Thanks for taking a look at this post! I'm close to retirement and thought it might be enjoyable to learn to shoot long range. Most shooters I see use use a bolt gun for this; however I was wondering how well a 6.5 CR AR-10 would work for this application. I know some "snipers" use semi-autos. I thought it might be handy during a zombie apocalypse and could even double as a DMR rifle.
Thanks all.
The answer to your question is... it depends. :-D Are you going to build the rifle, or buy off the shelf? How long have you been shooting, and what types of rifles/calibers? Are you going to run a can? Do you hand load, or are you going to buy factory ammo? I decided to do things the hard(er) way, a semi- auto .308, built on the DPMS platformed Mega Arms MA10. My reasoning was that I was used to the AR platform, and with some help, the cost was less than buying new. Plus, 6.5 Creedmoor wasn't quite as popular as it is now, in just three short years from when I started the adventure! My latest rifle is a bolt gun, chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Only one recoil impulse to deal with and the action doesn't care that I run a can. Plus in the cold, you won't have to worry as much about the action running poorly because of freezing lubricants. My gas gun has trouble with cycling the BCG when it starts to dry out, and running a can makes it dry out very quickly. Dirty carbon build up is not your friend! The gas gun seems a tad louder, also. Most likely due to the gasses that escape back through the ejection port. Ammo left in the mag looks like someone dropped it in motor oil and left it to dry. It just so happens that I went to the range today to shoot the gas gun. Less than 75 rounds later, the BCG wouldn't go forward far enough to seat a round, my fingers were filthy, and I was PO'd. If you are going to buy a semi-auto, it will cost a bit more, due to all of the extra parts. IF you decide to build one-and I caution against it- make sure that the parts match. Armalite parts and DPMS parts don't play well together. Putting a bolt gun together-or buying one off the shelf-will save you time and more likely than not-money and aggravation. I was a bit worried about how I would learn to shoot a bolt gun, but now that I have one, the next will also be a bolt gun. Just a lot less to worry about or deal with. Another thought. I'm having at new barrel installed after 3,000 rounds on the bolt gun. I hand load a tad warm, and I don't waste a lot of time between shots. If you haven't seen Rex's video on barrel life of semi-autos, you should take a gander. Unless you are very disciplined, you may find yourself shooting out that barrel fairly fast. As for the DMR aspect, I haven't taken the course yet, but Rex says that it's a mindset. A bolt gun is as useful as a semi-auto, if the rifleman has his head together, and has configured his rifle appropriately. I'm planning on running a .223/5.56 due to weight considerations. Long story somewhat longer, if your heart is set on 6.5, get a bolt gun. Get a different rifle for DMR, if you can afford another. Also, take into consideration where you will be shooting. If you have access to, or live in , an area where shots over 800 yards or more is common, the 6.5-or .260, and a few others, will serve you well. If you are limited to under 800, you could probably make a semi-auto work just fine. There are a few other considerations, but I'll end with saying that this endeavor is a ton of fun, NOT cheap, and congratulations on your retirement! Oh, and 'rolling your own" will help you take up what little free time you find that you have, once you retire! I know, as, I had to retire in order to afford the rifle/scope and have time to get to the seminar, which I HIGHLY recommend! Good Luck!
Wow Geoff, What a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and articulate response! I think you hit the nail on the head.
I appreciate your comments. They have given me several things to think about. Best regards, Michael.
I have my moments. ;-) One more addition. Depending on your experience, location, and funds, the RX100-formerly known as Zero to Deadly- is a great way to vet your equipment choices before taking the RX1000. Not quite as heavy on the science as the seminar, but you get to shoot! Either way, you'll meet some great folks and have a good time! I'm fairly certain that I posted something on the RX100 here. If not, then on the RexReviews Facebook page.
Enjoy your retirement!
Thanks for the "heads ups" on the classes. In your opinion do you feel the instruction is something you can not do yourself?
Quite a bit will depend on what experience and knowledge you already have. However, the subtleties involved can either lead you to euphoria or frustration. For example, during the Zero to Deadly, my shooting was not up to par. Why? Factors included the fact that I'd done a copper remediation recently, the ground was extremely soft sand, unlike the ground where I normally shoot, and being a knucklehead, I forgot to check my scope base and rings. That was the biggie! A week later, I discovered they were very loose! The guy next to me was also unhappy with his shooting, until it was suggested that he take his new can off. Huge inprovement! Even if you don't take Rex's classes, I highly suggest that you find competent instruction somewhere. There are so many variables that sometimes we need someone with a different perspective than our own to see what we're doing that may be causing issues. No need to chase one's tail needlessly! By the way, Rex Defense is not the only company I have taken training from, but he and his crew are the only ones I have had the pleasure of sitting down and breaking bread with. The other folks that are local to me are very good, but they aren't as much fun! :-) As a matter of fact, one of them also follows Rex! ;-)
Thanks Geoff,
Nice to hear your opinion about the different training you have had. One of the challenges of trying to learn a new skill is the myopia. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights.
Best regards,
Michael
PS I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend.
Michael,
You're most welcome, and the same to you and yours!
Hi Geoff,
I noticed a RX Seminar in Denver in August. I checked the flights and they are reasonable. I have question if you don't mind. I have a little 308 rifle with optics on Rex's "approved list". Were there some things in the course that you thought were outstanding that might not have been covered in the 101 series. Thanks. Michael
casualfornow2, Short smart-assed answer is "Yes". Longer answer is that there is no way I can tell you what you might get from the seminar, except the chance to commune with great people, and learn from a guy who truly loves God, his family, and America. Rex has made some changes and updates since the first RX seminar, and I'm sure he will add info as he learns more. As an example, Rex had never seen an Athlon scope when I attended the seminar. I think it was his third time around. Now, he's tested some and had time to form an opinion. Things are evolving in the craft, so some new innovation may be introduced by August, which may or may not pan out! My suggestion is to watch the portions of the 101 series that pertain to internal and external ballistics a few more times, and when he sends the email with specific videos, watch them again at least twice. This will give you a sound foundation of what Rex will be talking about. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and enjoy the experience!
@Geoff Glover,
Thanks Geoff for the prompt and eloquent response. I recommend writing for the gun industry.
Best,
Michael
Michael,
You are welcome, in addition to being too kind! 😀
In a previous portion of my life, I was required to do a bit of writing. I took to heart what my High School English teachers had to say. They were some of the good ones. If you saw Rex’s rant on the state of our education system, you know what I mean!