What exactly is....."Tactical" anyway?

[Lucky Scott]

I have a remington 700 in 7mm Rem Mag that I shoot at the range. I try to get better and shoot a little farther. Someone asked me the question, "Are you shooting tactical or benchrest"?
I guess I am a benchrest shooter, but what is tactical anyway. What is the difference?

[SoldierLife7]

Do you wear camouflage when you shoot?

[Fjold]

Tactical used in the manner that the other person was talking about is probably the type of match shooting where you shoot non-standard targets at various (some unknown) distances from different positions like standing, kneeling, prone off of a bipod, an improvised rest or with a tight sling. It usually involves various stages where shots are timed, or you have a very limited time frame to engage a number of targets. Some stages require you to move to different positions, load and reload and shoot off of barricades or from inside vehicles, or elevated platforms, etc.

[LCpl Kutches]

Tactical is a reference to a sales point, things like tactical gear, tactical rifles, etc.. Or designed the be used in a tactical situation or preparing for a situation where another human being is trying to kill you, while you are trying to kill them. Following to the idea of military, law enforcent or PMC( private military contractor)

The concept is actually designed for operators or military contractors.

A true tactical AR-15 has nothing that requires batteries. Bi-pod, usually a Trijicon RCO/Acog. No flashlights, no fancy equipment. Cheap battery powered Acogs break, and you can easily smash it.

A Tactical Bolt action rifle going to take some more abuse than a bench rest shooter, so you have to consider your optics more carefully and what kinda of stock more carefully. Considering you may shoot on rocks, high temperatures, get dirtier than bench rest, you will probably pay more for ease of equipment usage and the higher abuse durability.

[LynnJr]

Your 700 is not tactical unless the stock folds up in several different directions and has huge thumb wheels all over it.

In addition you need atleast 8-14 picatinny rails mounted on it.They hold the gps unit the lazors the bi-pod the flashlght the movie camera the toaster a washer and dryer and a bread maker.

The two rear most rails are for all the camoflauge make-up and a guide on how to kill the enemy with a paper clip and two drops of Chuck Norris sweat.Unfortunately Chuck Norris has never sweat so that rail is optional.

If your scope is mounted without the aid of a tire iron cheater bar and atleast 12 bolts with 7/8-13 threads your gun isn't tactical.The nuts on those bolts must stick out horizontally atleast as wide as the stock but preferably much wider.

The muzzle brake must be spelled muzzle break or it can't be used and the entire rifle can be any color as long as the color is black.

If the muzzle break has 32 holes in it 30 of them should point straight down so it can kick up the most dirt possible.

One of the most important features of a tactical rifle is the bolt handle.If the bolt handle is the size of a coffee cup you can't shoot well and may suffer from what is commonly called Small Sausage Syndrome or triple "S" for short(no pun intended).A tactical bolt knob must be larger than a coffee can.

A tactical rifle must have a magazine that hangs down low enough that you are required to dig a fox hole so you can use your 48 inch bi-pod without it touching the ground when fully extended.

You are also required to wear appropriate clothing in order to own a tactical rifle.Your camoflauge pants must have 22 pockets and a sword scabbard.Your T-shirt must say Sniper on the front and back both and have the phrase Don't run you'll only die tired on it as well.

You cannot own or even know about about tactical rifles past the age of 23 years.
You already know more about shooting and reloading than Tony Boyer and your gun with its $18 factory barrel will shoot 1/4 inch groups all day long.Naturally this is at atleast 1,000 yards but most likely much farther and of course off-hand

The buttpad on a real tactical rifle is made from tungsten steel spikes because recoil and blood are exciting and don't affect your accuracy.

Your first and last name are Operator and you have never had any parents ever.You were assembled.You do your own dental work with a Bowie knife and 58% of your exterior must be covered in tattoos.

When you drive to the range your trailer hitch must be 72 inches off the ground for extra clearance even though your rig has never seen dirt.On your back window is a sticker of a little kid urinating on something with a sinister grin.You must also have a dog in the truck weighing atleast 100 pounds.

[rm1911]

Tactical is a 25-40% price premium.

Tactical is bad *** mall ninja.

Tactical is what's get you laid more. That's what tactical guys say it does.

[killshot44]

I have a remington 700 in 7mm Rem Mag that I shoot at the range. I try to get better and shoot a little farther. Someone asked me the question, "Are you shooting tactical or benchrest"?
I guess I am a benchrest shooter, but what is tactical anyway. What is the difference?

Tactical used in the manner that the other person was talking about is probably the type of match shooting where you shoot non-standard targets at various (some unknown) distances from different positions like standing, kneeling, prone off of a bipod, an improvised rest or with a tight sling. It usually involves various stages where shots are timed, or you have a very limited time frame to engage a number of targets. Some stages require you to move to different positions, load and reload and shoot off of barricades or from inside vehicles, or elevated platforms, etc.

Frank has given the best answer to your question. If you're in NorCal check out the NCPPRC, if SoCal check out CAPRC - both have matches monthly that beat the hell out of the 100yd line at your local Ricochet Ranch.

[vliberatore]

Your 700 is not tactical unless the stock folds up in several different directions and has huge thumb wheels all over it.

In addition you need atleast 8-14 picatinny rails mounted on it.They hold the gps unit the lazors the bi-pod the flashlght the movie camera the toaster a washer and dryer and a bread maker.

The two rear most rails are for all the camoflauge make-up and a guide on how to kill the enemy with a paper clip and two drops of Chuck Norris sweat.Unfortunately Chuck Norris has never sweat so that rail is optional.

If your scope is mounted without the aid of a tire iron cheater bar and atleast 12 bolts with 7/8-13 threads your gun isn't tactical.The nuts on those bolts must stick out horizontally atleast as wide as the stock but preferably much wider.

The muzzle brake must be spelled muzzle break or it can't be used and the entire rifle can be any color as long as the color is black.

If the muzzle break has 32 holes in it 30 of them should point straight down so it can kick up the most dirt possible.

One of the most important features of a tactical rifle is the bolt handle.If the bolt handle is the size of a coffee cup you can't shoot well and may suffer from what is commonly called Small Sausage Syndrome or triple "S" for short(no pun intended).

A tactical rifle must have a magazine that hangs down low enough that you are required to dig a fox hole so you can use your 48 inch bi-pod without it touching the ground when fully extended.

You are also required to wear appropriate clothing in order to own a tactical rifle.Your camoflauge pants must have 22 pockets and a sword scabbard.Your T-shirt must say Sniper on the front and back both and have the phrase Don't run you'll only die tired on it as well.

You cannot own or even know about about tactical rifles past the age of 23 years.
You already know more about shooting and reloading than Tony Boyer and your gun with its $18 factory barrel will shoot 1/4 inch groups all day long.Naturally this is at atleast 1,000 yards but most likely much farther and of course off-hand

The buttpad on a real tactical rifle is made from tungsten steel spikes because recoil and blood are exciting and don't affect your accuracy.

Your first and last name are Operator and you have never had any parents ever.You were assembled.You do your own dental work with a Bowie knife and 58% of your exterior must be covered in tattoos.

When you drive to the range your trailer hitch must be 72 inches off the ground for extra clearance even though your rig has never seen dirt.On your back window is a sticker of a little kid urinating on something with a sinister grin.You must also have a dog in the truck weighing atleast 100 pounds.

Maybe we should have a "What exactly is....'Benchrest' anyway?" thread?

[LynnJr]

Benchrest is almost the same thing but everybody breaks there own rules in Benchrest and they are all old.

[Renaissance Redneck]

Tactical is a state of mind, a way of acting, a plan of action, a mindset......call it what you will. It's not a particular style of equipment.

There is not a single piece of gear that will, by its appearance or attributes alone, assure one to be tactical.

I might be able to operate tactically with my Ruger Super Blackhawk and a pocket full of .44 Mag reloads in my Carhart jeans and a Hawaiian floral print shirt, far better than some other dude in head-to-toe Multicam with the latest Ar15 and a Glock and face paint.

Just sayin'. Rant off!

[SoldierLife7]

Your 700 is not tactical unless the stock folds up in several different directions and has huge thumb wheels all over it.

In addition you need atleast 8-14 picatinny rails mounted on it.They hold the gps unit the lazors the bi-pod the flashlght the movie camera the toaster a washer and dryer and a bread maker.

The two rear most rails are for all the camoflauge make-up and a guide on how to kill the enemy with a paper clip and two drops of Chuck Norris sweat.Unfortunately Chuck Norris has never sweat so that rail is optional.

If your scope is mounted without the aid of a tire iron cheater bar and atleast 12 bolts with 7/8-13 threads your gun isn't tactical.The nuts on those bolts must stick out horizontally atleast as wide as the stock but preferably much wider.

The muzzle brake must be spelled muzzle break or it can't be used and the entire rifle can be any color as long as the color is black.

If the muzzle break has 32 holes in it 30 of them should point straight down so it can kick up the most dirt possible.

One of the most important features of a tactical rifle is the bolt handle.If the bolt handle is the size of a coffee cup you can't shoot well and may suffer from what is commonly called Small Sausage Syndrome or triple "S" for short(no pun intended).A tactical bolt knob must be larger than a coffee can.

A tactical rifle must have a magazine that hangs down low enough that you are required to dig a fox hole so you can use your 48 inch bi-pod without it touching the ground when fully extended.

You are also required to wear appropriate clothing in order to own a tactical rifle.Your camoflauge pants must have 22 pockets and a sword scabbard.Your T-shirt must say Sniper on the front and back both and have the phrase Don't run you'll only die tired on it as well.

You cannot own or even know about about tactical rifles past the age of 23 years.
You already know more about shooting and reloading than Tony Boyer and your gun with its $18 factory barrel will shoot 1/4 inch groups all day long.Naturally this is at atleast 1,000 yards but most likely much farther and of course off-hand

The buttpad on a real tactical rifle is made from tungsten steel spikes because recoil and blood are exciting and don't affect your accuracy.

Your first and last name are Operator and you have never had any parents ever.You were assembled.You do your own dental work with a Bowie knife and 58% of your exterior must be covered in tattoos.

When you drive to the range your trailer hitch must be 72 inches off the ground for extra clearance even though your rig has never seen dirt.On your back window is a sticker of a little kid urinating on something with a sinister grin.You must also have a dog in the truck weighing atleast 100 pounds.

This is very well written. Thank you for the laugh!

[SoldierLife7]

Frank did have the best (non-humorous) answer....

[12ga]

Your 700 is not tactical unless the stock folds up in several different directions and has huge thumb wheels all over it.

In addition you need atleast 8-14 picatinny rails mounted on it.They hold the gps unit the lazors the bi-pod the flashlght the movie camera the toaster a washer and dryer and a bread maker.

The two rear most rails are for all the camoflauge make-up and a guide on how to kill the enemy with a paper clip and two drops of Chuck Norris sweat.Unfortunately Chuck Norris has never sweat so that rail is optional.

If your scope is mounted without the aid of a tire iron cheater bar and atleast 12 bolts with 7/8-13 threads your gun isn't tactical.The nuts on those bolts must stick out horizontally atleast as wide as the stock but preferably much wider.

The muzzle brake must be spelled muzzle break or it can't be used and the entire rifle can be any color as long as the color is black.

If the muzzle break has 32 holes in it 30 of them should point straight down so it can kick up the most dirt possible.

One of the most important features of a tactical rifle is the bolt handle.If the bolt handle is the size of a coffee cup you can't shoot well and may suffer from what is commonly called Small Sausage Syndrome or triple "S" for short(no pun intended).A tactical bolt knob must be larger than a coffee can.

A tactical rifle must have a magazine that hangs down low enough that you are required to dig a fox hole so you can use your 48 inch bi-pod without it touching the ground when fully extended.

You are also required to wear appropriate clothing in order to own a tactical rifle.Your camoflauge pants must have 22 pockets and a sword scabbard.Your T-shirt must say Sniper on the front and back both and have the phrase Don't run you'll only die tired on it as well.

You cannot own or even know about about tactical rifles past the age of 23 years.
You already know more about shooting and reloading than Tony Boyer and your gun with its $18 factory barrel will shoot 1/4 inch groups all day long.Naturally this is at atleast 1,000 yards but most likely much farther and of course off-hand

The buttpad on a real tactical rifle is made from tungsten steel spikes because recoil and blood are exciting and don't affect your accuracy.

Your first and last name are Operator and you have never had any parents ever.You were assembled.You do your own dental work with a Bowie knife and 58% of your exterior must be covered in tattoos.

When you drive to the range your trailer hitch must be 72 inches off the ground for extra clearance even though your rig has never seen dirt.On your back window is a sticker of a little kid urinating on something with a sinister grin.You must also have a dog in the truck weighing atleast 100 pounds.

↑↑This is a pretty good explanation of tactical.↑↑

But to summarize, a tactical version of any specific gun is defined by its 25% higher price point because the word tactical is in the model, and 50% higher weight because of all of the movie props bolted to it.

[LovingTheYear1911]

Your 700 is not tactical unless the stock folds up in several different directions and has huge thumb wheels all over it.

In addition you need atleast 8-14 picatinny rails mounted on it.They hold the gps unit the lazors the bi-pod the flashlght the movie camera the toaster a washer and dryer and a bread maker.

The two rear most rails are for all the camoflauge make-up and a guide on how to kill the enemy with a paper clip and two drops of Chuck Norris sweat.Unfortunately Chuck Norris has never sweat so that rail is optional.

If your scope is mounted without the aid of a tire iron cheater bar and atleast 12 bolts with 7/8-13 threads your gun isn't tactical.The nuts on those bolts must stick out horizontally atleast as wide as the stock but preferably much wider.

The muzzle brake must be spelled muzzle break or it can't be used and the entire rifle can be any color as long as the color is black.

If the muzzle break has 32 holes in it 30 of them should point straight down so it can kick up the most dirt possible.

One of the most important features of a tactical rifle is the bolt handle.If the bolt handle is the size of a coffee cup you can't shoot well and may suffer from what is commonly called Small Sausage Syndrome or triple "S" for short(no pun intended).A tactical bolt knob must be larger than a coffee can.

A tactical rifle must have a magazine that hangs down low enough that you are required to dig a fox hole so you can use your 48 inch bi-pod without it touching the ground when fully extended.

You are also required to wear appropriate clothing in order to own a tactical rifle.Your camoflauge pants must have 22 pockets and a sword scabbard.Your T-shirt must say Sniper on the front and back both and have the phrase Don't run you'll only die tired on it as well.

You cannot own or even know about about tactical rifles past the age of 23 years.
You already know more about shooting and reloading than Tony Boyer and your gun with its $18 factory barrel will shoot 1/4 inch groups all day long.Naturally this is at atleast 1,000 yards but most likely much farther and of course off-hand

The buttpad on a real tactical rifle is made from tungsten steel spikes because recoil and blood are exciting and don't affect your accuracy.

Your first and last name are Operator and you have never had any parents ever.You were assembled.You do your own dental work with a Bowie knife and 58% of your exterior must be covered in tattoos.

When you drive to the range your trailer hitch must be 72 inches off the ground for extra clearance even though your rig has never seen dirt.On your back window is a sticker of a little kid urinating on something with a sinister grin.You must also have a dog in the truck weighing atleast 100 pounds.

Nailed it.

Ignore the guy at the range. Tooo much call of duty.

[ar15barrels]

Tactical is basically the opposite of benchrest.
Benchrest shooter shoot from a bench, with a rest.
Benchrest shooters shoot only at known-distance targets.
Benchrest shooters get fouling shots.
Benchrest shooters get spotting shots.
Benchrest shooters get to wait until the wind conditions suit them before they fire off their rounds.
Benchrest shooters get to fire many many more rounds than are actually scored.
Benchrest shooter shoot guns so heavy that they can ONLY shoot them from a rest.

I dislike the word "tactical" because it's so associated with mall ninja behavior.
Let's call non-benchrest shooters "field" shooters.

Field shooters shoot from all positions, but rarely a bench.
Field shooters shoot at known-distance and unknown-distance targets.
Field shooters don't get fouling shots.
Field shooters don't get to take spotting shots.
Field shooters don't get to wait until the wind conditions suit them. They have to fire in the limited time allotted.
Field shooters are scored on every shot taken.
Field shooters have to be able to hold their gun up and shoot in many different positions besides bipod prone.