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Cart5 Tips for Long Range Shooting : Consistency is Key
Long-range shooting is a skill that develops over time. We start with a BB gun and gradually move up, not just in caliber but also in distance. Each step is about challenging ourselves and pushing limits, from 20 yards with a BB gun to over 500 yards with a precision rifle. The following five tips will help you refine your technique and improve consistency, making those long shots more satisfying and achievable.
1. Choose the Right Rifle and Caliber – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
The first step to success in long-range shooting is selecting the right rifle and caliber. Calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor are popular because they offer flat trajectories with manageable recoil, ideal for maintaining accuracy at longer distances. When choosing a rifle, consider factors like weight—heavier rifles provide stability when resting, which improves accuracy. Opting for quality brands like Bergara’s HMR Pro in the Premier Series can provide near-custom performance at a more accessible price point.
2. Invest in Quality Optics – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
Your rifle scope is a vital part of your setup. It’s essential to choose a scope built for long-range shooting, featuring quality glass that won’t blur your vision. Select a reticle system—either MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (Milliradian)—that aligns with your shooting style and environment. A good optic also provides adequate eye relief and excellent light-gathering abilities, enhancing clarity and comfort. Resources like TRACT’s blog can guide you through scope selection. Sean Utley’s review of the TORIC 4.5-30×56 ELR scope offers insights into what high-quality scopes can deliver for long-range shooting.
3. Secure a Stable Rest – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
A stable rest is crucial for consistent long-range shooting. It can be a shooting bag, pack, or a bipod. According to Bergara Academy instructor William “Bart” Bartholomew, a few fundamentals will improve stability:
- Avoid contact between the barrel and the support, as it affects the natural barrel whip and decreases accuracy.
- Cushion the rifle on the support to prevent it from sliding, ideally positioning support just behind the front sling swivel.
- Whenever possible, shoot from the prone position for maximum stability.
- Ensure the rifle aligns straight on the support to allow recoil to flow directly backward, improving precision.
4. Master Trigger Control – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
Trigger control is one of the most challenging yet essential principles in long-range shooting. Proper trigger control minimizes disturbances to your setup, maintaining sight picture and body alignment. Ideal finger placement is between the fingertip and second joint. Dry firing at home can help you practice your technique without needing to go to the range. This practice can significantly reduce common shooting errors, especially for beginners.
5. Practice Breathing Techniques – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
Controlled breathing can help relax the body and reduce movement. Snipers often use the “respiratory pause” method, timing shots during a natural pause in exhalation. This is typically a 2-3 second window when the body is at its calmest. Even for recreational shooters, this technique helps steady the shot. Take the time you need to settle both your breathing and heartbeat.
Bonus Tip: Practice Consistency – 5 Long Range Shooting Tips
Consistent practice is essential in refining your skills. Just like playing basketball or golf, the more you shoot with proper technique, the better you’ll become. Long-range shooting requires commitment to honing each element—rifle choice, optics, rest, trigger control, and breathing. Invest the time and resources, and the “ring of steel” from your long-range shots will be more rewarding.
For more in-depth guidance on mastering these skills, explore our Rifle Marksmanship Series:
- Part 1 – Scope Fundamentals
- Part 2 – Trigger Control Equals Success
- Part 3 – Follow Through
- Part 4 – Breathing Control Techniques
- Part 5 – Key Elements of a Good Shooting Position
- Part 6 – Supported Shooting Positions
- Part 7 – Shot Analysis
