How do you define a 'precision rifle' ?

Tomochan

Tomochan

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
341   0   0
Location
The Cariboo, BC
I was talking with a friend the other day about this subject and we concluded that, like many things in life, the definition of a precision rifle appears to have changed. At one time I think the term referred to a single shot benchrest rifle almost totally custom and built on a 700 or, if you want to go back a bit further, a M70 or M98 receiver whereas today the term includes, in the minds of many, the so-called tactical rifles that, while lacking the .1 or .2 pinpoint accuracy of a bench gun, are certainly sub-moa and, in a number of cases, are knocking on the door of sub half moa.

FWIW, I have a number of tactical bolt guns and all are sub-moa but, if pushed for an answer I would allow that only those that can produce half moa or better can truly be called 'precision rifles'. My guide to whether the rifle, glass, ammo and driver are really working is if a five shot group can be covered with a dime at 100m and I'd be interested to know what personal benchmark others consider the hallmark of a precision rifle.
 
Any rifle I don't own is probably a precision rifle but for some reason if I was to get it, it would become a MOA (or larger) rifle.
 
I shoot Target Rifle with a jacket and sling off my elbows (no rest) with iron sights at distances from 300 yards to 1000 yards. The bull for TR is around 2 MOA, (some a little less some a little more). I have no idea how well or poorly my rifle would shoot at 100 yards off a rest or bipod or with a scope on it. The rifle, with me driving it will shoot less than 1 MOA elevation out to 1000 yards on a good day. Factor in changing light conditions, wind angle and speed, distance to target and all other weather related conditions, plus the human factor I would be pleased with 2 MOA at long range.
 
For me precision is relative.

I have precision hunting rifles that at just under 3/4 MOA certainly would not pretend to compete with a well tuned 6mmbr.

On the other hand (from my perspective) calling a 6mmbr that shoots 3/4 moa precise is hardly correct.

Your mileage may vary.
 
PRECISION RIFLE: A rifle that can deliver an appropriate bullet on the desired target under the conditions demanded by the task of a skilled shooter.

Jerry
Click to expand...


On the first try, by virtue of repeatable sight adjustments and cartridge/bullet combos that reduce the effect of range and wind dopeing error.
 
You want numbers, I'll give you numbers ;)

My answers at 100 yards, my definition of precision is:
0.5" - 0.75" 5 shot group for a semi-automatic rifle (around 1/2 MOA)
0.5" 10 shot group for a magazine equipped bolt action (better than 1/2 MOA)
0.25" 5 shot group for a single shot target rilfe (better than 1/4 MOA)
0.25" 5 shot group at 200 yards for benchrest rifle (1/8 MOA)

If you need more precision than that get a laser gun ;)
Alex
 
For years i have been develloping a load for both my Sako TRG, i got their perfect load for each of them that when everything is right will shoot .25 at 200 metres... Now i shoot these load in my hunting 308 or my friends ask me for a few and try them in their hunting rifles, these loads shoots good in every rifles usually under an inch at 100 metres, nothing extraordinary but accurate.... Now a month ago i bought a TC Icon WS in 308 and with my proven TRG loads this rifle shoot my best loads on par with my TRG, i never had a hunting rifle that could shoot .25 at 200 metres but this Icon is just out of this world for accuracy. Just put a deposit on a Warlord 308, TC never caught my eye until a mont ago... JP.
 
. Now a month ago i bought a TC Icon WS in 308 and with my proven TRG loads this rifle shoot my best loads on par with my TRG said:
Wow, that gun beats 90% of the 6ppc benchrest guns out there. The Canadian record 5 shot group for a sporter rifle is .215" at 200 yards.
Click to expand...
 
I know and the trigger on the Icon is at 38 onces and it is one if not the best stock trigger i've tried, way ahead of my Savage 12 BVSS Accutriger and my 700 Tactical...For my test i have monted one of my TRG scope a Smidt&Bender 5X25X56 on it, Both of my TRG are scoped with one, best scope in my opinion for long range accuracy... Cant wait to see the possibility of the Warlord, at 58 i thought my days of being amazed where behind me, keep you posted... JP.
 
Here is one of my most accurate load in both my TRG, Savage, 700 and the one that made me have .25 groups with my Icon 308... Lapua 154gr Scenar... Federal match cases... 45.5 Varget... CCI BR-2 primers... OAL .0010 off the lands, they dont fit in magazine, now i did not calculate the jump for the Icon but my guess it must be close to .0010, as i find out sice i handload .0010 seem almost be the sweet spot in many 308 that i own. VERY ACCURATE LOAD... Thank you. JP.
 
caramel said:
Here is one of my most accurate load in both my TRG, Savage, 700 and the one that made me have .25 groups with my Icon 308... Lapua 154gr Scenar... Federal match cases... 45.5 Varget... CCI BR-2 primers... OAL .0010 off the lands, they dont fit in magazine, now i did not calculate the jump for the Icon but my guess it must be close to .0010, as i find out sice i handload .0010 seem almost be the sweet spot in many 308 that i own. VERY ACCURATE LOAD... Thank you. JP.
Click to expand...

That scope you have doesn't hurt either. I have the same scope with P4 reticle and its great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom