how would you tweak this build?

[Hogtrot]

So having lurked on this site for nearly a year and a half, and having gather my funds, it is time for me now to buy a rifle. I present my build for your inspection:

<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]Intended Use: a tactical bolt-action rifle, meant to engage targets from 25-800yds from standing, sitting, or prone. [*]Rifle: GAP Rock in .260 Remington, 25" barrel, McMillan HTG stock, Badger M5 DBM, TAB sling [*]Scope: US Optics SN-3 1.8-10x, MIL/MIL, Mil-Dot reticle, ERGO parallax adj. [/list]
Some questions. How vital is a bipod for such a set-up? I would prefer to avoid the extra weight if I could. Also, is parallax adjustment necessary? I understand it is vital for high magnification on close targets, but if I am shooting at approx. 1x magnification per 100yds (so 3x magnification at 300yds, etc.) will I need it?

The inspiration for this rifle is basically a modernized M40a1. Take that rifle, change it to a modern and more forgiving caliber, flute the barrel, and make the scope variable power, and that's the rifle I am looking to build. Thoughts?

 

[bolloxinaspanner]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Is it for nostalgia that you don't want a higher power scope? If so, that will get old after about...oh, a half hour. Nostalgia aint what it used to be. You'll probably get the itch to shoot out yonder a tad further than 800yds. and 10x is ok but 16,20,24x is way better. Yes, parallax adj. is very nice to have as a knob but not needed for KD matches. Bipod? Brother, you must not have ever shot with one if you have to ask.

 

[hewlett260]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Yes to the Parallax at any range on any power 8x or higher, and you will definitely want more magnification on your glass. Unless you are shooting man-size only targets, you will end up hating the low power. As for the bipod, Atlas all the way!

 

[leadbullet]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

you don't need a gap .260 to shoot up to 800 yds, any basic remy will do that on the other hand your GAP will easily reach 1400yds with a 22 inch barrel, so put a bit higher mag scope on it. Other than that it is a great build.
hope this helps.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

The thing about magnification is that you can turn it down if you have too much for mirage; but closer in, you can use all the mags you can get hold of, and mags mean better target resolution and confirmation.

If you know how to quarter the reticle and do it religiously, you can minimize the effects of parallax; but doing it right is not all that compatible with making the quicker shot.

I still believe parallax is the largest single cause of inaccuracy.

Focus and parallax are usually combined into a single adjustment. It's one of those things that needs to be done right at the factory, and it's probably the single worst accomplished feature provision that the less expensive scopes are prone to. It's high on the list of things you're paying them to get right on the really expensive optics.

Simply getting the focus right does not guarantee proper parallaz adjustment. Learn how to detect and correct parallax imbalance, and be prepared to choose proper parallax over sharpest focus.

All in all, it's an exquisite choice of components. It leans heavily in the direction of buying the best and expecting the best outcome.

Just understand that most folks can do little better with the best than they can with a more moderately affordable setup. Make sure the costs are validated by priceworthy skills.

What I think is immaterial; the point here is that you need to feel you've expended your valuable resources in the wisest possible manner.

Greg

 

[Hogtrot]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Well, you guys have got me convinced on the higher magnification. And interested at least in the bipod.

As for price-worthy skills, I know I don't deserve this set up - yet. But I know that with musical instruments, where there is a similar price-to-quality scale (you can get "good" for cheap, but "excellent" is going to cost you), that buying a starter instrument just leads to frustration. It doesn't feel good to play, and makes you not want to practice. Whereas a great instrument begs to be played all the time. I know from experience that it's the same with sporting-clay shotguns, and I hope it's the same with long-range rifles.

 

[UIUCPPQ]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Greg, could you quickly explain what you mean by "quartering the reticle"? I've never heard this phrase before.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UIUCPPQ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Greg, could you quickly explain what you mean by "quartering the reticle"? I've never heard this phrase before.

</div></div>


1/4 of the target in each quadrant of the scope...

 

[ARNEWB]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Another vote for more power on the scope.

The rifle is a good choice, and despite you being modest and saying only 800, plan on stretching it too 1k. Its addictive.

 

[264highlandhunter]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

More x for sure, and yes-you want a bipod.

 

[Cacciatore]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Go with an Alas bipod. I recently bought one and I'm in love. I don't know how I ever shot without it.

As far as the scope go with something with plenty of power. Seeing your bullet holes is a great thing.

 

[ntnsurf]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

The Atlas bipod is worth every penny of the additional cost over a Harris. The Atlas is significantly more streamlined, ease and speed of use are increased by the ball detent and push button adjustments and durability is greatly improved.

 

[ryanshaw44]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

S&B PMll 5-25-56

 

[JudasMac]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Parallax is a huge issue. Most of the guys in sniper school that failed out due to the shooting range were the same guys that always forgot to adjust for parallax. Unlike focusing a reticle, where you only have to do it once (theoretically) the parallax needs to be adjusted everytime you aquire a new target at a different range. Sounds like a great build though, and it's true, after awhile 800yds just won't be enough. Good luck!

 

[77Bronc]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Well, you guys have got me convinced on the higher magnification. And interested at least in the bipod.

I have a 1.8 to 10 USO on my rifle and you will want more power...I am now realizing the 10X will be a limiting factor. You have the right scope brand in mind, but really consider moving up to the 3.2-17 USO or higher, the T-Pal is a great option and yes to the bipod, Atlas is a great choice.

77

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Quartering the reticle is firing preparation technique used to nullfy parallax error when adjustment is not an option. I works because parallax can be overcome two ways. The first is by adjusting it out of the optical setup, and the second is by perfectly aligning the eye's pupil with the optical center axis.

To do it, the shooter moves their head on the cheekrest up and down, left and right, a litte at a time. In each direction, they will encounter thd edge of the optical exit pupil, which will signify itself as a shadow along that far edge of the image. The shooter then attempts to get their eye lined up about equally far, up and down, left and right, from the appearence of those repective shadows. Done correctly, this places the eye's pupil in proper optical alignment with the scope's optical center axis.

It works because it eliminates eye pupil misalignments, which are what causes the reticle to track across the image in sync with head motion, creating the aiming errors that parallax induces.

Greg

 

[red6actual]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Bipod needed? depends if you will use it or just carry it around, I have one and have yet to use it.

 

[eodsix]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

I must agree with most of what I read above. More power, yes. Zoom, yes, so you can power down when you have high mirage and to gain more situational awareness for scanning the target area or when shooting moving targets or when you yourself are moving. Be aware though that you can get too much power. 10x is great out to 1000m. Higher power is great for longer ranges but with higher power you run into the problem of weapon movement. Every heart beat is magnified with every increase in power. Wind can shake you and the rifle, etc. etc. Parallax adjustment, yes, every time you shoot. The target may look like it's in focus but if you have the gun perfectly still and move your head side to side or up and down, you will see the crosshair move across the target if parallax is out. Parallax must be adjusted until you see no movement across the target. Quartering the reticle yes. Bipod, yes, but with this caveat. If you can take a shot with a sand bag front and rear, you will always have the advantage. Bipod and rear bag, next best and so on down the line. Different height bipods are an option too. As your screen name implies, you're probably a hunter. A long bipod that extends 18 to 30something inches is perfect for the sitting position. I can't remember ever taking a shot on an animal from the prone. Watched animals yes but . . . sitting on a stand is more comfortable. Short bench rest bipods have their use as well but benching with sand bags is always preferable.

 

[3oh8er]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Bi-pods are great, especially when I'm not in the mood to drag 75lbs of sandbags to the range. But for maximum accuracy testing I use sandbags at every opportunity.

 

[bolloxinaspanner]

Re: how would you tweak this build?

Hogtrot,
Your backpack or sling pack (I have a MOAB, love it) can give you height should you need it in the field if your bipod isn't high enough. I also carry a short tripod with a bag on it for just such occasions. If you plan on shooting any Tactical matches you should think about a sling. I like and use a TAB sling, very versatile and adjustable. You won't see many on this forum that use the VersaPod bipod but I prefer it and it's cheaper than an Atlas (check out the Tubb mod, Superior Shooting Supplies). Good luck and enjoy your rifle and rig, whatever it turns out to be.