Re: New to the forum and the long range scene
I think the ATR serves a useful purpose in the role you've chosen for it. While not precisely a LR Precision rifle, it will shoot respectably, and also serve admirably to familiarize oneself with the basic aspects of good marksmanship.
Once those aspects are mastered, it will also serve very admirably in a field rifle/hunting role.
Let us consider that the original formal sniper weapons were simply sporting/hunting rifles impressed into military service. IMHO, an accurate rifle that is at home in the field will fulfill most of the key aspects of tactical usage. I personally envision a valid role for a light tactical rifle. It is the sniper who is the smart weapon, the rifle is simply an appropriate tool.
The ATR has several simple reliability aspects that make it less vulnerable to environmental change, yet also simultaneous reduce its production costs. Cheaper is not always inferior.
I would also recommend a simple, reliable bolt action .22lr repeater, as a primary practice/training workhorse implement. Both inherently accurate and economical, the .22LR is at is best as a day-to-day trainer.
I might also suggest that centerfire ammunition is not especially abundantly available these days, and personal ammunition stocks can be conserved/augmented better by employing the .22lr in heavier volume/lesser terminal performance training applications. Also, the .22LR does not require as extensive a practice facility as its LR centerfire counterparts.
As skills progress and specialized needs intensify, rifle components like a heavier barrel, better trigger, better fitted stock, and advanced optics and mounts will enhance your precision marksmanship capabilities.
Greg
