The Right Rife for a Class

When attending a long range rifle class we want the shooter to get everything they can from that class.  Rifle and cartridge selection are a big part of this equation. Bringing the wrong gear can slow down the day and limit what shooters can mentally intake.  If a shooter is stressing about the recoil of a magnum rifle they will not have a clear mental state to learn what is being taught in the class.  Choosing the right great will let you learn more. 

Cartridge Selection

NO magnums!  We are going to ask shooters to shoot 60-80 rounds of ammunition in about six hours. A magnum rifle will bring extra recoil with it that will distract shooters from being able to focus on their fundamentals like trigger control, grip and breathing.  Inevitably a flinch develops after 20 rounds and group sizes start to open up.  Bringing a rifle chambered in 6.5 creedmoor, 308, 6 creedmoor, 243, 6gt, 6arc or 6mm variant, or even a good 223 bolt rifle (with a good ballistic bullet) will let shooters relax and learn better.

We get it - you want to bring your hunting rifle called “Magnum Killer 3000” to the class because that's the rifle you are taking on your hunt next fall.  That might be the right rifle for the hunt, but it's not the right rifle for a class.  We would rather you learn what we are teaching you (Fundamentals, trigger control, sight picture, ballistic systems, environmental effects) rather than be worried your rifle is going to leave a bruise.  If you bring a smaller cartridge to the class and truly learn these systems you can apply the same fundamentals and process to your “Magnum Killer 3000”  in multiple shorter range sessions after the class.  This way you are not so beat up from one long session. 

Rifle Weight

Bringing a rifle that has a bit more heft to it will help absorb recoil and let you focus on the class curriculum.  Similar to a magnum cartridge, a light rifle puts more recoil to the shooter and you will quickly start to worry about “eating” the recoil.

Yes, your sheep mountain hunting rifle weighs 6.374 pounds with the scope and you are very proud of it, as you should be.  An ultra light weight rifle might be the right rifle for the hunt, but it's not the right rifle for a class.  Having a rifle in the 14-16lbs range is a great place to start for recreational shooting.

A few additional thing we look for a in a good rifle for class

1. An adjustable length of pull.  We are probably going to change how you connect the rifle to your body and the length of pull will need to change.

2. A vertical grip.  This helps place the trigger finger better than a classic swept grip.

3. 1st focal plane scope.  This ensures when you hold 2moa or 0.6mil of wind on the target you are always holding the right amount.

4. A solid bipod.  A good bipod can shrink your 100yd groups by half. (we always have loaner bipods you can try)

The ideal rifle for a long range rifle class.

Our Ideal rifle is a 14-16lb 6.5 creedmoor in a chassis (adjustable length of pull and vertical grip) with a 1st focal plane scope and a solid bipod.  This is not a requirement, but is the gear a shooter will get the most out of the class with.  If your only option is the a traditionally stock 30-06, or that really light weight rifle you already have in the gun safe, we are happy to have you in the class with it. But, your experience will likely be different than the fella next to you with a 223 and good 75 grain bullet.

Life lesson - Bring the right tool for the right job.

How many of your buddies took a 50cc moped to get their motorcycle license?  They did it because it was much easier than a 1200cc Harley.

How many of your buddies bought an F350 truck because they pull their camper 4x a year then have to drive it to work every day at 10 miles per gallon?