Approachable Precision: Accuracy can be Affordable

How much does it cost to buy a long-range rifle? Not nearly as much as it used to!

Long-range precision shooting has long been associated with high-end rifles, expensive optics, and costly hand-loaded ammunition. For many, the perception remains that getting into this discipline requires a significant financial investment.

That’s no longer the case. Sure, there are and always will be elitists that take every sport to the cutting edge, but for the “working man” that wants to shoot steel at 1,000 yards with buddies on the weekend, it doesn’t require the time or money it used to.

Advancements in rifle and ammunition manufacturing, combined with the availability of affordable ballistic calculation apps, range-finding technology, and fantastic chronographs have made long-range shooting more accessible than ever. Today, a shooter can achieve impressive accuracy at extended distances without breaking the bank.

Affordable Tack Drivers

A decade or two ago, precision rifles were, for the most part, the domain of custom-built platforms costing thousands of dollars. Today, major firearm manufacturers are producing budget-friendly factory rifles that deliver remarkable performance.

As a custom stock manufacturer, we believe that factory rifles, regardless of brand, can be further enhanced by dropping the barreled action into an AG Composites stock. Is it necessary? Not 100 percent. Will a custom stock enhance the fit, feel, and function of a factory rifle? Without question.

 

Further, a custom stock allows the user to modify the rifle’s weight (either lighter with carbon fiber or heavier with fiberglass), color, ergonomics, rigidity, etc. Because we mold an aluminum bar into the forend of all our stocks, upgrading to an AG stock also allows the user to mount accessories like bipods, Arca rails and picatinny rails anywhere on the underside of the forend. If you want to see how strong this mounting solution is, watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhAHADzqYC4

Some excellent off-the-shelf rifle examples include:

• Remington model 700 Long Range
• Remington 700 SPS Tactical
• Remington Model 700 Varmint
• Tikka T3x

 

Modern manufacturing techniques provide tight tolerances and free-floating barrels, which were once only available in custom builds.

Optics, Updated and Upgraded

Gone are the days when quality long-range scopes were reserved for premium brands with massive price tag. This, again, is due to the marvels of modern manufacturing. Several companies now offer optics with high-quality glass, repeatable turrets, and useful reticle designs at budget-friendly prices.

Some excellent riflescope choices for the shooter on a budget include:

• Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 – A fantastic budget optic with a first focal plane reticle, making holdovers and adjustments more intuitive. https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-diamondback-tactical-4-16x44-ffp-riflescope+reticle-EBR-2C~MOA
• Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 – A scope that offers great magnification and clarity for long-range shots while staying under $400. https://athlonoptics.com/product/argos-btr-gen2-6-24x50-apmr-ffp-ir-mil-copy/
• SWFA SS 10x42 – A fixed-power scope known for rugged reliability and exceptional tracking at an affordable price. SWFA 10x42 SS - Mil-Quad Reticle, 30mm, .1 MIL Clicks, Side Focus

 

Optics are a critical component of long-range shooting, and while high-end brands offer superior glass clarity and turret precision, budget models have dramatically improved in recent years, offering excellent performance without an exorbitant price tag. Our suggestion is to try a few out before you buy. Your eye may prefer one over the other. Keep in mind that the list above isn’t exhaustive. Like a quality rifle stock, optics are one item where it’s worth spending a little more money if you can.

Affordable, Accurate Ammunition

To really excel, precision shooting used to require hand-loaded or at least match-grade ammunition, which is either costly, time consuming, or both. Ammo producers have made strides in the past 10 years! Several manufacturers now offer mass-produced ammunition that performs exceptionally well. Just be sure that the ammo you’re buying matches the twist rate of your barrel. If you need to know more about that, check out this article: https://www.agcomposites.com/media/25/barrel-twist-rate-and-bullet-weight

Here are a few ammo brands to look at:

• Hornady Match – Available in popular calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester and 6 ARC, this ammo is known for tight tolerances and good ballistic consistency.
• Hornady Precision Hunter – Though not marketed as match ammo, Hornady’s flagship hunting ammo brand is known for exceptional performance. Try this if your rifle doesn’t group well with their Match offering.
• Federal Gold Medal Match – Long considered the gold standard for precision factory ammo, Federal’s offerings in .308, 6.5CM, and .223 provide excellent accuracy.
• Sellier & Bellot Match – A more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive results for long-range shooting.

 

Ballistic Apps

In the past, long-range shooting required expensive ballistic computers or detailed DOPE (data on previous engagements) charts to make accurate windage and elevation corrections. Now, free or low-cost mobile apps provide shooters with precise ballistic calculations in seconds. Some of the best options include:

• Strelok Pro – An incredibly detailed ballistics calculator with customizable reticles and a vast ammo database.
• Hornady 4DOF – A free app that incorporates advanced ballistic calculations, including drag coefficient factors. This is one of, if not the most widely used ballistic app by consumers.
• BallisticsARC – Features GPS-integrated shooting solutions, windage estimations, and trajectory plotting.
• Applied Ballistics Mobile – A more expensive option but highly detailed and used by professional shooters.

 

These apps allow shooters to quickly calculate bullet drop, wind drift, and, in some cases, lead times for moving targets, removing much of the guesswork from long-range shooting. All these apps will do the trick. The key is growing accustomed to the app and learning to use it to its full potential.

Cheap Training

Range fees and ammunition costs can add up quickly, but there are ways to keep training expenses down.

Dry-fire Practice is one way to save ammo and extend barrel life. Practicing trigger control, breathing techniques, and holdovers at home (inside or outside) rounds costs nothing. Years ago, dry fire practice required the use of snap caps or dummy rounds to prevent damage to firing pins and bolts, but new rifle actions aren’t harmed by dry-firing.

To further improve dry-fire practice, look at products like the D.F.A.T (https://coretacsolutions.com/d-f-a-t-gen2-hd/) or the I.O.T.A (https://seraphprecision.myshopify.com/collections/all)

 

Cost-effective Improvements

Rather than spending thousands on unnecessary modifications, a few smart upgrades can significantly enhance a budget-friendly rifle’s performance.

As previously mentioned, a custom stock and a decent optic are starting points. Beyond that, look at triggers, bipods, scope levels, shooting bags and muzzle brakes.

We wrote an entire article on the topic of rifle upgrades. If you’re interested in that, check that article out here: https://www.agcomposites.com/media/24/six-easy-rifle-upgrades

Long-range shooting doesn’t have to be a hobby reserved for those with deep pockets. With smart purchases, anyone can step into the world of long-range shooting and achieve remarkable results without overspending. After all, skills are ultimately more important than price tags, and with today’s advancements, budget-conscious shooters can still hit their mark at impressive distances.