Spotter's Rifle

[DeSnifter]

I have been doing some research and would like a collective opinion. Local to where I live there are Sniper/Spotter matches that a friend and I compete in. Currently I run a 16" LWRC SPR as the spotter in these competitions but I am looking to get something a little more accurate. As the spotter I would be engaging targets from 7 yards to 300 yards, however I have the possibility to take shots for the "sniper" out to 750 yards. This is a rifle I will be doing prone and positional shooting with in addition to running.

I am looking at an AR build in 18" and was looking intensely at the High Caliber Sales Mk12 Mod 1 or 0. I am also considering going with the same specs as a Mod 1 but with a KAC URX 3.1 and surefire brake. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JSF]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

My buddy and I just shot a sniper/spotter comp in Texas. He used the High Caliber Sales Mk12 Mod 1 and we ended up placing 2nd. That gun is awesome. It is accurate light and functioned flawlessly. I would highly recommend one. I will be getting one myself.

 

[DeSnifter]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

That is good to hear, I was leaning towards the mod1 as a result of the weight savings. Did your partner use the Ops Inc can as well. Also, would you mind sharing what optic he used. I have a NF 2.5-10 mil/mil I was planning on mounting.

 

[BOL556]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

If you are looking for something that is less effected by wind look into the 6.5 Grendel. You would just need to change your upper on your current rifle. If you want a complete different set up for it go for an AR10 platform either in 308, 260, or 6.5 CM. Hope this helps or at least gives you something to ponder.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DeSnifter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Currently I run a 16" LWRC SPR as the spotter in these competitions but I am looking to get something a little more accurate. </div></div> Could you look at putting a match barrel on the LWRC? I think you would pick up a considerable amount of accuracy at a lot less cost. And, more money for ammo!

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

I second looking at the 6.5 Grendel. My spotter runs a home build in it and has just about as much capability as my 308 bolt gun inside ~750. Factory match ammo shoots so well in it and is so cheap there is no point in reloading for it either.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DeSnifter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Currently I run a 16" LWRC SPR as the spotter in these competitions but I am looking to get something a little more accurate. </div></div> Could you look at putting a match barrel on the LWRC? I think you would pick up a considerable amount of accuracy at a lot less cost. And, more money for ammo! </div></div>

I think this is the single biggest issue with LWRC. They make a very good product, but with how much you're paying for it, it should have a top of the line barrel on it. I would have bought a REPR the first year it came out if the barrel was higher quality. Accuracy isn't a big deal out of a shorty carbine, but for people looking for an SPR/DMR/precision rifle, it seems like LWRC cannot run with GAP, LaRue, or POF. I think putting a top notch barrel on that rig would likely get it to the level of accuracy the OP is looking for, though I don't know how tough it will be to marry a custom barrel onto the LWRC piston system.

 

[Snake Plissken]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

You can't do that using the M6-SPR and Mk. 262? I wonder if my 18" barreled M6-SPR could push out that far with the right ammo.

 

[JSF]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

We did not run the can at the match. I think it is still waiting for ATF approval. He was running the NF2.5-10x24. I think next time we use it at a match he will run a NF2.5-10x32 so it will be mil/mil.

 

[DeSnifter]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

I know a lot of people are running Mk262 in their Mk12's. What is the main advantage to 6.5 grendel over .223? I am not familiar with any of the specialty rounds for the AR platform. Is there a good factory 6.5 grendel upper I could look at?

 

[BOL556]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

Check out Alexander Arms uppers. This video explains the 6.5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haqXE8nq3io&feature=related

 

[BCP]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

Most of the range reports I've seen have the 16" LWRC at 1-1.5MOA and somewhat lower velocities. I would guess you are missing small targets close in and kind of all over the place @ 500+ is that how it is?

 

[DeSnifter]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

No, in the last competition I only missed one of my shots initially but I was able to quickly reengage. The maximum shot I had to take was a series of 3 at a little under 300 yards because my partner was on top of his game. We actually managed to get 2nd place. At the ranges I have been using the LWRC it has performed fine, and theoretically I should stick with this rifle. However, in the instance that my partner needs me to take a shot at an increased distance I want a more accurate rifle. The targets for the sniper are 6" to 12" plates at up to 750 yards so I am looking for something a little more dedicated to precision.

 

[mattkarstetter]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

I'm currently looking for a similar rifle and am considering a jp precision with a 16" barrel. I have seen these rifles in action and they are ridiculously accurate.

good luck

 

[BCP]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DeSnifter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At the ranges I have been using the LWRC it has performed fine, and theoretically I should stick with this rifle...The targets for the sniper are 6" to 12" plates at up to 750 yards so I am looking for something a little more dedicated to precision. </div></div>

Well if you want a bit more accuracy and velocity than what you have now w/o lots of weight added a good 18" 223 build would do it. 12" plates wouldn't be much of a problem with the right load and wind calls. 6" would be a challenge though.

Grendel is 6.5MM. Lower velocity but much higher ballistic coefficient than 223 in the same size receiver. Factory match ammo is about a buck a round. It is certainly work a look too.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

IMHO, unless you are running around indoors, there's not as much point to having a shorter barrel as some might support.

I have a Stag Model 6 Super Varminter with a 24" varmint weight barrel. I think it's very close to cempetitive with the F T/R bolt guns on their own ground.

No, it's no shorty; and it can be a handful at 10 lb. But for outdoors, there's not a lot of targets it can't defeat affectively out to at least 700yd supersonic.

Greg

 

[DeSnifter]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

If I went a build route, is there a specific contour I should be looking for? I noticed Noveske makes an 18" SPR contour barrel but I am not sure what exactly that entails. I know it is a heavier contour but I am unsure if it follows any sort of specific standard. Also with those that chose Kreiger barrels, is it a blank that you order and have turned or do you buy it assembled?

 

[BCP]

Re: Spotter's Rifle

SPR contours are somewhat like an HBAR contour only 18" instead of 20". It's a very popular barrel design and many companies offer drop ins around the 300 or so dollar mark.

White oak are 279$, Fulton has a Douglas one that is 300 I think, Rainier Ultra Match are 365$...

If you want to spend more...you can buy a JP 18" with brake, adj gas block and bolt for 600. Ready to go.

edit: this one

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/839991/...all-compensator

I pulled targets for a guy shooting one with varget and 69's at 600 yards. Almost all of his 20 round string was in the F class ten ring which is 1MOA.