There’s plinking at 100 yards, and there’s taking a shot at an elk at 500 yards, and then there’s precision competition shooting at ranges in excess of 1000 or even 1500 yards.
Honestly, at these extreme ranges, it can feel like 500 yards is close-range.
But what should you be looking for in an extreme long-range rifle? Here are a few things.
What You Should Look for in a Long Range Rifle
1. A suitable chambering
Some cartridges are good for long-range shooting, others aren’t. Some good long-range calibers that have solid BC and which are heavy enough to resist wind drift include .375 and .408 CT, .50 BMG, .375 EnABELR, .338 Lapua, and .416 Barrett. Other good chamberings, especially for hunters, include 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 7mm Remington Mag. In some instances, lighter cartridges, like .308 Winchester, .223 Remington and .220 Swift can be effective, but these will not resist wind drift as well and lose energy more quickly than the others, so they’re not as effective at dispatching targets.
2. A good trigger (which can easily be dropped)
A precise, crisp trigger with minimal uptake, little to no creep, and a reliable break is a must for precision and long-range shooting.
Also, look for a rifle that enables you to drop the trigger without messing with your action, because you don’t want to lose your zero every time you need to work on the gun or make adjustments.
3. A match-grade barrel with a suitable twist rate
A CNC-machined, match-grade barrel with a twist rate that’s acceptable for your chambering is also critical to accuracy. All else being equal, a longer barrel, 24” or more, is preferable, as despite the fact that longer barrels are more suspect to the problems of barrel whip, they produce higher muzzle velocities that are necessary for effective long-range shooting.
4. A muzzle brake
While a muzzle brake is not absolutely critical, a muzzle device like this can add weight near the front, which helps tune out barrel whip, not to mention the fact that it can tame recoil from some of those bigger, extreme long-range cartridges.
5. A highly adjustable stock
An extreme long-range rifle should not just fit you like a glove, it should offer a custom-like, tailored fit. Only a platform or a chassis that’s highly adjustable for length of pull, comb height and more can do as much.
6. A chassis/stock that’s expandable
The flexibility to mount optics, slings and other attachments is a product of the modularity of the stock or chassis, and is a highly valuable attribute.
7. A heavier overall design
Weight might not be a good thing in a carbine, but in an extreme long-range rifle, it is nothing but a virtue. Heavier barrels, for one thing, absorb and dissipate heat more effectively, and on top of that, a greater weight in a long-range rifle will keep the platform stable. At extreme long ranges, maneuverability is not really a concern. You want a stable rifle that points in stable fashion, and connects.
Explore the Best Long Range Rifles in the Game
Looking for the best extreme long-range rifles the market has to offer? Check out B&B Firearms. They carry ELR rifles from CheyTac, Gunwerks, McMillan, Barrett and others, and offer interest-free finance plans. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly if you have questions or need recommendations.
