Building 1000 yard rifles with no place to shoot them. Why?

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I guess I fall into that group somewhat... I'm about 3/4 done with my 1st "built" long range rifle... mines in 6.5 X 284 ( cause that's what they all were using )... I just have to shape the stock a little more & finish it, & get some loads... I have my own 300 yard rifle range... I'll have to wait until the crops are out in the fall, or over winter, or until end of May, middle of June to be able to put target backers out in the middle of the field, to go longer than my normal 300 yards...

why... cause it was fun to build, I seriously doubt that I'm a good enough shot, but I still want to try :)

as far as the "sheeple" following what's popular... interestingly enough... I built the long range rifle, but I definately don't care what everyone else does, even if it means doing something myself, I have the confidence to do what I want
 
It seems to be human nature to want something you cannot afford or really need. Here in the Houston, Texas area with our 7 million+ population, there are literally thousands of storage rental places full of water ski boats and RV's that are never used after the initial season of purchase and "fun". Also, think of the millions of home swimming pools in the U.S. that are never used. Many of us lust after things we think we really need and hardly ever use after we get them. "Marketing" is a huge industry here trying to convince us we need the latest and greatest objects of our desire and it's the economic engine that has resulted in plenty of folks in financial trouble. I look back at what my grandparents did not have as far as "goodies" and how happy they were most of the time. A thousand yard rifle? At my age and shooting abilities under 300 yards is just fine with me. :)
 
Well said Utopia, it's like they don't know the difference between "need" and "want". Problem is to many times I'm guilty of it too:eek:
 
Betcha' most of the armchair commandos would have trouble even making the hike to set up their targets at 1,000 yds.
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I guess I'm an armchair commando, cause I'm taking the truck to set out targets.

I'm two months short of 65, if I hike 1000 yards and back packing targets, I'd have to take a nap when I get back.

My kids are grown, my wife is being cared for, so I see no reason I can't waste my money on my shooting and my granddaughter.
 
I'm with ya Kraig! I'm not quite as seasoned as you, but I get your point and i like your style.

It disturbs me that there is a even thread discussing what another man wants to spend his money on. Be it a $3000 dollar rifle, diamond ring for his wife or health food for his kids, I don't see where it is really any of our business, is it.

Some day, I will pay someone to build me a fancy safari grade .375 H&H on a Mauser action. I most likley will never go to Africa on safari, but damn, I sure want that gun!

I guess I am an armchair safari hunter!
 
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Very good post by FrankenMauser. I too go back and forth about upgrading as far as my designated target rifle is concerned. Given the fact that I work 40 hours a week and am usually busy on the weekend with family and faith I find it difficult to get the the range as much as I'd like. As much as I want to upgrade, at this point it just wouldn't be very practical. I do however understand how we get caught up in the moment. Everyone is shooting "moa" and we don't want to be left behind. And don't forget the gun rags. By the time we finish reading them we begin to question our abilities and equipment. Many of us are shooting really good groups with our stock rigs and shouldn't loose sight of that.
 
I agree with Kraig.



Maybe the OP will someday ask... Buying 100+ mph cars with no place to drive them. Why?
 
I remember talking about 1000 yard target rifle here some years ago now, I made the point back then that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on a rifle to be able to shoot that distance or discipline. The rifle I have used for years cost me $250! Though my rifle was designed for 1000 yard competition in Australia in the 1960's - Omark M44 7.62mm - and there are many of us still shooting these today; the fact remains I compete at the highest level with a $250 rifle!

Tiki.
 
Aw, well, I made the 77 miles from the edge of Alpine to Study Butte in 44 minutes, one Sunday afternoon. Never lacked "room to play". :D Stayed in my lane, too. Never crossed the centerline. Didn't really go all that fast; never above 120. Easy ride.

For several decades I've made it a point to be able to shoot way beyond a 1,000 yards from my porch, but 500 has been adequate to suit me. :)

It's all about priorities...
 
Kinda baffling isn't it? It's also one of the reasons I'm a big proponent for using/building a good .22lr for extended range. Hitting something at 200-300 yards is just as impressive and requires the same skills/disciplines and the shorter ranges are much easier to find, get to and shoot at. Not to mention savings in ammo cost, gas money, equipment cost, etc, etc.

Basically unless one is set on competitions or long range hunting there is no reason to go beyond the mighty .22lr for distance shooting.
LK
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As much as I enjoy long distance .22 shooting, it's never going to group like a better BC, larger caliber round at longer distances.
 
Look at the AR market.
Why do so many clamor for high-dollar weapons and accessories whose value can only be recognized/useful to soldiers/operators under combat conditions...when a $600 AR with minimal accessories will suit their needs at the local 100 yard range, or home self-defense.

You know why.
Mall Ninjas.

My sons and I do shoot long range...so if your buddy wants to dump his "three three eight" LM, shoot me a PM :)
 
FrankenMauser, your posts are usually spot on and I enjoy reading them, but in this case I respectfully ask, and I'm actually curious about this, why do you care? What impact does it have on you?
 
Why do so many clamor for high-dollar weapons and accessories whose value can only be recognized/useful to soldiers/operators under combat conditions...when a $600 AR with minimal accessories will suit their needs at the local 100 yard range, or home self-defense.

You know why.
Mall Ninjas.
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Here we go again. I guess now I'm a "Mall Ninjas".

Yeap I have one of those "high dollar" ARs, White Oak Upper service rifle, about $250 in the trigger alone.

I shoot high power with it, a bit past 100 yards, more like 200, 300, 600 and 1000 yards.

But at 13 lbs its a bit too heavy for "soldier/operators", that's ok, I"m too old anyway.

You guys got any more names for those who have different hobbies and taste then you do. Almost afraid to say I like Harleys and Old Tractors.
 
I think Tikirocker got it right early in this chat. That GAS theory of his is dead on. I see it all the time in family and friends, and it whispers in my ear quite often. I've managed to fight off the urges regarding upgrading my Ruger in 260 Remington (such as a custom barrel and stock and better glass). I just don't need to do that, but still I think about it. If it didn't shoot so well, maybe I'd have justification to make changes, but the darn thing shoots great. And if it didn't, I have the Sako 270. Anyway, unless you're starving your family and dog and not saving for the cold winter, I don't see much wrong with buying a fancy long range rifle even if you don't have a long range place to shoot it. Just because I won't do it doesn't make it wrong for one of ya'll to do it.

My weakness is not for Harleys or old tractors, but is for old woodworking tools, particularly hand planes and chisels. Of course, they are relatively cheap compared to tractors and guns. If my wife had any idea how many chisels I have.....
 
I call it "new toy syndrome" and "I can't live without it syndrome".

You are like Ralphie Parker in the movie "A Christmas Story" fanticizing how wonderful things will be once you finally get your coveted new "1000 yard rifle". You finally get your new toy and the world does not bow before your feet, in fact, your best friends seem to be bored of hearing about it, what a letdown.
After the new toy honeymoon is over, it becomes another gun in that collection of guns you never shoot anymore.
 
If someone wants a 1000 yard rifle, they should get one. I have waaay less issue with that then, say, people who hunt unethically or unsafely.
 
After the new toy honeymoon is over, it becomes another gun in that collection of guns you never shoot anymore.
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Not necessarily:

I built this rifle in the early 80s, shot it when I shot for the guard, I still shoot it today. Fact is I had it out today loading shells.

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Got this in 1977, I got my distinguished badge, I still shoot it.

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I put this one together to carry as a LE sniper rifle in 1978. Now its my #1 PD gun.

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I could go on and on but you get the point. .

Ever thought that some of us build or buy guns and shoot them. Even if I'm old and cant shoot the scores I use to, doesn't mean I don't shoot them.
 
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I consider myself lucky that there are opportunities to shoot 1K+ within a reasonable drive from home, but I could care less who spends their shekels on whatever. In my mind in the end all it does is support the overall industry that provides all of us with the products we may or may not want or need at any given time.

This collective attitude of "people should only buy firearms they can actually shoot at the ranges that the firearm was intended or that they have available" on display in this thread is disturbing. Have we already forgotten what it was like under the first federal ban that was based entirely on the "who really needs a(n) ___" BS argument??? :mad:
 
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