There’s a certain mythos about being able to hit a target from a great distance. The movies are filled with these epic shots, and making just one can turn a good shooter into a legend.
American Sniper Chris Kyle put his gift to use protecting Marines in the Middle East, and the Navy Seal will be long remembered as a hero. While making a 1,000-yard shot won’t make us all heroes, it will prove beyond any doubt the skill a gun enthusiast possesses. These are five long-range tactical firearms of varying cost that are terrific values and excellent weapons in their own right.
Remington 700 AAC
Nicknamed the “poor man’s sniper rifle” by some, this Remington can get the job done regardless of how fat your wallet. Firing a .308 Win and weighing a slender 7.5 pounds, tactical shooters have put this weapon through its paces and enjoyed a 5-shot, half-inch grouping at 100 yards. It obviously delivers the accuracy of far more expensive long-range rifles. At a manufacturer cost in the $700s, why spend more if that product works.
Bergara B-14 HMR
With a 22-inch barrel and a 41.5-inch total length, this Bergara provides upscale accuracy for a weapon generally priced around $1,000. Firing a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 5-round magazine, it carries at 9.25 pounds. Granted, it could lose a pound. Marksmen tout its reliable bolt and ability to make tight groupings. The firearm does requiring cooling after completing a full mag and enjoys favorable customization options and a crisp trigger. The average speed per round comes in at approximately 2,735 with a 17.0 standard deviation. The B-14 is an excellent price-range value.
FN SPR A3G
This model comes in at a barrel length of 24 inches and an overall length of 44 inches. The 5-round magazine enjoys a hinged floorplate and fires .308 Win. The American made, bolt action weapon earns high praise from long-range shooters. Some point to its .5-inch minutes of accuracy (MOA), while others claim it exceeds that number. Shooters also advocate for Federal Gold Medal Match ammo and the A3G may be best at 600 yards or closer. At under $3,000, that’s good value for a fine firearm.
An American Sniper favorite: GA Precision Gladius
A serious shooter willing to put down upwards of $4,100 would do well to have this .308 Win-firing tactical weapon. With an 18-inch barrel and 36 inches overall, it weighs a slender 10 pounds. It comes with a 5-round, detachable magazine. A 10-round mag can be special ordered. This was considered the weapon of choice by famed American Sniper hero Chris Kyle. The Navy Seal did use a military issue in combat, but he has been widely photographed with the GA. The American gun-company hails from Kansas City, MO, and has been touted for its precision weapons.
SIG Sauer Blaser Tactical 2
This TAC2 weapon is good at 1,000 yards. It will take lead on tactical law enforcement operations far ahead of boots on the ground auto firearms. The high-end weapon enjoys a unique, straight-pull action that excels in quickness. The scope mounting has been engineered to meet the barrel rather than the receiver and this makes changes efficient and preserves accuracy. This SIG Sauer can be taken down rapidly as well. It comes standard righty, but can be outfitted lefty. The 5-round detachable magazine enjoys release via a pair of buttons and falls gently into the palm. It handles a variety of ammo options and recoil tends to be minimal at best. Running around $4,500, the SIG Sauer Blaser Tactical 2 is worth every penny for the serious long-range shooter.
~ Firearm Daily