My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

jkillebrew

jkillebrew

Private
Minuteman
Jul 20, 2011
11
0
43
Fort Worth, TX
#1
So I just got my brand new DPMS LR 308 in last week. I want a rifle that will shoot out to 1,000 yards. I do a lot of hunting (pigs) and range work, but mostly I have been limited to 300 yards. So I am hoping for some advice on how to set up my rig.

That being said, the first thing I did was change out the trigger to a geiselle SSA-Enhanced trigger. This made a huge difference! It is not as crisp as my bolt action triggers, but I figured since this is a semi-auto it is perfect. I also ordered a new panther tactical grip from DPMS.

So that leaves the Butt Stock and the Scope.

The only stock that I can find is the MAGPUL PRS. Is there any others that are comparable, and is the magpul prs a good buy?

As far as scopes, I am pretty clueless. What type of power do I need for a 1,000 yard shot? (I have pretty bad eyesight!)

Thanks for any help for a newbie...
 
#3
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

For starters, welcome. A bit of advice: drop the sniper rifle moniker. It's frowned upon around here and will only result in you getting flamed. "Sniper" rifles are only for shooting people, everyone else busting steel have "tactical" rifles. I know, splitting hairs here over a name, but trust me on this one.

PRS-good but expensive. Necessary though if your scope is mounted high. Good choice on the trigger. Love mine.

Scope, read up and figure out what size targets you want to shoot. 1k is a stretch for a semi auto 308. Do-able, but a stretch. Depends on the target size and your wind calling ability.

Again, welcome. Research will be your friend.
 
#4
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Scope, variable with upper limits of around 15x...NF 3-15x50 is a good choice...but depends on your budget.

Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always.
 
#7
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

Keep on top of the classifieds here. Now that the NF high speed turrets and zero stops are hitting the mainstream, and MRAD turrets are gaining traction, I think that if you are patient, you'd be able to score an NF NXS (without HS/ZS turrets, with MOA adjustments) for somewhere between $1000 and $1300. Keep your eyes peeled. You may not be able to be picky about which reticle you get either.

I don't think there is ANYTHING that is going to touch an NF at that price point, used or otherwise.

As for magnification... To hit paper or steel, you'll NEED about 10X. Possible with less, but is tough. 10x really isn't too bad, but 15-20 is much nicer. IMHO, more than 20 isn't required at all. Makes you feel good having an 18" piece of steel at 1000 look so big through the scope at 32X mag, but is NOT AT ALL required.

Soft targets are different. More mag makes it easier to target a specific spot on an animal. Still think somewhere in the 15-25X zone is gonna do you very well. I wouldn't turn down the 8-32X NF though if I found a deal on one.
 
#10
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

You need to be looking around in the optics forum (start with the stickies at the top) and making decisions on what you want out of the scope. The Nightforce could be it for you, and there are a lot of NF users here that will tout their incredible durability, but it might be more scope than you can afford or need or it might not be enough scope either.

It's pretty much pick your flavor nowadays, first or second focal plane, mil or MOA adjustments, large range of magnification or not so much, illuminated or not, and so on.

Like I said, research will be your friend. If you don't know squat yet, then you need to be reading before laying down several C notes on something you might not need. Come up with a budget, figure out what you actually need from a scope, add in what additional you want from the scope, then go shopping.
 
#11
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

Edit: Redman beat me to it.

Like Red said I'd read threw a bunch of scope reviews and other posts and figure out what options on said scope your going to buy that you want.

Everyone has different preferances, like their are certain things that one person just has to have that others can do without.

The two biggest things you need to pick from is, first Mil or Moa turrets and second do you want a first or second focal plane.
Once you decide which of thoes fits your needs best then decide if you need Ill. (I find it almost useless but others love it) glass quality, zero stops, reticle choices.

Reading and learning all the different options is your best bet.

I thought I would end up with a NF for my first high end scope but instead I ended up with a USO, it was a bit more money but it had everything I wanted.

Then once you decide it's time to wait patiently for something very close to what you decided on to come up for a good price in the classifieds, then snatch it up.
 
#12
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

I just received the new SWFA Super Sniper 5-20x50 and LOVE it. Everything I was hoping it to be and in my opinion, best bang for your buck. I shopped around pretty hard too. It's probably expired but when I bought mine there was a snipers hide discount of $500 making it a no brainer. At least for me...
 
#13
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

If you want some ideas of what others are doing with the LR308 platform here are a few links:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2675856#Post2675856

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=721751&page=all

Scope wise as others have stated: determine your budget, FFP or SFP, unit of measure (MOA, Mil, MRAD) and magnification range then do your research. For the budget you mentioned do look into the Vortex PST line. Also to reach out to 1k (dependet on scope) you will likely also need a canted base (20-25MOA). NF and and GAP both make a nice 1 piece canted mount designed for the AR-10 platform.
 
#14
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

Your trigger choice is a great one. Other than that I really like the Tubbs carrier weight and buffer spring. Adjustable gas block is required if you plan to go suppressed. Good quality optics are a must as well as finding the right load for your gun. For my AR10, 155gr Lapua Scenars, CCI BR2, Win brass, and 45gr IMR 4895 consistently shoot sub MOA and allow me to hit plates out to 1000. I also like the Magpul PRS stock (but heavy) and the Sierra Precision grips. Good luck and have fun experimenting!
 
#15
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always. </div></div>

Why do you say "It may screw with your timing or cycling though"? Is just slides of the existing buffer tube so it should not change the cycling of the action.
 
#16
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

I bypass the whole nomenclature thing. I own and shoot practical rifles; some of which might also qualify in some other categories. I don't do sniper, tactical, or many other types of shooting disciplines. So, likewise, none of my rifles bear such labels.

I think, even in the face of mirage, that the variables going up to as much as 24x on the high end can be useful.

First, being able to exaggerage mirage can serve to supplement wind flag/environmental indicators for wind estimation.

Then, the higher mags can become more useful for resolving more sharply at lesser distance.

Would you be willing spend under $100 to try out these principles?

The Tasco VAR624X42M is a mildot scope with 6-24x magnification, and pretty much all the 'nicely equipped options' of higher priced scope. It prices out at around $80, is usually easily found, and can complement a .22LR trainer once the initial evaluation gives you a benchmark against which to compare and buy your more permanent optic.

Greg
 
#17
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Scope, variable with upper limits of around 15x...NF 3-15x50 is a good choice...but depends on your budget.

<span style="color: #FF0000">Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring</span>...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always. </div></div>

That is incorrect.

The PRS stock will not affect timing or cycling. It slides over a buffer tube... that controls your cycling.
 
#19
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

Might look at the IOR (3x18x42 mil/mil mp8) line from Liberty optics, a little over budget though, like mine very well. The 2.5x10x40 is right around your budget. Picked one up for 800 off the classifieds, should be here in few days. Watch the classifieds.

Javy
 
#20
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

LIke others have mentioned, watch the classifieds for used scopes. The price can be substantially less than MSRP; just make sure you know exactly what you want... See if there's any local snieprshide members in your area that are willing to let you look through their glass....
 
#21
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

You have a black belt in smart assery 9H. You are becoming my hero hahahaha

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best way to modify a DPMS gas 308 to work well at 1k is trade it in on a GAP bolt gun in 260.</div></div>
 
#22
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

The OP should be sure to make it look all snipery ...

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XRYAI2xt784"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XRYAI2xt784" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
#23
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

You laugh ARP - at least I didn't post my first comment, that is - "best mod you can make to a DPMS 308 for 1k yards is band saw it in half, throw half #1 in Lake #1, drive 100 miles, and throw half #2 in lake #2, then drive home and order a GAP bolt gun in 260".

Veer, and all this time we thought those stains on mom's living room couch were from little Johny's spunk, not Krylon Camo paint...
 
#24
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always. </div></div>
Why do you say "It may screw with your timing or cycling though"? Is just slides of the existing buffer tube so it should not change the cycling of the action. </div></div>

This was just the experience that I had when I switched out my stock to a PRS stock, it caused the timing/cycling to change just enough to cause jamming issues. I had to change to a heavy buffer and spring to correct things. Not saying it will happen but just warning of the possibility.

 
#25
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always. </div></div>

Why do you say "It may screw with your timing or cycling though"? Is just slides of the existing buffer tube so it should not change the cycling of the action. </div></div>

I realize it slides over the existing buffer tube, but it may and can change the cycling of the action. The buffer tube is within the stock. I changed out my stock, and it did just that, alter the timing and cycling of the bolt.
 
#28
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'll refrain from picking on his choice of words.

Yes, PRS stock is very nice and a great choice for precision shooting. It may screw with your timing or cycling though, try it, but you may have to change to a heavy buffer/spring...if you do look at Slash heavy buffers.

More info would be helpful, as always. </div></div>

Why do you say "It may screw with your timing or cycling though"? Is just slides of the existing buffer tube so it should not change the cycling of the action. </div></div>

I realize it slides over the existing buffer tube, but it may and can change the cycling of the action. The buffer tube is within the stock. I changed out my stock, and it did just that, alter the timing and cycling of the bolt.

</div></div>



Something else changed. Your magpul cannot affect the cycling if it is not in the chain of events connected to the cycling. Buffer spring and tube, barrel length, gas vent and tube, bullet weight, powder charge, headspace and seating depth can affect the cycling. I almost forgot carbon build-up and dirt and grime. But, the stock....not buyin it.
 
#29
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The OP should be sure to make it look all <span style="text-decoration: underline">snipery </span>...
</div></div>

I may be mistaken but you may have just invented a new word.
 
#30
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolf10t</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice looking weapon....</div></div>





shut up...no wait just go away...........
 
#31
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The PRS stock will not affect timing or cycling. It slides over a buffer tube... that controls your cycling. </div></div>

I beg to differ...I impress way more hot chicks when sporting my PRS even when I say stupid shit at very bad times. Therefore it affects my timing.

When riding my muscle-o-magic trainig cycle, all the extra parts on the PRS gets caught on my spandex bannana hammock and I look far less "snipery". Therefore it affects my cycling.

grin.gif
 
#32
Re: My first Sniper Rifle....Help please!

PRS Stock is great, but a little pricey, and no it wont screw anything up. All you have to do is remove a couple of screws on the A-2 slide it off of the buffer tube, and follow the directions on the PRS. Just make sure you order the PRS stock for a .308 and not a 5.56. If you put a 5.56 PRS Stock on a .308 and the cheek piece is elevated, the .308 charging handle will not clear and you will not be able to lock the BCG back.
 
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