Battering Ram
Well-Known Member
I got into long range shooting naturally. I grew up hunting and shooting. I've been hunting since the mid 80's (had to be 12 in Idaho back then), but I was shooting earlier than that. The problem was my dad believed I needed to master open sights before I could use a scope. Because I missed a lot (I was pretty good but not perfect) I didn't pay attention to proper mechanics. Looking back I don't think my dad knew them well either. He was a good dude but when he was young they did deer drives and never shot over a 100 yards so long range never entered his mind.
I joined the military and learned to shoot an M16A1. I was impressed with longer shots and learned some mechanics. After separation and moving home I took up hunting again. The areas I hunt elk are cross canyon. Typically, I find the elk in the timber in areas that would require getting with about 40 yards for a rifle shot. I decided this wasn't effective so I learned to shoot. I started shoot 800 - 1000 yards on 10 inch gongs which made 600 - 709 yards on an average bull elk look like the side of a barn.
Back to the open sight thing I mentioned earlier. When my children were small I read that starting them out on a scope was better and moving them to open sights was the way to go. It had to do with making shooting easier and the begging and building confidence. I followed that motto. I had an old bolt action .22 and I put a scope on it. I taught them the proper mechanics for long range shooting. As the years have gone by I have become a proficient elk quart packer for my kids. It has been fantastic watching them surpass me with their marksmanship. Now they shoot soon sights (at the range) for fun and we compete in ballon challenges. What a great time.
I chose this forum years ago for two reasons. 1). The name says it all Long Range Hunting. I expected there to be a wealth of knowledge here and I was right. I rarely post, but I creep through many of the postings greening information from all of you. I also apply a lot of that information and determine what works best and what doesn't. 2). I feel safe to post here and not have people attack my opinions in an unprofessional way. What I mean is I feel many on this sight can have a healthy debate and I encourage that. It's how we grow, but to be contrary just because one can is not something I was looking for. Folks on this forum genus only seem to care.
That's my two cents and reasons I got into long range shooting. I love that I can settle behind my rifle and knock down an elk at 700 and not think twice about it. I love the time I have with my kids (all adults now) and know they will pass this on to their kids should they decide to procreate. All of you have a pleasure and thank you to everybody who posts on here. I keep learning everyday.
I joined the military and learned to shoot an M16A1. I was impressed with longer shots and learned some mechanics. After separation and moving home I took up hunting again. The areas I hunt elk are cross canyon. Typically, I find the elk in the timber in areas that would require getting with about 40 yards for a rifle shot. I decided this wasn't effective so I learned to shoot. I started shoot 800 - 1000 yards on 10 inch gongs which made 600 - 709 yards on an average bull elk look like the side of a barn.
Back to the open sight thing I mentioned earlier. When my children were small I read that starting them out on a scope was better and moving them to open sights was the way to go. It had to do with making shooting easier and the begging and building confidence. I followed that motto. I had an old bolt action .22 and I put a scope on it. I taught them the proper mechanics for long range shooting. As the years have gone by I have become a proficient elk quart packer for my kids. It has been fantastic watching them surpass me with their marksmanship. Now they shoot soon sights (at the range) for fun and we compete in ballon challenges. What a great time.
I chose this forum years ago for two reasons. 1). The name says it all Long Range Hunting. I expected there to be a wealth of knowledge here and I was right. I rarely post, but I creep through many of the postings greening information from all of you. I also apply a lot of that information and determine what works best and what doesn't. 2). I feel safe to post here and not have people attack my opinions in an unprofessional way. What I mean is I feel many on this sight can have a healthy debate and I encourage that. It's how we grow, but to be contrary just because one can is not something I was looking for. Folks on this forum genus only seem to care.
That's my two cents and reasons I got into long range shooting. I love that I can settle behind my rifle and knock down an elk at 700 and not think twice about it. I love the time I have with my kids (all adults now) and know they will pass this on to their kids should they decide to procreate. All of you have a pleasure and thank you to everybody who posts on here. I keep learning everyday.
