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What is the Best Ammunition for Concealed Carry?

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Handguns are preferred for self-defense because of their compact size. However, not all handguns are suitable for a concealed carry. When selecting a handgun for a concealed carry, you need to consider the best ammunition.

Take time and test different ammunition on your firearm to have a clear understanding of how they perform. There is no better way to know you’ve selected the best ammunition until you put in some rounds. Concealed carry guns and holsters are among the most thrilling things in the gun industry. While most people tend to focus on the gun, they tend to forget about the ammo part.

Stopping threats doesn’t require just a great concealed carry gun. You need to have the best ammunition inside the concealed carry guns. You need to put a lot of consideration when choosing your handgun ammo as you do with your gun.

The Best Ammo for a Concealed Carry

You need ammunition that will stop attacks as quickly as possible. The ideal ammunition must also be safe to handle. When picking the right concealed carry ammo, you need to consider the ammunition weight, expansion, and penetration. Below is the top ammunition for a concealed carry.

9mm

The 9mm is widely accepted as the best self-defense ammo and for a concealed carry. There are also many rounds to choose from when selecting 9mm ammunition. For a long time, the 9mm was a great choice for law enforcement officers. Take for example the Gold Dot 9mm 115-grain with an average penetration of 16.4 inches. The ammo also features an expansion of 55” and an average velocity of 1143 feet per second.

Most 9mm ammunition are preferred because of their compact size and higher capacity magazine load. Most offer excellent penetration and expansion making them quite deadly for self-defense. The Federal HST 9mm 147-grain is another excellent 9mm ammunition, especially when shooting at an impulse. It has a good bullet velocity and delivers excellent penetration and front bullet expansion.

There are several choices of 9mm to consider making it a great choice for a concealed carry. The ammo is also safe to handle offering very minimal recoils.

The .45 ACP

The .45 ACP (Action Colt Pistol) is slow-moving ammunition but one with high stopping power. The popular adage around the .45 ACP is that the 9mm will kill the body while the .45 ACP will kill the soul. The adage itself goes to show the great power in the ammo.

The .45 ACP is a big fat round that will do some serious damage. .45 ACP is one of the oldest self-defense ammunition on the market. Take for example the Federal .45 ACP 230 gr HST with a penetration depth of 12-18 inches. It has great expansion on all 5 rounds and good velocities for short barrel pistols. This makes it a great choice for a concealed carry gun. The different .45 ACP ammunition might have varying features but penetration is generally great for a powerful shot.

 .357 MAGNUM

The .357 Magnum is by far one of the best ammunition calibers for a concealed carry. It is a versatile ammunition caliber that can be used for self-defense, home defense, small game hunting, animal defense, and medium game hunting. It is an effective, versatile, and hard-hitting caliber. This is by far the most versatile cartridge. However, you need proper load selection to avoid performance problems.

Take for example; a lightweight fast-opening bullet might not kill a big game due to penetration issues. However, the bullet caliber can be effective for self-defense and a great choice for a concealed carry. The .357 bullets of 110-grain to 125-grain JHP bullets are the best picks for a concealed carry. With speeds of 1300-1400 fps, the bullets expand quickly and fragments produce large wound channels. They are pretty accurate and usually produce very low recoil.

 .38 SPECIAL

The .38 Special is not the most powerful ammunition for self-defense but is still a great choice for a concealed carry. It is small and compact ammo ideal for snub nose revolvers. Just like most ammunition, there are different types of .38 Special ammo. You need to stick to the standard  12-18 inches selection when choosing suitable ammo.

The best thing about the .38 Special is the moderate recoil that makes it pretty easy to handle. You can make quick shots without compromising safety. Most people that use the .38 Special ammunition are people with small guns looking for concealment. It is a great choice when the primary aim is to get rounds on a target.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these are the best ammunition for a concealed carry. The ammunition is great for self-defense when you need to carry your firearm with you. Most are small-sized and compact offering firearm owners a high magazine capacity. They also offer excellent velocities, penetration, and expansion to stop threats quickly. The recoil of the ammunition is also moderate making the firearms easy and safe to shoot.

Red Dot and Scope. What is different?

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The need to choose between these two types of lenses usually erupts in the minds of either a beginner or an expert shooter, and the arguments pop up the discussions about which rifle is better between the red dot and the magnified scope rifles. Though several people who are lovers of fancy technology and advancements readily go for the Red Dot Rifles, we will give an unbiased review on both of these rifles.

source: www.ellettbrothers.com

Let’s start with what looks like the beginning of more precise shooting, the Magnifying Scope rifles. The name implies design with an optical telescopic device, which serves as a magnifier for shooters’ targets. The primary purpose of this is to give a more precise and accurate point of aim when shooting. 

The telescopic sights are not solely used, and they are in combination with optoelectronics to produce a functionally digital scope, “a smart” scope. They are used with all systems that need precise and accurate targeting. 

A little history of the Scope Rifles; as some of today’s advancements, it was discovered almost accidentally. When the English astronomer, an amateur at that time, William Gascoigne, was exploring with a keplerian telescope and forgot it with the case open. 

He later discovered that a spider had spun its web throughout the opened case, and when he looked through it, he found out that the web was in focus and the distant objects. This experiment was the beginning of the usage of a telescope sight for use in his astronomical observations. 

The red dot sight is a device for aiming using a red light-emitting diode (LED) to focus on corresponding optics. Red dot sight produces a dot-style lighted reticle positioned in calibration with the weapon the sight is attached to, irrespective of eye position. 

A red dot sight is an optic manufactured for use at nearby ranges. It is a simple optic that applies a simple reticle to do a non-complex task. You can tell by the name; these optics use a red dot as the reticle.

They are deemed fast-acquisition and easy-to-use guns for civilian target shooting, hunting, police, and military use. Apart from firearm usage, users also make use of it with cameras and telescopes. On cameras, they are used to take pictures of airspace objects, aircraft. 

Pros and Cons of the Red Dot

Choices and prevalence in using a product are often due to their advantage over their counterparts. 

Statistically, Red Dot Sights are most used in the military and in situations that require an intense and immediate response. We would highlight categorical reason and how each one feature in each category,

Pros of the Red Dot Sight

Range; Red Dots are designed for short ranges. The ability to change the dot’s focus quickly and easily without infringing on the accuracy of the shot and this generally increases the odds of a precise hit.

Target: the red dot sight LED pointer makes it more pinpoint when hitting the target with a large mass. Objects with a large group will have a more visible center point, and it is easy to place the dot on the desired spots. Hence, the usage of red dot sight in military-grade is precise in taking down targets because it would be easy to take a head shot. 

LIghting: red dot sights are better when taking a shot in an environment with low lighting and the objects are not too visible. The lens does not depend on light reflection to create the red dot, and the red dot is in generation by cells.

Cons of the Red Dot Sight

Range: as examined, they are not the best choice when taking long-range shots, limiting their content. Its fundamental physics, because light has a specific limit to the distance to which it can travel, hence this limited the point to which the red dot can reach to enable the shooter to have a precise target. 

Target: You will not be able to take a shot beyond a 200 yard, and even if the shot were taken, it wouldn’t be consistent with the target in long ranges.

Magnification; the lens is not in design for magnifying the objects in the target. The viewers’ perception of the mark to be adjusted to prefer view may it be possible.

What About the Magnified Optic Scope?

It is just like wearing recommended glasses when taking shots. As a short-sighted person, I might appreciate it more because it gives the option to change my perception of the object in view. We would categorically highlight the advantages and disadvantages of a scope sight;

Range; Optics scoped rifles are manufactured for long shots because when the target’s object is in a position that is quite a distance from the shooter, the need to get a better view is met with this type of rifle.

Target: they are overall preferable for an accurate and precise hit with a higher percentage.

Magnification; the lens is in the rifle for magnifying the target’s objects to the viewer’s perception of the target is adjustable to the preferred view. 

Cons of scope

Lighting: they are suitable for low lighting scenarios because the lenses, which are objective and focus lenses, depend majorly on the reflection of light to carry out its functions. 

In conclusion, this article helps keep users informed to make decisions based on what meets their needs. 

How to Pick a Best Thermal Scope

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The thermal imagers were the first time met by the broad audience while watching the sci-fi action thriller Predator with Schwarzenegger. By the time, it was already clear to many that the hide-and-seek game would be much less exciting in the future.

As you probably guess, the night vision devices were developed for military purposes.  If we disregard the military and Law Enforcement purposes, then we are entering the world of low-light hunting scenarios, very well known to varmint and hog hunters.

Just a decade ago, one of the earliest challenges that hog hunter encounter was the selection of their first night-vision device (NVD). These gadgets intensify the available light thousands of times so that targets can be seen at night.

However, these days, the term “night vision” has added meaning, and outdoorsmen who are looking for a scope that will perform in low-light conditions have a choice of a night-vision device or a thermal-imaging device.

GUIDE TO BUYING THERMAL SCOPE

If you are searching for the best thermal scope for the money you need to find functional scope and one that should be able to work perfectly well regardless of the environmental conditions and weather situations.

Before you decide on a particular model, you need to know what to look for when buying a thermal rifle scope. Here are some aspects to consider while going for the best of thermal vision scopes.

First, similar to the night vision, there are two types of thermal imaging systems on the market today. Thermal scopes are available in clip-on and standard, standalone configuration. A dedicated rifle scope is a thermal sight featuring the reticle and all adjustments in its housing in which the system is self-sustaining.

An alternative is the “clip-on” thermal device that mounts in front of a standard daytime riflescope. With mounted clips-on thermal sighting scope, you will be using the reticle, magnification and adjustment of the day scope. Obviously, the clip-on thermal scope is cheaper than standard thermal scopes, but also it is more flexible as it can be used hands-free like a spotter.

The second classification is based on two operational systems; the near-zero cooled and uncooled ones.

Most thermal imaging devices are designed as an un-cooled thermal imaging system, which is sturdy and cheaper, then but not as sensitive as the cooled thermal scopes.

For the average civilian user, it is essential to know that near-zero cooled or cryogenically cooled thermal imaging systems offers improved sensitivity over non-cooled devices. Still, they are more complex, more susceptible to rough handling and seems to be more costly than the former type.

Since a lot of thermal imaging riflescopes being produced are the un-cooled types, all models from our list belong to that type.

RESOLUTION

The sensor resolution of your rifle thermal scope is the most important consideration when buying a thermal imaging riflescope. A high-resolution image that appears on display should possess a crisp and precise definition of an object. With proper resolution, you will able to see not only a patch of color but the detailed shape of an animal, where you must be able to distinguish the various parts of an animal.

Contrary to some beliefs, it is far more important than the magnification, and you should purchase a thermal with as high a resolution as you can afford. Usually, an average to high-quality thermal scope should have a 640×480 screen resolution.

RANGE

Thermal scopes can cover considerably greater distances compared to the daytime scope or night vision devices. Actually, the sensitivity of the thermal detector can easily detect the objects at length longer than 1,000 yards. You will need the detection range that is longer than your hunting distance because the extra range will allow you to scout your games that are hundreds of yards away and watch as your target approach.

Along with high-end scopes having the range over 1,000 yards, there are more modest scopes with a range of 300-500 yards, but you should know that shooting beyond a few hundred yards at night is not a safe practice.

MAGNIFICATION

Like with the traditional daytime scope, you should opt for thermals with better optical magnification instead of digital zoom. You will get the best results combining both of these zooms. The majority of the scope top out at magnification power around 15x, but for reasonably night shots at 50-200 yards, a magnifying power of 5 times would be enough.

REFRESH RATE

The refresh rate is the frequency the image will be changed per second. A higher the refresh rate means a smoother and more lifelike image when tracking the target. To avoid issues with blurriness, we recommend that you opt for a refresh rate above 30 hertz, and preferably 60Hz per second.

EXTRAS

As opposed to the conventional daytime optics, thermal sighting scopes may offer quite a number of extras and add-ons implemented into their design. However, you shouldn’t ignore the general quality of the thermal scope for the add-ons, which are just a sideshow.

You can get thermal scopes with a meter to gauge the rifle inclination and the Geographic Positioning System, or a rangefinder. It's even very common to find thermal scopes that have WiFi which can broadcast straight-up to your smartphone or more advanced scopes also have ballistic matching technology with app support.

1. ATN THOR 4, 1.25-5X, 384X288, HD THERMAL RIFLE SCOPE

W/Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Sensor, WiFi, Image Stabilization, Range Finder, Ballistic Calculator and IOS and Android Apps


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Thermal Imaging used to be restricted to military service is now affordable for reasonably well-off hunters and other civilians. Two decades ago a thermal day/night vision cost tens of thousands of dollars, and now you can buy top models of the line for about what you'd pay for a decent ATV or less.

However, ATN Corp has released a line of thermal scopes that combines the classic features closely resembling a regular riflescope with a 30mm maintube with new capabilities unique to this line.

The ATN ThOR (Which stands for Thermal Optic, Rifle) 4 series of thermal scopes include a basic 384x288 Gen 4 sensor or a higher resolution 640x480 version with the next-gen sensor. They are powered by ATN's new Obsidian IV Dual-core processor which provides many improvements like cooling performance and ultralow power consumption offering outstanding 16-plus hours of battery life.

The most affordable ThOR 4 384 scope has a magnification range between 1.25x and 5x, an excellent 60Hz refresh rate with 384 by 288 resolution which should be good enough for most hunters. Even in this modest version, ATN ThOR 4 has some impressive detection ranges as it offers a detection range of up to 750 yards and an identification range of 200 yards for a human-sized target.

The ATN ThOR 4 1.25-5x Gen 4 Thermal Vision is features packed riflescope that includes one-shot zeroing, recoil activated video, E-Compass, a multitude of in-view functions and ballistic calculators. These scopes also provide you built-in video recording with Live-stream capability, a 64GB of SD card memory and an integrated laser range finder.

2.  ATN THOR-640,5-50X, HD, 640X480

19 mm, Thermal Rifle Scope with High Res Video, GPS, WiFi, Image Stabilization, Range Finder, Ballistic Calculator and IOS and Android Apps


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New ATN Thor-series flagship model comes with a 100mm objective and 640×480 sensor for the clearer thermal image. The biggest difference between ATN Thor 640 and 384 series lies in their sensors. The Thermal sensor 640x480 allows for better detection range that offers non-blurry image resolution.

The most significant improvement is its Obsidian' T' II Thermal core combined with the uncooled Vanadium oxide bolometer detector. This detector will catch the heat energy from your prey at the ranges of up to 2,700 yards, while it will identify the target at 700yards away, making you the ultimate predator.

This most potent ATN ThOR thermal features the industry-standard 640 resolution and incorporates some of the best technology and innovations on the optoelectronic market today.

That said, this ATN Thor 640 comes with 5-50x magnification range-extending your hunt capabilities to the unheard distances, just a few years ago. Along with excellent image performance, the 640 range carries more features such as Smooth Zoom, variety of selectable reticles, a rangefinder, customizable ballistic calculator, WiFi, GPS, Image Stabilization and IOS and Android Apps.

ATN ThOR HD 640 Smart Thermal Riflescope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and can withstand shock well on any rifle up to .30 caliber. Although it comes in smaller packaging than 384 models, be prepared for the weight of 2.75lb that can be pretty exhausting on long hunting trips.

Packed with more other upgrades, the ThOR 640-HD line of thermal scopes is designed with the professional shooter in mind. Using 4 AA batteries (recommended Lithium-Ion type batteries), it can provide up to 8 hrs of continuous use in the field. In contrast, you have an Extended Life 20,000mAh battery pack you will get power for up to 22 hours.

3.  ATN THOR LT 3-6X THERMAL RIFLE SCOPE

w/10+hrs Battery & Ultra-Low Power Consumption


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Following the success of the ThOR 4 and ThOR-HD series, ATN introduced a brand new ThOR LT line of budget thermal riflescopes at a price that is affordable to the average hunter.

In addition to the already proven ATN line of thermal optics, the ThOR LT is a powerful yet compact thermal riflescope available in 3-6x and a 4-8x configuration.

With its streamlined design, ThOR LT 3-6x thermal riflescope looks more like your traditional glass optic, but with its 160 x 120 sensor, it provides a detection range of 475 yards allowing you to even see animals through light fog or rain.

Though featuring low a thermal resolution of 160 x 120, a high 60Hz refresh rate allows for fast detection and identification at reasonable ranges.

The ThOR LT 3-6x thermal scope is available with multiple reticles and offers a choice of either a black-hot or a white-hot display. This affordable ATN night vision device is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery, which provides over 10 hours of continuous battery life with a full charge.

Rugged, weather-resistant housing is made from hardened aluminum alloy to allows you to use this scope in any weather conditions. At the same time, it can easily stand up to the recoil forces of high caliber weapons.

On the other hand, the ThOR LT measures only 23 ounces, making it light enough for use on crossbows, air rifles or rimfire rifles. This elegant and streamlined hunting thermal scope due to its streamlined profile can be mounted with user-supplied standard 30mm rings.

WHAT IS THE BEST THERMAL SCOPE FOR HUNTING?

Unfortunately, the best thermal scopes for hunting are not cheap and you cannot afford two or more units for different hunting scenarios, like will you do with traditional daytime scopes. If you want to conquer the night, you should invest in a thermal scope which is the ultimate choice for hunters on feral hogs and predators.

The top tier optics for thermal hunting scope should have a proper magnification appropriate for the range of field that you'll be hunting in because you might have to shoot your prey from a more extended range than usual.

A top-quality thermal scope for hunting needs sufficient detection range ability, to make it more likely for you to find a game to hunt down.

Although the thermal scopes are the best when you need to hunt in the pitch dark, thermal sight equipment can be just as effective and helpful during the day, so you should shift between night and day modes quite seamlessly.

Finally, the thеrmаl іmаgіng рrоduсtѕ intended for the hunting should be able to keep up with a few bumps and falls without breaking or malfunctioning.

I recommend you visit Gunsfield.com to see more options on thermal scope.

WHAT IS THE BEST THERMAL SCOPE FOR COYOTE HUNTING?

Thermal Imaging is the best option for predator hunting because every night time hunter knows that coyotes and similar species can "see" IR light from the night vision scope.

Since the most quality thermal scopes are quite large and heavy, you should look for a most compact and lightweight thermal scope. You need thermal imager with higher resolution to positive identifies coyote at longer ranges. As the typical ranges for night predators hunting are up to 200 yards, you'll want something with at least 4x-6x magnification.

CAN YOU SEE DEER HORNS WITH THE THERMAL SCOPE?

The answer is a definite yes. Though the antlers don't carry a large amount of heat, a thermal imager will take a small change in temperature between the antlers and the background. Compared to the night vision, the thermal scope image is not as sharp, so you won't be able to see a lot of details or to determine the size of antlers.

CAN THERMAL SCOPES BE USED IN DAYLIGHT?

Since the thermal imaging devices rely on the heat that is radiated from an object and not on any light levels, they can be used equally well day and night.

Even though a thermal scope is mainly designed as an overnight vision, it is compatible with both the daytime and nighttime use. If temperatures are hotter than the object you are observing, most thermal scopes will pick differences in heat rather than the hottest object out there. However, it will work better at night because of the pronounced variation between the temperature of the background environment and that of the target.

CAN THERMAL SCOPES SEE THROUGH WALLS?

No, thermal scopes cannot see through the walls of glass, nor even can identify people through leaves and the branches of trees.

This is movie-land nonsense because the walls are generally thick enough and insulated to block any infrared radiation from the other side.

HOW LONG DOES A THERMAL SCOPE LAST?

The thermal scopes and cameras that can now be bought easily by the average civilian shooter may last for years if properly maintained. As with many optoelectronic devices, it mainly depends on the brand, on how often you use it, and how well you maintain your scope. While for most consumer class thermal scopes, you can reasonably expect to last as long as 5 to 8 years, the military-grade thermal weapon sights are using thermal cores made by FLIR who offers a 10-year warranty.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERMAL AND INFRARED?

Thermal-imaging devices look at the invisible heat produced by living things and translate that into a shaded image, which is presented to the viewer. This type of infrared light, in this case, is called a thermal IR.

In contrast to the Near IR and MID IR light, the Thermal IR is the farthest on the IR spectrum from visible light. A digital and classic night vision systems rely on the shorter wavelengths type of IR that travel slower compared to the invisible thermal IR light.

As for the advantages, Thermal scopes shows living targets better at the further range and can be used in daylight. On the other hand, night vision devices are far more affordable and available and under suitable light show terrain better.

Best AR-15 and .308 Accessories You should Have

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The AR-15 and .308 Winchester guns are by far the most versatile rifles in America today. These rifles have seen rapid growth over the years with various changes. Nowadays, there are varieties of AR-15 and .308 models on the market. Most gun owners have customized these rifles to meet their specific needs.

The modular systems of the AR-15 and .308 make it quite easy to make upgrades. Most persons use these rifles for a variety of uses ranging from hunting, plinking to self-defense. The best part of owning an AR-15 rifle is buying new accessories to work with it. In this article, we will discuss the various AR-15 AND .308 Winchester accessories that you should have.

Important AR-15 and .308 Accessories To Have

Scopes

AR-15 and .308 just like other rifles require quality scopes for easy target scouting and acquisition. You need a scope for AR-15 to shoot targets with precision. Make sure you consider an AR-15 scope with generous eye relief. The ideal scopes must have fully coated lenses to ensure excellent light transmission.

You also need the same features for a .308 Scope. Both rifles usually have high recoils hence the need for scopes with generous eye relief. In general, scopes are basic and one of the best ways to upgrade your AR-15 and .308 rifles. This makes the guns suitable for both long-range and short-range shooting. In fact, the AR 15 is widely known for its versatility in the field. You can shift from shooting at short ranges to long ranges with ease.

Grips

The next important factor when shooting with your AR1-5 or .308 Winchester is the grip. You need to have a good grip for accurate shooting. A slippery grip will affect your aim and lead to inaccurate shots. Choosing AR-15 and .308 grips can be a little challenging. You need to decide whether to change the entire grip or enhance the texture.

Make sure you consider grips with finger grooves. You also need to choose the right amount of texture that feels comfortable on your hands.

Ambidextrous charging handle

This is by far one of the best AR-15 upgrades on the market. Most AR-15 and .308 rifles come with one side charging handle. Moreover, the handles are usually not wide enough to grip it and pull it back. When you already have a scope on your AR-15 rifle that is wider than your rail, it becomes difficult finding your charging handle. You need a charging handle that gives you the flexibility of pulling on the left and right sides.

Pulling on either side quickly activates the charging handle serving the intended function. An ambidextrous charging handle can help leverage malfunctions by having a strong pull on both sides. When shooters have a wide charging handle on their AR1-15, they can easily and quickly load and unload their rifles. It also makes it easier to find the edge of the handle and pull it back. This is a great upgrade that will also make life easier for left-sided shooters.

Ambidextrous safety selector

This is another must-have AR-15 accessory that works with the ambidextrous charging handle. Having a safety selector on both sides makes it easier for shooters to manipulate safety with a trigger pull. It makes it easier for left-handed shooters to find their safety.

Muzzle brakes and compensators

These are super-easy and simple upgrades that can help reduce the recoil on your 3.8 Winchester and AR-15. Muzzle brakes are compensators that can be quite effective at reducing recoil. The upgrades also help minimize the vertical movement of your rifle when you take the shot. There are several of these upgrades and their hybrids on the market to consider buying. You need to consider muzzle brakes and compensators with the least reticle movement when firing. While these upgrades can make your rifle really loud, they are extremely effective at reducing recoil and rifle vertical movement.

Triggers

If you’re looking to upgrade your AR-15 and .308 Winchester to reach new level accuracies, then consider buying new triggers. The standard mil-spec trigger was one of the best choices that sold on many AR-15 rifles. This is the standard AR-15 trigger. It is advised you stick with the trigger and let it smooth with each use.

However, there are several after-market triggers that shooters can buy and upgrade their rifles. The right choice trigger comes down to the specific rifle use. You need to have a great balance between reliability and performance. When you’re doing precision shooting, plinking, or target shooting, the ideal trigger upgrade must offer a lot of crispness and reduced trigger pull weight.

Shooters can also choose the upgraded Mil-Spec triggers that are polished to offer a better feel when shooting. These triggers maintain the same features and reliability but offer a better crispness and a slightly better pull.

Hand stop

A hand stop is another excellent accessory for both the AR-15 and .308. The hand stops help provide hand support preventing accidental resting of the barrel. The hand stop is usually installed on the handguard of the AR-15 at the place where the grip ends with your pointer finger. This is a great upgrade that creates a stop and a place to index the handguard on the barricade. It also gives the support hand an indexing spot to ensure you grip the same exact spot each time.

Most AR-15 and .308 rifles without a hand stop throw off their accuracies when shooters rest their barrel on the barricade. The hand stop also helps prevent bodily harm when shooting.

Rail panels

Rail panels help prevent your AR-15 AND .308 rifles from slipping and shooting or running. The panels are easy to install anywhere on the handguard to ensure you maintain the same hand grip. Make sure the selected rail panels feature the same texture as the rifle grip.

Extra accessories to consider

There are several other important accessories to consider for your AR-15 and .308. These include:

  • Magazines
  • Ammunition
  • Buttstock
  • Oversize magazine release

Final verdict

In conclusion, these are the best AR-15 and .308 Winchester accessories to consider buying. Getting these accessories greatly upgrades your rifle performance and effectiveness. Every single upgrade makes your rifle better, faster and accurate.

Glock 19 Vs. Glock 43 for Concealed Carry

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Are you torn between a Glock 19 and a Glock 43? There is a huge debate between the best pistol for a concealed carry when it comes to the G19 and G43. These are pistols of the same family with similarities and differences. There is no obvious winner in the best pick with each firearm coming with its pros and cons.

The Glock 19

The Glock 19 is not a new gun but a perennial favorite in the shooting community. The G19 appeals to most gun owners because of its numerous benefits. It is a perfect choice pistol for a concealed carry due to the compact design. This gun is also ideal for law enforcement officers and home defense. Moreover, the handgun fits compactly inside its trusted IWB Holster for Glock 19.

This is a trusted pistol with excellent features for a concealed inside the waistband carry. It is a lightweight and portable pistol with a very simple design. Below, we discuss why the G19 stands out as the best pistol for a concealed carry:

Compact striker fire with a single pull trigger

The G19 is a pretty comfortable pistol, and with a good inside the waistband holster, giving uses excellent concealment. Besides, the concealing, the gun comes with 10 rounds of capacity. It is a specially designed gun suitable for tactical situations. This gun features a 9mm chamber and can even stack up to 15 rounds most flush-fitting magazines. Moreover, the chamber is compatible with most magazines that hold more rounds where necessary.

It is a reputable gun known to perform under pressure. This is a humble weapon that allows users to modify the inner structure to customized specifications. Most fancy pistils will come and look great out of the box but not much can be done about them. You can make the G19 your own by making simple changes to its internal structure and specifications.

Safety

The G19 also stands out when it comes to safety. No matter how much you love your weapon, it still remains a deadly weapon and one that you must handle with care. This is where the G19 wins since it is quite safe. You can drop it from a high altitude and it will not release accidentally. The gun usually breaks into pieces with all the bullets intact in the chamber. This makes this gun a pretty safe choice for carrying on a daily basis.

No complicated procedures

This gun is quite effective but also pretty simple and straightforward. This makes it a great choice for novice users looking for basic protection. There is nothing complicated when using the gun. It is a simple forward aiming and shooting. You don’t have to experience complicated loading procedures. In addition, there is no cumbersome clicking or fumbling. Everything about the G19 is effortless with a single pull trigger.

So far everything looks perfect about the G19 taking away the need to compare the G43, right? Well, that is not the case. The G19 is not that thin and compact enough to fit inside your pocket. Let’s have a look at the G43 before making any decisions.

The Glock 43

The G43 is another excellent pistol but will not serve you well in all situations. It is also a slim and compact gun hence pretty easy to carry around. However, the G43 is smaller than the G19. If you need to downsize further, then the G43 is the ideal choice. It is a deadly weapon that can save your life. You can also concealed carry it around with ease if you have a good IWB Holster for Glock 43.

While the G43 will not serve as a primary weapon for law enforcement officers, it makes a perfect choice of civilians looking for added security. The G43 is about 1-inch shorter than the G19. It is also about 0.2 inches thinner than the G19 making it pretty lightweight and easy to carry. In general, the G43 is substantially smaller hence a lot easier to conceal. When concealment is your major consideration, then getting a G43 makes perfect sense.

However, selecting a G43 means giving up about 9 rounds of ammunition. The G43 is a pretty small gun and one that can stack about 6 rounds in a single magazine.  While these rounds are enough for general protection, they might not be enough for most deadly attacks by law enforcement officers.

Accuracy

Both guns are pretty accurate but the G19 offers excellent shooting accuracy due to the longer sight radius. In addition, the bigger size of the G19 offers users a better grip for a more comfortable and precise shooting. Solidly holding your gun enhances your accuracy when shooting.

Range Comparison

Due to the bigger size, the G19 offers a better range than the G43. It is also more comfortable to shoot and has less recoil. It also offers more bullet velocity.

As you can see, the G19 stands out as the better choice when it comes to deadly attacks. However, it is not the most convenient when it comes to concealed carry. While you can conceal carry both guns, with a perfect concealed carry holster, the G43 is a lot easier to carry. You can check out HolsterAddict.com : Best Holster for Concealed Carry if you’re looking for the specific holster for your Glock. Make sure you understand your needs and choose accordingly.

Best 1000 Yard Scope – Top 8 Scopes for 1000 Yard Shooting Review

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It seems the precision shooting at long distances with the best 1000 yard scope is all the rage today, making every gun enthusiast believes he can hear the dong as he strikes the metal target at 1000 plus yards. First, let's find out the way to categorize shooting ranges for rifles. There are likely many ways to define shooting distances, but we consider that close range is bellow 100 yards, 100-300 yards medium range, and from 300-1200 yards long range, with anything past 1200 yards to be extremely long range.

When it comes to long-range shooting, for many gun aficionados the ability to shoot at extremely long ranges is a challenge that both thrills and intimidates. But most would agree that excitement of hitting a target beyond 500 yards is a tremendous feeling.

How to choose the scope for 1000 yards?

Whether you plan to go with benchrest or long-range tactical shooting that would require different skills compared to other shooting disciplines. Actually, the long-range shooting is one of the fastest-growing activities in rifle sports and a queen of marksman art and for mastering the Art of Long-Range Shooting, you will need a lot of knowledge and adequate tools.

If you have developed a passion for long-range shooting, you already know that along with reliable rifle you'll need a specialized scope to get consistent performance at those distances. Assuming that you have selected appropriate long-range rifle in an adequate caliber, the second most important thing is choice of the correct optics to get the job done.

Without doubt, a rifle scope is the most critical piece of your long-range shooting set, but the type of optics depends on what you want to use your scope/rifle for. For instance, one single scope cannot be ideal for both target shooting in bright sunlight and for hunting big game during dusk or dawn.

The most important factors when considering a long-range scope are high-quality glass, milling reticle, zoom power, elevation adjustment range and objective size.

Precious Glass

For long-range riflescopes, the high-quality glass and overall optical quality are the most essential features, and you should pay attention to that fact since there are only four or five factories in the world that produce high-quality glass. Additionally, to the quality of the glass, lens coatings are also crucial for bright and clear picture overall. With several different types of coatings available, your best bet is going to be fully multi-coated optics.

Reticle Options

When it comes to reticles, the optics market is cluttered with varying styles and types of reticles. Nowadays every scope makers have their version of a long-range reticle, but you won’t be wrong if you opt for thin one that will not obscure a target at long range. Whether you chose a scope with a classic, bullet drop compensated (BDC), a ballistic reticle or with Christmas tree style reticle, proper reticle selection should allow you to compensate for both windage and bullet drop. As above said, these reticles should be equipped with evenly spaced dots to help you estimate the elevation and distance of the target. That measuring can be in a minute of angle (MOA) or milliradians (MIL). Though the MOA is the most common measurements for turret adjustments in the USA, the MIL is the final evolution step of the classic optical riflescopes and much more prevalent among marksmen, snipers, and hunters alike. The scopes with Mil-Dot reticles are best suitable for riflescopes with a large magnification since they are typically used for adjusting the impact of a bullet on long-distance rifles.

Turrets

The turrets on long-range riflescopes are usually target or tactical in style with precise and tactile adjustments with1/8 MOA clicks or preferably one/10th (0.1) mil movement per click for maximum precision. Of course, the turret and reticle measurements should match MIL-MIL or MOA-MOA.
Besides adjustable fingertip turrets, you will also need a considerable elevation adjustment range for your long-distance precision instrument. Some experts recommend as ideal range a 100 MOA or 40 MRADs of elevation adjustment, whereas descent scope should have at least 40 MOA/ 20 MRADs

Magnification

Though the magnification may sound like a prime feature for a 1,000-yard shot, it is not of epochal significance. While the most serious competitors and marksmen utilize high-end optics with 40-50X and all the way to the incredible 80x zoom, for the most shooters a magnification of at least 18x is suitable for shooting at 1,000 yards and beyond.

Objective size & Construction

For long-range shooting, you also want a scope with a 50-56mm objective size, as it will enable you with sufficient light and field of view (FoV). For better low light performance, the long-range scopes are usually built of large objective bells and 30mm or 34mm main tubes, making most of these gargantuan riflescopes often weighing more than 2 pounds.

Aside from those features, you may also decide to go another path choosing the caliber-specific riflescopes with ballistically matched, bullet-drop reticles. If you have selected one of the proven calibers for the long-range work, then you will be overwhelmed with the abundant offer of caliber-specific scopes dedicated for 6.5 Creedmoor, for 308, 7mm mag, or 300 win mag.

Top Brands to Consider for 1000 Yards + Scope

When you're shooting at short to a medium-range, you can manage with cheap rifle and optics, but with long-range shooting, you’ll need the right setup consisting of a high-grade long-barreled weapon and the top-of-the-line rifle scope.

Based on the desired characteristics, it is fully expected that you should look for long-range scope options only from the very best brands that would provide you with the best performance for the money. However, the optics have gotten dramatically better over the last 15 or so years offering quite decent long-range features for less money.

Many shooters assume that a scope made in the USA is superior to those made in other countries. That's not always true since more traditionalists like us believe the top-rated optics come from European manufacturers like Zeiss, Schmidt&Bender, Kahles, Swarovski and IOR-Valdada. However, it doesn't mean that reputable brands from the U.S. such as Leupold, Vortex, or Nightforce are not viable options, but may mean that you will be deprived of the brilliant picture quality or some extras on adjustments.

Best 1000 Yard Scope on the Market Review

Choosing the right scope can be tricky, particularly if you are on a budget, but similar reading guides like our can make your choices much easier. Needless to say that reviews like this one can help you find an optic that will be the best bang for your buck and will suit your needs. In this overview, we'll introduce eight long-range scopes classified from affordable, through the best value, all the way to the top, high-priced models.

Though the long-range shooting sport besides excellent shooter also requires precision and valuable tools, it does not necessarily mean that you need an expensive high-end instrument to get the job done. For your new hobby, you may find scopes not just under $1000 but even under $300 that is an excellent choice for a first-time shooter. In that price range, you can buy a relatively bare-bones scope ideal for day-to-day use for hunting or target practicing.

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO

The Crossfire lineup is Vortex Optics’ entry series of scopes, designed to help long-range shooters on a budget and comes with many features found on the much higher priced options.

Like many economic models, the Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO boasts AO system (Adjustable Objective) at riflescope's objective bell for greater image focus and parallax removal.

The Vortex Crossfire II 6-24 sports 4x zoom ratio making it ideal for dual-use for long-range competition shooters and the long-range hunters.

In this configuration, Vortex Optics has offered two reticle types, but this scope with manufacturing number CF2-31045 comes with ballistic Dead-Hold BDC reticle located on the Second Focal Plane (SFP). It means this versatile duplex reticle is easy to see in all lighting conditions at all magnifications. Still, the subtensions for windage and hold-over will be accurate only at 18x magnification.

The capped turrets are resettable for easy zero re-indexing with maximal travel for both windage and elevation of 40 MOA. The adjustment graduation is standard in this optic class with ¼ MOA per click.

The scope is built of one-piece durable aluminum, purged with nitrogen gas and protected with O rings to enable shockproof, waterproof and fogproof features.

2. Mueller Target Rifle Scope, Black, 8-32 x 44mm

Mueller Target Rifle Scope, Black, 8-32 x 44mm

A perfect alternative to expensive high-end, long-range optics is the Mueller brand, which represents one of the best names in the $150 to $250 price range. While there is a wide selection of Mueller riflescopes with an interesting variety of magnification ranges, they are all an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable scope under $300.

The Mueller Target riflescope MU83244TD comes with 8-32 x zoom range and 44mm objective. The Tactical 8-32×44 utilizes a fine crosshair with a small target dot in the center that covers about 1/4" at 100 yards making this Mueller model perfect not only for the competitive shooting but also for pest control, prone and bench shooting.

The Black 8-32 x 44mm target scope from Mueller features fully exposed (target-style) turrets and side focus parallax adjustment for accurate range finding. Whereas the windage/elevation knobs have increments value of 1/8 MOA with an audible click audible click stop, the total elevation adjustment of 40 MOA is somewhat limited for long-range optics.

Mueller 8-32x44 offer constant eye relief of 4″ and good eye-box even at higher magnification. The fully multi-coated lenses provide adequate brightness in different kinds of lighting and also when magnified to high levels.

3. Athlon Optics Argos 6-24x50 Rifle Scope

Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane

Another long-range, precision shooter's scope which is bringing premium features to an affordable price point comes from the Athlon family of scopes. The model Argos BTR riflescope boasts an optical system that gives you a high 6 - 24x zoom housed in a 30mm sturdy 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube.

The superior mechanical integrity can withstand the high powered rifles recoils while the internals is well protected against moisture and fogging with o-rings and argon purging.

This versatile riflescope can be used evenly in hunting and multiple shooting disciplines, so it’s at home at both the bench rest and the treestand.

The Argos BTR body features exposed graduated turrets and a side parallax adjustment knob at the middle of the scope and low-profile reticle illumination control knob and lever for fast zooming next to the eyepiece.

Though the turrets are not as impeccable as high-grade counterparts, they offer decent 18 MRAD windage and elevation ranges with ability to be set to zero after sighting in the scope.

All the Argos BTR lineup have features typically only found on high-end optics such as APMR MRAD-based reticle, fully multi-coated lenses and the proprietary XPL scratch-resistant coating to repel grease, dirt and oil.

4. Nikon Black X1000 6-24x50 Riflescope

Nikon Black X1000 6-24x50SF Matte IL x-MOA

If the lower-priced scopes under $300 don’t meet your expectations, a Nikon Black X1000 series in the category under $500, might be a better choice because they are built to withstand the larger caliber recoils of today's long-range rifles.

Built on an aircraft-grade 30mm aluminum tube, The Nikon Black X1000 6-24x50 mm is a great long range hunting scope, but it will help you reach out to a thousand yards and push the limits of your shooting. This 6-24X model is a dedicated precision riflescope that offers 4x magnification ratio, which is perfect for intermediate shots but also makes it powerful enough for extreme long-range precision.

Black X1000 riflescope in 6-24x configuration comes with Nikon's proprietary high-density glass and full multilayer coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to provide the clarity you need for 1000-yard precision.

The Nikon X1000 riflescope boasts the tactical turrets with spring-loaded instant zero-reset as well as a turret-mounted side focus parallax adjustment.

Placed in a second focal plane, a glass-etched reticle will give you an ability to apply all holdover corrections, ranging and other measurements no matter what distance you’re shooting at.

The Nikon manufacturer number 16384 features illuminated x-MRAD reticle with 10 brightness settings enabled by side-mounted control.

5. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP Riflescope EBR-7C MRAD

Vortex is known for making quality and reasonably priced scopes, but in our opinion, the new generation of the very popular Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) scopes far surpasses their predecessors, approaching significantly to the more expensive Vortex Razor HD Gen. 2.

The Viper, PST Gen II 5-25x50, features the highest magnification in whole Vortex PST series and is available with several reticle configurations. The Vortex PST-5251 model sports 5x magnification and an EBR-4 MOA glass-etched reticle that is constructed in the second focal plane. This reticle is offering uncluttered picture for optimal viewing with fully-illuminated crosshair subtensions in 10 intensity levels.

Although declared by Vortex as tactical rifle scopes, the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 is ideal for close to long-range target shooting and hunting. The turrets are exposed tactical with1/4 MOA adjustments per click and a true zero-stop function called RZR (Rapid Zero Return). Due to the Precision-Glide Erector System and large 30mm one-piece aluminum maintube, this Viper allows ample room for elevation adjustment of 70 MOA for long shots.

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II Riflescope comes with an outstanding optics equipped with XD (extra-low dispersion) glass and with XR Plus- multiple anti-reflective coatings.

6. Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP

Bushnell Elite Tactical G2DMR FFP Reticle Riflescope

One more riflescope in 6-24x50 configuration comes from Bushnell, and it's priced just under $1000. The new series of Elite riflescopes from Bushnell is intended for professional tactical shooters, but it will be useful for target shooting and variety of medium and long-range hunting applications.

The construction of the Elite Tactical is based on 30mm main-tube that's purged with argon gas for all-weather reliability, while the exterior has "Blacked-Out" matte finish for complete concealment.

This Elite Tactical single-piece body sports target-type turrets, side-mounted parallax focus and a combination of battery compartment and rheostat located on the ocular. In order to meet the desired sub-$1,000 price, the only sacrifice that was filed on behalf of the quality is lacking lockable turrets and a zero-stop feature.

The model ET6245F is offered with Bushnell BTR illuminated Mil-Dot reticle placed in the first focal plane.

With turrets marked in 0.1 Mil adjustments for precise targeting and Mil-Dot reticle system, this Elite Tactical belongs to group of scopes often called "mil/mil" scopes.

With lenses produced in Japan, this long-range precision shooting instrument features fully multi-coated optics and proprietary RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating.

7. Nightforce Optics NXS 8-32x56 SFP 

Nightforce Optics 8-32x56 NXS Riflescope

Nightforce Optics is a USA company renowned for its competition riflescopes that are some of the greatest in the industry. With several models used in the military, it is evident that the Nightforce NXS series is created from the ground up to meet Mil-Spec requirements. Still, you should also know that the NXS full-size models are one of the most famous lines of scopes for ultimate long-range shooting and a favorite device among the F Class shooters.

Although the Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 with its magnification range is not so versatile and appropriate to a wide variety of applications, because of its rugged and durable 30mm body and waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof features, the NXS 8-32x56 also remains the blue-eyed boy for hunting communities.

Nightforce NXS C438 model comes with popular MOAR illuminated reticle located on the 2nd focal plane that offers fast adjustments for precise, repeatable shot placement on stationary or moving targets.

The 56mm objective glass provided maximum clarity and paired with fully multi-coated lenses the NXS would give you a brilliant picture quality in less than ideal light conditions.

All scopes from NXS series have exposed tactical turrets offering to long-range shooters fast internal adjustment capabilities for precise and repeatable shot placement at the 1000-yard line.

8. Schmidt and Bender PM II/LP/MTC 5-25x56 

Schmidt Bender 5-25x56 PM II LP

For a decade or so the 5-25x56mm scope`s configuration is a prominent feature in the various specialized police teams and military Special Forces units. Having that optical landscape in mind, the Schmidt and Bender is a leader that put the milestone with their premium PM II 5-25x56 riflescope.

Featuring 5-time zoom ratio and 5-25x magnification this S&B riflescope is quite versatile but leans more towards long-distance shooting. The robust construction is based on 34mm main body and proven internal mechanics that can withstand use on powerful calibers intended for long-range shooting well over 1000 yards.

The PM II 5-25x56 is a universal scope with a large magnification range featuring low profile elevation and windage adjustments in the form of lockable Double Turret (LT) with "More Tactile Clicks" (MTC) system. This function provides clearly tactile clicks at every tenth click. There is a wide selection of more than 50 different combinations of turret clicks, turret rotation direction and reticles available both on the first or second focal plane.

Since the SFP reticles are the most popular in the USA, we have chosen as our proposal an S&B PM II scope with second focal plane P4FL2-MOA illuminated reticle and left-side turret for adjustable parallax from 10 meters to infinity.

As you should expect from the superb optics meant and build for professionals, the second edition of the Police Marksman series sports crystal clear glass and amazing optical performance from smallest magnification till maximal magnification.

Conclusion

Reading this article, you might have concluded that long-range shooting might be an affordable and accessible passion for most gun enthusiasts. Still, of course, there are few other top-ranked scope manufacturers, who dominate not only the long-distance competitions and battlefields with their high-end scopes but are often seen in exotic hunting locations on beautiful and bespoke rifles.

As you may found almost any mid-priced, the best 1000 yard scope is capable of reaching out quite far compared to the classic configurations intended for more common ways of shooting such as 100 yards punching paper or big-game hunting up to 70-120 yards.

Article has been contributed by Donald's team from IOutdoorPursuit.com.

Must-Have Gear ever Long Range Shooter Needs

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While shooting is, at some level, an instinctual art, that all changes when you factor in longer ranges.  At that point you can’t ignore instincts but data and mathematics take over. It becomes a world of precision where you have to remove every variable.  For that, we are going to need a few things.

Rifle

The first and most important tool for long range shooting is the rifle.  Let’s face it, there are some rifles that just aren’t up to snuff when it comes to those 500, 800, and 1000 yard shots.  This isn’t a time when you can pick up any rifle and hope for the best. Precision rifles are designed to prevent error and fluctuation in point of aim.  Start here and you have a good foundation to build off of.

There are a number of production rifles at reasonable prices that can do the job.  The Remington 700 is a classic in this department. If you step up the price, rifles from Bergara are a perfect starting option.  You can spend what you like with McMillian, Accuracy International and other near-custom manufacturers or just go for a custom rifle.  Just be aware that the price steps up steeply as you get into the custom guns.

Long Range Scope

Just as with your rifle, not every scope is a long range scope.  Sure, any of them can extend your range a little but if you want accuracy over distance, it needs to be a quality, precise tool.  It can’t have any slop and must hold its zero no matter what. The general rule is that a scope will cost more than the rifle you put it on.  This isn’t always true but it does help you to figure out the expenses involved.

There are a number of companies that produce quality scopes from old favorites like Nikon and Leupold to the new comers like Nightforce and Vortex.  Those aren’t an exhaustive list. There are plenty of scopes that can do the job. Just be mindful that it has a ranging reticle, turret adjustments, and is shockproof.  Those are minimums. Having something waterproof that is made to exacting specs with good quality control will only make your life easier.

Ammo

Can’t shoot without bullets and guess what?  Not all ammo is suitable for long range shooting.  Remember that accuracy is always a result of removing variables.  One of the biggest variables in the action of the shot is the bullet.  It needs to have a consistent speed and cross section or the point of impact will never be good enough to get a firm zero off of.  For this, you need something a little better than the white box they sell at the local big box store.

Most serious long range shooters load their own ammo to remove any chances of error.  While this is a great idea and a rewarding hobby, it isn’t necessary. Especially when you are fist starting.  There are plenty of options for match grade ammo that you can buy off the shelf. It’s costly but it’s worth it.  Just remember to try a few different types before you decide on one and then stick with that ammo. Some rifles will slightly prefer different weights and loads so get a good mix until you find what works for you.

Spotting Scope

While it is possible to get by without a spotting scope, they will make many of the processes you do so much more efficient.  This starts at sighting in but will be helpful for a variety of things as you progress in the long range art. The biggest use will always be noting impact locations versus point of aim.  This can help you walk in tricky shots or get your first zero.

When you look for a spotting scope, you will notice a wide variety of prices for scopes that look similar.  The primary thing you are going to need is optical clarity. This is more important than even the power of the scope.  As you magnify the amount that some spotting scopes do, you will magnify the imperfections in the optic system. Vortex makes a good low end scope while the Nikons and Leupolds have always had an excellent reputation.

Range Finder

Though you should learn to range through your reticle, doing so is an art all its own.  Starting out having a rangefinder is a definite advantage and can be a learning tool. Try to range through your reticle and then go to the rangefinder to confirm your estimates.  This will be invaluable as you grow as a shooter.

Then there are the times where you don’t have time to do the math to get a range through your reticle.  This is common with hunters who may have a short window to make their shot. A long range shooting rangefinder is far quicker than manual methods.  For the price these run, it’s a worthy investment.

When you shop for a rangefinder, make sure you get one specific to shooting.  There are models that are universal as well as models intended for golf. You want one tailored to the long range rifle shooter.  They have features and built in calculations that can be very helpful.

Anemometer

No matter what you do, some variables can never be removed.  They can even be challenging to compensate for. While range is a simple math equation, wind is the true challenge of the long range shooter.  Not only is it hard to read but it can change quickly and even move in different directions along the course of your shot. Learning to read wing is HARD.

To help with that, there are plenty of pocket anemometers that will read the wind at your location.  This at least gives you a baseline for what you are seeing along the path your bullet will take. Kestrel has long been the favorite but there are many other companies making these helpful devices.  Some have built in ballistic calculations but a standard model will often work for most people. Leave the bullet calculations to the actual calculator.

Shooting Bag

While many people glorify shooting off a bipod, it really isn’t the way to go.  In many long range competitions you will never see one used. Instead opt for a sandbag.  Sure, it’s heavier to pack around but you will be thankful for the extra stability they provide.  They are also very cost effective and available. You can get a cheap one from many big box and shooting stores that will last for years.

You don’t need anything special.  You can even make your own. My first one was made from a cut off cushion and some rice.  Now you can get one for less than $20.00 that will work wonders.

Data Book

The last specific item I would recommend is a good shooting log or data book.  The term often used is Data on Previous Engagements or DOPE. This is good to record so you always have a solid foundation to build off of.  Maybe your rifle shoots a little off when it’s colder outside. Maybe heat causes the wood stock to swell. Maybe your ammo isn’t quite up to snuff.  This is the detective tool to figuring out those problems.

If long range shooting is removing variables through examining data, this is the data.  It’s all about your rifle, your setup, and your shot. It has everything you need to figure out how to be a better shooter and then, when you are better, what you need to do exactly to hit your mark.  Many shooters go without these tools and it is often to their own detriment.

Conclusion

While the above list is fairly comprehensive to the long range shooter, it does not cover any gear that is general to shooting.  You still need safety equipment like eye and ear protection. Good targets are useful. But those are all things you should have or that are readily available.  The last two things you are  going to need are the hardest. A place to shoot and the right mental attitude. Lose the ego and get to the range. Let your gear show you how to make the shot.

This article has been contributed by Brad Smith from https://opticsaddict.com/.

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