Practicality of learning LRS later in life?

[BravoSimo]

How practical is it to take up LRS for someone who has no recent real experience in rifles (.22 and .30/.30 as a kid), is in mid-life, and has mild vision issues like astigmatism and presbyopia?

If it's sufficiently practical, how long would it take to become proficient enough to reliably hit targets at up to 1000 meters working solo? Access isn't really an issue, but time may be.

FWIW, I'm idly considering a Wilson Recon Tactical in 6.5 Creedmoor with either a 16" or 18" barrel. Might be fun to play around at closer ranges with AR-15 friends at some later point, so I'm leaning toward the shorter barrel. Also like the Sig BDX scopes, but note the bullet drop software only works out to 700 meters or so. Any input?

 

[DustBun]

First, welcome from Ocala, FL.

I understand your situation. Let me say that it is as practical as anyone else's situation. Mr. Frank Galli has created some great training videos that are very helpful if you opt to do the online training. When I read your post the video that came to mind was "Putting in the Effort". As with anything in life, you get out what you put in. It just depends on you. If this is what you truly want, then dive in and make it happen. You can do it. Best wishes.

 

[Fig]

Buy a nice, used bolt gun and scope from the PX, and you’ll be hooked.

 

[Dragonscout25]

Welcome to the Hide from Middle Georgia. For me, it's never too late to add to your database and personal skill set. Personally, you've selected a good caliber to go long range. Good equipment can only do so much and will be better than we are. But do the homework to learn the basics. Practice, and if the rifle is new, break it in at "close range" i.e. 100 yards. Then as you find confidence in what you're doing, stretch your legs at 200 - 300 - 500. When there is confidence AND consistency keep going. You'll definitely be hooked and remember one thing. You can only compete against yourself. After every shooting session, look back and see what you did well and what you need to improve and research more. So many here can help and you'll find lots of folks here to help in your journey...Glad to have another brother here...

 

[Nik H]

It is never too late to start.

Do your research here and buy yourself a decent bolt gun with a decent optic. No need to break the bank to start. Save the $$$ for ammo and training.

I would wholeheartedly recommend that you sign up to the online training section here. It is short money compared to the information you will get. If you follow the videos, you will minimize the number of bad habits you have to break when you take your first class. The videos did a ton of good for me in terms of understanding the fundamentals of rifle setup, NPA, etc.

Then comes the hard part...trigger time. Without practice, it is not possible to become proficient. With practice it doesn't take long to be hitting steel at a 1,000 or beyond.

 

[TACC]

All great information, I agree totally.

I'm 56 and started 2 years ago, just as another challenge I would enjoy in life.

A) it is a perishable skill, so practice is a must, which for me is very therapeutic.
B) keeps the mind sharp with learning wind calls, and elevation math/changes.
C) as with other shooting disciplines, there are numerous people very skilled willing to help you along the journey, and you meet more like minded people.