I'm new to the long range shooting. I just got handed a remington 700 aac a few weeks ago. I have been hunting down gear to use with this rifle. Any ideas on what would be a good start to get this system running. I have been looking at scopes, chaiss system and data books ect. I have no idea where to start. A little help pls.
- Thread starter mustangemonkey
- Start date
Re: Sniper First Setup
what will you be using it for?
what will you be using it for?
Re: Sniper First Setup
For LE use
For LE use
Re: Sniper First Setup
And what kind of budget?
And what kind of budget?
Re: Sniper First Setup
My budget is around 5-8k trying to put down a good foundation for the team.
My budget is around 5-8k trying to put down a good foundation for the team.
Re: Sniper First Setup
Well then, you have a ton of good options. I'd start with a good mount, and rings. A few examples of good rings would be NF, Badger Ordnance, Seekins, Spurh, among others. Then I'd start looking at a NF (I run 2 of them)scope at the bottom end and up to a Schmidt and Bender (Just make sure the turrets and reticle match mil/mil or moa/moa). For Chassis, I like AI and McMillan, but there are others. I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but I'd get a quality scope first, then buy the other stuff as needed.
Well then, you have a ton of good options. I'd start with a good mount, and rings. A few examples of good rings would be NF, Badger Ordnance, Seekins, Spurh, among others. Then I'd start looking at a NF (I run 2 of them)scope at the bottom end and up to a Schmidt and Bender (Just make sure the turrets and reticle match mil/mil or moa/moa). For Chassis, I like AI and McMillan, but there are others. I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but I'd get a quality scope first, then buy the other stuff as needed.
Re: Sniper First Setup
Buy the absolute best optic that you can afford then look for a rifle with what you have left. A mediocre rifle with a good optic will outperform a mediocre optic on a good rifle anyday.
A Nightforce and rings will be close to $2k and a TRG-22 will be another $3500 or so.
Buy the absolute best optic that you can afford then look for a rifle with what you have left. A mediocre rifle with a good optic will outperform a mediocre optic on a good rifle anyday.
A Nightforce and rings will be close to $2k and a TRG-22 will be another $3500 or so.
Re: Sniper First Setup
The NF/TRG combo will come in about $5500, spend the rest of your budget on training and trigger time (ammo).
The NF/TRG combo will come in about $5500, spend the rest of your budget on training and trigger time (ammo).
Re: Sniper First Setup
He's got a rifle already (Remington 700AAC)
He's got a rifle already (Remington 700AAC)
Re: Sniper First Setup
As I read it, he already has the rifle.
OP, this is all budget dependent, as are most equipment choices.
Most administrators begin to choke when they see the costs involved.
First, decide on a scope. Something with a low end of 3 or 4 power with a high end of 12 to 16 or so.
An illuminated reticle is highly recommended.
You need to decide between FFP and SFP, I have spoken to numerous police snipers that are completely clueless about FFP scopes.
I happen to be a big believer in FFP, regardless of your choice, make sure the adjustments match the reticle sub-tensions. (mil-mil or moa-moa) trust me, it makes things significantly easier.
You can get an excellent tactical scope from Weaver that meets all of the requirements for about 750 dollars.
http://swfa.com/Weaver-3-15x50-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49448.aspx
Next you need a good mounting kit, this one is very reasonable and of very high quality:
http://swfa.com/TPS-Mounting-Kit-for-Remington-700-Short-Action-P44682.aspx
These aren't the only things available, but an excellent baseline.
You can spend over 300 dollars for the mounts, but they won't work any better, and you can spend over 3000 dollars for a scope (which will be a much better scope, but won't "work" any better)
You'll need to replace that stock, as it will cause POI shift by exerting pressure on the barrel.
You can do this for anywhere from 230 dollars to 1400 dollars.
The low end is the B&C M40 style stock, it is an excellent stock with a full length aluminum bedding block for 230 bucks, high end would be an AI-AX style chassis. If you feel that you need a DBM system, I would just get a chassis. Look middle of the road at the McCree, XLR or PDC Chassis systems. I chose XLR and couldn't be happier but you would probably have to go with higher rings. The McCree is a bit cheaper and includes 1 magazine with it (get a spare)
You'll need a bipod.
I like the Harris 9-13" swivel model with notched legs and a pod-loc.
http://swfa.com/Harris-Ultralight-LM-S-Series-Bipod-P3011.aspx
To be honest with you, I would consider replacing the trigger with a timney adjusted to around 3.5 lbs. The X-mark Pro is not a bad trigger, but there have been isolated instances of the trigger shoe breaking where the adjustment screw passes through.
As I read it, he already has the rifle.
OP, this is all budget dependent, as are most equipment choices.
Most administrators begin to choke when they see the costs involved.
First, decide on a scope. Something with a low end of 3 or 4 power with a high end of 12 to 16 or so.
An illuminated reticle is highly recommended.
You need to decide between FFP and SFP, I have spoken to numerous police snipers that are completely clueless about FFP scopes.
I happen to be a big believer in FFP, regardless of your choice, make sure the adjustments match the reticle sub-tensions. (mil-mil or moa-moa) trust me, it makes things significantly easier.
You can get an excellent tactical scope from Weaver that meets all of the requirements for about 750 dollars.
http://swfa.com/Weaver-3-15x50-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49448.aspx
Next you need a good mounting kit, this one is very reasonable and of very high quality:
http://swfa.com/TPS-Mounting-Kit-for-Remington-700-Short-Action-P44682.aspx
These aren't the only things available, but an excellent baseline.
You can spend over 300 dollars for the mounts, but they won't work any better, and you can spend over 3000 dollars for a scope (which will be a much better scope, but won't "work" any better)
You'll need to replace that stock, as it will cause POI shift by exerting pressure on the barrel.
You can do this for anywhere from 230 dollars to 1400 dollars.
The low end is the B&C M40 style stock, it is an excellent stock with a full length aluminum bedding block for 230 bucks, high end would be an AI-AX style chassis. If you feel that you need a DBM system, I would just get a chassis. Look middle of the road at the McCree, XLR or PDC Chassis systems. I chose XLR and couldn't be happier but you would probably have to go with higher rings. The McCree is a bit cheaper and includes 1 magazine with it (get a spare)
You'll need a bipod.
I like the Harris 9-13" swivel model with notched legs and a pod-loc.
http://swfa.com/Harris-Ultralight-LM-S-Series-Bipod-P3011.aspx
To be honest with you, I would consider replacing the trigger with a timney adjusted to around 3.5 lbs. The X-mark Pro is not a bad trigger, but there have been isolated instances of the trigger shoe breaking where the adjustment screw passes through.
Re: Sniper First Setup
I would buy a Manners stock with the Mini Chassis for a more traditional stock or maybe a Accuracy International AX Chassis, buy a good muzzle brake that doesn't have to be timed such as the Surefire End Mount( http://www.surefire.com/sfmb-762-5-8-24-muzzle-brake.html )and a Schmidt and Bender PM II 5-25, Atlas Bipod. You should be ok with this!!
I would buy a Manners stock with the Mini Chassis for a more traditional stock or maybe a Accuracy International AX Chassis, buy a good muzzle brake that doesn't have to be timed such as the Surefire End Mount( http://www.surefire.com/sfmb-762-5-8-24-muzzle-brake.html )and a Schmidt and Bender PM II 5-25, Atlas Bipod. You should be ok with this!!
Re: Sniper First Setup
Start with a good optic. The Schmidt and Bender PM 2 in 5x25 is arguably the best scope for the money. Then get a set of Nightforce or Badger Ord. rings. After that, I would take the rifle to a reputable smith and have the action trued, the trigger tuned or replaced and the barrel recrowned or replaced. If you have the budget, go with a Bartline or a Krieger barrel. Take what ever you have left and get some trigger time on it to build up a dope book. On that topic, just use a standard binder with page protectors and targets from Storm tactical (http://www.stormtactical.com/stu.htm). They have the correct target types for anything from load development to dot drills.
Best of Luck.
Start with a good optic. The Schmidt and Bender PM 2 in 5x25 is arguably the best scope for the money. Then get a set of Nightforce or Badger Ord. rings. After that, I would take the rifle to a reputable smith and have the action trued, the trigger tuned or replaced and the barrel recrowned or replaced. If you have the budget, go with a Bartline or a Krieger barrel. Take what ever you have left and get some trigger time on it to build up a dope book. On that topic, just use a standard binder with page protectors and targets from Storm tactical (http://www.stormtactical.com/stu.htm). They have the correct target types for anything from load development to dot drills.
Best of Luck.
Re: Sniper First Setup
I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap
I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap
Re: Sniper First Setup
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap </div></div>
+1 - very well put!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap </div></div>
+1 - very well put!
Re: Sniper First Setup
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap</div></div>
UNFORTUNATELY, in many departments, this is EXACTLY what makes one a LE "sniper"... then the officer has to figure it all out, including how to get certified (P.O.S.T in TX, C.L.E.E.T. here in OK)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have no clue the process that makes one an LE Sniper but surely there is more to it than handing an officer a weapon and saying go gather up the rest of the necessary gear and be ready for the call.
This is probably the best site available for information pertaining to LR shooting with sections specifically dedicated to LE and trained Snipers. Finding shooters that are shooting LR and more specifically the type of work you're wishing to become proficient at for training should be at the very top of your list. Don't discount the good ole boy varmint hunter at the local LR matches either, they can amaze you and you can learn a lot from them.
Spending big bucks and getting all top of the line name brand equipment isn't an easy way to become the caliber shooter needed for your line of work. Good quality equipment is necessary but getting good training that is specific to your line of work should be priority one. I'm sure there are folks on this site that would be glad to help with equipment selection and training locally and I'd sure be looking to visit some LR matches or ranges and spend a LOT of time with open ears and lots of questions to soak up everything you can.
I'm not a Sniper, don't ever want to be and know that they hold peoples lives in their hands when being called to possibly help solve a situation. Wish you the best in your job, become the very best you can in all the skills needed for it. Lots of good recommendations on equipment here but even good basic equipment will usually way outperform most shooters skills, it's knowing how to use it that makes the difference between a shooter and a top shelf marksman.
Topstrap</div></div>
UNFORTUNATELY, in many departments, this is EXACTLY what makes one a LE "sniper"... then the officer has to figure it all out, including how to get certified (P.O.S.T in TX, C.L.E.E.T. here in OK)
Re: Sniper First Setup
Buy decent middle-of-the-road equipment (stock, scope, mount) and spend the rest of the money on training and range time. Spend more on training and range time than on equipment. At $8k you don't have nearly enough as it is.
Just my opinion.
Buy decent middle-of-the-road equipment (stock, scope, mount) and spend the rest of the money on training and range time. Spend more on training and range time than on equipment. At $8k you don't have nearly enough as it is.
Just my opinion.
Re: Sniper First Setup
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
UNFORTUNATELY, in many departments, this is EXACTLY what makes one a LE "sniper"... then the officer has to figure it all out, including how to get certified (P.O.S.T in TX, C.L.E.E.T. here in OK)</div></div>
That has been true in the past, but I think that has changed for most jurisdictions. Liability, State Govt. and other requirements, P&P documentation, etc. makes fielding a precision rifle much more than buying one and giving it to an officer who A. wants to do it; B. is the best shot at range qualifications; C. is the old guy on the team and can't assault any more.
It is a very high-end discipline (not just skill) and equipment is only part of the equation.
Our department, I think, did it right. But then I am biased. But I will walk through the process that began almost 7 years ago and is still ongoing.
Started when we had a need. In our case, it was my complaining that when we do warrants, etc. we were going in w.out overwatch or intel. Even our minimal county SRT capability focused on entry and assault, not on overwatch and intel gathering. I complained about the lack of cover and intel long enough and hard enough that our (now retired) chief gave me a brochure for the Blackwater LE Sniper course and said: "Get some basic gear, go to this then come back and give me a plan."
The course was not to become an M/O. It was to learn enough to create a plan that would let us create an M/O capability. It was made very clear to me before I left that I was only going to learn enough to take an educated approach to building a program. It took me another 2 years before had our plans, gear, skills and capability to the point where we could deploy.
So... I went to the course in 2008. Learned a ton. Showed up with the right rifle, the wrong scope, about half the gear I needed and about twice the gear I didn't need. But I came back with contacts; a good idea of what would be needed in terms of further training; a solid list of the 'right' gear; an understanding of the qualifications and skills that were needed; and with some ideas of how to build a program. I also read about a dozen books on the subject.
Wrote it up. Program consisted of training 2 officers for full-up Marksman/Observer role and training several more for a Designated Marksman role with accurized AR's and better optics than standard patrol rifle. Chief OK'd the plan and a timeline and a budget (which wasn't nearly enough.)
The following year, I was approved to attend a SWAT school out of state, which I graduated. Since our state does not (yet) have standards/quals. for Marksman/Observer, graduation from that course served as an initial qualification and as some additional basis for continuing to plan. It also gave me the ability to start working with a second officer and bringing him up to speed. We also upgraded a lot of equipment.
In 2011, both of us had trained up enough to attend Gastonia, which was (for us) more training than competition. We did well for a first time team, but came out of it knowing where we had to do more work. And this past spring, we both attended a SWAT M/O school as a team. My partner graduated first in the class!
We now have a full-up, documented program with required training, quarterly qualifications, SOP's as part of our Use of Force procedures; the beginning of a DM program; plans to attend Gastonia again in 2013 and I am approved (budget allowing) to attend an NRA Precision Rifle Instructor school in 2013. We have a budget for ammo, gear and training schools (and hours). The instructor school, if that comes together, will add even more credentials, especially when it comes to working with other officers on our department and in the area. We are ASA members. We are recognized by all our surrounding agencies as the only nearby department with this capability and are regularly asked to support them. We're trying to train some more guys in the region... so things are gaining momentum.
That said, it has been an investment of almost 7 years...
Two other things that have been incredibly helpful: Other officers, especially the instructors at the schools I attended. Some have become friends, we all share info, shoot together when we can, etc.
And the folks here on SH. I didn't discover this place until I had been at this about 3 years. Was introduced to it by a member who came to a school as an instructor. Yes, SH is for fun at times and it is a neat 'hangout' community on one level. But there is a TON of knowledge here if you know how to ask, what to ask and who to listen to. Some of the guys who were great mentors to me don't seem to be around as much these days... others are still around and still give great input. And there are many top notch folks here, some retired military/LE, some simply very, very qualified precision marksmen. All will share generously of their time and knowledge! Again, I wish I had come here earlier!
I can't over-emphasize the importance of schools, especially early on because they will help you understand what you need to know. If you can't initially get to schools, the online training modules here on SH are a great start if you have the discipline to follow up the lessons with range time. There are few substitutes for trigger time. Not only will the training schools (and to some degree online) tell you some of what you need to know, they should leave you understanding what you don't know... and what you need to find out.
Couple of last thoughts are that there is no such thing as a 'shake and bake' recipe to make a Marksman/Observer, Sniper, Precision Marksman... choose your title. In the military it takes years... Same with LE. It takes time, commitment, budget and a major commitment by the officer. It's a science, an art, a career, a discipline, etc. that can take a lifetime to learn.
Finally, I can't tell you how many hours of our own time my partner and I have put into the process. Or how much money. Our budget didn't come close to having the quality of gear we wanted and so we have purchased a lot of stuff ourselves. And the time is in the hundreds of hours. Unless you are in a big city with a huge SWAT budget, you can't possibly expect your department to foot the bill (for gear or hours) required to make you proficient enough to deploy on an incident and expect to succeed. The officer in a smaller department is going to have to put a lot into it personally. Becoming really proficient as a precision marksmanship isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle. And after six+ years at this, I still consider myself a novice!
Hope these thoughts help...
Cheers,
Sirhr
PS definitely apply to the LE/Mil section here.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
UNFORTUNATELY, in many departments, this is EXACTLY what makes one a LE "sniper"... then the officer has to figure it all out, including how to get certified (P.O.S.T in TX, C.L.E.E.T. here in OK)</div></div>
That has been true in the past, but I think that has changed for most jurisdictions. Liability, State Govt. and other requirements, P&P documentation, etc. makes fielding a precision rifle much more than buying one and giving it to an officer who A. wants to do it; B. is the best shot at range qualifications; C. is the old guy on the team and can't assault any more.
It is a very high-end discipline (not just skill) and equipment is only part of the equation.
Our department, I think, did it right. But then I am biased. But I will walk through the process that began almost 7 years ago and is still ongoing.
Started when we had a need. In our case, it was my complaining that when we do warrants, etc. we were going in w.out overwatch or intel. Even our minimal county SRT capability focused on entry and assault, not on overwatch and intel gathering. I complained about the lack of cover and intel long enough and hard enough that our (now retired) chief gave me a brochure for the Blackwater LE Sniper course and said: "Get some basic gear, go to this then come back and give me a plan."
The course was not to become an M/O. It was to learn enough to create a plan that would let us create an M/O capability. It was made very clear to me before I left that I was only going to learn enough to take an educated approach to building a program. It took me another 2 years before had our plans, gear, skills and capability to the point where we could deploy.
So... I went to the course in 2008. Learned a ton. Showed up with the right rifle, the wrong scope, about half the gear I needed and about twice the gear I didn't need. But I came back with contacts; a good idea of what would be needed in terms of further training; a solid list of the 'right' gear; an understanding of the qualifications and skills that were needed; and with some ideas of how to build a program. I also read about a dozen books on the subject.
Wrote it up. Program consisted of training 2 officers for full-up Marksman/Observer role and training several more for a Designated Marksman role with accurized AR's and better optics than standard patrol rifle. Chief OK'd the plan and a timeline and a budget (which wasn't nearly enough.)
The following year, I was approved to attend a SWAT school out of state, which I graduated. Since our state does not (yet) have standards/quals. for Marksman/Observer, graduation from that course served as an initial qualification and as some additional basis for continuing to plan. It also gave me the ability to start working with a second officer and bringing him up to speed. We also upgraded a lot of equipment.
In 2011, both of us had trained up enough to attend Gastonia, which was (for us) more training than competition. We did well for a first time team, but came out of it knowing where we had to do more work. And this past spring, we both attended a SWAT M/O school as a team. My partner graduated first in the class!
We now have a full-up, documented program with required training, quarterly qualifications, SOP's as part of our Use of Force procedures; the beginning of a DM program; plans to attend Gastonia again in 2013 and I am approved (budget allowing) to attend an NRA Precision Rifle Instructor school in 2013. We have a budget for ammo, gear and training schools (and hours). The instructor school, if that comes together, will add even more credentials, especially when it comes to working with other officers on our department and in the area. We are ASA members. We are recognized by all our surrounding agencies as the only nearby department with this capability and are regularly asked to support them. We're trying to train some more guys in the region... so things are gaining momentum.
That said, it has been an investment of almost 7 years...
Two other things that have been incredibly helpful: Other officers, especially the instructors at the schools I attended. Some have become friends, we all share info, shoot together when we can, etc.
And the folks here on SH. I didn't discover this place until I had been at this about 3 years. Was introduced to it by a member who came to a school as an instructor. Yes, SH is for fun at times and it is a neat 'hangout' community on one level. But there is a TON of knowledge here if you know how to ask, what to ask and who to listen to. Some of the guys who were great mentors to me don't seem to be around as much these days... others are still around and still give great input. And there are many top notch folks here, some retired military/LE, some simply very, very qualified precision marksmen. All will share generously of their time and knowledge! Again, I wish I had come here earlier!
I can't over-emphasize the importance of schools, especially early on because they will help you understand what you need to know. If you can't initially get to schools, the online training modules here on SH are a great start if you have the discipline to follow up the lessons with range time. There are few substitutes for trigger time. Not only will the training schools (and to some degree online) tell you some of what you need to know, they should leave you understanding what you don't know... and what you need to find out.
Couple of last thoughts are that there is no such thing as a 'shake and bake' recipe to make a Marksman/Observer, Sniper, Precision Marksman... choose your title. In the military it takes years... Same with LE. It takes time, commitment, budget and a major commitment by the officer. It's a science, an art, a career, a discipline, etc. that can take a lifetime to learn.
Finally, I can't tell you how many hours of our own time my partner and I have put into the process. Or how much money. Our budget didn't come close to having the quality of gear we wanted and so we have purchased a lot of stuff ourselves. And the time is in the hundreds of hours. Unless you are in a big city with a huge SWAT budget, you can't possibly expect your department to foot the bill (for gear or hours) required to make you proficient enough to deploy on an incident and expect to succeed. The officer in a smaller department is going to have to put a lot into it personally. Becoming really proficient as a precision marksmanship isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle. And after six+ years at this, I still consider myself a novice!
Hope these thoughts help...
Cheers,
Sirhr
PS definitely apply to the LE/Mil section here.
Re: Sniper First Setup
Thanks for the info everyone. I will apply for the LE/Mil section
EQUIPMENT MANDATORY
Precision Scoped Rifle (1.0 MOA)
450 Rounds Ammunition
Rifle Sling
Shooting Mat
Cleaning Supplies
Note Taking Material
Eye and Ear Protection
All-weather Clothing
Binoculars / Spotting Scope
Sniper/Weapons Data Book
Elbow and Knee Pads
Thanks for the info everyone. I will apply for the LE/Mil section
EQUIPMENT MANDATORY
Precision Scoped Rifle (1.0 MOA)
450 Rounds Ammunition
Rifle Sling
Shooting Mat
Cleaning Supplies
Note Taking Material
Eye and Ear Protection
All-weather Clothing
Binoculars / Spotting Scope
Sniper/Weapons Data Book
Elbow and Knee Pads
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