Choosing long range target rifle

F

Fargazer

New member
I am looking for a long range semi-automatic (I've already got a bolt action .308) rifle to use for target shooting; preferably something capable of 1 MOA or less that I can "grow" into. I'm willing to reload for whatever caliber I choose, but I do want the option of purchasing factory ammo. Budget is around $1500. So far, I've come up with two choices:
  • an AR-15 upper from Precision Firearms in 6.5 Grendel - 24" barrel with Les Baer bolt carrier group.
    • I would use this on my existing Colt lower with its Geissele 3 gun trigger until I could build a dedicated lower with a Magpul PRS and Geissele 2 stage trigger.
  • a FN-AR with a 20" heavy barrel
The initial costs are roughly the same, though the Grendel option would involve some extra cost down the road for the lower. Between the two choices I've listed, the FN-AR is accurate, cheaper to shoot, and something I can purchase through my LGS. The Grendel is more accurate, has a flatter trajectory, is in the AR-15 format, but is slightly (at least now with Wolf Gold) more expensive to shoot.

My question is, what other possible choices should I look at?
 
What is "long range?"
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Long range is normally considered to be 800-900-1000, Mid range 500-600

Short range 300 'n less.

The question is, what type of long range shooting. Just plinking or competition. If plinking, just about any AR/M1A can be made to fit the bill.

If competition as in High Power or Service Rifle you should understand, once started you're going to want to work on your distinguished rifle badge.

The NRA is a bit more lax in the rifles they allow. The CMP (who conducts the EIC Matches (where you earn leg points toward your distinguished badge) or Presidents Hundred), limits the rifles to service type. That means M1s, M1As or AR15s. (AR10s aren't allowed).

I got my badge using a M14/M1A but that was before quality match ARs came about.

M14/M1As are getting scarce on the firing line now days, having been beat out by the ARs and the 223 round. Even in 1000 yard service rifle shooting.

As mentioned, if you just want to plink and arn't into competition, just about any semi can be set up to fit the bill.

The EIC or Distinguished Rifle Program is a worthy program, if one wants to shoot competition its hard to find a more rewarding goal.

If that's the end game, then the service type AR with iron sights in 223 is the way to go.

rifleBadge.jpeg
 
I appreciate the responses; that's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for, since I don't know all the questions to ask or consider. I've planned to attend various matches to shadow some of the RSO's (I just passed the course recently, and if I'm asked to help at a match I want to make sure I do the job properly); I'll use that opportunity to see what kind of rifle matches are in the area, and what I may like to compete in.

I currently practice with a Colt 6920 (iron sight and red dot), a scoped Remington 660 bolt action in .308, a scoped Savage Mark II .22 bolt action, and a single shot Remington 510 .22 with iron sights. Right now I'm concentrating on shooting and improving my skill, rather than having any particular competitive rule set in mind.

Per kraigwy's range list, it looks like I'm considering "medium range" right now, with a possibility to go to long range at a later date. I've downloaded the rule books for various match types, and will examine those. Sounds like I just need to practice the heck out of the Colt, watch, and research more.
 
The OP said he DIDN'T WANT another bolt action...

Go with the 6.5 Grendel. You can't do better in a semi-auto long range.
 
tobnpr said:
Go with the 6.5 Grendel. You can't do better in a semi-auto long range.
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I agree, the Grendel is capable of shooting well beyond 1000yds.

My problem is having a range that well have anything over 300yds open except on special days. The only time I get to use the really long range capacity of any of my rifles is doing weekend trips to a friends range to shoot sage rats and empties.:D

The 6.5 you are already looking at would be a fine choice.

I put this together around a A Arms 24" barrel, bolt and upper I picked up for a song and dance.

paracord03.jpg
 
The OP said he DIDN'T WANT another bolt action...
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Sorry. Missed that.

In that case, I would build a 223 or 243 AR with a 24" barrel and good optics. If accuracy is your desire, I would go Kreiger fit by a good smith. If 1 MOA is ok, most drop in's will be fine.
 
a FN-AR with a 20" heavy barrel
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I picked up a FN-AR a few weeks ago. So far, so good.

I noticed that the local Cabela's has the Browning SX-AR (the Browning version of the FN-AR) on closeout for $799. I believe it is only available in Mossy Oak camo. Differences....the heavy 20" barrel is not fluted, a two piece optic rail vs. a one piece, and there are no rails on the left and right hand sides of the forearm. (no loss there, IMHO) In other words, it is a little less "tactical" looking, IMO.
 
Nathan said:
Sorry. Missed that.
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Don't feel bad; if I were looking for bolt action recommendations, your choices are quite good. I'm a Savage fan also :)

I've thought about the .243 - sweet ballistics, relatively inexpensive ammo, but hard on barrel life due to throat erosion in a semi-auto. I think I'd lean more toward the .260, but now we are talking significantly more expense on the ammo. Also, those calibers are in the AR-10 platform, which is less standard and more expensive than the AR-15. Sweet rifles, but if I were to go with one of those calibers I think I'd prefer them in a bolt action, probably either a Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision, or a Model 10 F/TR from their Custom Shop.

I've had some recommendations toward a LAR-8 platform from Rock River Arms. Has anyone heard of issues from the gas block not being staked? Any suggested modifications to the gun for reliability, or is the platform pretty solid?
 
"What is "long range?"
Long range is normally considered to be 800-900-1000, Mid range 500-600
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You know that and I know that, does the OP?

I have an AR extensively modified into what I hoped would be a Long Range rifle. But it will not hold up at 1000 yards with a .308 even though the paper ballistics are the same. It is a great little midrange rifle, though. But it has one drawback; it throws my prepped brass in the weeds and adds to the work of picking them up and getting them home to reload.
 
But it will not hold up at 1000 yards with a .308 even though the paper ballistics are the same.
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I beg to differ, plus the service rifle scores at Perry and the Eastern/Western Games bare me out.

The ARs are beating the M14/M1As at 1000 yard service match.

I say this as a huge fan of the M14/M1A having fire them in competition for about 35 years plus getting my distingushed rifle badge with the M14/M1A.

I was harder then most to convince about the abilities of the ARs and the heavier 80 & 90 grn bullets.
 
Well, I think I'm going to research a bit more. I've just had PKI surgery on my right eye, and so any rifle shooting will either have to wait until early next year, or be left handed (I'm cross dominant, so pistol I use left eye).

The extra time may allow me to expand my options a bit. Of course, this assumes my wife doesn't manage to direct those funds to the 9mm Kimber Aegis II or Springfield XDm 5.25 SHE wants (actually, she claims she doesn't want them - she's just very willing to help me keep them broken in, and reminds me of this each trip to the gun store) :rolleyes:.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, particularly Kraigwy for the range definitions, and for bringing up the EIC and Distinguished Rifle program. That was a big help in focusing on what I want, rather than what I say I want.
 
A bud of mine, back when you shot prone with a sling, he brought out a new custom rifle built around some big capacity 30 case. I think it was some wildcat around a Norma magnum. Lots of horsepower, very loud, kicked something horrible.

I still remember my bud getting out of the prone position and he had blood dripping from his fore head. The heavy recoil just drove the iron sight deep into his brow, cutting him.

Shortly after, the rifle was for sale.

Don't order a rifle in a caliber that gives you nose bleeds or makes you dizzy after you shoot 20 rounds. You won't put up with it for long.
 
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