You don’t need to spend $4k on a rifle. There’s lots of great options like this Ruger Precision Rifle that can often be found for $1,000 or less.
If you want to start shooting precision rifle type matches, just go for it. Don’t get bogged down worrying about gear or if your shooting the latest, arcane cartridge and handload. Obviously there’s some equipment you’re gonna need, but to get started you might have enough to participate, be safe, have fun and learn what you really want or need before spending a ton of money. Here’s what you need to have…
Rifle: Okay, so that’s a captain obvious statement. If you’re looking to get into long range competitions, maybe you already have something that works. In general you need a rifle that will consistently shoot 1 moa or less and uses a 10rd+ detachable magazine. If you already have a .308 that fits this description, perfect, it doesn’t have to be a Creedmoor or Dasher or BR or whatever. If you’re going to buy a new rifle, the 6.5 Creedmoor or a 6mm Creedmoor would be the best choices though. They are soft shooting over hundreds of rounds, there’s a good variety of match ammunition available and of course they tend to be accurate. Consistency is the key though. You’re better off with a 1 moa rifle that will shoot to the same point consistently than a rifle that shoots a 1/4MOA group but not to the same place all the time. Some out-of-the box rifles that are ready to compete include the Ruger Precision Rifle, Tikka T3, Savage Stealth.
Buy the best you can afford. The scope is more important than the rifle.
Riflescope: This is another captain obvious statement. It’s not uncommon to spend more on an optic than a rifle. This isn’t really where you can go cheap, get the best you can afford. The scope needs to hold zero and track accurately when dialing your point of impact up or down, and it has to return to zero. Some really great scopes can be had from Leupold like the VX-3 LRP or Mark 5HD line (https://www.leupold.com/scopes/long-range-scopes/products ), as well as many scopes by Bushnell, Vortex, Nightforce, Kahles and others.
If you reload and want to give it a go, great. But there’s lots of great ammo available for the .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor and others.
Ammo: This is going to be totally dependent on your rifle and whether or not you reload. If you’re just getting started, it wouldn’t hurt to find a factory load your rifle likes and use that first. You’ll end up with brass to reload and you can spend more time shooting and less time reloading. Use match ammo if possible as it’s tailored for long distance shooting with aerodynamic bullets and made for accuracy.
Bipod: This really isn’t optional. While many of the stages will be from positions other than prone, there is a fair amount of shooting off a bipod. Good bipods to look at are the Harris, Atlas and Ckyepod.
Make sure you have a way to attach your bipod to your rifle. If buying a new rifle or attachment system, give the Arca Swiss rail a look. It let’s you slide your bipod forward or backward to adjust for shooting position like this Harris Bipod on the Catalyst Arms Fast Track Arca Rail handguard.
Shooting bags will help support both the rear and front of the rifle for stability and keep from having to rest the rifle on hard surfaces which degrades accuracy.
Shooting bags: You’ll need a couple good bags, one as a rear support, and one to stabilize the front of your rifle. The Warhorse Saracen bag is unique, it has four appendages you can drape over obstacles to provide a stable surface to rest the front of your rifle (https://www.warhorsedevelopment.com/product-page/saracen) . It can be used as a rear support bag as well. Another great bag is the Armageddon Gear Game Changer (https://www.armageddongear.com/Game-Changer_p_111.html) . It’s a very versatile bag, can be used front and back and is a great all around choice. If you’re really on a budget, you can make your own. Guys have used socks or other small bags filled with plastic beads or sand. These can work great.
Rangefinder: this doesn’t have to be fancy and chances are you have one for hunting that will work just fine. It should work out to 1,200yds or more.
Pack and sling: You’ll need a pack to carry your ammo and other gear and a sling to carry your rifle and use for shooting support. Some guys have a bag that carries their rifle as well as their gear but a lot of guys use a basic pack and just sling their rifle to carry it to the next position.
Even if you can memorize the data for each target, once the timer starts, it’s easy to go blank. Write it down on an arm band data chart like this arm coach used by athletes.
Arm band and data chart: You’ll need to make a data chart or have an app on your phone to calculate your drop and give you wind correction at given distances. We’ll go in depth on making data charts later, but there’s a lot of good info out there on how to make them. So once you range your targets you’ll need to write the range down for each one, figure out your dial up, and write that down next to the respective target . If you can memorize all this for three or more targets you’re a better person than I am, otherwise, get one of these. An arm coach like athletes use in football and such is perfect and less than $20 bucks. Be sure to get a wet erase marker and china marker to write on it, then wipe it off before the next stage.
Ok, rifle, optic, ammo, bipod, bags, rangefinder, pack/sling and data board/armband really are the basic kit. With these items you can compete if you know your dope, have a chart or ballistic program. There are some things that are really nice to have as well.
Mag Dump Pouch: While not necessary, it is really convenient. It can be used to carry items like your wind meter or rangefinder up to the line, and good for putting items into it as you’re done with them as well.
Kestrel: This is a combination weather station, wind meter and ballistic solver using Applied Ballistics. It’s great for getting a basis for wind, temp, barometric pressure and humidity. Models range from basic to advanced. While not 100% necessary if you do your homework making data charts based on the forecast, these are really a big help and are more precise when shooting at the targets that are 800yds and beyond. (https://kestrelinstruments.com/ballistics-shooting
Other Misc Items: There’s a few items that kinda go without saying but we’ll list them as a reminder anyway. Eye and ear pro, chamber flag, sunscreen and water.
A tripod is a definitely a performance upgrade and fun to shoot from!
There is of course other gear you’re going to see guys using. Tripods have increased in popularity, both as a shooting platform and as a rear support when shooting with the front of the rifle supported on an obstacle. Some competitors will have an array of large bags they used to build more stable shooting positions.
The important thing is to look at what’s out there and see what works for you. Most shooters will gladly let you check out their gear, often being proud to show it off! The important thing is to be safe, have fun and learn!