How to Become a Great Long Range Shooter

There are several reasons you may be interested in learning how to be a great long-range shooter. Some people may want to learn this skill so they can enter competitions. Perhaps you are looking for a new hobby and want to learn for the sake of the sport. Another reason is to develop your interest in hunting in a new way. Whatever your reasoning, there are steps you can take to learn this skill.

The Goal

The goal of long-range shooting is to be able to hit the center of a target at a distance of 300 to 1200 yards. You must be able to hit the target on command. A lot of various factors go into achieving this goal. A variety of resources are available that can help you on your way, ranging from basic information if you are new to this topic and looking to get started, to classes that offer hands-on practice with experienced instructors. It is also important to understand the science of ballistics or the study of the mechanics of projectiles, to be successful at this venture.

The Equipment

If you are serious about being a long-range shooter you must have the right equipment. The first and most important is finding a rifle that fits you well. The rifle must be appropriate for your frame and chosen optic. The optic you choose is also specific to your needs and goals and should be chosen with care. Take into consideration the amount of magnification you need for the distance you will be shooting.

Be certain that the optic is mounted properly on your rifle. Gun stores offer many options and knowledgeable staff can help you make the right selection. Ammo is another thing to choose carefully, as even the weight will affect your shot. You may get different results from different brands and need to experiment to discover which works best for you.

The Attitude

Learning how to be a long-range shooter is challenging. One of the most important factors in your success is your attitude. You must be patient and willing to learn from extended trial and error. If you have experience shooting short-range, you must be prepared to let go of your previous knowledge to a point, so that you may learn the proper procedures. Take the time to get to know your equipment and don’t give in to frustration if it takes longer than you expected to master this new skill.

The Form

Form and procedure are critical to success as a long-range shooter. Most shooters prefer to shoot long-range from a prone position, which allows for more stability and less movement of the rifle. Position yourself directly behind the scope for optimal accuracy. This will help prevent your body from jerking too much from the recoil.

One of the most difficult things to learn with long-range shooting is how to make appropriate adjustments for elevation and wind. Both factors will affect your shot and you must take them into consideration to plan for the path of the bullet. This will take a lot of practice to become adept at. Another thing to pay attention to is your breath. When shooting at great distances, any motion, no matter how subtle, will have an impact on the path of your bullet.

This includes the natural rise and fall of your body as you breathe. Many shooters prefer to shoot on the exhale or the pause immediately after. Finally, you want to remember to hold the trigger after the shot. This allows you to hold the position better should a second shot be needed.

Becoming a successful long-range shooter takes a lot of discipline and practice. Stay aware of your surroundings, practice often and make adjustments to find the right combination of equipment that works best for you. It is a challenging skill to learn, but with time and effort, you can reach this goal.