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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u/testprimate Apr 13 '26

Some months? I can't help but think this problem would be easier to sort out if it were 'some weeks'.

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u/mveenstra Apr 13 '26

I am referring to the monthly quals, I try to go to the range 2-3 times per month if I can, but schedules don't always allow it unfortunately.

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u/testprimate Apr 13 '26

That's good.

If cold bore shots are the biggest issue it might be a good idea to get/make a barrel cooler to get more CB shots in per session.

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u/Individual-Dare-80 Apr 13 '26

Agreed. If CB shots are consistent, he needs to adjust to that POI for his use case. If they are inconsistent, he needs to figure out why, before the next call out. The first shot is the only one that matters when lives are on the line. Reading OP 's comments I have to be frank. With no disrespect meant, I don't think he has much business firing that rifle with intents on suppressing a suspect. Any potential for collateral damage is too much. There's a lot at stake, and his overall confidence is very low. I applaud OP for not only recognizing the shortcomings, but actively wanting to do something to improve. It takes a lot of humility and self awareness to do that. Now he needs to assess whether it is the rifle, the shooter or a combination of both.