Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

[lawofsavage]

Okay here is my situation: recent college grad decent job not many expense or any debt but I am saving up law school .

Decided I needed a hobby so I decided to try to learn long range precision shooting. Only hunting experience so far. I bought a Savage 12 LRP in 6.5CM shot around 500 rounds then I sold my stock and bought an XLR and HDMR and atlas bipod. I've only been to the range once so far with new rig because the only day I can go is Saturday because of work (I'll post pics next Saturday of groups).

I have no long range equipment at all. I don't want to get cheap stuff but don't just want to go out and spend thousands all at the same time.

My goal in shooting is to eventually learn the skill needed to perform well in competitions and just generally learn the fundamentals and have fun since it's a hobby.

What would y'all get and in what order I'm thinking.
1) Taking some classes
Think it would be a good idea to get the most out of my limited training time to go ahead and take a class and ask a professional what to work on in my own time

2.) Reloading Setup
I can buy the Hornady AMAX ammo for a very good price through a guy I know and I don't know how much it will save my once I sell my once fired brass and it seems to already be pretty accurate? I am a little hesitant because I don't know anyone in my area that reloads precision ammo to help me get started

3) Eberlestock Gunslinger II backpack
Just think it would be nice to have lol

4) Bushnell Fusion LRF binocs
Don't do any unknown distance shooting now but I was thinking I'd just buy them whenever I found a place to start

5) Suppressor
Just something I want, recoil is already next to nothing on a 15lb. 6.5CM with a brake

6) Horus with ATRAG
Just use phone now for dope, think this would be nice to have

7) Upgrade Scope
I had budgeted for a S&B but decided to wait and see what all will be new at SHOT this year

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Seems like you already have a pretty good setup, so personally I would buy a bunch of ammo and go shoot. A class would be my second option as that is something I would like to do.

Walter

 

[lawofsavage]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Got over 1k rounds just waiting to be shot I just need more time. I would be shooting more if it were the summer but it's dark by the time I get home from work so weekends are my only time to go right now.

 

[chainring]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Class, definitely, from that list. Definitely NOT the pack or new optic. The optic won't limit you for a long time, if ever, and the pack sounds like it would be completely wasted in your situation. Don't know that I'd set up to reload, no more time than it sounds like you have even to shoot at the moment. I love suppressors, so if you want to spend some money then a Thunderbeast before the 7th of December would be a good buy (promotion going on) but if you shoot at a range then you might end up wearing hearing protection all the time anyway....which makes that a waste.

By the time you finished a class, you'd have a refined list of what you really needed....and it might be shorter than you think. That's where I would start.

 

[MacM11]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Training, i agree, should be #1. All aspects of shooting are based on the correct fundamentals. As a bonus, you'll get to see different gear from the instructors as well as the students. You've heard the term 'buy once/cry once'. It was usually more like 'buy 5 times/cry 4 times' for me until I learned.
Your list shows that you already know alot and that you've been listening and researching.
Take a class--I've taken 6.

 

[Graham]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Buy a set of ear muffs and go take a PR1/2 at Rifles Only.

There's no point in buying stuff if you don't know why you would want it or why you would need it.

 

[tmpohuski7]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Dry fire its free. Learn your gun inside and out, prone, sitting, kneeling, standing, supported , unsupported, and slung. all can be done in your back yard or basement.

 

[xarrion]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Taking (a) class(es) is a fine way to invest, but its a bit grey on how to advise, your toy list (owned and wish) aren't exactly clearance items at walmart.

While you can always throw endless cash at the sport, you run the risk of becoming 'that guy' at the range, the one who shows up fully dressed in 5.11 gear and shoots 3" groups at 100 yards with a barret, because they can.

My recommendations, if *I* were in your shoes:

1) Get a 22 rifle. You can go as fancy as anschutz (sp?) or as plain as a ruger 10/22. Optionally a rim thickness gauge to sort ammo for higher precision. With this, you can get fast, cheap practice at 25, 50, and 100 yards. Slow fire, make every shot count, and work on fundamentals. A range trip for me could see 500+ rounds through a 22 before i ever go lay down with a long range rifle. Get a 22 benchrest target and chase wind at 50-100 yards, its great fun and a skill builder.

2) Go to an appleseed shoot and/or an NRA marksmanship class. These arent as cool as flying down to a ranch for "Urban Tactical Concealment Precision Incident BBQ Response Quarters Battle Training" (UTCPIBRQBT) but its a great way to learn something you may not have known, or relearn something you did and neglected. Its also a great way to get involved with the shooting community, make some friends, and have a place to quickly sell off gear you outgrow/dont like.

3) Find a match type/class you like and show up to them every time. Specifically recommend finding an F-class group to shoot with. F-class is usually 500-1000 yards prone. You can usually bring just about anything to the matches as they're typically informal at the club level, and you can usually find buddies to make roadtrips to bigger matches. Its really nice being able to shoot 1000 yards and have someone pulling your target down and marking it every shot. Also, i've done the full-time job while taking classes. It sucks, i know. Its REALLY refreshing to have that one day a week/biweek/month on your calendar to head to the match and have some time to enjoy yourself and develop comradeship with other shooters. It was like my flintstones loyal order of the buffalo. You'd be surprised sometimes the walks of life that turn up at matches, doctors, CEOs, politicians, local celebrities have all been bumped into at some point.


Once you've done that, you will likely bump in to someone to help you get started reloading, and i would never ding anyone for getting a great scope, as you can always move it to another rifle.

 

[opeagle]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Class, then take a class followed by taking a class. Then you will have answered your own questions.

 

[lawofsavage]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

I have got a set of the electronic hearing muffs on order. That does make sense that when I need it I will know. I just see everybody's gear on here and it makes me think it will help for training. I don't want to be "that" guy but I do want to get the most out of my limited practice time that was the real reason for the thread but I think the answers that make the most since are the people that said don't get things I don't have a use for and that once I take the class I will know. I just set my rifle up and I thought I need more stuff than this but I really don't I don't think for right now. I may end up getting the eberlestock just because I want it really bad don't make fun of me lol.

 

[bwphelan]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

You won't regret the Eberlestock. The X3 LoDrag was one of the first things I bought with my first setup simply to have a convenient way to carry everything in one bag.

After that, I bought a Kestrel 4000 so I could start recording environmental conditions while practicing. I wouldn't worry about anything else until after a class or two, which I hope to take this year.

That's the route I went when I got started and it's definitely not THE way, but what worked for me and I don't have any regrets. Hope it helps.

 

[MB4810]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lawofsavage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got over 1k rounds just waiting to be shot I just need more time. I would be shooting more if it were the summer but it's dark by the time I get home from work so weekends are my only time to go right now. </div></div>

Before you start spending money on equipment I suggest you read and read and read some more.
Get yourself well informed because you might end up buying things that you will realized you don't really need.
You invested already in 1K rounds.
Are those rounds the right combination for your rifle barrel twist rate?
Based on what you purchase those round... price?(just an example) 'cause you see you might end up practicing with rounds that won't let you use your rifle to it's full potential.

There is a lot of knowledgeable people around here and the information it's just one click away.

 

[Infinity]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tmpohuski7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dry fire its free. Learn your gun inside and out, prone, sitting, kneeling, standing, supported , unsupported, and slung. all can be done in your back yard or basement.</div></div>

This. Training too if you find yourself being inconsistent. I lay prone and practice trigger pull in the dark. It definitely helps and I notice huge differences at the range days after I dry fire compared to days I don't.

 

[VKC]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

I think you choice in caliber, and upgraded stock, optics and bipod shows that you already put in a lot of thought in your setup. You are already well ahead of most who are starting.

I would consider getting a Kestrel, you don't need ATRAG in my opinion if you have a ballistics program on the iPhone. The one I recommend is "shooter" with Bryan Litz BCs.

Classes are a good idea to learn more and see what you really need.

Gunslinger is nice but is not absolutely needed. I have a dragonfly which is a great model. TAB gear rifle cover would be another option.

Reloading is easy and you should be able to get enough info from the reloading section to get going. I did it myself after reading without anyone to show me. It is necessary if you shoot lots because of cost savings, but once you shoot pass 1000 yards the precision is a huge benefit especially being able to shoot better bullets like 142smk and 140bergers. Having said that Hornandy make great ammo, and the 140gr AMAX won't really limit you.

A good rangefinder is critical for unknown distance shooting. I started with a Zeiss binocular RF and was satisfied with it until I shot pass 800 yards. Then I upgraded to a Terrapin, which was the big investment but the best single gear that helped me improve. Before that I kept wondering if my DOPE was off, my velocity, shooting etc, when in reality it was my rangefinder. I don't think you even need a chrono with a Terrapin. Now I just load to whatever gives me the best groups at 100 yards. Then got straight to 1000 to 1200 yards, depending on the caliber. and back calculate my velocity. Then I shoot are various distances in between to confirm.

 

[chase16]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

I would go for a class and then just practice. The bag would be nice and just wait til you get into it to get a RF.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Where are you at in AL?

 

[Jethro3898]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Of the choices you listed, I would go with a suppressor first simply because it will be a while before you can actually possess it (BATFE wait time) and the fact that there is no telling what might happen to suppressors because of the current climate in Washington.

Next I would go for some training. I don't know where you are in Alabama, but K&M Precision Rifle is just south of the state line in Baker, FL (north of Eglin AFB). Rifles only has a fantastic reputation too, K&M is just probably closer to home.

The Creedmoor has fantastic factory ammo and companies like Copper Creek make great match ammo too.....so a reloading set up isn't a must have at this point (to me).

Suppressor (if you can find a great deal) or training would be great investments, I think.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Sir, no disrespect but...you cant buy your way to the front of the line in this game. Quality trigger time trumps a gear junky every time. A class and some local matches with what you have now will take you farther than your entire list bought all at once. You will find that even the local matches have a couple guys with their crap wired tight and one thing about shooters,especially the better ones, is they are more than willing to help a guy who says, "hey I am new to this ,can you tell me how you ....". If they dont, there not as good as you think they are, move on.

1)If you are getting to and from the range, You must have something to haul your stuff so you dont <span style="font-weight: bold">need</span> the E Stock
2)Sounds like you can get buy on factory ammo so hold out on learning reloading until you are sure this is your game.Sounds like you just jumped in and it may not be your gig. Hard to get your money back on re-loader resales.
3) Laser is nice,not going to lie about that, but shoot some KD ranges until you are certain that you want to play this game.
4)ATRAG or equivalent is a very handy tool but if you are going to get good and I mean really good, you will have some Hard data developed on a KD range somewhere in your gear. It is another want and not need at this stage.
5) You have more scope now than you will ever need. No it is not a S&B but I can promise you can do anything you wish to do with it,except have a S&B.
6) suppressor should be the last Gucci item you buy. They are EXTREMELY nice! but ear plugs are EXTREMELY cheaper and dont make your weapon longer,heaver and harder to manage in positional situations.

With all that said,so as not to be a Hypocrite, I currently have:

2 Reloading presses set up in my house in a dedicated "Gun Room"
2 Eberlestock packs, but more often compete on a vest type rig
Lca 1200 and a couple older Bushnell LRFs
3 suppressors but rarely use them in comps anymore
Atrag on a Palm and on a Kestrel as well as a couple other programs
S&B NF and USO scopes but compete almost exclusively with HDMRs

But I have been running and reloading Center fire rifles since the early 80s so I am pretty sure its my thing.

I hope this helps .

 

[B.Bates]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Where in Alabama are you?

I would join k&m and buy a case of ammo

Get some training With Shannon and shoot shoot shoot

After that look or worry about upgrades

I personally don't like eberlestock packs. That's the last thing you need buy more ammo

 

[JRWALLSIII]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where in Alabama are you?

I would join k&m and buy a case of ammo

Get some training With Shannon and shoot shoot shoot

After that look or worry about upgrades

I personally don't like eberlestock packs. That's the last thing you need buy more ammo </div></div>

Spot on advice

 

[lawofsavage]

Re: Help Me Decide Which Gear to Buy Next

Been working a lot of overtime and getting my applications in and with it being hunting season I haven't had too much time to shoot but I've put about 100 more rounds down the tube. I've been practicing 5 shot groups at 230 yards with good results so far. It feels like cheating shooting this rifle after zeroing in my hunting rifles. I'll have much more time in after January.

I'm about to sign up for Frank Proctor's class in February, I've heard good things about it and it's very close. http://www.wayofthegun.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=4

I went ahead and bought the pack and am about to get setup for reloading. It would just make me feel good knowing I can load my own ammo even though I won't be saving that much. Definitely next two things after reloading will be HORUS w/ATRAG and Bushnell Fusions. Got to find somewhere to do some unknown distance shooting and practice a lot more first.

I'm near Talladega, what is K&M?

Edit: I found K&M looks nice and not too far away.

Appreciate the advice, I am completely new to precision shooting but I'm pretty certain this will be my main hobby for a long time and want to learn in an efficient manner. All the info on gear so far has come from this site and I'm really happy so far with my choices this really is a good resource.