This guide to long-range shooting gear can help beginners get started on their endeavor of increasing accuracy at considerable distances.

If you're excited at the prospect of pushing your shooting skills to the next level, then you've come to the right place. Getting started can be fun, and daunting. So, if you’re just beginning to explore the world of long-range marksmanship, we have some insights, recommendations, and reviews to help you make informed decisions about the essential gear you'll need to excel in this challenging discipline.

The Rifle

Selecting the right rifle is pretty important. It will serve as the foundation for your long-range shooting gear. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a rifle for long-range shooting.

First, look for rifles that are specifically designed for long-range accuracy. Bolt actions are often preferred for their inherent reliability and consistent performance. They provide a solid platform for precise shooting, allowing for the smooth and controlled cycling of rounds through the rifle.

Heavy barrels help too. They will minimize barrel whip and maintain stability during the firing process, which reduces the potential for barrel movement and the resulting deviation in shot placement. Heavy barrels also aid in dissipating heat, which is crucial during prolonged shooting sessions where barrel overheating can affect accuracy.

Additionally, adjustable triggers are a highly desirable component of you long-range shooting gear. This will allow the shooter to achieve a consistent and predictable pull, creating minimal disturbance to the rifle's alignment. A light, clean, and adjustable trigger pull can greatly enhance accuracy by reducing the potential for trigger jerk or unnecessary movement during the shot.

You’ll also need to consider caliber. Find something that’s capable of long-range accuracy that doesn’t beat you to death during a day at the range. At TRACT, we all have our preferences though you’ll find the .308, .30-06, and 6.5 Creedmoor atop many lists. As for the overall quality of the rifle build, you can find some great production options on the market or, if you’re really serious, can build your own.

In this guide, we've compiled the best information from today's top shooters and experts on long range shooting. Download for FREE!

Rifle Scope

Optics play a vital role in your long-range shooting gear, and investing in the best glass you can afford will make a world of difference. Look for a rifle scope with magnification capabilities suitable for your shooting needs. Know the quality of the optical system built into the scope and what additional features are important, such as eye relief, reticles, and more.

For example, we pair SCHOTT HT (high transmission) glass with ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses and a glass-etched illuminated reticle. Speaking of which, long-range shooters often prefer Christmas-tree-style reticles, either in MOA or MRAD, rather than your traditional T-plex. It's also critical to have an optic that removes parallax and focuses down to close range when necessary.

Those things combined with our direct-to-consumer business model and your first, or next, piece of long-range shooting gear could be a TRACT scope!

Ammunition

While the ammunition you choose will factor into the overall setup, we’d suggest starting out with factory loads. Luckily, several of the top ammunition manufacturers are turning out some great factory loads that will help get you started on your long-range adventure. Once you’ve spent some time experimenting, then you might consider match-grade rounds or loading your own. Should you eventually decide to start hand loading, the tools required can make for a pretty heft investment. But hey, much like a serious fly fisherman ties his own flies, well, you get the point…

Range Finder

Once you’ve got your setup, let’s think about accurately measuring the range to the target. And a laser range finder is an indispensable tool for this purpose. Coupled with a ballistics calculator, you’ll be able to quickly determine how much to dial or hold over with just the click of a button. You can find some reasonable (pricewise) options. Plus, they’re small tools that won’t take up a lot of room in your overall long-range shooting gear kit.

Ballistics Calculator

To calculate accurate bullet trajectories and adjustments for varying environmental conditions, a ballistic calculator will help you eliminate guesswork. Most apps will work with your smartphone. Or you can opt for setting it up online and printing the results. Either way, the ability to make precise calculations will save you time and money by taking into account factors like distance, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, wind speed, and wind direction.

The App provides a complete ballistics resource allowing you to select your cartridge, calculate bullet drop, atmospheric conditions (and more) that will enable you to maximize the long-range performance of your rifle and scope.

Spotting Scope

Spotting scopes are a great addition whether you have a spotter or not. If you do, the spotter can quickly call hits and misses and help you reduce the latter while increasing efficiency.

No spotter? No problem. The addition of a digiscope adapter allows you to record each shot in order to measure and eventually reduce misses. Like your rifle scope, go with the best you can buy. Good glass is an investment that will hold its value through the years.

The TORIC Spotting Scope offers a 22x or 30x fixed power eyepiece built specifically for the long range shooter. They feature an offset reticle that does not obscure the field of view while allowing precise target measurement and follow-up shot correction.

Solid Rest

Obtaining consistent accuracy at long range is a challenge - there are so many variables affecting the bullet the further you are from the target. And because of the intense precision required, a stable rest must be used.

One of the most popular and effective types of rifle rests to use at the range is a bag of some sort. Bags are heavy and allow you to anchor the rifle and easily make adjustments for elevation and windage. They are excellent choices for long-range shooting and provide a very stable platform.

Cleaning Kit

Maintenance maintains accuracy. It’s pretty simple. Being that most production rifles don’t have a lot of parts, this step really won’t take too long.

Invest in a cleaning kit that includes bore brushes, cleaning rods, solvents, and lubricants. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure your rifle stays in top condition and performs at its best.

Also, don’t forget about your optics. Go with an optics care kit that includes a lens pen and micro-fiber cleaning cloth. These tools will keep your lenses from getting scratched and the sight picture clear.

By equipping yourself with these pieces of long-range shooting gear, you'll be more than prepared to get started. And to be honest, if you wanted to send some rounds down range with your current hunting setup, by all means do it. The shooting and hunting sports are meant to relieve stress, not build into it. Plus, the practice, patience, and discipline it takes to become a skill long-range shooter can carry over into your life off the range too.