There isn’t a single thing that makes or breaks a good extreme long-range rifle (or an ELR) rifle. There are however a few things you can look for to help you narrow down your options. This post will go over just a few of those.
The Right Chambering
Believe it or not the cartridge is where you should start. That will determine if the rifle is really suitable as an extreme long-range rifle.
Some good cartridges for ELR shooting include .375 CT, .408 CT, .50 BMG, .338 LM, .338 NM, and .416 Barrett. You will find that many long-range and sniper rifles are chambered in these.
Other cartridges can also be suitable for precision rifles, too. For instance, .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor are often used here and have sporting applications as well.
Adjustability
If the rifle does not fit you well, you will not shoot accurately. It can also be reasonably assumed that you can’t expect a rifle to fit you well from the factory, so that’s where adjustability comes into focus.
Every good ELR rifle (read that again, every single one) offers adjustability as a core feature. This includes adjustability for LOP through the stock as well as comb height off the riser/cheekpiece.
Some ELR rifles offer adjustability in other ways, too, but this is a place to start.
A Free-Floating Barrel
If the barrel contacts the stock anywhere (actually, if the barrel contacts anything other than the action) that is an opportunity for undue forces to torque and twist the barrel, which can interrupt accuracy at extreme ranges.
High-end rifles have barrels that are free-floated, contacting only the action. This upholds a higher degree of accuracy.
Heavier Barrels Are Better
A heavier barrel is also better on a long-range rifle, all things considered. This is one of the reasons so many ELR platforms weigh north of 20 pounds.
Not only will a heavier barrel result in a more stable platform (which will in turn shoot more accurately and help absorb recoil) but a heavier barrel also heats up more slowly and will stay cooler for longer.
A barrel that stays cool will produce minimal distortion through your optic as a result of heat.
A Good Trigger
Many quality ELR rifles are not only equipped with crisp, reliable triggers; they are equipped with adjustable triggers. An adjustable trigger will be easier to tailor to the preferences of the shooter.
What Are Some of the Best Long Range Rifles Out There?
The following are considered some of the best long range rifles in the industry
- CheyTac M200 Intervention Sniper Rifle
- Cadex Defense CDX-40 SHDW
- Barrett MK22
- Accuracy International AXSR
- AR-50A1
- McMillan TAC-338
- McMillan TAC-50C
Where to Learn More About These?
If you want to learn more about the specifications of some of the rifles mentioned here but aren’t sure where to start, visit B&B Firearms. They carry a wide range of extreme long range, precision rifles and sniper rifles.
All of the rifles mentioned here are available on their website and for many of their models they offer interest-free financing on qualifying purchases. Visit their website for more information or get in touch with their customer service directly for assistance.
For more information about 408 Cheytac and CheyTac M200 For Sale Please visit: B&B Firearms LLC.
