Txhunter58,

I use custom rifle that I built so I can’t give you an exact cost because I only pay for the components and do all the work myself. Now that being said I don’t think you have to have a custom built rifle to make shots at longish ranges. I would be quite content with a rifle that shoots honest 1 MOA 5 shot groups. (1” @ 100 yds, 5” @ 500 yds, ect). My personal rifle will shoot 1.75” @ 200yds all day with the 150 gr XBT. This level of accuracy will never miss if it is pointed right.

A lot of Factory rifle will do as well but of course not every one. In factory guns I have the best luck getting a shooter in either 7mm Rem Mag (my favorite) or 300 Win Mag. I feel that rifle accuracy is not the most important thing.

Range finders boil down to one choice right now: The Leica 1200 Costs about $475. Don’t try and get by with a shorter-range version if you can help it. You may not think you need 1200 yds but it will be much more reliable under poor ranging conditions (bright sunlight and non reflective targets).

Your scope is probably more important than your rifle. The scope has to track reliably to allow you to adjust for different ranges. All my scopes are Leupold Vari X IIIs. Some other brands work well, I have seen the Weavers do good work for less money, but I think Leupold is the best overall. A 41/2 X 14 should cost about $500. I send mine off to Premier Reticle and have a target turret installed on the elevation and a custom reticle with windage dots. I have also used the Stoney Point Target Knob with complete satisfaction.

It is hard to beat the Versa Pod bipod for a gun mounted bipod and they are less expensive than Harris. We also use the Stoney Point Steady Stix when a prone position is not useable.

I think it would be hard to have a good setup without having at least $2500 in it. The big variable is the rifle and that depends on how fancy you want to get. There will also be a substantial amount spent on data development and practice. If you are going to get maximum performance I think you will need to handload. Now we start talking about all the equipment required for handloading and you can see that to do it right requires a substantial investment in equipment and time. I think the rewards justify the expense but everyone will have to make that determination.

Not easy and not for everyone.

We are working on a 3 video set explaining how to get the data and set up the equipment. Hopefully it will be done this summer.

Thanks for your well thought out responses. Keep being skeptical

Jjt,

Good job guy. I wish some people who talk about ethics worked at it as much as you do.

MinnFinn,

Thanks for your input.

Ritche3

I started to answer your questions but your unassailable logic overwhelmed me. I will have to live with the knowledge you have found me lacking. I am sorry.

Your Buddy John

GleninAZ,

I never did answer your truly great question as to “why??”. Of all the issues brought up this is the one that is the hardest to reply to.

I can demonstrate to anyone in person that the shots I am talking can be made with regularity. Why someone should want too is much harder to explain.

Shooting an elk at long range does not have the same feel as one in your face that is bugling so hard your ears start hurting. There is a feeling of accomplishment though that comes from a different place. It comes from all the homework done on the range and then applying it in the real world. I love to shoot rocks more than anyone I know but it is not the same thing as using the skill I have learned for real.

I don’t expect this is going to sway your opinion but it is the best answer I have.

No, I am not handicapped (at least not physically). The shot about losing some pounds struck a little close to home though. Kind of harsh don’t you think? Ha

Thanks for your time

John