It's official - I'm hooked

[GEEKMEDIC]

So this is my rifle on the firing line today at the 1000 yard range at the Ben Avery shooting complex in Phoenix. I was fortunate to attend a long range shooting class which preceeded the Southwest Long Range Nationals which is being held at Ben Avery over the next five days. There was a great class by Bryan Litz on ballistics followed by a wind reading class, a class on position behind the rifle and then the opportunity to shoot approximately 35 rounds at 1000 yards. I was a little nervous, as I have never shot my rifle more than 100 yards, and just got it back from my gunsmith and re-mounted the scope this morning on the way to the class. I sailed my first shot over the top of the target, but after coming down 1.2 mils I was on the paper. I shot two 10 round strings after that and scored an 87 on the second. I know that is no stellar score, but given that I've fired a total of 70 high power rounds prior to today and the fact that I suck at reading wind I was really happy with staying in the black most of the time with an occaissional 10 or X. The bottom line is I had an incredible time and can't wait to do it again. There is definitely more long range shooting in my future.

[Ahhnother8]

There are a lot of great shooters and great people in Phoenix this week. Do NOT be shy about asking any questions that you might have. Almost all of them are happy to help new shooters, but be mindful that they are there to compete, so ask questions at appropriate times. There are a couple of grumpy ones though, so choose wisely.

Some of the sling shooters are also top-level F-class shooters, but will likely be shooting sling for this match. Look for Nancy or Michelle. EVERYONE will know who they are. They are two of the kindest people and best long-range shooters in the U.S., and are always willing to answer questions. Enjoy your time on the range and don't pass up a great opportunity to learn from some of the best.

[GEEKMEDIC]

I definitely met some great people yesterday. I also got a lot of questions answered. Everyone I met was really helpful and offered great advice when I told them I was a complete novice. Unfortunately I am flying out of town today and so I could only be there yesterday. It was still very much worth the trip.

[Low Light]

Is that a Savage (10?) in a Choate stock?

[GEEKMEDIC]

It's an FNH SPR A2

Is that a Savage (10?) in a Choate stock?

That is an FNH SPR A2. It comes with a McMillan A4 stock. I just had a brake installed and so the barrell had just been turned. I also had a bolt knob install done. I had the bolt knob, the barrel thread, and a bipod rail installed by the fine gentleman over at Phoenix Custom Rifle. The work they do is incredible, and they are really great people to boot.

[Lucky Scott]

Who installed the raised check rest? I have been thinking about doing that to my rifle and it looks easy enough to do myself. Where did you buy the rest?

[GEEKMEDIC]

That is how the McMillan A4 comes stock. It has a wider forend as well. The A 5-3 has a more "integrated" adjustable cheek piece and a narrower forend.

[RandyD]

There are a lot of great shooters and great people in Phoenix this week. Do NOT be shy about asking any questions that you might have. Almost all of them are happy to help new shooters, but be mindful that they are there to compete, so ask questions at appropriate times. There are a couple of grumpy ones though, so choose wisely.

Some of the sling shooters are also top-level F-class shooters, but will likely be shooting sling for this match. Look for Nancy or Michelle. EVERYONE will know who they are. They are two of the kindest people and best long-range shooters in the U.S., and are always willing to answer questions. Enjoy your time on the range and don't pass up a great opportunity to learn from some of the best.

Nancy Thompkins and I began training for competitive shooting together in the early 70's at the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club. I remember we used to shoot 50 ft smallbore in a shack on the club's property on Wednesday nights. I had not seen her since joined the Marine Corps and when I saw her at a match in Phoenix in 2003, it was like we hadn't missed a Wednesday night of shooting in all those years. She is truly one of the nicest people you will meet in shooting. If you run into her, say hi for me.

[BillyGoatCrawler]

Who installed the raised check rest? I have been thinking about doing that to my rifle and it looks easy enough to do myself. Where did you buy the rest?

They're not hard to make or install.

Install is just drilling two holes through the stock.

OP: is your cheek rest cracked??

[GEEKMEDIC]

OP: is your cheek rest cracked??

It is not cracked, but it is damaged. There is a hard rubber coating over the cheek piece, and it has a 1cm tear in it.

[BillyGoatCrawler]

It is not cracked, but it is damaged. There is a hard rubber coating over the cheek piece, and it has a 1cm tear in it.

Ehh, guns take wear. I have a solution you might like...

Go to the hygienic section in like a CVS or walgreens and get moleskin. Not sure if you're familiar with it, it's a adhesive tape like product with a tan soft fuzzy surface used for foot blisters. Anyways, put some of that on the cheek piece. It'll add a protective layer, and it's super comfortable on your cheek. I have it on my rifle and I feel like I am snuggling a teddy bear when I am glassing.

Anways, welcome to LR. It's super addicting. Once I got into it it pretty much became the only method of rifle shooting I do anymore. Also glad to see you jumped in right and made a nice rifle setup instead of screwing around with cheap stuff trying to make it work.

[GEEKMEDIC]

I am very familiar with Moleskin. 20 years as a Scoutmaster will do that for you That is a great idea I had never considered. Thanks so much for suggesting it. I think I'll give it a try.

[NorCalFocus]

Awesome, thanks with sharing OP.

[GEEKMEDIC]

That is the 6-24 Viper FFP with Badger rings. That is a 20 MOA base. I don't know who manufactures it, as it came on the rifle when it was new.

Enjoy your match. I had a rush shooting at 1000 and hope you do too.

Robert

[Guns and guitars]

Very nice! I LOVED shooting at Ben Avery....And Usery is awesome as well..


I prefer shooting long range these days...Good stuff.