Minimalist Rifleperson--What Do I Need?

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BerettaNut92

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Let's say I want to start taking this rifle thing seriously. What do I need?

1. Rifle & Ammo
2. Scope
3. Spotting Scope
4. Sandbags

Is that it? Do I NEED one of those rifle rest doohickeys, or are they a convenience? And I need a sling, right?
 
i would say you need
1.rifle and ammo and some more ammo
2.a copy of jeff coopers "the art of the rifle"
3. range time to work and practice on what you read in the art of the rifle
 
Skunkabilly:

What kind of rifle/cartridge are you using in this hypothetical situation?

I vote for a Harris bipod of some sort, too...mostly because it keeps the gun from falling over when taking pix of it!
:D

One more post and you've got 2000, too. :cool:
 
All you really need is a rifle, some ammo, and a target to shoot at. A rifle scope is optional, a spotting scope is a luxury, and sandbags are only needed for sighting in the rifle. Once the sights are on, I would REALLY encourage you to shoot from an offhand position most of the time.
 
Skunk, needs and wants, like it matters!:D

Like pistols, there are many good weapons available. Find what you like and buy one just like it. This will only depend upon dozens of variables and provides hours of fun on the Internet.

You need: sling, place to dry practice, and money for tuition. See you in class, brasshopper.:)
 
Varies

Minimum you'll need depends in LARGE part on what it is you want to be able to accomplish with a rifle.

-Morgan
 
Skunk, a true tactical minimalist would ditch the scope and sandbag for proper shooting position and technique. ;)

You already got the rifle, the ammo, and the willingness to see what you can do. All you need now is a little push - Get the Jeff Cooper series, it's cheap.
 
A H&K (any preban 90 series will work) or a Horsey-brand AR-15 rifle, quality ammo and factory mags (plus a few mag clamps). That's all one really needs. :D
 
If you really want to start taking this rifle thing seriously AND seriously upgrade your tactical quotient, join the US Marine Corps.

Personally, I favor the Army, but the USMC does have a better rep for rifle marksmanship (see Zapruder film for details).

Otherwise, just pick a rifle, get a spotting scope and a decent sling (I also recommend Turner) and start shooting. I would advise against using a scope until you are able to hold decent groups with iron sights.

Forget the sandbags for now, and just concentrate on the basics, standing, sitting and prone. Steve Smith has some excellent pics in the Competition Forum.

There are lots of people who can do OK from a bench with a lot of supports, but can't shoot diddly without the props. Set yourself apart.
 
Personally, I favor the Army, but the USMC does have a better rep for rifle marksmanship (see Zapruder film for details).
Click to expand...
:what: YEOUCH!

Mike ;)

PS Back....and to the left...back....and to the left....
 
>>Personally, I favor the Army, but the USMC does have a better rep for rifle marksmanship <<

Especially back in the good old days when we were using M14's!!!;)
 
My .02 -

Winchester Featherweight Model 70 in .308.

Low power fixed or variable Leupold scope, depending on your preference and budget. The little 1.5x5 with the illuminated reticle is very nice.

Ching Sling. The three point sling is far superior to the standard sling for field use. Much faster to sling up, easier to use well.

Sandbags will do fine, you don't really need a rest, though they are handy. Anyway, other than zeroing, you need to get away from the bench and shoot from field positions. See Jeff Cooper's _Art of the Rifle_.

I'd add iron sights as a backup in case the scope goes TU, though this is rare today.

This setup will do most anything you need to do.
 
What you really need is marksmanship training - something that rarely gets mentioned in this or any other forum. Back in the old days when many young men were drafted, most learned the basics of rifle marksmanship. You know, spot weld, sight picture, trigger squeeze - those kinds of things. Today, few young shooters have any formal training, and it shows! Most buy a gun and ammo and head out to do some blasting. The idea seems to be that if you have the latest media typed gun that is all that is necessary. The result? Most are lousy marksmen. The idea of actually hitting what you shoot at is a thing of the past.
 
How's about getting a mil-surp?

I am relearning marksmanship with my Swede and Argentine Mausers. Great triggers, decent sights, and its fun banging the 300 yard gong with iron sights while others with scopes make dust piles...

Oh yeah, the Swiss K-31 is a great choice too!
 
not all of us young whippersnappers are shoddy marksman. My friend and I (both 21 yrs. old) shoot NRA highpower about twice a month. After two years I just leap-frogged sharpshooter and broke expert.

atek3

PS but you're right, in general most shooters these days would be "cooks" as Fred would say.
 
hehe... I just ordered some M14 stocks from www.fredsm14stocks.com, and I actually read the pro-2A literature that was included with the order.

Now, I'm looking for a 'partner' or two to do team rifle shooting tactics with! :D

Where is what I think you need...
1) Rifle + sling + gobs of ammo
2) Target range of sufficient size
3) Targets
and if you are a normal person
4) a partner or two that would provide encouragement and competition for the times that you want to just pack up, go home, and sit in front of the TV and not go rifle shooting again.
 
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