Long Range Shooting

This post was originally going to be about a recent day shooting long range, but I decided that a little back story of how my love for long distance shooting began. I have a real passion for the shooting sports but most of the time it involves an AR at the end of my sling, a shotgun in my hand, and a pistol on my hip. Because of this, most people are surprised when they hear that I really enjoy long range shooting. Nothing compares to shooting a bolt action long range rifle (or any other rifle for that matter). We have a .308 Remington 700 ADL with a 26" barrel that sits in an XLR Industries stock. If you are not familiar with their stocks you should definitely check them out. The stock accept a 10 round Accuracy International magazine.

Long range shooting is such a relaxing experience. I don't feel rushed or any pressure like when we are competing. I feel the breeze (even though wind is not a long range shooter's friend), put that sight on target, exhale, and then boom. Then I am ready for another round and here I go again. I think it is very peaceful even with the sound of other shooter's shooting in the background. Then again, I like the sound of gunfire as I am sure anyone reading this does.

The first time I went long range shooting was at our local range with Gene, of course. They have a fantastic 1000 yard range. The distances are 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, and then 1000 yards. I enjoy shooting the shorter distances, but there is something about shooting at 1000 yards that is exhilarating for me. It may seem weird, but I feel like I miss out if we run out of time and don't make it to the 1000 yard benches.

1000 Yards is a long way away.

The Range Safety Officer was unsure about allowing me to progress from 250 yards to the next level that day. It wasn't because of anything I had done wrong since I had qualified already at the shorter yardages, but it was simply a gender issue. I am 100% sure of that, because he said so. Gene played it off as if he was joking but I wasn't convinced so it made me even more determined to prove him wrong.  I got some real satisfaction when I was able to prove it as the steel at 1000 yards rang shortly after I pulled the trigger. He was watching, almost mockingly, through his spotting scope and as soon as he saw the target rock he turned and said, "I'll be damned!".

That was the only time that I have had to deal with someone judging me because I'm a woman. Well, other than at most gun stores. The other RSOs there have all been very supportive. We spent several hours out there that day as Gene worked with me on becoming consistent at longer ranges and how to adjust the scope for windage and elevation. I had a blast that day (no pun intended) but my shoulder was pretty sore the next day from the recoil of the .308 rounds. I just wasn't used to shooting anything so powerful for so long, but I was ready to do it again. I was hooked.

I told you it was cold.

We don't get to spend as much time long range shooting as we would like, but we recently went to the Best of the West range with a couple who are really good friends of our's,Vic and Julie. They are another couple who embraces the philosophy of shooting together. They sighted in their ARs while we shot our Remington 700 and reviewed a new product for America Grip.

We had such a good time, but the weather had tricked us. It was about 20 degrees colder at the range than it was when we left the house, so needless to say we were not dressed appropriately. Everyone always says that range has it's own climate. This day it was really true. Our friends grabbed a beach towel from their Jeep to wrap around them, Gene grabbed a blanket from our vehicle, and I (being a ridiculously cold natured person) went to the range office and bought a long sleeve t-shirt to put over what I was wearing. Once we were bundled up we were able to get down to business, the business of having a good time. We put a lot of rounds down range, so I expected to be sore the next day just like I had been before, but I wasn't at all. I was pleasantly surprised.

Since our last outing we picked up a couple of shooting mats so we can shoot laying prone rather than always using a bench. It's all about options. One thing particularly cool about these mats is that they can also be used as a range bag for a rifle, so it's one less thing to carry to the range.  I don't know about you but it always feels like we take everything but the kitchen sink with us.  We welcome anything that will make things easier.

I have recently decided that it is time that I get a long range rifle that I can call "mine" while the Remington 700 will be "his". We are debating on what to buy. Even thought I had mentioned earlier that I like shooting long range because it is stress free, I would like to start doing competitions, but there really aren't any in our area. This will have a big impact on what we decide to buy. We will figure it out eventually and you will be the first to know what we decide. My one requirement...it must be able to shoot out to 1000 yards.


Speaking of long range competitions, Gene and I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Gilliland (Shadow 6 Consulting and Trigger Time TV) and Anette Wachter (30 Cal Gal) at SHOT over the past couple of years. We met them through social media at first and then finally got to meet them in person. They are both very talented female long range competitors and amazing women, but that hasn't stopped them from being down to earth. I can really see why they have made long range shooting their primary discipline because it is so enjoyable.

Here are just a few pictures from our long range shooting trips together.