dude,

You don't need anything but the rifle in the pic and ammo.

Bring what you have and I will make you good with it.

Bring a ballistic program of any type, learn to use it.

We will true you to the gun with data and easily make hits farther than you thought.

You will shoot man on man against me for the shirt off my back.

You will have a great weekend.

John McPhee

</div></div>

 

[Handyandy]

Re: Help a noob prepare for precision rifle class PICS

I hope it's OK, this is from another forum: John Mcphee Heavy Carbine class


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackrifle1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Handyandy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Here is a picture of the 13 pound 7 ounce beast.

So I am signed up for a John Mcphee, 2 day, Heavy Marksman class in September (Click here for course description). What I have now is an LMT MWS with a 16" CL barrel w/ a 2.5-10x32 Nightforce mil-dot scope on a LaRue QD mount. If that doesn't qualify as a heavy carbine, I don't know what does. So far, all I have done is zeroed and shot it at 100 yards with FGMM 168 grain. Of course it still has the LMT SOPMOD stock on it. Something I recently discovered is that I actually get a better line of sight through irons and optics with the good old Colt M4 stock. So I would like to find a stock without the big lump on the side, although I'm not opposed to a <span style="font-style: italic">riser</span>, if it might help. I am leaning towards A1 or A2 fixed, I would like something with a QD cup so I could still use my BFG sling with sewn in QD swivels. I have an Geissele Hi-Speed trigger, Atlas bipod, good Leupold spotting scope, plently of ammo and mags. So, to boil it down, my questions are:

1. Should I zero at 200 yards?

2. Any recommendations on a buttstock? Is the PRS worth the $$$?

3. Other than practice, practice, practice,anything else I should be doing?

Thanks, Andy

</div></div>

Can you post a link to the school? I clicked on the link and it went to the SH forums...didn't see anything about a long range shooting school--thanks</div></div>