take Effective shots at a distance

Setting up a long-range rifle for precision shooting is more than just picking a rifle and slapping a scope on it. Precision rifle setup requires careful selection of components, proper alignment, and a deep understanding of ballistics. Whether you're a competitive shooter, a tactical professional, or a dedicated hunter, a properly configured rifle setup can make all the difference in hitting distant targets with accuracy and consistency.

That being said, our team of experts at Core Vision Training is going to break down the setup of a long range rifle.

Choosing the Right Rifle for Long Distance

The foundation of a long-range rifle setup is the rifle itself. Now you can certainly build your own rifle, but many people opt to get a pre-built one. That being said, some popular choices among precision shooters include:

Bolt-Action Rifles – Known for their accuracy and reliability, bolt action rifles such as the Remington 700, Tikka T3x TAC A1, and Bergara B-14 HMR are excellent options. These rifles allow for greater precision due to their solid locking mechanisms and controlled loading of each round.
Semi-Automatic Rifles – Semi automatic AR-10 or AR-15 platforms and similar platforms offer faster follow-up shots but may require additional tuning to match the precision of bolt-action counterparts. Brands like Daniel Defense, LaRue Tactical, and LMT produce high-end semi-automatic precision rifles.
Caliber Selection – The most common calibers for long-range shooting include .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum.

6.5 Creedmoor – A favorite among competitive shooters for its excellent ballistic coefficient, low recoil, and extended range effectiveness.
.308 Winchester – A reliable choice with widespread availability, excellent for medium to long-range engagements.
.300 Win Mag – More stopping power at extended ranges, commonly used for hunting larger game or extreme distance shooting.
.338 Lapua Magnum – The preferred choice for extreme long-range shooting, but requires a heavier, more robust platform.

Selecting the Right Optic

One of the most critical components of a long-range rifle is the optic. A high-quality riflescope enhances precision and target acquisition. The Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10X24 MRAD is an outstanding choice for shooters who demand versatility in both close-quarters and long-range engagements.

Why Choose the Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10X24 MRAD?

Buy the Vortex Razor Gen III

Advanced Optical System – Extra-low dispersion glass and XR™ Plus multi-coated lenses ensure superior light transmission, clarity, and color accuracy.
Versatile Magnification – From true 1x for situational awareness to 10x zoom for long-range precision, allowing for quick transitions between short- and long-range engagements.
First Focal Plane MRD Reticle – Ensures accurate holdovers and windage corrections at any magnification setting, a critical feature for precision shooters.
Rugged Durability – Aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance, making it reliable in harsh conditions.
User-Friendly Controls – Capped turrets, a quick-adjust throw lever, and a fast-focus eyepiece enhance usability, ensuring quick and precise adjustments.

With a sale price of $2,699.99 (originally $2,999.99), the Vortex Razor Gen III is a premium optic that delivers elite-level performance in any shooting scenario.

Mounting Your Vortex Scope Correctly

To maximize accuracy, proper scope mounting is essential:

Use a high-quality 34mm mount (sold separately) to secure the optic firmly and prevent shifting.
Ensure the scope is level and aligned with the rifle’s bore. A misaligned scope can cause significant aiming errors at long distances.
Properly torque the mount screws to manufacturer specifications to prevent movement during recoil.
Set eye relief to avoid scope bite and ensure a full sight picture at all magnifications.

Precision Barrel and Trigger Upgrades

A long range rifle can be made even better by having a precision barrel and an upgraded trigger. Let’s look.

Match-Grade Barrel – A longer, heavier barrel (20"-26") increases accuracy by stabilizing the bullet and reducing harmonics.
Aftermarket Trigger – A crisp, light trigger (1.5-3 lbs) such as the Timney or TriggerTech improves shot consistency by reducing trigger pull weight and minimizing movement during firing.
Muzzle Devices – A muzzle brake can reduce recoil, while a something like a suppressor can enhance accuracy by reducing muzzle blast disturbance.

Bipod, Rest, and Stability Enhancements

A stable shooting position is critical for precision shooting:

Bipod – Something like a tripod or bipod provides adjustable height and swivel capabilities for rough terrain.
Rear Sandbag – A rear support bag aids in fine-tuning elevation adjustments and stabilizing the rifle.
Shooting Mat – Provides comfort and a consistent shooting platform when shooting prone.
Bag Rider/Monopod – Attaching a rear monopod or bag rider to your rifle’s stock can improve micro-adjustments for long-range precision.

Environmental Considerations

Ballistic Calculator – Apps like Strelok Pro, Applied Ballistics, or Kestrel Elite provide real-time trajectory data to compensate for elevation, humidity, and barometric pressure.
Wind Meter – Tools like the Kestrel 5700 help shooters adjust for windage corrections and atmospheric conditions.
Rangefinder – A high-quality Leica, Vortex, or Sig Sauer rangefinder ensures precise distance measurement for accurate holdovers.
DOPE Card – Keeping a Data On Previous Engagements (DOPE) Card allows shooters to track environmental conditions, bullet drop, and windage adjustments for consistent shots at various distances.

Long-Range Shooting Techniques

Proper Breathing Control – Control your breathing and break the shot at the natural respiratory pause.
Follow-Through – Maintain your sight picture after the shot and observe the bullet impact to make necessary adjustments.
Spotter Assistance – Having a trained spotter can significantly improve accuracy by calling wind adjustments and target impacts.
Dry-Fire Practice – Practicing trigger control and sight alignment without live rounds can improve consistency and muscle memory.

Training

Now while you can setup the coolest long range rifle known to man, but if you do not train with it then it is useless. You want to have your scope zeroed in and everything ready to go for long range engagements. The problem is that most ranges only go out to 100 or at most 200 yards, and you can’t lay down and shoot or shoot from awkward positions.

That being said, finding a great tactical training course could be the way to go, and Core Vision Training is definitely the place to go to find quality training. With a team of expert marksmen and plenty of acreage to learn how to really hit your target from a distance.

Find a course near you, or contact the team to set something up!

Conclusion

A properly configured long-range rifle setup requires attention to every detail, from selecting the right rifle and optic to ensuring proper stability and environmental adjustments. The Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10X24 MRAD stands out as a top-tier scope that brings versatility and precision to long-range shooting. With the right setup, practice, and environmental awareness, you can achieve exceptional accuracy at extended distances.

Investing in quality components and mastering fundamental shooting techniques will elevate your long-range shooting capabilities, whether you're hunting, competing, or engaging in tactical scenarios.

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The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a Long-Range Rifle