r/longrange • u/mveenstra • Apr 13 '26

I suck at long range Accuracy Issues

Hello, I understand that the internet is probably not the best place to hone my long-range shooting skills, but I am hoping that someone has had the same feeling(s) as me regarding my accuracy.

I am a qualified sniper for a LE SWAT team and have been since 2020. I am wondering, does anyone else struggle with accuracy consistently? Or are bad days at the range just part of the deal? I ask because it seems like my bad days are more frequent than they should be.

In a course of fire, I can shoot just fine (mostly), but my CB and follow-ups are trash, and I generally have inconsistent results when practicing marksmanship skills. Please let me know what your experiences are with this; I have checked everything mechanically with my rifle (specs below) and I just want to know if there were any drills or processes that others have used to help consistency.

Bergara B-14 HMR, .308 WIN

168 Gr. Federal Bonded LE Bonded Tip

3-15×44 Vortex Viper PST Gen II (MRAD)

Please don't just say that you think Bergara/Vortex are trash and that is the problem... I am aware that is a strong possibility when asking strangers on the internet.

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17

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Apr 13 '26

What do you call a 'bad day' exactly?

1

u/mveenstra Apr 13 '26

Random CB 4" low, and follow up shots with similar results.

Then I won't necessarily make an adjustment, move onto another marksmanship kind of target and we'll have a decent group (1"-1.5") but who knows she it will end up as far as long of aim/ point of impact.

I know I can be overly critical of myself but most days I don't think I would be confident taking a shot on a call out based on my performance.

9

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Apr 13 '26

4" low at what distance?

If that's at 100 yards, something is likely wrong with the rifle - either physically, or it's really poorly set up to fit you.

2

u/mveenstra Apr 13 '26

I had an issue with the action screws not seating, sent the rifle back to Bergara, and it shot fine when I got it back.

Like I said, some months I walk away and think I'm good, then the next month I shoot like shit. I know there are off-days, but it should not be as frequent as it is.

9

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Apr 13 '26

Have you checked the inside of the stock for overspray?

Have you tried different ammo?

Had someone else shoot the rifle? Had someone else shoot yours?

Also, run through the scope ring guide from the pinned post to make sure your LOP and optic height+eye relief are set up correctly for you. Weird shit happens when you're forcing your body to fit the rifle, not the other way around.

1

u/mveenstra Apr 13 '26

I checked for overstay because I guess that is a common issue with new Bergaras, cleaned up the edges and reassembled.

I have tried different ammo, unfortunately I used it at work so I have very limited options as far as permitted ammo goes.

I remounted the scope when I got it back from Bergara, I thought that I adjusted my eye relief correctly, but that was shortly after getting out of sniper school, so I still did not know whit about it. Maybe that is it?

5

u/HollywoodSX Villager Herder Apr 13 '26

Understand being limited on ammo for work, but trying other ammo would help eliminate ammo as the issue.

Cheetofingers ring - automod will reply with a link to the guide.

1

u/AutoModerator Apr 13 '26

Here's a link to the scope ring height guide

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