Any recommendations on optics? Tripod?
Discussion
for what range? CQB or 300m+?
The range I plan on training at is good for up to 600yds.
I’m just getting into this style shooting, so initially it’ll be a general purpose AR as I work my way up to shooting at that distance
if you want to shoot that far, get a bolt action rifle...most ARs are going to be hard to hit with at that range unless you spend a lot of money and/or build it yourself nostr:npub1q6ya7kz84rfnw6yjmg5kyttuplwpauv43a9ug3cajztx4g0v48eqhtt3sh can give you some tips on building...but I would consider a platform style rifle in a better caliber such as 204 Ruger or maybe 6.5 creedmor
Is 2k the barrier to entry when you’re talking 6.5 creedmor?
https://savagearms.com/firearms/model/110-precision
for a chassis rifle mostly, but you could get a hunting rifle and add a bipod and scope and still shoot 600m for $1k or less
you will want a heavier barrel if you plan on shooting strings more than 5 or so, the barrel needs to be more rigid and it will heat more slowly
the AR would be great inside 200m, a reflex sight (red dot) is very good at close in shooting and versatile enough for 200m, a low-power variable scope is even better, especially at longer distances, but much more expensive
Training vs. Real world use needs thought.
I'm up in Maine, semi-rural. I'm likely NEVER going to be taking a shot past 150m/yds. Shooting long is fun, but its a different animal than being proficient at "danger close" distances.
Any decent ar15 can hit steel at 600yds. You'll want at least an 18" barrel for that, though. I stick with 16" barrels, a supressor ready flash hider, and M193 556.
300AAC/BLK is very useful. It's better for hog and arguably human hunting, but it costs a lot more, to the point where I'd recommend getting a 556 AR to start, get training, then eventually branch out. For me, I'm just building a 308 "AR10" as that's still cheaper than a 300BLK for regular ammo and much more effective than 300Blk unless you are close in, short barrel length, and suppressed.
Very helpful 🤝