When it comes down to your survival, the ability to target objects and enemies from a distance can easily determine your success or failure. When facing such situations where being prepared at all times is crucial, long-range shooting gear becomes an invaluable ally. But as a newbie to the world of firearms, how do you find the best shooting gear? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered. In this article, we will help you choose the best long range shooting gear every prepper should consider for the worst survival scenarios.

[Editor’s note: I would consider the following an overview, or primer, for those who know very little about firearms and don’t know where to start. It is NOT a definitive guide by any means, but it will help to point you in the right direction.]

The Crucial Role of Long-Range Shooting Gear

In a survival scenario, those equipped with long-range shooting gear naturally has a better chance of survival than those who don’t. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or trekking through the wilderness, your gear can provide strategic leverage; however, with a variety of options available and little experience at hand, how do you know which long range shooting gear every shooter should consider?

Purchasing shooting gear is more than just an investment. Long range shooting gear, specifically, enhances accuracy, dependability, and flexibility in most survival situations if you do it right. It’s also a commitment to resilience. Of course, choosing the right gear should never be a hasty decision. Without further ado, let’s dive into the factors that you must consider when investing in such a gear.

Firearms for Long Range Shooting

Choosing the ideal firearm for truly SHTF survival situations requires careful consideration of your surroundings, targets, and versatility. Here are a few commonly available firearms and their features to help you make informed decisions when investing in long range shooting gear.

Rifles

• Bolt-action Rifles are regarded as gear every shooter should consider because of their dependability and accuracy. They work great in stationary situations and are perfect for methodical, accurate shots.
• Semi-Automatic Rifles offer a quick follow-through capability that is essential in hectic scenarios. Their ability to balance speed and precision makes them great for those who require flexibility in various situations.
• Sniper Rifles are designed to be precise at long range. They’re dominated by bolt-action versions, which are preferred for reducing movement during shots from a distance. When choosing a sniper rifle, it’s important to consider things like barrel length, trigger systems, and optics.
• Designated Marksman Rifles provide improved accuracy and range over regular rifles. Their versatility makes them appropriate for a variety of situations. Choosing the right DMR requires weighing the rifle’s weight, barrel length, and optic compatibility while maintaining maneuverability and accuracy.

Long-Range Pistols?

• M1911A1 Long Slide is a modified version of the classic M1911, featuring an extended barrel and slide for improved accuracy. Its chambered .45 ACP caliber and its well-established design make it a reliable choice for precise, longer range shooting.
• Glock 17L is an extended barrel variant of the Glock 17, which caters to long-range shooting, but in 9mm. Its innovative design, combined with a longer sight radius, enhances accuracy and provides a versatile option for those seeking extended-range capabilities in a semi-automatic pistol.
• Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9L is a competition-oriented pistol known for its accuracy. With a 5-inch barrel and chambered in 9mm, it combines the reliability of the M&P series with enhancements for precision, making it an ideal choice in long-range shooting gear.
• Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Tactical OSP is designed for accuracy and adaptability. Its 5.28-inch barrel, chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP, along with an optics-ready platform, offers a customizable solution for those seeking a long-range-capable pistol with modern features.
• SIG Sauer P220 Hunter is crafted for accuracy and power, featuring a 5-inch barrel and chambered in potent calibers like 10mm Auto. Known for its robust construction and adjustable sights, the P220 Hunter is a reliable choice for those needing precision in a hunting or long-range shooting context.

Shotguns

• Bolt-Action Shotguns are designed for precision shooting, featuring a manually operated bolt mechanism for loading and unloading shells. While less common than their rifle counterparts, bolt-action shotguns are chosen for their accuracy, making them suitable as long-range situations, especially in slug gun configurations for hunting.
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns use gas or recoil-operated systems for automatic cycling, allowing for faster follow-up shots. Their versatility makes them suitable for various roles, including long-range shooting when equipped with appropriate barrels and chokes, delivering a balance of accuracy and rapid-fire capabilities.

Caliber Choices

Calibers have a significant impact on a firearm’s performance, affecting accuracy, range, and stopping power. Your choice should be influenced by various factors, including target size, anticipated range, and your capacity to manage recoil. Practical issues also include ammunition, availability, and cost. Here are a few calibers that often make an excellent choice during SHTF survival scenarios.

• .308 Winchester: Known for its adaptable performance, the.308 Winchester is able to balance power and controlled recoil in an elegant manner. Both military and civilian shooters favor it, owing to its broad availability. It is highly recommended for close-quarters combat and provides consistent stopping force along with remarkable precision.
• 6.5mm Creedmoor: The 6.5mm Creedmoor is a well-known caliber with exceptional ballistics that is notable for its reduced recoil and remarkable long-range performance. It is commonly used in events involving precision shooting as it provides an ideal balance between accuracy and energy retention. For shooters looking for longer range capabilities, it is a dependable option.
• .300 Winchester Magnum: Recognized for its great long-range accuracy and powerful stopping power, the.300 Winchester Magnum is ideal for situations requiring long reach. Its adaptability allows it to be used in a variety of scenarios where accuracy and penetration are critical, such as remote large game hunting.
• .223 Remington / 5.56mm NATO: The.223 Remington / 5.56mm NATO is a well-liked option for both military and civilian purposes thanks to its reduced recoil and broad availability. It is best suited for close-quarters combat and is frequently used in tactical situations where continuous fire is necessary.
• .338 Lapua Magnum: A favorite caliber for military and precision shooting purposes, the.338 Lapua Magnum is distinguished by its exceptional long-range accuracy and retained energy. Its ballistic performance is what makes it among the best choices.
• .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun): The.50 BMG is one of the largest cartridges available, with unmatched long-range performance. Its immense force and range make it excellent when exceptional stopping power is essential. It is primarily used in military applications.

Choosing Optics for Long Range Shooting

When choosing optics for long-range scenarios, numerous factors influence the performance of your equipment. Durability is crucial, necessitating lenses that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It’s important to strike a balance between your desired features and budget because optics come in wildly varying price ranges. Ultimately, having an appropriate optic can make all the difference in outcome.

• Telescopic Scopes allow for precise shooting given a variety of magnification settings. With a variety of reticle types and lens coatings, they improve target visibility and clarity. Think about the range you plan to shoot at and choose sturdy scopes with features that can withstand weather conditions.
• Red Dot Sights are excellent in close-quarters combat because of their parallax-free design and infinite eye relief. Their lightweight and small size make them perfect for a variety of configurations for quick target acquisition.
• Holographic sights ensure fast target acquisition in dynamic situations by superimposing a reticle on the target and offering a heads-up display and preserve situational awareness with infinite eye rest.
• Variable Power Scopes accommodate a broad range of shooting distances and offer adjustable magnification settings. Depending on your reticle subtension preferences, select between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes. Choose a reticle type that works for your shooting conditions by striking a balance between the necessity for adaptability and the usefulness of weight and size.

Selecting the Right Ammunition for Long-Range Shooting

Ammunition is the foundation for accuracy and performance when it comes to long range shooting. Here’s what to consider:

• Types of Bullets: Selecting the right type of bullet is essential. Due to their stability, Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are frequently chosen for target practice. Hollow Point (HP) bullets are ideal for hunting and defense because of their exceptional expansion upon impact.
• Bullet Weights: Ballistics relies heavily on weight. Longer range is best served by lighter bullets, which have flatter trajectories. However, heavier bullets provide superior wind stability and penetration. To find the ideal weight for your ammo, take into account the particular requirements of your shooting environment. [Editor’s note: I’ve always believed that heavier bullets were better for longer-range targets.]
• Ballistic Coefficients: Predicting a bullet’s flight characteristics is made easier by knowing its ballistic coefficient (BC). Better aerodynamics, which reduce drag and produce more predictable trajectories, are indicated by higher BC values.
• Projectile shape: External ballistics are influenced by bullet form. Due to their pointed design, Spitzer bullets increase stability and lessen air resistance. Boat-tail bullets reduce drag by improving aerodynamics even further.
• Quality Control: Maintaining consistency is essential for long-range shooting, and the quality of the ammunition has a significant impact on this. Look for reliable manufacturers who have a reputation for strict quality control procedures. [Editor’s note: It’s not just about performance once the bullet leaves the gun, but getting it to feed, too.]

Choosing the Right Support Gear

Support gear is more than just accessories; it is the foundation upon which perfection is achieved. Tripods and bipods provide stability, which is essential for reducing movement caused by the shooter. Slings are useful for patrols. Accessories, like monopods and shooting bags, have their uses, too.

Selecting Personal Gear for Optimal Comfort and Mobility

1.     Apparel Selection

• Take into account the terrain, temperature, and weather when selecting attire for the shooting situation.
• Choose clothing that wicks away moisture to control sweat and keep you comfortable throughout long shooting sessions.
• Make sure your apparel is flexible without compromising its durability.

2.     Considering Footwear

• Choose supportive shoes that are comfortable and durable enough to be worn for extended periods of time when standing or moving around.
• A careful consideration of the terrain is necessary to ensure stability on uneven or difficult surfaces. Choose robust boots with high traction for a variety of landscapes.

3.     Significance of camouflage

• Wear shooting-environment appropriate camouflage patterns for better concealment and lower visibility.
• Select designs that work well with the particular hues and textures of the shooting area to blend in with your surroundings. 

4.     Defense against nature

• Make sure you have weather-appropriate clothing on hand, such as raincoats, thermal layers for chilly climates, and sun protection for warmer climates.
• Consider bringing in hats and gloves as extras to protect against the sun, wind, or cold as needed.

5.     Mobility and weight

• Give priority to lightweight equipment to reduce weight without compromising functionality.
• Invest in equipment that makes moving easier so you can be quick and flexible when filming in changing conditions.

Takeaway

As we wrap up this tutorial of finding the long-range shooting gear every shooter should consider, let’s stress how crucial it is to select equipment carefully. It’s the equipment that turns an impending disaster into a manageable obstacle, giving you an edge when sudden circumstances arise. The foundation of accuracy lies not only in the equipment itself, but also in ongoing education and skill development. Keep pursuing information, and consistently improve your abilities through instruction and practice. The appropriate equipment along with a dedication to ongoing development puts you in a position to be more than just a well-prepared survivor in the unpredictable world of survival.

Author Bio:

Robert Nelson a marketing graduate, seamlessly integrates his creative skills into the realm of tactical gear and outdoors. Drawing from his professional experience at Patriot Tactical LLC, he provides a distinctive viewpoint. Robert’s writing captivates and entertains due to his passion for outdoor activities, camping, and travel.

[Note: This is a guest post.]