In my case, my family was a rifle family. The first animal I harvested was a prairie dog, taken with a New England Firearms Handi-Rifle chambered in .218 Bee.

I didn’t fire a shotgun for another decade. It took me a lot of shells before I got it. But once I did, shotgunning became one of my favorite shooting activities.

So, what do you need to know if you come from one long arm tradition and want to try the other?

Put simply, rifles are aimed, and shotguns are pointed. Shotgun shooting is instinctual once you have fit and form down. Rifle shooting is more deliberate and is focused on precision, requiring you to align your eyes with the sights and the target.

If this explanation of the difference between rifle and shotgun shooting doesn’t seem obvious, that’s okay. Continue reading, and I’ll explain the differences in detail.

What is Aiming?

When you aim a firearm, you put in a conscious effort to align every aspect of the gun and yourself to be as perfect as possible.

The gun’s bore, sights, and your eye all have to be in just the right place for you to have any success with your rifle. A slight deviation in any of the above and the bullet won’t fly where you need it to go.

This is because rifles fire a single, small projectile at a consistent angle.

Sure, there’s some shot-to-shot inconsistency due to bullet manufacturing imperfection, powder charge differences, and even how the barrel vibrates slightly differently when it warms up. Still, the goal is always to hit within a small area of where you aim.

It’s easy to mess this up.

If your eye is slightly misaligned from the iron sights, you won’t be able to point the bore correctly, and you’ll be less accurate.

Even pulling the trigger slightly, say, to the left instead of straight back can shift the gun slightly, causing you to miss.

And if you’re aiming at a 6″ kill zone 100 yards away, those small errors add up.

So you have to take the time to put your eyes behind the sights properly and put the sights over the target while controlling your breathing and trigger finger.

The result is a beautiful shot, a single hole in the heart, knocking down that deer before it knows what happened.

Where Do You Focus When Aiming?

Aiming requires you to precisely align your gun’s sights. So, you’ll achieve the most success by focusing on the gun’s sights—most of the time.

With iron sights, your focus should be on the front sight.

With a traditional scope, look at the crosshair.

The exception is when you use a red dot sight or holographic sight. Then you’ll focus your eyes on the target. However, you’ll still need to keep that red dot in mind, so you’ll still be mentally focused on your sights.

Why is Aiming Bad for Shotgun Shooting?

Aiming takes time.

And shotguns are typically used against moving targets.

Any hunter who’s taken a shot at a running deer knows that it’s tough to aim correctly at a moving target. Even the best rifleman has to rely on a bit of luck when the target is moving unpredictably.

Whether you’re hunting duck from a blind or are standing at the trap line, once the target appears, you have a scant few seconds to take the shot. That’s not enough time to aim, so you need to point shoot.

When Do You Aim a Shotgun?

There are times you aim a shotgun. These are when you’re using the shotgun like a rifle: Against a slow or stationary target.

This means slug hunting, most of the time. That’s why slug barrels are often equipped with iron sights.

Turkey hunting can also fall into the aiming paradigm, especially when using the tightest chokes against turkeys at long range.

A turkey’s feathers can seem like kevlar armor, so a good tactic is to hit its head with a dense cloud of shot. This is more easily done when you slow down, take your time, and aim at the bird.

What is Pointing?

If aiming is the thoughtful way to shoot, then pointing is what happens when you rely on instinct.

You focus on the target, swing the shotgun into position, and fire. Who has time to aim?

This sounds easy but to be a successful shotgunner, you need to have the following three items:

1. A well-fitted shotgun
2. Good form
3. A consistent mount

What’s most important with pointing is the ability to hold the shotgun in the same place every time you bring it to your shoulder.

A shotgun that fits you properly makes this much easier. You also have to do your part by holding it in the same way and with the same stance every time you bring up the gun.

Moving the shotgun into the firing position is called mounting the gun. If you’ve practiced doing this quickly and smoothly, you’ll be on target all that much faster.

When pointing a shotgun, you don’t need to be ultra-precise. In fact, you might not even be focusing your eyes on where you’re shooting as you mount the gun because part of the process is swinging through and past the target.

A shotgun’s pattern is large enough to make up for minor shot-to-shot deviations.

Where Do You Focus When Pointing?

Keep your eye on the prize.

When you’re launching a projectile instinctively, you want to focus on your target. Not just the target as a whole but as small a part of the target as you can.

Quail hunting? Aim for that patch on their neck.

Skeet shooting? Catch the leading edge of the clay pigeon with your eye.

And don’t try to stay focused for too long. You can maintain that focus best for only a few seconds before your mind starts trying to take in unnecessary details surrounding your chosen focus point.

This means you shouldn’t look at the beads on your shotgun. Ideally, you shouldn’t even notice them when you’re in the field.

Shotgun beads are not front sights. Think of them as a reference point. When you bring up the shotgun, the front bead should come to the same place every time.

And if there’s a second bead, it should form a figure-eight with the front bead, further proving that you’ve mounted the shotgun properly.

But don’t focus on the beads except to check for proper placement after mounting your gun when practicing at home. Your subconscious will use your peripheral vision to check on the beads when you’re out shotgun shooting.

Experienced shotgunners sometimes remove the beads from their shotgun’s barrel to minimize distractions. Those folks can still hit 25 out of 25 clays!

This is why red dot sights haven’t caught on with clay or wing shooting. That floating bit of light in front of your eyes distracts you and can even obscure the target.

It’s not necessary unless you’re aiming.

Why is Pointing Bad for Rifle Shooting?

An expert shotgunner will be extremely consistent from one shot to the next but they’ll never be quite as precise as someone who aims their gun.

You can see this with the folks at the range who dump their magazines as fast as possible. They’re pointing their guns at the target and, as a result, cause dirt to fly up all around.

Unless you’re shooting a large target at close range, you need to take at least a little bit of time to aim your rifle if you want to have any hope of being on target.

When Do You Point a Rifle?

There is a time and place to point shoot with rifles, however. And that’s when speed is the most essential factor.

This will never come up when hunting. If you don’t have time to take an aimed shot with a rifle, then it’s better to just. Not. Shoot.

You always want to stay aware of what’s behind your target. If your target is moving fast, you need to point at it instead of aim. It might be moving away from a safe backdrop.

The only time speed is important enough for you to sacrifice this is when you’re in a self-defense situation at knife-fight ranges, such as in your house.

And even then, you want to take a moment to confirm your target first!

Do You Aim or Point a Pistol?

Most of the time, when using a pistol, you will aim. Every now and then, point shooting comes into vogue with handguns.

The idea is that you can literally point at your target with your pointer finger by placing it alongside the frame and pulling the trigger with your middle finger.

Now, I’ve practiced this technique, and I can see why it’s never caught on in the mainstream. You just can’t be accurate enough for anything except the shortest of short ranges.

I keep it as a tool in my shooting repertoire, though not using the finger method.

Instead, I practice with the Center Axis Relock style for self-defense shooting and use the Isosceles stance for most other handgun shooting.

Transitioning Between Aiming and Point Shooting

In my experience, shotgunners have an easy time learning to aim and rifle shooters tend to have difficulty learning to point shoot. At first, anyway.

Moving from pointing to aiming is similar to learning to aim without prior experience with firearms.

If you’re a practiced rifle shooter, however, then learning to point means you have to practice a technique that runs counter to much of the muscle memory you spent a long time establishing.

It will take a conscious effort for time to keep your eyes off the front bead and on your target. This will get easier through practice.

How to Get Better at Shooting a Shotgun

Here’s my favorite shotgun mounting practice technique for breaking yourself from the desire to aim a shotgun:

1. Find two or three similar-looking objects high up on the wall, about a foot or two away from each other. Bottles set on top of a cabinet work well.
2. Pick one of those objects to be the target.
3. Now, look at and focus your eyes and mind on a second object next to the first.
4. Then, bring your shotgun up to point at the first target.
5. If you have a snap cap in your shotgun, then pull the trigger. If not, move to the next step.
6. Check your form and alignment. Are you on target? Good, keep practicing.
7. If not, adjust and try again.

Just like other forms of dry-fire practice, repeat this exercise for a time. Some shot shooters do this daily.

Remember to clear your firearm and check to ensure there’s no live ammo anywhere near where you’re practicing!

This exercise aims to practice pointing at flying targets moving from left-to-right or right-to-left, but it’s also excellent for learning that you don’t have to take the time to aim the gun each time you pull the trigger.

If you have trouble transitioning from pointing to aiming, you can take advantage of your ability to bring the gun on target. Practice aligning the sights with your eyes after you’ve pointed the rifle or pistol at your target.

This is an excellent skill to learn anyway. Drawing, pointing, then aiming, when done smoothly, is faster than finding the sights and then putting them on your target.

Conclusion

When it comes to aiming vs. pointing, it’s good to have both skills available.

The rule of thumb is that rifles are aimed, and shotguns are pointed. Handguns are also aimed since they shoot a single bullet at a time.

However, sometimes you’ll aim a shotgun when shooting slugs. And knowing how to point shoot is an excellent skill to have if you ever find yourself in a self-defense situation.

It can feel weird going from aiming to pointing.

Once you’ve got it down, though, you can enjoy your expanded skill set!

The post Aiming vs Pointing: Differences in Rifle vs Shotgun Shooting appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

While any hearing protection is better than nothing, the best type of hearing protection for shooting is a well-sealed set of earplugs. These are generally inexpensive and effective, though they may be disposable. Earmuffs can be used multiple times but aren’t always as effective as earplugs. Electronic sets can let safe sounds pass through while they suppress loud gunshots.

Each type of hearing protection has its pros and cons. You need to know what these are to make an informed decision about which hearing protection to use.

Types of Hearing Protection for Shooting

There are several types of hearing protection that you can use while shooting. You’ll need to choose the best option for you, depending on your situation.

Earplugs

Disposable earplugs are the least expensive type of hearing protection for shooting. You can buy a package of 100 pairs of basic foamies for $10-$12.

Earplugs typically have a higher Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) than other types of ear protection. Largely because they can form an excellent seal by molding to your ear. This means that they are better at blocking out sound. So, not only are they inexpensive, but they are extremely effective.

There are downsides to using earplugs. Disposable earplugs are only supposed to be used once, then thrown away. Using earplugs often results in a lot of waste, which is bad for the environment. If you go shooting a lot, you will probably buy a lot of earplugs, and the waste and cost may add up.

Earplugs are also not very comfortable. You are essentially jamming a piece of foam into your ear. They can start to make the inside of your ears hurt after a while. Earplugs are also ineffective when used by people with irregularly shaped ears or ear canals.

Recommended: Should You Wear Ear Protection When Hunting? (What Kind?)

You can solve these problems by purchasing custom earplugs. These earplugs are designed specifically for you, which means they are more comfortable and can work with irregular ears. They are also designed to last longer than disposable earplugs. The downside is that they cost between $100 and $200.

If you don’t go shooting often, it might be better to stick with disposable earplugs. Otherwise, custom earplugs are a pretty good investment.

Electronic Earplugs

A major drawback of earplugs if you want to wear ear protection while hunting is that earplugs not only block out gunshots, but also every other sound in the woods. This will severely diminish your ability to spot and stalk game.

In this situation, you might want to invest in some electronic earplugs with noise isolation technology. I wore some ear buds from AXIL during turkey season and found them to be a great compromise between protection when I’m fixing to shoot, and hearing what’s going on around me.

Use this link to get a big discount on the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 ear buds that I like.

Earmuffs

Another option for hearing protection is earmuffs. The benefit they have over earplugs is that they are easy to use. You just fit them snugly over your ears to cover them completely. You don’t have to stick anything into your ear canal, and you are less likely to damage your ears by misusing them.

They are more expensive than disposable earplugs, but they are designed to be used multiple times. If you plan on going shooting often, you will probably spend more on disposable earplugs than on one pair of basic earmuffs. They are also less expensive than custom earplugs and have the same benefits.

There are a few big downsides to earmuffs, though. Earmuffs do not have an NRR as high as earplugs, so they are not quite as effective at blocking out noise. Though most would agree that they are sufficient for recreational shooting and hunting purposes.

They are larger and need more storage space. It’s harder to slip them into your pocket and bring them along, but I just keep mine in my range bag.

Earmuffs can also get very warm. This is great when you’re out shooting in the winter when it is cold, but they can make your ears too hot if the weather is warm. In this case I’d revert back to earplugs or my nice set of electronic shooting ear buds.

It is also hard to wear earmuffs with glasses. Eye protection is also important when you are shooting, and the way that earmuffs cover your ears and are built makes it hard to wear protective glasses since the ear pieces can disrupt the seal of the muff around your ear. It’s best to use shooting glasses that have very thin temples so as to minimize the impact on your ear protection.

Electronic Ear Protection

The final type of hearing protection is electronic earmuffs. This is my preference for the range, plinking, or shooting for fun out in the desert.

Electronic earmuffs not only keep loud sounds from damaging your ears, but they also let quieter sounds from the environment in, sometimes even amplifying them.

Being able to hear is a good thing in hunting, though it ought to take a back seat to protecting your ears, at least when you go to take a shot. Electronic earmuffs allow you to hear what is going on around you without letting gunshots damage your ears.

The electronic aspect of the earmuffs does not protect your ears from sounds in the normal and safe audible range. The earmuff part of them is what protects your ears. The electronics just allow you to hear despite the earmuffs.

Because the earmuffs are what protect your ears, electronic earmuffs are not any more effective at blocking out noise than regular earmuffs. That means they will not offer as much protection as earplugs, and they come with all the same pros and cons as earmuffs. They simply give you the bonus of being able to hear other sounds better.

Many also incorporate Bluetooth so you can connect them to your phone to listen to music or take calls. I have the some AXIL muffs that I like to wear at the range. They are slimmer than most and they provide the protection I need. But what I like most is that I can connect them to my phone and listen to a podcast if I’m solo, or I can carry on a conversation if I’m with my kids. And that’s without taking them off all the time. I like them way more than my basic Cabela’s muffs I’ve been using for years.

For a big discount on the AXIL TRACKR BLU earmuffs that I recommend, use this link to purchase.

Electronic earmuffs are the most expensive option. Cheaper and less effective models can be as low as $30, but the most expensive and long-lasting electronic earmuffs can cost up to $300.

How Many Decibels of Protection Do You Need for Shooting?

Ear protection is measured with Noise Reduction Rate (NRR). The NRR number is the maximum number of decibels that the ear protection will stop if the ear protection is used correctly.

You must purchase hearing protection with an NRR of 22 or greater. Make sure to check the NRR of the ear protection you have or are buying to make sure that it will protect you well enough.

Related: How To Make Homemade Ear Plugs For Shooting

Can You Use Headphones for Ear Protection When Shooting?

Noise-canceling headphones can be used for ear protection when shooting. However, they are not designed to protect your hearing and have no NRR number, so it may be hard to tell whether they will be able to protect you well enough. They typically don’t create a firm seal around your ear canal as earplugs or muffs would.

While headphones are probably better than nothing when shooting, it’s better to use a different type of ear protection that is made for use when shooting a gun.

Are Earplugs or Earmuffs Better for Shooting?

The very best hearing protection is the one you will use consistently! So choose one that is comfortable and convenient and that you will use every time you go shooting.

Overall, earplugs are usually the better choice for ear protection while shooting. They are more effective at blocking out sound than earmuffs. They also allow you to wear eye protection more easily.

However, if you have small ear canals or earmuffs are more comfortable, wear those! Earmuffs are also usually the best for children, as earplugs fall out or are annoying to most kids.

You can purchase custom earplugs if you will be shooting frequently. There are even custom electronic ear protection options. Although they will cost more than earmuffs, they will offer more protection, keep your ears cool, and be more comfortable.

Other protective gear must-haves:

Best Shooting Glasses Reviewed

Review of the Best Shooting Gloves

Best Shooting Vests Reviewed

The post What Type of Hearing Protection is Best for Shooting? appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

This is especially true if you regularly engage in shooting sports or hunting without investing in hearing protection. Gunshots often exceed 140 decibels, so it’s no surprise that they can cause permanent hearing damage if your ears are left unprotected.

You might not have ear protection readily available if you’re presented with an impromptu shooting opportunity. Luckily you can use toilet paper and cotton balls as quick stand-ins for basic ear protection. You’ve got other options available to you too if you just look around.

If you’re wondering how to make homemade ear plugs for shooting, consider the following tips.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is not medical advice nor is it suggesting to not seek out commercially available hearing protection solutions. You should seek a qualified medical professional for advice.

What Can I Use to Make Makeshift Earplugs?

There are plenty of makeshift earplugs for hunting that won’t do much to protect your ears, though. You need to strategically make ear protection that will keep your ears safe.

What materials can you use to make these earplugs? There are many different materials you can use and methods you may utilize. Some of the easiest include the following:

Toilet paper: You can create makeshift earplugs from toilet paper by simply bunching up several pieces and rolling them into a ball. You can then insert the ball into your outer ear.

Cotton balls: Cotton balls are one of the most common materials used for makeshift earplugs. If you don’t have cotton balls, you can use any other type of cotton that’s available. 

Cloth: A small piece of towel, washcloth, or t-shirt can be torn off and balled up to use as earplugs.

Drug store earplugs: Most drug stores and supermarkets have small earplug kits that you can use at home. These are often intended to prevent damage from swimming, but they may help prevent hearing loss, too.

In the absence of professional hearing protection, you might be tempted to create some homemade hearing protection. You’re on the right track — something is almost always better than nothing when it comes to hearing protection.

How Do You Make Your Earplugs?

Making your earplugs might seem complicated if you’ve never done it before, but it’s a very simple process. You can craft homemade hearing protection from an array of items often found at home.

Simply use any of the materials mentioned earlier and shape the plug to make it easy to insert and retrieve.

You should be careful not to push it too far into your ear canal. Just rest it in the very outer cavity of your ear and stop pushing when you feel resistance.

Density is the key to optimizing the protection afforded by any homemade earplugs. Simply sticking a single cotton ball or piece of toilet paper into your ear is unlikely to offer much protection. However, if you bunch several pieces together tightly, you can maximize the protection they provide.

What Not to Do

Remember that you should never push your earplugs too far into your ear canal. Doing so can cause serious damage, including irritation of the eardrum lining and auditory canal obstruction.

You must shape your earplugs in a way that they do not enter your canal and cause damage. This would defeat the purpose of homemade hearing protection in the first place and put you at risk of permanent damage to your ears.

Steps to Make Your Own

Making your own makeshift earplugs for hunting is simple. You should follow these steps to ensure that your ears aren’t left unprotected:

• Select the best material that’s immediately available
• Cut it down to an earplug-friendly size if necessary
• Mold it to the shape of an earplug
• Gently push the homemade hearing protection into your ear

These steps can help prevent hearing damage even when you’re around guns or any other high-decibel event.

Protect Your Precious Ears and Hearing

You only get two ears, so it’s essential to protect them. Hearing loss may be part of life, but you can take steps to avoid unnecessary damage to your ears.

With the right homemade ear plugs for shooting, you can enjoy a day on the range without worrying about its impact on your hearing.

Just be sure to invest in a pair of professional earplugs and keep them on hand for next time.

The post How To Make Homemade Ear Plugs for Shooting appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Of course, “long-range” is a subjective term, but for the purposes of this discussion, we will call it anything beyond 800 yards. Whether you are shooting those distances competitively, to harvest game, or just for fun, knowing the range of your shot is a critical component of executing it.

The best laser rangefinders for long range shooting are the Maven RF.1, the Sig Sauer KILO5K, and the Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W. Each of these provides quick, reliable, and accurate distances, even beyond 1500 yards in various light conditions. They also provide angle-compensated measurements. 

However, they come at a considerable price compared to a typical golf or hunting rangefinder.

A quality rangefinder is an integral part of successful long-range shooting and the right one will become one of your most important tools. However, one that does not work correctly could totally prevent you from hitting your mark at long distances.

This article aims to help you know what to look for in a monocular rangefinder for long-range shooting. Based on our own hands-on experience and research, we’ll recommend the best rangefinders for long-range shooting that can help you advance your long-range shooting capabilities.

[This article was fully revised in May, 2022 by Chase Fly. The original article was authored by Travis Pike in 2018.]

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DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Rangefinders for Long Range Shooting in 2022: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top recommendations for long-distance rangefinders in 2022:

1. Best for the Money: Maven RF.1
2. Upgrade Pick: Sig Sauer KILO5K
3. Also Great: Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W
4. Budget Pick: Bushnell Prime 1800
5. Best of the Rest: Vortex Razor HD 4000

Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:

	Best for the Money	Upgrade Pick	Also Great	Budget Pick	Best of the Rest
Product	Maven RF.1	Sig Sauer KILO5K	Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W	Bushnell Prime 1800	Vortex Razor HD 4000
Outdoor Empire Score	4.7	4.7	4.7	4.2	4.2
Max Range to Trees	3000 yds	2500 yds	2400 yds	1000 yds	2500 yds
Magnification	7x	7x	7x	6x	7x
Objective Lens Diameter	25mm	25mm	27mm	24mm	25mm
Weight	10 oz	7.5 oz	7.9 oz	6 oz	9.9 oz
Warranty	Unconditional Lifetime	Unlimited on optics, 5 years on electronics	2 years	5 years	Unconditional Lifetime
Benefits	- Intuitive and easy to use - Premium optics and laser - IP67 rugged	- Packed with high-tech features - Compact and ergonomic	- Excellent glass - Fast and accurate - Built-in ballistics functions	- Cool display that changes from red to black - Features on par with more expensive units	- Proven brand, product, and warranty - Ergonomic and rugged - Reliable
Drawbacks	- No advanced ballistics calculations	- Lacks tripod mount	- Weak sauce warranty	- Limited range and accuracy - Optics just ok	- Slow to acquire a distance - No ballistics functionality
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Long Range Rangefinder for the Money

• Outdoor Empire Score: 4.7
• MSRP: $450.00
• Bottom line: Premium glass, laser sensor, and warranty at a mid-range price

Maven RF.1

$450.00

View at Maven View on Amazon

Though not an optics giant, Maven is an up-and-coming premium optics manufacturer that is run like a small direct-to-consumer business. 

We’ve been using the Maven RF.1 for a while now, and not just in testing. We’ve taken it to the gun range as well as out scouting and hunting for wild Idaho mountain turkeys. 

What We Like

The RF.1 has a commercial-grade laser sensor on board from a company out of Colorado called Laser Technology, Inc. This company primarily makes rangefinders for the professional measurement, land surveying, and law enforcement industries where long-range and accuracy are essential.

Though the distance rating to trees on the RF.1 is 3000 yds, we were able to range non-reflective hillsides at over 3200 yds. The tripod mount helps a lot for long-range. For closer objects, it gives readings fast and the accuracy checks out.

We also love the crisp, clear image you see through the high-quality glass, even in low light or shaded areas. With bonus features like a diopter focus wheel and adjustable eye relief cup, the optics quality is better than most rangefinders.

This is the easiest rangefinder to use among any we looked at. Besides a menu and a fire button like everyone else, it also has a menu dial and a simple switch to change your target priority. This intuitive setup means less clicking and waiting to adjust settings. We found this super handy, especially being able to just turn the dial to adjust brightness or flip the switch to go between Forest (last) and Field mode on-the-fly.

Lastly, Maven’s unlimited lifetime warranty cannot be beaten. Outside of theft or loss, they will fix or replace your RF.1 no matter what.

Recommended: Detailed Maven RF.1 Rangefinder Hands-on Review

What We Don’t Like

Unlike most other brands, you can’t touch and feel a Maven in the store before you buy it. But they will send one to you to actually try out before you commit to purchasing.

The RF.1 is also one of the bulkiest rangefinders in its class. But the upside here is that it’s super rugged, even IP67 rated which none of the others can claim.

Finally, this unit doesn’t have any fancy ballistics features. It does give you either Line of Sight (with an angle of elevation) or angle-compensated measurements, but no in-display holdover and windage, or app connectivity.

By our assessment, this rangefinder offers the best bang for your buck. The price, though not cheap, is the same as what you’d pay for lesser products elsewhere.

2. Upgrade Pick

Sig Sauer KILO5

$675.00

View at Optics Planet View on Amazon

• Outdoor Empire Score: 4.7
• MSRP: $718.99
• Bottom line: Packed full of tech for long-range precision rifle shooting

Compare prices at: Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, EuroOptic, Optics Planet

The Sig Sauer KILO5K is packed with features that can only be fully appreciated by those who geek out on long-range shooting. Those features come at a higher price tag, but Sig is ahead of the game on this front.

What We Like

Besides the super fast and reliable laser Sig puts in there, the KILO5K also has environmental sensors for air pressure and temperature. This comes into play when you connect the rangefinder via Bluetooth to Sig’s ballistics app where it can give you more precise calculations on how to aim. Not only will it compensate for elevation change, but also for weather.

It also uses Bluetooth to connect to the Basemap hunting app on your smartphone so you can record remote markers and navigate to those waypoints. We use Basemap and see how this could be a valuable tool for scouting. 

Precision rifle enthusiasts will also appreciate the more sophisticated reticle options and the support for Sig’s BDX (Ballistics Data Exchange) system. This allows you to use their app to set up the rangefinder to output calculations for specific guns and loads.

The KILO5K has great ergonomics and feels good in the hand.

What We Don’t Like

Though they advertise a max range of 5000 yards, the reported max to trees is 2500 yards, which is less than what we experienced with the Maven RF.1. It also lacks a threaded tripod mount, so keeping it stable enough to successfully measure those super long distances is going to be a challenge with the KILO5K.

The warranty is ok with five years of coverage, but that’s not as good as Maven or Vortex.

This is an excellent monocular rangefinder for long-range shooters who appreciate the bells and whistles. 

3. Also Great

Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W

$499.99

View at Sportsman's Guide View on Amazon

• Outdoor Empire Score: 4.7
• MSRP: $599.99
• Bottom line: Best from Leupold, fast and accurate

Compare prices at: Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Optics Planet, EuroOptic, Sportsman’s Guide

It’s hard to go wrong with a Leupold rangefinder. They are loved by the people and with good reason because they’re fast, accurate, and reliable.

What We Like

The Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W has a compact form factor that is comfortable in the hand. We really like the rubber armor and extra ruggedness compared to other models.

Of all the rangefinders we evaluated, the RX-2800 has the largest objective lens (27mm) and the best clarity.

Leupold’s True Ballistic Range and Wind (TBR/W) features also make this a great companion to a long-range shooter. While it does not connect to an external app or allow custom settings, it has a pre-configured library of 25 load groups that closely match most mainstream calibers. The level fire aim adjustments are directly displayed in the display and are relatively easy to interpret.

What We Don’t Like

The only thing there really is not to like about the RX-2800 is Leupold’s weak sauce warranty. A meager two-year limited warranty on electro-optics leaves one questioning whether they stand by their product and is enough to break a tie between this and something like the Maven RF.1 or the Vortex Razor HD 4000.

Overall, the Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W is an excellent monocular rangefinder for long-range shooters. Even with a shorter max range to reflective targets, our experience suggests Leupold specs in that regard hold up better than most. After all, this one has a max range to trees of 2400 yds, only 100 yds shy of the Sig KILO5K.

4. Budget Pick

Bushnell Prime 1800

$249.99

View on Amazon View at Sportsman's Warehouse

08/15/2023 10:40 am GMT

• Outdoor Empire Score: 4.2
• MSRP: $249.99
• Bottom line: Good glass and functionality at a low price

Compare prices at: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s

With the Prime 1800 Bushnell managed to introduce a couple of interesting new features despite maintaining a relatively low price point.

What We Like

While the optical quality, effective range, and most other aspects of this unit are just decent, the display is really cool. Most of the best rangefinders for long-range shooters have red OLED displays that are great in low light, whereas lower-tier rangefinders have classic black LCD displays that are fine during the day, but terrible in low light.

Unlike its little brothers the 1300 and 1700, the Bushnell Prime 1800 has the new ACTIVSYNC display that automatically changes from black in bright conditions to red in low light. It’s a unique feature, especially at this price point.

We also like that it has a tripod mount, angle compensation, different rifle, and bow modes, as well as two different target priority modes, which puts it on a similar playing field as more expensive units.

What We Don’t Like

The Prime 1800 has had some reported reliability and quality issues based on user reviews. Bushnell claims a lifetime “ironclad” warranty, but the fine print says that only means 5 years for electro-optics. We also find that this unit is not quite as reliable at achieving its max advertised range, which puts it on the low end of distance capabilities for long-range shooting.

But still, at less than $250, the Bushnell Prime 1800 can do a lot of the things pricier units do for a long-range shooter, which makes it our budget pick.

5. Best of the Rest

Vortex Razor HD 4000

$498.98

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• Outdoor Empire Score: 4.2
• MSRP: $729.99
• Bottom line: Proven and trusted by users

Compare prices at: Optics Planet, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Guide

Vortex was perhaps the first optics company to offer an unlimited lifetime warranty, and the fact that they honor that for optics with electronics inside is icing on the cake. The Vortex Razor HD 4000 is a popular rangefinder among long-range shooters, and it’s a safe bet.

What We Like

The ergonomics, buttons on top, belt clip, and ruggedness of the Razor HD 4000 are all things we love about it. We also really like its ELR mode (extra long-range).

Overall it’s a reliable unit with a great reputation and guarantee.

What We Don’t Like

This unit has been available for a while now, and while it is still a great option, the alternatives have surpassed it in terms of technology and features.

Of the units we evaluated, the Vortex Razor HD 4000 was one of the slowest to acquire a distance. And the effective range is less consistent and generally shorter than the top three in our list.

It lacks any special ballistics functionality besides angle compensation, so long-range shooters will either need to do the math on their own or use an app.

However, despite having a higher MSRP, you can usually find it at retailers for a lot less, so it’s still a great buy.

Worthy Alternatives

While the following long-range rangefinders didn’t make our top pick list, they are certainly worthy of mention. Based on our research and having handled tried some of them in the store, we felt these fit the category and could serve a long-range shooter well.

Why You Should Trust Us

Chase Fly used to work professionally in the mapping, land surveying, and professional measurement industry. Whether it was helping DOT guys measure stockpile volumes or electric company crews measure spans of powerlines, Chase trained a lot of people on how to use laser rangefinders in real-world applications.

Suffice it to say, he knows quite a bit about the technology and is pretty picky when it comes to rangefinder performance. His background enabled us to filter out a lot of the low-lying contenders during our research phase and to later evaluate and select the top performing devices for our list of best rangefinders for long-range shooting.

In preparation for this review, we researched dozens of rangefinders, then parsed out the ones that would qualify for long-range distance measuring (over 1500 yards). We evaluated and scored the 12 units listed above, and we tried many of them either in the store or in the field. We also interviewed experts at the optics counters of both Sportsman’s Warehouse and Cabela’s. From this, we learned from their personal experience and preferences, got an idea of customer feedback, listened to their recommendations, and gathered golden nuggets of insight.

Important Choosing Factors and Analysis

We based our recommendations above based on a combination of specifications, hands-on experience, and a score we gave to each rangefinder we evaluated. The Outdoor Empire score, compared against the product’s price point and alternatives, is how we ranked the products as we did.

The main decision-making factors that we used to score each product were: optics quality, display, form factor, durability, features, and value. We calculated a composite score out of five points for every rangefinder we reviewed. 

Distance Considerations 

Long-range is a term that’s different for everyone. It is relative to what the person is trying to do. For example:

• long-range hunting for medium animals starts at 300 yards
• long-range for 50 BMG competition shooters is more than a mile

Without a solid foundation as a shooter, it doesn’t matter that your 338 Lapua can reach 1000 yards if you can’t hit the target. So 1000 yards and beyond is almost universally accepted as long-range distance for shooters.

So when choosing a long-range rangefinder, you have to make sure it can reach out to at least 1000 yards with an accurate reading. If it can go a bit beyond 1000 yards, that’s even better.

The price difference between a 1000-yard rangefinder and a 1500 to 1600-yard rangefinder isn’t typically substantial. Being able to reach beyond a thousand yards accurately could be invaluable once you master that 1000-yard space.

We only considered rangefinders for this review that have a specified max range of at least 1500 yards. Though there are many excellent options that are not rated for that, given the advancements in technology over the past few years, this seemed to be a sensible cutoff for 2022 and beyond.

Of all the rangefinders we tested, the Sig KILO5K has the longest specified range at 5000 yards, but the Maven RF.1 performs just as well in the real world. The Maven’s specs for soft targets and trees are slightly better than the Sig, but they both seem to hit semi-reflective hillsides at over 3000 yards without too much issue.

The Leupold RX-2800’s specs are not as sexy, but they appear to be the most realistic of all of them. Meanwhile, the Vortex Razor HD 4000 struggles the most to stretch its legs.

All of our top five picks will reliably range over 1000 yards in nearly any condition, and even well beyond that. They’ll all be more than adequate for long-range shooting.

Accuracy

The further you attempt to target at a distance, the greater accuracy you need.

A small inaccuracy at 100 yards isn’t a big deal at all. You can still hit your target. However, a slight inaccuracy at 1000 yards may result in a complete miss.

This means you should purchase a high-quality laser rangefinder from a reputable brand. It’s critical you search for unbiased reviews to give you a solid understanding of just how accurate it is.

You also want to make sure it’s easy to use, and you understand how to get an accurate reading from it.

Most rangefinders have slight variances between their accuracy ratings so it is not guaranteed to be spot on. They typically have a small inaccuracy, usually less than half a yard of variance.

Of our top picks, the Maven RF.1 touts the best accuracy and our experience confirms the specs, at least for close range. The Bushnell reportedly gets one-yard accuracy at any distance, but some user reviews suggest otherwise. See the table below for the manufacturer specified accuracies.

Optics Quality

Optics quality can be subjective. There are lots of factors involved like objective lens size, glass quality, clarity, coatings, color, and above all, light transmission. 

Every manufacturer has its own methods, often proprietary, of enhancing optical quality. Most reputable brands like Leupold, Vortex, Maven, and Leica have very good glass in their rangefinders that cost over $300.

In our analysis, we not only looked at the specs of the optics but scored them based on our own assessment of how well you can see through them, especially in low light.

Our high scorers for optical quality were the Leupold RX-2800, the Sig KILO5K, the Maven RF.1, the Leica Rangemaster 3500.COM, and the Vortex Razor HD 4000. Meanwhile, the low scorers were the Cabela’s Intensity 1600 and the ATN Laser Ballistics 1500.

Magnification

Magnification is a fine balance to walk with long-range rangefinders. If you can’t get a solid picture of your target, how exactly are you going to range it?

You need enough power to see it well so you can utilize the rangefinder accurately. At the same time, too much magnification makes it insanely difficult to find and stay on target. It doesn’t only magnify your target, but also magnifies every breath, shiver and shake you make.

If you ever tried to use a spotting scope without a tripod (see how to choose a tripod), you know what I mean. Too much magnification is a bad thing. It also means the system is bigger and requires a larger objective lens.

In our experience and in keeping with the 1000-yard range theme, 7x is the sweet spot for long-range rangefinders. You can still hone in on close-range targets as well as those farther out. It’s also a good balance that keeps the device small and lightweight. 6x is a bit tight and something like 10x is not only rare to find in a rangefinder, but it is only useful for long-range while being difficult to use close up.

Half of the units we evaluated had 7x magnification, which is very common for this class of rangefinder, while the other half had 6x. Of the top 5, only our budget pick, the Bushnell Prime 1800, had 6x. Other hunting rangefinders we tested with 5x magnification were sufficient for hunting but too little for routing long-range use.

Display

A long-range rangefinder display should be:

• easy to read in low light,
• easy to interpret,
• and easy to navigate through the settings menu.

Bonus points may be awarded for special long-range shooting features like ballistics readouts or reticles. However, too much of that in the little real estate available in a rangefinder’s display can be a detriment to its utility.

All of our top picks faired very well here with our favorite displays being the Maven RF.1, the Leica, and the new display on the Bushnell Prime 1800 that turns from black to red according to the light conditions.

Old school black LCD displays are difficult, if not impossible, to see in low light and are usually only found on cheaper units these days. The Bushnell Prime 1700, Sig KILO1600, and ATN units had black displays. The rest of the units had red LED displays.

Form Factor

Size and weight are major considerations depending on what you are planning to do with the rangefinder.

• If you are a simple bench rest competition shooter, size and weight don’t necessarily matter. You won’t be lugging that bad boy around much.
• For a hunter or tactical user like a sniper, size and weight is a much bigger issue.

A sniper needs a compact but powerful rangefinder that can easily be packed away when on a mission. They also need to maintain a low profile as much as possible. In a hide, they don’t want a large machine to wave around. Slim, lightweight, and compact is a big deal for the gear that these guys use.

The most compact units we looked at included the Leupolds and the Vortex Ranger 1800 with the Sigs and the Leica coming in moderately slim. The Maven RF.1 and Vortex Razor HD 4000 were probably the heaviest (approx. 10 oz) and bulkiest compared to the rest. The Cabela’s and ATN are also rather bulky, though a bit lighter since they are made of cheaper materials. They all fit in the hand nicely.

Durability

Long-range rangefinders are made from various materials, some fragile and some rugged. Think about it. They have electronics, magnified glass lenses, and laser emitters. None of these are known for their durability. So the housing needs to be tough around those fragile materials.

The overall body strength of the device should also be durable. On top of this, you want it to be sealed against moisture and debris. You don’t need to dive at the bottom of the ocean with a rangefinder but you want it to resist some morning dew at least.

You have to remember, it’s a lot like binoculars and rifle scopes due to the use of optics. So you also want it to be fog proof and preferably nitrogen or argon purged.

Of the units we tested, the Maven RF.1 is the only one built to IP67 standards, meaning it can withstand multiple drops onto a hard surface from 1m above the ground and can be submerged 1m underwater for up to 30 minutes and still function.

Most of the rangefinders we tested were advertised to be at least water-resistant, if not waterproof, and had coated lenses to resist moisture buildup in the fog or rain. But few addressed shock. 

The toughest housings were made of stronger polymer materials with a magnesium or aluminum chassis like the Maven, Leupolds, and Sig Sauers on our list. But the Cabela’s, ATN, and Bushnell units were more plasticy and felt less rugged.

Features

The right long-range laser rangefinder will not only tell you the distance to the target, but it will give you level fire range (a.k.a. true ballistic range) by doing a calculation that takes into account any elevation change between you and the target. Some call it angle compensation. All the rangefinders we considered for this list did this.

Fancy Ballistics Calculations

Leupold has its TBR/W (True Ballistics Range and Wind) feature set which not only figures in angle compensation but also adjustments for specific loads and cartridges. You can then have the rangefinder display the distance to aim for along with the holdover in inches, milliradians, or MOA. So you have everything you need to dial in the turrets on your scope for an accurate shot.

For more details on how the Leupold TBR/W features work, check out our review on the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W.

The Sig Sauer rangefinders we looked at support Sig’s BDX (Ballistics Data Exchange) functions including Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone and the Sig app, or even compatible BDX rifle scopes. Beware that they do limit the effective range of the BDX features in the software of these devices, which is why the KILO1600BDX is only useful out to 800 yards with BDX.

Similarly, Leica’s Rangemaster 3500.COM connects to a smart device, even an Apple Watch, to give you those calculations.

Once you go through the motions, these features are not too difficult to figure out and understand. But they do all have their limitations and won’t work for every gun, cartridge, load, environment, and shooter.

Frankly, if you already use a ballistics app or are an avid shooter that can (or likes to) do these calculations yourself, these features are not a must-have. Solid core functionality, like what you find in the Maven and Vortex rangefinders, is sufficient for most.

Tripod Mount

One simple, mechanical feature that is extremely useful to long-range shooters is tripod mounting capabilities. This gives you the option to mount the rangefinder on a tripod for steady distance ranging. 

Even on our favorite units that range well beyond 1500 yards, it is often difficult to hold them steady enough to get a return on a distant hillside, let alone a small target. A tripod mount can resolve that problem.

Of the units we tested, the following have a standard ¼” x 20 female threaded tripod mount, while the rest have nothing of the sort:

• Maven RF.1
• Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W
• Vortex Ranger 1800
• Bushnell Prime 1800
• Vortex Razor HD 4000

Value

The most valuable long-range rangefinder is not necessarily the most nor the least expensive. It’s the one that gives you the greatest cost-benefit, or essentially the most features, quality, and functionality for the lowest price compared to similarly priced products.

This is where the Maven RF.1 stands out the most, in our opinion. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s less expensive than the others with similar functionality and quality. We also think the Leupolds and the Sig Sauers offer great value, with the Vortexes coming up behind them.

The Bushnells offer decent value given their price, but the Cabela’s and ATN are about as good as you might expect for the cheaper price point. They don’t particularly stand out in any way.

The Leica offers the least amount of value. Not because it’s a bad machine, in fact, it’s one of the best. But it is so dadgum expensive that it’s hard to justify paying that much when others on this list do just as much or more for way less money.

Warranty

A good warranty is a must-have on a rangefinder designed for long-range. It ensures that if you have an issue with the product, you aren’t out your initial investment. No questions asked lifetime warranties are great, but only Maven and Vortex offer it for rangefinders.

Likely, a good warranty covers and guarantees the electronics and quality for at least five years. This applies to Bushnell and Sig Sauer.

Leupold offers some of our favorite long-range rangefinders, but unfortunately, they have the weakest limited warranty of all at only two years.

Recommendation

Rangefinders fail for a variety of reasons, all of which tend to be amplified the farther away you are. Some rangefinders are simply not designed to be used at a long distance.

When it comes to long-range shooting, even though there are rangefinders for less than $100, it’s worth spending at least a few hundred bucks to get a mid-grade or premium long-range rangefinder. Save up a little longer if you have to so you can get a good one that may even last a lifetime.

The Maven RF.1 is a great option that we recommend to any serious long-range shooter. It’s fast, easy to use, and super durable.

If you like all the bells and whistles, get the Sig KILO5K.

If you want a multi-purpose (hunting and shooting), semi-long range performer that won’t break the bank, the Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W would be our pick out of all of these. 

But if you are really only going to use a rangefinder for hunting, you probably don’t need to spend quite as much for extended max range and fancy features. In that case, learn more about rangefinders, how they work, and what products we recommend for other use cases in our comprehensive hunting rangefinder buying guide.

Related:

Rangefinder Reflective Vs Non-Reflective Target Range Explained!

The post 5 Best Rangefinders for Long Range Shooters in 2022 (In-Depth Reviews) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

This makes sense because handguns lack the shoulder stocks and cheek rests that give long arms their stability.

Whenever I take rifles and pistols to the range, I always put more rounds through the smaller gun, whether for practice or fun.

And this causes the cost to add up quickly!

So, what’s the cheapest pistol caliber to shoot?

For people who only want to shoot paper, the .22 Long Rifle is the cheapest pistol round. 9mm Parabellum is the least expensive full-power pistol caliber for most uses. .38 Special is the least expensive revolver cartridge.

The Cheapest Pistol Cartridge

*CPR = cost per round

Prices are from early 2022, aggregated from many websites and excluding remanufactured ammo.

For most people, there is one single cartridge that’s perfect for almost anything they want to do.

Rifles have several classes of calibers, from varmint to belted magnums, which means there’s not really a single jack-of-all-trades rifle round.

Handguns, on the other hand, do not have this weakness.

If you want just one pistol, get it in a 9mm Parabellum.

9mm Parabellum, also called 9mm Luger or 9×19 (not to be confused with 9×18 Makarov), was invented in 1901. Modern innovations in powder and bulled design have kept 9mm at the front of the cartridge wars for a century despite this ancient heritage.

Multiple cartridges have been invented to edge out 9mm, most notably .40 S&W and .45 ACP, but today’s 9mm will perform just as well as those bigger rounds while costing less and having a higher capacity.

Recommended: Best .45 ACP Pistols for Every Budget

And, because it’s used in high volumes by militaries and police forces worldwide, production capacities are high. This drives the price down.

You can buy dirt-cheap 115gr FMJ training ammo in white boxes, +P+ ultra-advanced loads, and everything in between. 9mm is versatile.

This means that 9mm is the cheapest practice handgun caliber to shoot. It’s also the cheapest self-defense handgun caliber to shoot.

Not bad for a single caliber, eh?

The Real Cheapest Pistol Caliber

Of course, .22 Long Rifle is far cheaper than even a 9mm Luger.

This comes with several drawbacks.

The first is power. .22 LR is much weaker than even the weakest 9mm load.

I’ve knocked a squirrel down but not out by shooting it with .22.

So, you don’t want to use .22 against anything except paper or metal targets, with the exception of .22 snakeshot.

And even then, I’d go for a bigger cartridge.

Also, .22 LR is a rimmed cartridge. This means the rim extends around the outside diameter of the case.

This is a downside because improper loading can cause one case’s rim to be on the wrong side of the rim below it, causing a situation known as rim lock.

This jams the gun.

Also, .22 LR is both dirty and weak.

This increases the chances of a malfunction, such as failing to eject.

Finally, .22 LR is a rimfire cartridge, which means the primer is around the rim.

This has two effects:

1. Rimfire firing pins can be damaged if you fire without a round in the chamber
2. Rimfire primers are less likely to go off properly

In short, the .22 Long Rifle is a weak round with reliability concerns.

The lack of recoil and extremely reduced expense make .22 perfect for new shooters and high-volume trigger time, but it’s not a caliber with many real-world uses.

By all means, get a .22 pistol for your first pistol or as a target practice pistol. But if you want a handgun that can do more than shoot paper, get a 9mm pistol.

The Cheapest Handgun Caliber to Shoot for Hunting

However, I don’t quite award 9mm the title of being the cheapest handgun hunting cartridge.

Sure, some people have taken hogs and deer with specialty hunting 9mm at ranges up to 100. However, this isn’t legal everywhere.

Some states prohibit 9mm due to being underpowered or due to not fitting the minimum caliber.

Iowa, for example, requires handguns to have a minimum muzzle energy of 500 foot-pounds, a target 9mm rarely hits.

And even if you hit that line, well, do you really want to hunt deer with a marginal weapon? It increases your chances of wounding instead of killing your target, harming the animal, and letting it get away.

This is where .357 Magnum becomes my selection for the cheapest handgun hunting caliber. It’s still a bit weak, but .357 Magnum loads astart at about 540 ft-lbs and go up from there.

However, my preferred pistol hunting caliber is 10mm Auto. It’s roughly as powerful as a .41 Magnum round but in a smaller case, letting you get revolver power in a semi-auto pistol.

In fact, 10mm is used in Alaska as a bear-defense cartridge!

What About Revolver Ammo?

Most revolvers take rimmed cases, which take 9mm off the table when you want an economic wheelgun.

.38 Special is the cheapest revolver cartridge because it’s one of the most commonly bought and shot calibers.

However, unless you need to shed every last ounce off your revolver, you should opt for a .357 Magnum revolver.

Why?

Because you can load .38 Special into a .357 Mag revolver but not the other way around!

This lets you plink and practice with the cheap stuff so you can save money for the occasional powerful load. This is the tactic I use with my .357 revolver.

A word of warning, though:

Keep track of what ammo you’re using!

Cheap .38 Spl and expensive .357 Mag have such different amounts of recoil it’s easy to misidentify what happened to the gun when you pull the trigger on the wrong cartridge.

If you’re expecting a .357’s oomph and get the pop of a .38 Special, it can feel like you just let off a squib. And firing .357 when you’re expecting .38 can be, ah, surprising.

A Word on Caliber vs. Cartridge

You may have noticed how I’ve used “caliber” and “cartridge” near interchangeably in this article.

Caliber and cartridge are not the same things. The short of it is that “caliber” refers to the bullet’s width. There are multiple 9mm rounds out there. 9mm Parabellum, 9mm Makarov, and 9×25 Dillon all share the 9mm caliber but are not compatible.

Did you know that .38 Special and .357 Magnum are also 9mm caliber cartridges?

The difference in bullet diameter between 9mm Luger (0.355″) and .38 Spl (0.357″) is a scant 0.02 inches. This is small enough for those cartridges to get lumped together in the same category.

Whether you’re shooting a pistol or revolver, and regardless of whether or not you’re pedantic, 9mm is the cheapest handgun caliber to shoot.

Excepting .22 Long Rifle, of course.

.22 LR always wins!

Does Reloading Affect Which Caliber is Cheapest to Shoot?

Market oddities can sometimes affect whether or not reloading a particular cartridge saves you money. For example, in years past, it used to be cheaper to buy new 7.62×39 rounds than to load your own.

However, most handgun loads use straight-wall cartridges with small powder loads and common bullets.

In other words, reloading 9mm is cheap and easy. Same with .40 S&W and any other common pistol round.

Because so many 9mm caliber bullets are produced, though, 9mm Para still maintains its cheap edge.

Tips and Tricks to Save Money Shooting Handguns

So, you have a 9mm Parabellum pistol and want to put as much lead downrange while also trying to save as much money as possible.

Here are some tips and tricks to help your bullet budget go further.

Reload

As I mentioned above, rolling your own loads will save you money in the long run, provided you shoot enough.

Since the 9mm case has a straight wall, you can skip the neck sizing step required of most rifle cartridges.

This makes progressive presses a fast and reliable method for producing large amounts of reloaded ammo without spending a lot of time at the reloading bench.

Even in these turbulent times, you can find 9mm bullets at a price down to $0.10 per bullet. Put 5 grains of Winchester Auto Comp behind it for $0.03 and some heavily marked-up primers for $0.10 each and you’ll be at under a quarter per bullet.

This is $0.10 cheaper per round than cheap Blazer ammo!

(Provided you reuse your empty cases, of course!)

Also, if you just want to poke holes in paper, you don’t need to push the pill with as much power as the case will handle.

You can develop a reduced-power load that’s powerful enough to cycle your pistol, saving you gunpowder. Commercial reduced-power loads are specialty items that don’t save you money.

Dropping to .380 ACP can save you money because that cartridge uses 9mm bullets but a little bit less gunpowder, though you will lose any advantage the moment you buy commercially loaded ammo.

Don’t Be Afraid of Aluminum Cased Ammo

Years ago, ammo with aluminum cases hit the scene, and they were regarded as cheap and unreliable.

Today, these issues have been resolved. And hey! Aluminum is still cheaper than brass.

Today, there’s no reason to ignore aluminum-cased ammo when you’re trying to save money.

Buy Another Barrel

9mm is the cheapest caliber to shoot. Most of the time.

Occasionally it isn’t.

I’ve lived through several times when political and economic pressure has caused the demand for popular cartridges to skyrocket. This inevitably caused their prices to rise as well.

This means I have bought .357 Sig and 10mm Auto for a cheaper cost per round than 9mm Parabellum or .40 S&W.

Thankfully, I had the pistols to take advantage of this odd case. Well, more accurately, I had the spare barrels available.

If you have a pistol such as a Glock, you have access to aftermarket or surplus barrels. Swapping the barrel is easy and, depending on your gun’s configuration, may not even need different barrels.

For example, I build a pistol with a compact-longslide Polymer80 frame and a police trade-in Glock 22 parts kit. I then bought a 9mm barrel and a .357 Sig barrel.

All three of those cartridges have been “the cheapest” at some point over the past couple of years, letting me save money at the range even when prices jump!

Note that this won’t apply to all pistols, unfortunately. And while I know that Glock’s .40 S&W magazines can be loaded with .357 Sig and 9mm Parabellum just fine, I cannot guarantee any other magazine cross-compatibility.

Don’t Mag Dump

Look, we all know it’s fun to fire as quickly as possible and watch those dirt tufts pop up all over the berm.

This is literally turning money into smoke, however. I know I’m not rich enough for that!

Instead, try to sate that rapid-fire urge by turning it into a practice session.

Specifically, practice returning to target as quickly as possible while pulling the trigger right as the sights align with the target.

Start slow, then speed up naturally as your sight alignment smooths out.

Once you get the knack of firing right as the sights hit the target, you’ll be just as fast as those random mag dumps, but every round will be on paper!

This is even more fun than mag dumping because you get the satisfaction of actually hitting your target. Plus, you’ll be practiced at rapid, accurate shooting if you ever need to draw your handgun in a life-or-death situation.

Conclusion

9mm is the cheapest caliber to shoot with any full-power handgun.

Those who want just one pistol should buy a 9mm gun.

If you’re carrying a semi-auto pistol, then the 9mm Parabellum is a capable, reliable, versatile, and relatively cheap cartridge that belongs in any gun enthusiast’s collection.

If you prefer going old school with a revolver, well, .357 Magnum and .38 special are both 9mm caliber cartridges, so buying a .357 Mag gun gives you capability, reliability, and versatility for less than other revolver calibers.

Of course, .22 Long Rifle is cheaper still. However, it’s not nearly as reliable or powerful, relegating it to target practice.

But target practice is important and fun! If all you want to do is poke holes in paper, then a .22 LR pistol will be the cheapest handgun for you.

The post What is the Cheapest Handgun Caliber to Shoot? appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

The .45 ACP has long been lauded as a man-stopper in its classic 230 FMJ loading. That standard loading also stays subsonic, making the full-powered .45 ACP fantastic to use with a suppressor.

There are a daunting amount of handguns chambered for 45 caliber, and the choices can be overwhelming. In order to narrow down the selection for you, it’s important to define what you need and expect from the pistol first.

8 Best .45 ACP Handguns of 2021: Outdooor Empire Reviews

1. Best Under $1000: Heckler and Koch HK45
2. Best Under $1000 #2: Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911
3. Best for the Money: Glock 21
4. Best for the Money #2: Springfield Armory XDM
5. Best on the Market: FNX 45 Tactical
6. Best on the Market #2: Sig Sauer P220
7. Best Compact: Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .45
8. Best Compact #2: Colt Defender

Category	Best Under $1000	Best for the Money	Best on the Market
Product	Heckler and Koch HK45	Glock 21	FNX 45 Tactical
Barrel Length	4.4 in	4.6 in	5.3 in
Weight with Magazine	31.2 oz	29.28 oz	33.3 oz
Overall Length	8 in	8 in	7.9 in
Overall Width	1.5 in	1.3 in	1.58 in
Height	5.9 in	5.5 in	6.5 in
Magazine Capacity	10+1	13+1	15+1
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best .45 ACP Under $1000: Heckler and Koch HK45

The HK45 originally came about as an improvement to the long regarded USP series. Actually, it was developed to participate in the Joint Combat Pistol and Combat Pistol programs as a replacement for the M9. HK essentially took the ergonomics of their P2000 series and mated it with the reliability and solidness of the USP 45.

The HK45 features improved ergonomics with interchangeable back straps, a 1913 Picatinny accessory rail, and ambidextrous controls. The grip to slide angle is the same as a 1911, and it makes for a confident, familiar feel for many shooters.

Specs

• 4.4” Barrel
• DA/SA trigger
• 31.2 ounces with magazine
• 10+1 capacity

The Heckler and Koch HK45 is a full-sized pistol capable of handling +P ammunition with a magazine capacity of 10. This gun is also available in compact, tactical compact, and tactical models. The standard handgun can be found for around $800, while an HK45 Tactical will come in just under $1,000.

Pros

• Accurate polygonal rifled barrel
• Improved ergonomics
• DA/SA trigger system
• 1913 Picatinny accessory rail

Cons

• A fully loaded model with mags and night sights will run around $900
• Polygonal rifling does best with jacketed bullets and HK recommends you don’t shoot cast lead bullets.

The HK45 offers one of the best values for under $1,000. This pistol is the sum of several brilliant ideas combined to create a standalone model with its own legacy. A reliable frame and slide, coupled with an extremely accurate barrel and slick ergonomics, make a pistol that’s hard to beat in this price range.

View at Cabela’s

2. Best .45 ACP 1911 Under $1000: Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911

It would be impossible to have a discussion about the best .45 pistol without mentioning the timeless 1911. Springfield Armory has a long history with this gun and has created a large choice of models. The Range Officer stands out as one of my favorite 1911 models for under $1,000.

Specs

• 5” barrel
• Easily Adjustable rear sight
• Crisp Trigger

The Range Officer was created with the competition in mind. However, the adjustable rear sites give it an upgrade from a standard GI model. You can really dial in this handgun. The Range Officer has an extremely tight fit for its price range and even includes a match barrel.

Pros

• Fully adjustable sights
• Accuracy upgrades like barrel and frame fit
• Amazing value
• Durable hard case, holster, and extra magazine included

Cons

• Match Fit increases accuracy but can lead to minor malfunction until broke in
• 7 round magazine

Springfield Armory really hit the nail on the head with their affordable, adjustable, and accurate full-size 1911. I have found these guns in shops for as low as $700. I own 2 myself! 1911’a have an infinitely customizable platform, and the Range Officer is a terrific place to start if you like to tinker.

3. Best .45 ACP For The Money: Glock 21

Some folks love them, while others love to hate them. But one thing almost everyone can agree on is the reliability of a Glock. If you stick a mag in the Glock 21 and rack the slide, it will go bang every time!

Specs

• 4.6” Barrel
• 29.28 ounce with a mag
• 13+1 capacity

Due to the simplistic design of the Glock, the 21 comes in at a very affordable price range between $600-700. Sometimes you can find good deals and they are even cheaper. The Glock 21 is a no-frills utility pistol. It’s everything it needs to be and nothing that it’s not. Since this handgun has few moving parts, the pistol is very easy to field strip and clean.

Pros

• One of the best deals for a self-defense or carry handgun
• Large 13 round magazine capacity
• Easy system to learn
• Less than 40 parts in the entire gun
• Established handgun with lots of aftermarket support

Cons

• Grip angle and texturing are uncomfortable for some
• Lightweight frame can have a sharper recoil
• Some spare parts are only available from a Glock armorer

Like the venerable 1911, Glock handguns hold their own place in history and hearts. People still call it the tupperware gun due to the polymer frame. However, there’s no denying that the Glock 21 has established itself as a reliable and accurate weapon for serious .45 ACP shooters worldwide.

We also have an article on best glock lights to mount on this pistol.

View at Sportsman’s Warehouse

4. Best For The Money #2: Springfield Armory XDM

If you’re looking for a polymer striker pistol but can’t get comfortable with a Glock grip, the Springfield XDM is an awesome choice! It easily wins best handgun in the category of value for your money. This pistol can be configured to nearly any preference. This includes interchangeable grip back straps.

Specs

• 4.5” barrel
• 13+1 Capacity
• Melonite finish
• 31 ounces

The XDM is one of the best values on the market for a .45 ACP handgun. Priced between $550-$650, the XDM is a steal. It’s one of the first guns I recommend to folks just getting into handgun shooting. If a full-sized model isn’t your thing, the XDM series in offered in compacts as well.

Pros

• Amazing value for such a versatile handgun
• Great ergonomics
• Plenty of holster choices and affordable magazine options
• Driftable front and rear sights

Cons

• Double stacked magazine grip frame may be too big for smaller hands

The XDM has redefined what we can expect for our money when shopping for a polymer-framed pistol. Features such as a Picatinny accessory rail, hard case, holster, and spare magazines come standard with the XDM. This really is an easy start-up kit at a value!

5. Best .45 ACP On The Market: FNX 45 Tactical

The FNX 45 Tactical is a handgun that has it all. It is a polymer-framed, full-size handgun with an external hammer and a DA/SA trigger system for maximum accuracy.

Specs

• 5.3” barrel
• 33.3 ounces
• 15 or 10 round magazines
• Raised night sights for threaded barrel

The FNX Tactical means business with a suppressor-ready .578×28 tpi threaded barrel and raised sights. The pistol also includes supplies to mount the Trijicon RMR reflex sight and the 1913 Picatinny accessory rail. Additionally, the ergonomics of this gun can be adjusted to the user via interchangeable grip back straps.

Pros

• Hammer forged barrel
• Large magazine capacity
• Includes 3 magazines
• Fully ambidextrous

Cons

• Easily becomes a large gun with the myriad of accessories attached
• Fairly expensive at around $1300

The FNX Tactical is a solid choice for serious shooters that don’t mind spending a bit more for a well-crafted handgun. The hammer-forged barrel ensures utmost accuracy, while the ambidextrous controls make it comfortable for nearly all shooters.

View at Sportsman’s Warehouse

View at Bass Pro Shops

View at Cabela’s

6. Best On The Market #2: Sig Sauer P220

In the world of .45 ACP, the Sig Sauer P220 has come to be regarded as one of the most accurate and reliable pistols ever made. In fact, the P220 is what started it all for Sig Sauer. This handgun has stood up well through years! The P220 is often touted as being a better version of the 1911. Just as comfortable and accurate without the reliability issues!

Specs

• 4.4” barrel
• DA/SA trigger
• 8 round single stack
• 30.4 ounces

The P220 comes standard with a signature SIG accessory rail and two 8 round magazines. It also features an external decocker, an anodized aluminum frame, and a stainless steel slide. Ergonomically, the pistol feels fantastic in most hands and is easy to accurately shoot.

SIG also offers the P227 double stacked. This adds 2 rounds to the magazine. However, many shooters agree the confidence from the slimmer feel of the P220 trumps the utility of the 227’s extra rounds.

Pros

• Single stack magazine provides a very comfortable and natural feel
• DA/SA action provides conceal carry confidence with a great SA trigger pull after the first round
• Long history of being a reliable sidearm for military forces and law enforcement
• Recoil is very manageable

Cons

• Single stack magazines reduce capacity, making cheaper polymer framed pistols more practical for every day carry

The Sig Sauer P220 is one of the most refined .45 ACP pistols you will find on the market. It is a perfect culmination of modern technology and older design. This gun is catered to a demographic of shooters that depend on the quality of the Sig Sauer name with their life and livelihood.

7. Best Compact .45 ACP: Smith and Wesson M&P Shield

Smith and Wesson have come a long way from their classic wheel guns. Recently, they took the world by storm with their affordable and dependable M&P series. S&W does offer a model called the M&P Compact, but the M&P Shield is a compact handgun designed for a purpose.

Initially, the Shield was only offered in 9mm and 40. Starting in 2016, it was chambered in .45 ACP. While a bit larger than its 9mm/40-framed counterpart, the .45 ACP version has been well received by the public.

Specs

• 3.3” barrel
• 20.5 ounces
• 7+1 capacity

The M&P .45 Shield is an affordable carry pistol coming in well below $500. This handgun comes with a 6-round concealed carry magazine and an extended 7-round magazine for a full grip. The .45 model is offered both with a standard thumb safety and without. However, they still come standard with the Glock-like trigger safety.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Comes with a carry and extended magazine
• Aggressive grip texturing

Cons

• Relatively low magazine capacity of 6
• Trigger leaves much to be desired
• Lots of recoil

While the long and creeping trigger may put some off the Shield, it has been immensely popular with shooters looking to add the heavier .45 ACP to their stable. The Shield has hit an important balance as small enough to conceal, yet large enough to reduce to punishing recoil during target practice.

View at Cabela’s

View at Bass Pro Shops

View at Sportsman’s Guide

8. Best Compact #2: Colt Defender

There’s no arguing that the 1911 design works well for the .45 ACP. Unfortunately, it’s not always practical to conceal a full-size Government model in your waistband. The Colt Defender offers more discretion without sacrificing the stopping power of the .45 ACP.

Specs

• 3” barrel
• 24 ounces
• 7+1 capacity
• Overall length of 6.25”

The Colt Defender comes standard with 3-dot Novak low carry sights and the controls and safety will be familiar to 1911 shooters. The upswept beavertail safety provides a secure purchase for the web of your hand.

The Defender handguns are set on a smaller frame than the Commander or Government models. This allows the Colt to be much more compact than the 1911. The tradeoff is that you can’t get as much of your hand on the gun for control.

Pros

• Familiar 1911 platform
• Novak Sights
• Affordable at around $700

Cons

• Increased recoil over full-sized and Commander models
• Not as accurate as full-sized models

When it comes to compacts, compromise is the name of the game. For some time, the Commander style frames worked well for concealed carry. Then the Defender redefined what was possible on the 1911 style of frames. Now it reigns as the true compact!

Overall, the recoil is not as manageable as on the full-sized pistols. However, this gun is much more concealable. Where the Defender shines is the peace of mind that comes with the reliability of a 100-year-old handgun design still dominating the market today.

View at Sportsman’s Warehouse

Why Choose A High Quality .45 Gun?

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. As a gunsmith, I’m often given low-quality products with the request to “fix it on the cheap”. Many of these handguns are returned to working order with just a clean and a lube.

Unfortunately, more often than not, fixing the larger problems cost more than the purchase price of a new handgun. While you shouldn’t put yourself in debt for a new pistol, firearms are a certainly a buy once cry once scenario.

When I first obtained my concealed handgun license, I purchased an H&K USP-C in .45 ACP. I Initially lamented over the expensive pistol and gawked at the $50-60 magazines. I considered that to be a large chunk of change for a self-defense tool!

The day I hit the range with that gun for the first time was absolutely delightful. My friend and I ran over 500 rounds of hand loads and factory rounds through the gun without a single hiccup or jam. Gongs were gonged, paddles were smacked, bowling pins were annihilated. It was a blast, and to this day remains one of my most memorable shooting experiences.

How To Choose?

Primary Usage

My first question for a potential handgun buyer is always, what will the pistol be used for? Different tools do different jobs. A handgun used for competitive target shooting might not be the best choice for a daily concealed carry pistol.

Comfort

The feel of a handgun is important and extremely personal. While it can be tempting to choose the gun with the most features for the money, it is important to like the way it feels. If the gun doesn’t feel comfortable or intuitive, it can destroy your enthusiasm for practice. Fortunately, many gun ranges offer rental services so customers can try it before they buy it!

After a real live test, I found many shooters end up choosing a different handgun than they thought they would. It is also crucial to note that a comfortable handgun for a male might not translate as well to female hands. This is particularly the case of the .45 ACP. Since the pistol has a double stacked magazine, it can create a grip frame that is far too large and unwieldy for smaller hands.

Features

Make a list of what features are important to you and ones you can live without. This can be tricky as you argue with your inner logic about whether you really need a handgun with a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, or that slick looking competition magazine well.

Practical features to consider are the top priorities. These include night sights, magazine capacity, how the safety is engaged, and overall weight and length. A heavier steel framed pistol will soak up more recoil than a polymer framed gun, making it more pleasant for longer sessions. A light polymer frame might be more appropriate for slipping into your waist for all day concealed carry.

Aftermarket Support

Aftermarket support, the ability to upgrade and customize, and choice of accessories can make or break a gun for some shooters. Overall, a more popular handgun like the 1911 style pistols will often have an enormous selection of off-brand magazines, holsters, illuminated sights or even aftermarket match grade barrels.

Holster

Often times, your pistol comes with a sub-par holster or one that doesn’t fit your carry style. When researching a potential handgun, definitely spend a few minutes checking holster availability. If you don’t, you could get stuck with a handgun that requires an expensive custom holster. Ask me how I know!

Budget

Finally, establishing a budget for your purchase is vital. For many folks, it’s a top priority. While your budget is important, I recommend giving yourself some wiggle room. That goes double for a first time purchase.

In the long run, it’s beneficial to save up and purchase the handgun that fulfills all your needs. If not, you may resent the purchase you settled for. Also, keep in mind the secondary and tertiary expenses that inevitably come with the purchase. These include extra magazines, ammunition, and must have accessories.

Top .45 Caliber Pistol Brands

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory is a name synonymous with quality. This company has a variable product line ranging from their famous M1A battle rifle to the compact striker-fired XD series handguns.

For years, Springfield has been best known for their incredible line of 1911 pistols. Boasting 11 different models in .45 ACP alone, Springfield Armory has set an incredibly high bar for other manufacturers of 1911 style handguns to match.

In 2001, Springfield introduced the XD series of handguns for their own piece of the striker-fired pie. In 2007, XDM was brought to market and further cemented Springfield as a serious contender in the polymer framed handgun market.

This series was strengthened even further by the addition of a single stack frame (which hold 6 rounds in .45) and an exposed hammer XD-E. In 2019, Springfield Armory created a small pocket .380 ACP dubbed the 911 series. It was marketed to female shooters looking for a self-defense weapon.

If you’re looking for control, Springfield Armory offers a full custom shop for both their 1911 and XD series handguns. The service list includes installation of a variety of sights, a plethora of finish options, and performance enhancements like a competition trigger job.

Any of the standard models are a great place to start. I have bought two of their Range Officers in .45 ACP. I gave one to my wife and one to my father. They are regular shooters and were both blown away by the quality and tight fit of the pistol.

Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer is a company at the head of innovation! Not to mention they boast a wide range of products used by military and law enforcement. While Sig Sauer does offer a small range of tactical rifles and carbines, they are mostly known for their wide range of handguns. For every need, Sig Sauer has a gun.

The manufacturer offers three original models as well as a wide gamut of 1911 models. However, the original line of pistols remains the most popular. These are models P220, P227, and the new P320. The US Army recently adopted this as the M17 in 9mm.

The long-lived P220 from 1975 is the company’s flagship single stack .45 ACP. On the other hand, the P227 is a wider gripped double-stacked handgun. Both models are well known for their accurate DA/SA trigger and external decockers.

The P320 is a full-sized striker-fired pistol available in most calibers as a modular change caliber style pistol. The P320 replaced the aging Beretta M9 and has been well received by the Army. They report the handgun being easy to train and qualify with.

Sig Sauer also offers what they call their Legion Series. These guns are made from their standard models but include upgrades to the coating, grips, sites, and magazines. Purchasing a Legion Series product also grants membership benefits such as special access to gear, merchandise, and signature case and coin.
To top it all off, the manufacturer offers a training academy with courses in armorer, competition shooting, tactical shooting, and more! The model numbers are a bit of a mess to keep straight in your mind, but Sig Sauer is a great brand to look at.

Heckler and Koch

A manufacturer that needs no introduction is Heckler and Koch, commonly referred to as HK. This German company is the most famous for perhaps the most popular sub-machine gun ever made: the MP5. However, the HK name is also steeped in rich handgun history with models like the retired fixed barrel P7, the workhorse USP, and the daunting special operations MK23.

HK offers three different pistols in .45 ACP, and each model is available as a standard full-size, compact, or tactical (includes a threaded barrel and raised sights). These are the USP, HK45, and the MK23.

The USP is HK’s flagship model. It features an accurate polygonal rifled barrel, SA/DA trigger, and external hammer decocker. The HK45 is a newer model and was built to replace the Beretta M9. Most shooters agree the differences between the USP and HK45 are negligible and really come down to ergonomics.

The MK23 is a novel handgun. It was originally designed to be an offensive handgun and is most popular for use by special operators. This pistol is huge. You won’t really believe me until you hold one, and believe me when I say it will take both hands! However, most civilian shooters will find just as much utility in a more practically sized USP Tactical.

Glock

A list of top firearm manufacturers wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Glock. Glock handguns are the original polymer framed striker-fired pistol on which so many other handguns are based. The real beauty of the design is its simplicity. Additionally, they are reliable. The handguns work whenever you need them to in almost any condition.

These handguns are available in most common calibers with three models specifically for .45 ACP. The primary differences between these models are frame variations with a subcompact, full-size, competition, and slimline models.

Glock guns have gained popularity particularly as handguns that are easier to shoot in high-stress situations. They accomplish this by doing away with a traditional thumb safety and relying on a safety built into the trigger blade.

This manufacturer’s handgun has become a favorite among police and military for its reliability and simplicity. The pistols are so popular that an almost cult-like aftermarket community exists. They tend to specialize in offering mind-boggling holster and magazine choices!

Glock’s models have gone through a few changes over the years, and these are often referred to as “generations”. It is extremely important to research the differences between the generations because they aren’t usually apparent. I would also recommend trying a couple in your hands first. Some folks, including myself, don’t find the grip angle to be comfortable.

One Last Word About the .45 Pistol

Whether you need a full-sized pistol for work on the range or a handgun that’s easily concealed, the choices are almost endless. The .45 ACP cartridge has captured the hearts of many shooters as they feel the 230-grain bullet snap out of the barrel for the first time.

This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are many pistols I would have loved to include. A few are the M&P 45, Ruger SR45, or Beretta PX4 Storm. Do diligent research, but don’t get too caught up in comparing guns on paper. The feel and fit should have the most influence over the final decision.

Many shooters choose to carry full-sized handguns as their concealed carry tool because it works for them! If you’re not sure what works for you, just reach out to gun shops or other gun owners in your area. I have never met a shooter who wasn’t thrilled to be asked about their gun. In fact, they will almost always allow you to shoot a magazine or two through it to “see what you think.”

The post 8 Best .45 ACP Pistols For Every Budget Reviewed (Buyer Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Scope mounts, or rings, are everywhere—some made with precision manufacturing in the US or Europe, others are barely held together Chinesium. Today we are talking scope mounts, from the types to height and quality we want to leave you covered for your next precision rifle build.

Types of Scope Mounts

There are two types of scope mounts for long range precision shooting. Admittedly there are other “mounts” that are designed for red dots to adapt them to Picatinny rails, and QD scope mounts intended for red dot tubes.

We aren’t talking about those today. We are talking about traditional scope mounts designed for long-range shooting with variable scopes. Those two types are single (or one-piece) scope mounts and scope ring (or two-piece) mounts.

Both are valid and very easy to use, and neither is better than the other. They simply have two distinct roles and offer shooters different options. Weighing your options is always important, and you’ll need a firm examination of your weapon system before choosing one or the other.

Hopefully, we can guide you on what works best for you, but ultimately it’s a decision you’ll have to make yourself.

Single-piece Scope Mount

A single-piece scope mount is two scope rings mounted to a single base. One-piece scope mounts are incredibly rigid and durable. One-piece mounts are perfect for high recoiling systems. Long-range rounds are typically very powerful rounds and are capable of some brutal recoil.

They are typically used on modern semi-automatics for a few different reasons. These mounts can push your scope forward, allowing the bell of the scope to sit above certain handguards. These mounts allow proper clearance for a long-range scope.

One-piece mounts ensure the two scope rings are always positioned perfectly in line with each other and set the proper distance away. One-piece mounts are a little heftier than two rings, but the increased strength may be a good mitigating factor.

One-piece mounts aren’t the best choice for bolt action guns, however, which are the most accurate and precise rifles out there. The issue here is that a single piece scope mount has to go above the action of the rifle.

This lowers clearance and makes it harder to load bolt actions, as well as unload and clear potential malfunctions. This is certainly something to consider when purchasing mounts.

Two-piece Rings

Two-piece rings are durable and much lighter than a one-piece mount. They are quite handy when it comes to bolt action rifles. Two-piece scope rings require proper alignment, which isn’t hard, just required. Two-piece rings can easily stay on an optic and be moved around from gun to gun with ease if you choose to do that.

Two-piece rings are light and handy, and best of all very affordable. A high-quality set of rings costs a lot less than an equally high-quality scope mount.

You have to aim to buy the right rings or mount for your particular set-up, and the first step is determining whether you need the old school two-piece scope rings or a single-piece scope mount.

Height

Scope rings and mounts come in different sizes: generally low, medium, high, and extra high. The height of your scope rings should be as low as possible. The lower it is, the easier it is to sight in. It will also allow you to make more adjustments, and it’ll create a more comfortable cheek weld.

So why wouldn’t everyone in the world use low mounts?

Well, the height of your scope will be determined by the size of your scope. Specifically the size of your scope objective lens.

Long-range scopes with large 56mm objective lenses are going to require a high or extra high rings. A 24 mm objective lens can be mounted nice and low.

If possible, check with your scope manufacturer and find out what ring height they say you need and go from there.

If not, there are calculators and charts online that will help you determine the right height rings. Unfortunately, the industry hasn’t standardized ring heights, so one company’s low maybe taller than another company’s low.

These calculators will tell you how much clearance you need, and you can simply look at the specs of the rings to determine if it’s enough.

Don’t forget to include the measurement of your objective lens cover if you are using one, as it will add a few MMS to your measurement. Just a little pro tip from someone who’s messed himself up once or twice.

Quality

The quality of your scope rings or single-piece mount cannot be overstated. For some reason, people will spend a grand on a rifle, 500 bucks on an optic, and then use 15 dollar rings. You want rings that are durable and strong and preferably made from a known manufacturer.

Vortex, Leupold, Warne, and many other companies produce scope rings at various budgets, but they are generally strong and perfect when appropriately applied.

A cheaper Leupold or Vortex set of rings wouldn’t go on a long-range build in 338 Lapua, but on a 22 LR rifle, they are perfect. You have to understand that different qualities and lines of rifle scope mounts are designed for different purposes. Choose one built for your specific purpose and be willing to spend the money.

Shots Fired

Scope rings or single-piece mounts are the glue that holds the gun together. A rifle can shoot true, and a scope can be precise, but without the firm hand of scope rings, these pieces of kit are useless. Quality scope rings or mounts are a big deal when it comes to placing precise rounds on a target.

A fraction of inch of give or wobble could be several inches once the bullet gets down range. Always take into account your scope rings and never underestimate their importance.

The post How to Choose A Scope Mount? (Scope Rings Vs 1-Piece Mount) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Once you start long-range shooting, you’ll quickly become addicted. One of the most important decisions you can make is the selection of a rifle scope.

There are lots of different pieces of gear you’ll rely on when it comes to long-range shooting, especially over 1000 yards, but outside from your chosen rifle and rounds, your optic is the most critical piece.

Choosing the right scope can be tricky, so we are going to dive into the world of long-range rifle scopes and leave you learning a thing or two.

DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The 11 Best Sniper Scopes: Outdoor Empire Reviews

Here are some examples of the best long range scopes:

1. Best budget scope #1: Nikon Monarch 5
2. Best budget scope #2: Vortex Viper PST
3. Best scope under $1000: Burris Veracity
4. Best long-range scope for the money #1: Zeiss Conquest HD5
5. Best long-range scope for the money #2: SIG Sauer Tango4
6. Best tactical scopes #1: Nightforce ATACR 5-25 x 56
7. Best tactical scopes #2: Schmidt and Bender Police Marksman 2 – 5-25×56
8. Best overall long-range scope: NightForce Optics Benchrest Series
9. Best 1,000-yard scope: The Steiner T Series
10. Best 1,000-yard scope on a budget: Golden Eagle
11. Best long-range hunting scope: Steiner GS3

Category	Best Budget	Best for the money	Best overall
Product	Nikon Monarch 5	Zeiss Conquest HD5	NightForce Optics Benchrest Series
Magnification & Objective Diameter	5 - 20 x 50mm	5 - 25 x 50mm	12 - 42 x 56mm
Weight	22.2 oz	26.6 oz	36 oz
Length	15 in	14 in	17 in
Reticle type	BDC, Nikoplex, MK1-MOA	RZ1000 reticle	NP-2DD Reticle NP-R2 Reticle
Eye relief	3.9 - 3.4	90 mm	75 mm/2.9 in
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Budget Long-Range Scope #1

Nikon Monarch 5

Pros:

• Advanced reticle makes long-range shooting easy
• Locking side focus
• Water, shock, and fog proof
• Compatible with Nikon's Spot-On technology

Cons:

• Compatible with Nikon's Spot-On technology

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Nikon is an interesting company that produces a wide variety of different optics including cameras, microscopes, and more. Needless to say, they make an outstanding product and the Nikon Monarch 5 is an amazing long-range rifle scope, especially considering the sub-$1K price tag.

The Nikon Monarch is built with a variety of high-quality features that will make it easy to hit targets that are way beyond your normal capabilities. This includes extra-low dispersion glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and an excellent spring-loaded instant zero reset.

The Monarch 5 goes above and beyond when it comes to affordable, high-powered optics and packs a stunning 5-20 power magnification with a 50mm objective lens.

Nikon Monarch 5 packs:

• Super-smooth magnification ring
• Powerful magnification range
• Amazing glass
• A quick focus eyepiece
• Generous eye relief for magnum powered rounds

The Nikon Monarch 5 is a great go-to for shooting at ranges between 500 to 750 yards. Pushing past 750 yards may be difficult on all but the brightest and clearest days.

The optic is well-suited for hunting at ranges 300 yards and under, or for shooting small targets like prairie dogs at 200 yards or so. Its affordability makes it a great choice for shooters new to long-range rifle work.

2. Best Budget Long-Range Scope #2

Vortex Viper PST

The Vortex brand is most well known for producing the first high-quality yet efficiently affordable red dot optics. It's a real shame if that is all you know about them.

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

The Vortex brand is most well known for producing the first high-quality yet efficiently affordable red dot optics. It’s a real shame if that is all you know about them.

Their variable magnified optics are outstanding pieces of gear, and the Vortex Viper PST is an excellent long-range scope that comes in at an affordable price. The 6-24 power model is perfect for reaching out and touching a target with confidence and clarity.

The Vortex Viper PST is a second focal plane scope, so it is better suited for target shooting and hunting than tactical use. It uses Vortex’s XR coating to give you glare reduction, facilitate light gathering, and protect your lenses from abrasions.

The PST VMR-1 MOA reticle is precise and useful with measurements for both bullet drop and windage calls. The Viper PST is a high-performance scope at a great price.

3. Best Long-Range Scope under $1,000

The Burris Veracity

$729.00

Pros:

• Affordable first focal plane performance
• Highly textured controls for easy use with gloves
• Hi-lume multi-coating for low light performance
• Burris Forever Warranty

Cons:

• Parallax adjustment is form 50 yards to infinity can compromise close-range shots

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 03:40 am GMT

Compare prices at: Euro Optic

Burris is a great go-to brand when it comes to high quality yet affordable optics, and the Burris Veracity is a great entry point to the budget long-range scope world.

The Burris Veracity comes in a few flavors, but for long-range shooting, the 5-25 power option is the best. The Veracity is a really well-made scope, and one of my favorite budget options.

The Veracity is a one-piece tube design that is built to withstand the shock and vibration of long-range rounds. The Veracity is water-, shock-, and fog-proof, and uses a double spring tension system that keeps the optic zeroed regardless of shock and external vibration.

The Veracity Packs:

• First focal plane design
• PT crosshairs for speed and precision
• Zero-click stop-adjustment knobs
• Side focus adjustment
• Ability to use a variety of different turret knobs

4. Best Long-Range Scope for the Money #1

Zeiss Conquest HD5

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact for its magnification range
• Easy for new long-range shooters to use
• Brilliantly clear
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Designed for the 308 round and not compatible with anything else

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Zeiss is a German firm that is, without a doubt, one of the most reputable optics brands ever created. The Zeiss Conquest Series represents some of the best optics out there on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The Zeiss Conquest HD5 packs a ton of features that are nearly unbeatable. The Conquest HD5 is brilliant and clear with amazing optical quality. The scope is also extremely compact and lightweight for its 5-25 power magnification range.

The Zeiss Conquest is well suited for reaching out to 1,000 yards and has one of the best reticles for shooting out to that same distance. The Zeiss Conquest is a German-made optic that is perfect for hunting, long-range bench rest shooting, and even some tactical use.

The Zeiss HD5 Packs:

• Rapid-Z ballistic reticle for shooting out to 1,000 yards
• Lockable target turrets
• Rugged construction
• Textured magnification ring and turrets

The Zeiss Conquest HD5 is a great scope for the shooter looking to do a little bit of everything when it comes to long-range shooting. It is suited for hunting, long-range competition, and even some police use. It’s a do-it-all scope that’s easy to use and designed to last.

5. Best Long-Range Scope for the Money #2

SIG Sauer Tango4

$679.00

Pros:

• The motion-activated illuminated reticle is perfect for saving battery life
• The Lens Armor system is designed to make the optics and the glass incredibly durable
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Only comes in SIG grey
• Tactile feedback of the turrets is low

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08/15/2023 08:00 am GMT

SIG Sauer is best known for its line of tactical handguns and rifles, but in the last few years they have extended into the rifle scope realm with extreme prejudice, winning contracts with the US Army and Special Operations forces.

The SIG Sauer Tango4 is their high-powered, long-range scope that packs a 6-24 power magnification with a 50mm objective lens.

The Tango4 is a durable optic that is priced very competitively compared to other long-range optics. Its robust design comes complete with a single piece main tube, target turrets, and a side focus adjustment.

SIG offers an outstanding warranty on all its scope, and the optic itself is completely waterproof (that is, submersible) up to 1 meter.

The Tango4 Packs:

• First focal plane scope
• Motion-activated illumination that powers up when moved
• Low dispersion glass for high optical clarity
• Four different reticles

The SIG Sauer Tango4 is a scope for those of us who are rough on scopes. It’s a rugged design that’s tough and can take a real beating when it’s called for.

If you are the clumsy type, or maybe the type who prefers to hunt or operate in the harshest environments, the Tango4 is the scope for you. This optic is rock solid and dependable, and even though it’s built like a tank, it has the finesse to reach out and touch a target.

6. Best Tactical Scopes #1

Nightforce ATACR 5-25 x 56

$3,100.00

Pros:

• One of the most robust scopes on the market
• ED glass for extreme clarity
• Integrated power throw level
• Perfect for both semi-auto rifles and bolt guns

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

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08/15/2023 08:57 am GMT

Compare prices at: Euro Optic

The United States Marine Corps has some of the best snipers in the world. Their strenuous scout sniper course is one of the hardest in the world.

The man—and, by extension, their gear—is a formidable force. The USMC recently adopted the ATACR 5/25 x 56mm rifle scope for their newest sniper system, and they do so with a good reason.

The Nightforce ATACR packs a long-range punch and is a first focal plane scope with a respectable level of magnification. It provides a crystal clear view and is built to be as tough as the Marine carrying it.

The ATACR series is used around the military with elite snipers for a reason. It makes it easy to hit your target and can go to hell and back with a smile.

The Nightforce ATACR packs:

• Extremely precise .250 MOA click value
• A variety of tactical reticles can be chosen
• The best Zero Stop on the market
• Digital reticle illumination

The Nightforce ATACR is the scope you want if you carry a gun for a living. This isn’t a weekend hunting optic, but a serious machine made for tactical environments.

This optic is for the most serious of shooters in the military, law enforcement, and private security worlds. Its price, weight, and features make that very clear.

7. Best Tactical Scopes #2

Schmidt and Bender Police Marksman 2 - 5-25x56

Pros:

• Water and shockproof
• Capable of reaching out to 2,000 meters
• 120-hour battery life
• Compatible with front mounted night vision
• Eleven brightness settings

Cons:

• Heavy at almost 40 ounces
• Long at over 16 inches
• Expensive

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The Schmidt and Ben Police Marksman 2 is another optic that recently has been adopted by special units in various military branches.

Schmidt and Bender have a long history of producing outstanding optics, and the Police Marksman 2 is their top-of-the-line tactical scope. This optic gives the user enhanced clarity in both daylight and low-light situations and is compatible with the majority of night vision clip-on devices.

The Police Marksman offers users the choice of over eight reticles, from some straightforward models to models that are extraordinarily complicated and well-designed for long-range engagements.

The scope is brilliant, and they offer models in both the first and second focal planes, although I’d advise the first focal plane for tactical use.

The Schmidt and Bender Police Markman 2 packs:

• .25 MOA click value for precision adjustments
• Parallax compensation from 10 meters to infinity
• Illuminated reticle
• Camera-grade glass for the clearest possible picture

The Schmidt and Bender Police Marksman 2 rifle scope is another serious shooting tactical scope. Its design makes it rugged and reliable, and its high-grade class gives you a brilliantly clear sight picture.

While it is designed for long-range sniping, it can also be used for close-range precision on small targets. The Police Marksman 2 is a well-crafted piece of gear and will likely serve you the rest of your life.

8. Best Overall Long-Range Scope

NightForce Optics Benchrest Series

Pros:

• A massive amount of magnification
• Rugged and strong enough to withstand calibers up to 50 BMG.
• Externally adjustable illuminated reticle
• Awesome set of target turrets.

Cons:

• It’s a very heavy optic
• Quite costly

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Compare prices at: Bass Pro Shops

NightForce Optics is a brand most commonly associated with tactical shooting. Shooters and snipers in the most elite special operations teams in the world use NightForce Optics, and that is where most shooters recognize the brand from.

The NightForce Optics brand is much larger than that, however, and one of their best series is the Benchrest series. The Benchrest series is designed for long-range target shooting, not long-range people shooting.

The Benchrest series packs a variety of different magnification levels, but the one I’d use for long-range shooting is the 12-42x56mm model.

The Benchrest series packs the same outstanding clarity NightForce is known for. You’ll see your target in brilliant clarity and easily line up your shot before pulling the trigger. The NightForce Benchrest series is brilliant and full of features that include:

• Adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity.
• .125 MOA Target turrets for precision adjustments.
• A coil spring plunger return system to maximize accuracy.
• Fast focus eyepiece and reticle.

The NightForce Benchrest series is a precision tool design for hitting targets way, way out there. This optic is one of the best on the market for competition shooting, and it earns its Benchrest name for a reason.

The NightForce Benchrest scope is a brilliant addition to any long range rifle and the NightForce name is so well known for a reason.

9. Best 1,000-Yard Scope

The Steiner T Series

$2,268.59

Pros:

• Water, Shock, and Fogproof
• An All Metal Magnification ring
• Military Grade Ruggedness
• Lifetime Heritage Warranty

Cons:

• The scope is expensive compared to competitors.

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08/15/2023 09:08 am GMT

Steiner is a European brand that is massive on that side of the world. In the United States, the Steiner brand has slowly become more and more accepted and widely used.

Steiner produces extremely high-quality optics, and the T series is one of the most famous long-range scopes. The T series comes in a variety of magnification levels, and the best model for 1,000-yard shooting is the 5-25x optic.

The Steiner T series uses what they called the SCR reticle. This stands for Special Competition Reticle and its built from the ground up for long-range competition use.

It incorporates windage and elevation holdover lines and it uses a 1/10-mil ranging brackets to dial into an extremely precise degree.

The Steiner T Series packs a few features worth mentioning, including:

• A throw lever to quickly change magnification levels.
• A Second Rotation Indicator that changes the mils automatically after the first 120 mils.
• Fingertip adjustable turrets that use Never Lost technology
• High-grade premium class cut and ground by Steiner.

The Steiner T Series rifle scopes are rugged and dependable. Their ability to reach out and see a target gives you the ability to reach out and touch a target.

The SCR reticle is perfect for competition shooting and hitting those 1,000-yard targets. This rifle is built for competition, but tough enough to be used in tactical shooting scenarios.

10. Best 1,000-Yard Scope on a Budget

The Golden Eagle

$1,861.47

Pros:

• Very powerful
• Easy to use
• Water-, shock-, and fog-proof
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Lightweight 20 ounces

Cons:

• Second focal plane kills tactical use
• Parallax adjustment is 15 to infinity (10 to infinity is industry standard)

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08/15/2023 09:12 am GMT

Compare prices at: Euro Optic, Sportsman’s Guide

Shooting 1,000 yards on a budget is tricky. It can be difficult to manage both a budget and a high-quality rifle scope, but it can be done.

Assuming you are shooting stationary targets in a non-tactical environment, we can come up with a substantial 1,000-yard scope. Personally, I’d go with the Vortex Golden Eagle. Priced at $1,500, this scope is considered budget friendly in the long-range market.

The Golden Eagle packs a 15-to-60 power magnification with a 52 mm objective lens. The optic is produced by the always fabulous Vortex, who makes some of the best red dots ever.

The Golden Eagle uses crystal clear HD Lens elements to deliver a bright sight picture that’s enhanced and protected by Vortex’s XR plus lens coating. The Golden Eagle soars above the budget long-range scopes and is one of the few that can even kick it with more expensive options.

The Golden Eagle Packs:

• 15-60x magnification
• Single piece tube design
• Optically indexed lenses
• Apochromatic object lens for bright and true colors
• 125 MOA precision adjustment turrets

The Golden Eagle is well suited for the shooter new to long-range shooting. The design is rock solid, and it’s easy to use.

The Eagle is designed for long-range shooters who can’t spend three to four thousand dollars just on an optic.It’s best used for long-range stationary targets, not for hunting or tactical use.

11. Best Long-Range Hunting Scope

The Steiner GS3

Pros:

• Lightweight and short mount length
• Single piece tube
• Brilliant picture quality
• Affordable
• Lifetime Heritage warranty

Cons:

• No lens covers (a small detail, but it’s a high priced optic so you’d expect it)

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Long-range hunting is very tricky, and even the best shooter should stay within 300 yards to be a humane hunter. When you hear 300 yards, you don’t think that’s long range; however, when you are aiming at a target the size of a fist, it’s tricky.

Most animals have a heart no more significant than that, and an ethical kill means targeting that fist-sized target. The Steiner GS3 optic is the best scope you can choose for long-range hunting.

The Steiner GS3 isn’t just an extremely precise scope but features outstanding glass that delivers a clear and bright picture regardless of the conditions.

It uses the exclusive Color Adjusted Transmission lens coating that makes it easy to see an animal as it blends in with the surrounding environment.

The hide of a deer blends in quite well with the colors of fall, which is effectively natural camouflage. The GS3 helps defeat that natural defense and allows you to see animals regardless of how far they are away and how camouflaged they are.

The Steiner GS3 Packs:

• Magnification range of 4-20x
• Uncluttered reticle
• Short mounting length for smaller rifles
• Water- and fog-proof construction

The Steiner GS3 is a brilliant hunting optic designed for the long-range hunter. From mountains to fields, the Steiner GS3 will zoom in and spot an animal in excellent clarity. It’s hard to beat the rugged design and fantastic durability.

2 Extra Picks!

Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scope

Steiner T5Xi

$1,569.99

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08/15/2023 09:15 am GMT

The Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56mm is an overall fantastic rifle scope designed to take advantage of the 6.5 Creedmoor’s brilliant range and precision.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is one of the best modern 1,000-yard cartridges, and to get every ounce of range and accuracy out of it, you need a good optic.

The Steiner T5Xi is designed for competition and tactical use. It utilizes an SCR reticle explicitly designed for those 1000-yard targets.

The Steiner is made for precision aiming, and it boasts target turrets that are fingertip adjustable and have ¼ MOA adjustments.

We haven’t even talked about Steiner’s brilliant optical quality and extraordinarily bright and satisfying picture. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a modern round in need of a modern scope, and Steiner offers one of the best.

If you want to reach out and touch a target, it’s hard to go wrong with a Steiner.

Best .308 Long-Range Scope

Nikon M-308

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The 308 is a classic rifleman’s round used around the world due to its hard-hitting power and notable long-range performance. Teaming it up with the right scope can make it a killer out to 800 yards.

The M-308 from Nikon is both an affordable and high-performing scope designed around the classic 308 caliber round. The M-308 sports a specialized reticle that gives the shooters drop points out to 800 yards. This makes hitting targets out to 800 yards child’s play.

If you don’t mind what I call “boringly accurate,” you won’t mind the Nikon M-308. The scope sports a quick focus eyepiece, target turrets, a focus adjustment knob, and is fully multicoated.

The scope is water-, shock-, and fog-proof, so it’s at home at both the bench rest and the treestand. Nikon Makes fantastic optics, and the M-308 is an excellent choice for simple and reliable accuracy.

Why You Need A Quality Scope?

When it comes to long-range shooting, if you want to strike a target at long range you need the right optic to do it. A $150 optic isn’t going to cut it.

You need an optic that prioritizes quality over everything else. This includes quality glass, a quality reticle, as well as turrets and internal components.

That feeling of hitting a target at 700, 800, or even 1,000 yards is a tremendous feeling. Constantly missing can kill the mood, and often the difference comes from the quality of your rifle scope.

When I first hit a target at 500 yards with nothing more than iron sights, I was addicted to this challenging idea of long-range shooting. Beyond 500 yards the challenge increases substantially, and while you need fundamentals, you’re going to need the proper gear to get you there.

Important Scope Choosing Factors

Keys to choosing a quality scope:

– A high-quality product will allow you to see the target, which is damn important if you want to hit it. You generally want a magnification of 25x, or close to it. You can go higher (and may need to) if you are shooting tiny targets.

– Proper reticle selection is essential when it comes to placing rounds on target. You have to be able to compensate for both windage and bullet drop. You also want a wide objective lens—50mms or bigger is typically right around the sweet spot.

• You want a middle-of-the-road eye relief (over two inches), and this is to accommodate the recoil of powerful rounds built for long-range shooting.
• You also want an optic that’s made from one solid piece of aluminum. A one-piece optic is more rigid and more precise overall. You want and need every ounce of precision at the 1,000-yard line.

Anything less than a quality product will leave you hitting the berm and not the target.

Construction

Construction is critical for a number of reasons. First, long-range rounds are often powerful rounds with heavy recoil. This creates a need for a tough and durable optic capable of taking abuse.

Additionally, you want a single piece tube for long-range shooting. This means the tube of the optic is made from one piece of aluminum. This makes the scope tougher, but also more precise and less prone to shift.

Now when it comes to long-range shooting optics, the amount of water-proofing, shock-proofing, and fog-proofing isn’t necessarily important for the shooting aspect.

However, life happens and you always want an optic dedicated to beating the elements. This includes keeping moisture and dirt out, as well as resisting recoil, drops and falls—and of course keeping fog from building up inside the optic.

Quality construction is the hallmark of any good optic.

Magnification

Clearly, if you shooting long range, you need an absurdly powerful 70X optic right? Well, no not really. Long range is relative, but at 1,000 yards you wouldn’t need a 70X scope, or even half that.

You have to keep target size and range into perspective. At 500 yards, I can easily hit a man-sized target with a rifle equipped with a 4X scope.

For long-range shooters, I doubt you’d ever need anything beyond 25X… and even that is a lot. A good 5-25 power optic is capable of reaching out quite far and ringing steel true.

Anything beyond that is a bit excessive, not to mention that the scope starts to get heavier, more expensive, and a bit much overall. Less magnification works, as does a little more—but keeping it around 25x isn’t terribly hard to do in this market.

That Pesky Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance from the rear lens of the optic to your actual eye. A rifle scope has a set eye relief which is typically measured in inches. Occasionally you’ll see it in MMs as well.

Eye relief is generally more of a concern for length of pull, and where and how you can mount an optic. On a pistol for example the eye relief is very long or unlimited.

Long range rifles have to fire a big and heavy bullet a long distance. This requires a lot of oomph. A lot of oomph translates into a lot of recoil, and recoil is the weapon coming rearward.

With a scope, its coming back towards your face. A scope with a short eye relief is going to result in a nasty black eye.

Proper eye relief for a powerful and hard-hitting round is often 3.6 inches and beyond. Eye relief may change as the scope’s magnification level changes, so pay attention to both numbers. Eye relief can go as far as 4 inches and still be a comfortable option for long-range shooting.

Turrets

Turrets are not just gun emplacements or those weird tower things on the sides of castles. When it comes to rifle scopes, a turret is the device mounted on the top and sides of an optic.

They are used to adjust the reticle, and occasionally a third will be used to adjust the parallax.

Turrets are incredibly important when it comes to dialing in an optic for long-range shooting. A good set of turrets can make a big difference in the field and in tactical environments. The same goes for shooting at a benchrest and for competition.

Your turrets should provide precise adjustments to the optic—at the high end, a ¼ MOA adjustments are considered quite fine in the world of long-range shooting. These small adjustments make it easy for you to dial in a precise zero for your rifle.

A slight misadjustment at 100 yards is nothing, barely noticeable. At 1,000 yards, we are talking inches worth of failure.

This is why precision adjustment turrets are so necessary for long-range shooting. Anything less is bound to cause you significant issues at long range.

Fingertip adjustable turrets are a great thing for precision tactical shooting or for hunting. They allow a shooter to make quick adjustments to compensate for wind and bullet drop in mere clicks. They aren’t necessary, but they are an outstanding feature to have.

Beyond being precise and small in their adjustments, they should also provide a tactile feeling. You should be able to feel and even hear every click you make when it comes to adjustments. This makes it easy to count your clicks, and therefore how many inches (or fractions of an inch) you are adjusting.

Reticle Options

When it comes to reticles, you’ll have dozens if not hundreds of options to choose from. Every company has their version of a long-range reticle, and it can get tricky picking the right one for you.

Of course you need to examine your overall goal. Competition scopes may have rules that you’ll have to follow. Personal preference will always be a factor when it comes to reticle selection as well.

My must-haves include a simple but precise windage and elevation scale. The optic must have these two things for quick field corrections.

Additionally, the reticle needs to be fine enough that it will not obscure a target at long range.A big target looks awfully small at a 1,000 yards and a big thick reticle will completely obscure it.

Beyond these requirements, you can go as fancy as you need to. Windage and elevation pyramids are a great option, as are illuminated reticles for tactical shooters. Pick and choose your features as you deem necessary, but do not compromise on the above must haves.

Precious Glass

Glass is tricky. It’s easily the most crucial aspect to seeing a target at long range, and you need glass that’s extremely high quality.

When it comes to long range shooting, high-quality glass is critical to your ability to see the target, especially in low light situations. The problem is there isn’t an optic industry standard when it comes to high-quality rifle scope glass. There isn’t a rating or number to look for.

This makes finding awesome glass tricky. High-quality companies with a solid reputation tend to utilize the best glass. Some companies will list the country of manufacture of the glass, and this can be a handy indicator of quality.

Glass is made from sand, and finer sand creates higher-end glass. The best sand comes from Asia, specifically Eastern Asia. Japan, for example, makes extremely nice glass.

Beyond just the quality of the glass, you also need to consider the coating on the glass. A lens coating is designed to both reduce glare and improve light transmission.

This gives you a much clearer picture overall, and there are several different types of coatings out there for an optic. Some are standard, and others are proprietary.

Regardless of the coating, there are different ways the lenses can be coated. The following are the most common you’ll see on riflescopes:

Coated – An optic that is coated will have a single layer of coating on at least one lens surface.

Fully Coated – A fully-coated optic has coatings on all surfaces that touch air.

Multi-Coated – Multi-coated optics feature multi coatings on at least one lens.

Fully Multi-Coated – These optics have multiple coatings on every piece of glass that touches air.

When it comes to long-range optics, your best bet is going to be fully multi-coated optics. This will provide you the clearest and crispest picture possible. It will make it easy to shoot in bright light and low light. The industry standard for high quality optics is fully multi-coated lenses.

Learn more about lense coatings.

Brands Worth Looking Into

Nightforce

Nightforce is the brand to beat when it comes to cutting-edge optics and quality. I’ve yet to see a brand dominate the market so thoroughly.

Nightforce is in use with some of the most elite units in the world, including the USMC Scout Snipers, the United States Navy SEALs, and the Army Rangers.

Their reputation has followed them from combat theater to combat theater, and a generation of armed forces members can testify to the quality of Nightforce optics.

Their optics are built to give you a brilliant picture quality, a bombproof design, as well as reliable and useful functions and features designed for long-range shooting.

Nightforce has staked their claim as the premium-grade vendor of optics designed not just to hunt deer, but to shoot people. Nightforce is primarily known for their service overseas and in tactical scenarios. This is where they rule.

However, they are interested in the civilian bench rest and competition side of the market as well. They have a firm footing with serious competition shooters looking to ring gongs and create small groups at long ranges.

If you have a mission where second best isn’t an option, Nightforce is the company you go with.

Vortex

Vortex is a company that’s a bit tough to pin down. They produce such a wide variety of optics you could say they are a jack-of-all-trades.

From red dots to binoculars, and budget picks to pricey options, Vortex covers it all. In the long-range riflescope world, they have become a favorite of shooters looking to stretch their dollars as much as possible. Vortex makes an optic that is built to last and get the job done.

Vortex optics are excellent choices for hunters since they focus on giving a bright and clear picture, the kind of picture needed to distinguish deer from leaves in the fall.

They aren’t the only company that can produce a quality picture but they are the only company who can do it on a budget. Hunters looking to reach out a little further would be well served by a variety of Vortex scopes.

Vortex produces great optics for long-range hunting and target shooting, and they do so at numerous budget tiers. Their optics are well designed and well proven in the fields of clarity, durability, and usefulness.

Schmidt and Bender

Schmidt and Bender is a company well reputed for their high-end scopes for competition, tactical use, and hunting. They are best described as the “gentleman’s scope,” often due to their European heritage and their constant presence on beautiful and bespoke rifles.

Schmidt and Bender is a powerful brand, and as an optic’s company, they are mostly recognized as a hunting and competition brand.

If you need to see and then hit a target way down range, Schmidt and Bender will get you there. Their scopes provide clear and vibrant images that allow you to see and shoot way out there.

Their scopes are refined for long-range competition and allow to easily compensate for windage and bullet drop when paired with Schmidt and Bender’s amazing reticles.

Outside of competition, the S&B Scopes are often seen in exotic hunting locations. Across savannahs and up mountains, S&B scopes are designed for a wide variety of environments.

They have optics designed specifically for particular locales that allow them to excel in these environments. S&B is one of the few who takes the time to consider the environment when they build their optics.

The post 11 Best Long-Range Scopes Reviewed (1000 Yard Scopes) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Or is it?

In reality, the rest of your body has a large impact on pistol handling. With a good stance, the sights will waver less and you’ll recover from recoil and get on target quickly.

There are multiple stances you can use when shooting a pistol, but none of them are perfect for every person or every situation. Handguns are often used in dynamic situations, so it’s good to be practiced in multiple stances.

We’ll start with the two-handed stances and then cover several stances that you can use with only one hand.

In every stance below, it is important to keep your wrists locked. Limp-wristing can cause semi-automatic handguns to jam.

Make sure to also check our article on rifle shooting stances.

Two-Handed Pistol Shooting Stances

If at all possible, always use two hands to control your pistol!

The addition of a second hand offers you much more control over the gun than when using only one hand. You will get on sight faster, handle recoil better, and more easily maintain control over the gun if someone tries to take it from you.

All of the stances below have something in common: lean into the gun!

Putting your upper body weight forward helps you brace against recoil and gives you more control over the firearm. Leaning back may seem easier when you are adapting to the weight of a gun, but this will put you in a position where you can easily lose your balance.

Moving forward, we will refer to your strong hand and your support hand as we describe the various stances. Your strong hand is the one that grips the gun and pulls the trigger, while the support hand is only there to offer support.

Weaver

Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Jack Weaver developed the Weaver stance. It quickly became the most commonly used two-handed stance, though it has recently been overtaken by the Isosceles stance. It’s still a dynamic stance that’s good to learn.

Face your target and hold the pistol with both hands. Put your support-side foot slightly forward, about 8 to 10 inches, with your toes pointing at your target. Your strong-side foot should point 45 degrees to the side.

Push forward with your strong hand while keeping your elbow slightly bent. Pull back with your support hand to put tension on the gun and keep the support elbow at a 45-degree angle. Your support shoulder should lean forward, and the strong shoulder should be pulled backward.

Don’t forget to lean your torso forward as well!

Weaver Stance Pros

This is a fast, dynamic stance. You don’t have to move your feet to engage different targets, merely swing your torso around. The sights are also closer than with some of the other two-handed stances, so target acquisition is easier.

Weaver Stance Cons

The problem with the Weaver stance is that it does not control recoil as well as other stances. If you don’t have much upper body strength, it can be difficult to acquire targets as quickly as you can with other stances. Also, it’s not as good for cross-eye dominant shooters.

Chapman

The Chapman Stance, also known as the modified Weaver stance, may be better for some shooters. It was designed by Ray Chapman to fix some of the problems with the Weaver stance.

You will use the same foot position as the Weaver stance, but bring the support foot back a little bit.

The main differences are in the arms. Instead of pushing your strong arm forward, straighten and lock your elbow so your strong arm is as straight and immobile as possible. Your support shoulder should not push forward but keep pulling back with the support hand.

You can even put your chin or cheek against your strong-side bicep for a more stable sight picture.

Chapman Stance Pros

The Chapman stance offers more recoil control over the Weaver stance. It’s also easier for people who are not very strong. The stance is also easier for people who are cross-eye dominant.

Chapman Stance Cons

The downside of the Chapman stance is that it’s not as dynamic as the Weaver stance. That’s not just a fancy word; it’s harder to swivel to face new targets in this stance. Also, the pistol’s sights are a little further away and thus slightly harder to see.

Power Isosceles

My favorite stance is the Power Isosceles stance. It’s a slight modification to the original Isosceles stance with no downsides.

Face your target and keep your shoulders level with each other. Extend both arms with locked elbows, holding the pistol in line with the center of your chest. Push forward with your strong hand and pull back with your support hand.

From overhead, this should look like an isosceles triangle, hence the name of the stance.

The original Isosceles stance called for your feet to be shoulder-width apart, but that’s not great for balance. The Power Isosceles stance uses the same foot position as the Weaver stance: support-side foot forward and pointing at the target, strong-side foot back and pointing 45 degrees to the side.

This keeps you better braced in case something comes along and tries to knock you over.

Power Isosceles Stance Pros

This stance is the best for recoil control. If you know a pistol shooting stance that gets you back on target faster, let me know!

It’s also great for people who are cross-eye dominant.

Power Isosceles Stance Cons

The Isosceles stance is more dynamic than the Chapman stance but not as dynamic as the Weaver stance. You can’t pivot quite as far in either direction.

You also have to stick your gun far out in front of you, making this stance a poor choice for close-in fighting.

Center Axis Relock

The Weaver, Chapman, and Isosceles stances were designed for competitive shooting. Paul Castle developed the Center Axis Relock (CAR) stance for combat.

The CAR stance was designed to get you on target quickly at close range while keeping your gun close to your body. It can be used even when you can’t stand up, such as in a vehicle.

There are two positions in the CAR stance: high and extended. The high position is used for confined spaces or for quick action from a holster. The extended position is for more accurate fire.

The CAR stance does not pay attention to how your feet are situated because you will not have time to get your feet into a “proper” position during a gunfight.

High Position

Despite its name, the high position is relatively low on the body.

To get into the high position, turn your support shoulder toward the target. Draw your gun with your strong hand and bring it up to your chest. Use your support hand to move any clothing out of the way, then place it on the gun as well.

When in position, your torso should be about 45 degrees from the target and both of your wrists should be held firmly against your chest. Your elbows should flare out, ready to move into the extended position—or strike against anyone who get too close.

Extended Position

The extended position comes after the high position. Drop your support elbow down to your belly and raise your strong elbow to the side. This will bring your pistol’s sights up to your eyes while keeping everything close to your body. The gun will be at an angle, which is good for recoil control.

CAR Stance Pros

This stance excels at close-range fighting where your targets are man-sized. It is fast and adapts to any situation.

CAR Stance Cons

The CAR stance suffers at ranges longer than 10 yards. However, it isn’t too difficult to push your arms out and square your shoulders to get into the Power Isosceles stance.

One-Handed Pistol Shooting Stances

Though two-handed stances are preferred, you may not always be able to get into such a stance. Maybe you’re carrying something with your support hand, or it was injured in some way.

That being said, it’s a good idea to learn how to accurately fire a pistol with one hand before it becomes a requirement.

Unless your support hand is occupied with carrying something, you should purposefully place it somewhere on your body so it won’t move around and spoil your aim. Recommended positions for your support hand are on your hip, with your thumb through your belt loop, with your fist against your chest, or with your arm folded against your back.

Bladed

This is the first one-handed pistol shooting stance developed. It used to be taught to military personnel before the Weaver stance was developed.

Though it is now obsolete, it is still an accurate stance when slow fire is acceptable, such as at the firing range. It’s also the only stance where you do not lean into the gun.

Stand up straight, perpendicular to the target. Hold the gun in your strong hand. Raise the gun above your shoulders, then drop until your shoulders and arm form a line pointing straight at your target. Look down the sights and pull the trigger. Let the recoil raise your forearm while keeping your upper arm straight.

Bladed Stance Pros

This is the most accurate one-handed stance. In fact, it is recommended for Bullseye competition shooting, which can involve an 8-inch target at 50 yards. No mean feat for a pistol!

Bladed Stance Cons

The Bladed Stance is slow, both in terms of target acquisition and recovering from each shot. It’s a poor choice for dynamic shooting.

Power Point

A much better choice for one-handed shooting when speed is necessary is the Power Point Stance.

Stand with your strong-side shoulder and foot forward, pointing at your target, with your support-side shoulder and foot back. Keep your knees slightly bent. Your torso will be 45 degrees from the target.

Point the gun at the target with your elbow slightly bent. Squeeze the muscles in your arm to prepare for the recoil, then pull the trigger.

Power Point Stance Pros

The Power Point Stance is much faster than the Bladed Stance and can be used in more situations than only at the range.

Power Point Stance Cons

This stance is not as accurate as the Bladed Stance.

Retention

This last stance is for self-defense purposes and is not of much use at the range. It minimizes the ability of attackers to disarm you, hence the name.

Turn your support shoulder toward the target. Bring your strong arm to the bottom of your rib cage and hold your arm, right behind the wrist, against your torso.

Retention Stance Pros

This stance keeps you from being disarmed by an attacker. It’s also acceptable at short-range shooting against large targets.

Retention Stance Cons

This is the least accurate of all of the stances on this list. It should only be used for practice or in case of emergencies.

Finally, if your pistol has barrel porting or a muzzle brake, this stance can direct gasses against your body. Don’t use the Retention Stance with such guns!

Conclusion

Not every stance is good for every situation, so you need to practice each stance until you can naturally assume the proper position to deliver fast, accurate fire, no matter where you are.

Related: What Type of Hearing Protection is Best for Shooting?

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