How to get started?

[skywalkrNCSU]

I have been thinking about getting into precision shooting lately but I am a complete noob to the subject and don't know anyone around that can teach me the basics. Is there any recommended reading material that is for the pure novice? I know nothing beats actual practice but I want to have a good understanding of things before I get started (including buying my first bolt gun).

I certainly do not expect to be shooting 1000 yards but I do have access to some land and a range that isn't too far away that is out to 500 yards. I will probably be looking to start "cheapish" just to make sure this is something I will enjoy before plunking down some serious money for a solid rig. Thinking about going with two different platforms, a .223 and a .308 mainly because they are popular rounds and I have an AR-15 and an AR-10 so might as well stick with the rounds I already have. Would one be better for a first rifle? I am thinking .223 would be more than enough for the ranges I would be starting out at and I would be able to practice more since ammo is less expensive (I will be reloading as well). If I really get into it I guess my next step would be to get a nicer .308 rig for more serious shooting.

As far as brands go I have heard mixed reviews on Savage and pretty consistant things about the Rem 700 and Tikka T3, any others I should consider? Not looking to buy anytime soon, want to do as much reading and research as I can before jumping in since at my complete noobishness level I could see myself making a poor purchase choice and regretting it later.

[BrigandTwoFour]

If you're willing to spend the $60 or so, The Ultimate Sniper by Maj. John Plaster is one of the most thoroughly written books on the subject that I've ever seen. It covers everything from rifle design, optics, ammunition choice, shooting mechanics, and stalking.

Do a lot of reading about desirable features, decide your budget, and choose a rifle that meets your specs within your budget. Be aware that you can buy a less expensive rifle and spend the extra money in your budget to have it customized to your spec (Rem 700s are, by far, the easiest to go with this route).

Orkan will tell you to avoid Savage at all costs. He knows a lot more than me, so I can't dispute.

I have a Howa 1500 that provided the base for my build. It came with a lot of specs that I would have had to pay a few hundred on a Rem 700 to do, and the action seems very stout. My plan is to shoot the piss out of it and keep it as my "training".308. Eventually I'll step up into a more custom rifle in a nice long range cartridge.

[skywalkrNCSU]

Nice! Thanks, that is just the type of thing I was looking for, will definitely give it a read.

[LeroyRT]

If you look hard enough, you can find a copy of the marine sniper handbook. That explains a good bit and is at the least an interesting read.

I would look at a .308 Remington 700. Solid platform. Not terribly expensive, and would allow you to stretch a little further than a .223.

[taliv]

northern Texas has lots of excellent shooters. Both the high power and precision field match cliques are popular there. If you follow the link in my sig and then go to "Events" you will see a list of matches. Click on the ones in TX (5 of the 16) to go to their websites. I'm pretty sure at least 3 of them offer instruction. Some may offer rental guns for you to shoot before you buy.

you could look on the NRA competition website for locations of f-class or high power matches. they're a great way for new shooters to get started because you have a scorer watching your shots and somebody in the pits marking your hits so you know exactly where your bullets are going. it's also pretty cheap.

[highlighter]

If you're willing to spend the $60 or so, The Ultimate Sniper by Maj. John Plaster is one of the most thoroughly written books on the subject that I've ever seen. It covers everything from rifle design, optics, ammunition choice, shooting mechanics, and stalking.

Do a lot of reading about desirable features, decide your budget, and choose a rifle that meets your specs within your budget. Be aware that you can buy a less expensive rifle and spend the extra money in your budget to have it customized to your spec (Rem 700s are, by far, the easiest to go with this route).

Orkan will tell you to avoid Savage at all costs. He knows a lot more than me, so I can't dispute.

I have a Howa 1500 that provided the base for my build. It came with a lot of specs that I would have had to pay a few hundred on a Rem 700 to do, and the action seems very stout. My plan is to shoot the piss out of it and keep it as my "training".308. Eventually I'll step up into a more custom rifle in a nice long range cartridge.

Excellent book. Worth every penny.

[OMD]

Also try The Accurate Rifle, Warren - sort of standard, too. Also Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy, Newick if you want to do benchrest/handloading at all.

[orkan]

Applied Ballistics - Bryan Litz.

http://www.amazon.com/Applied-Ballis...ied+ballistics

[mikeith]

Perfect timing on this thread! I'm in the same boat!

[SRT72]

Nothing beats someone standing over you watching your positions but make sure they know what they are talking about. This is sometimes hard to do considering all the people you run into that are full of it. snipershide has a lot of training videos. I haven't ever seen them so I can't comment on their quality but its an idea.