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Service rifle equipment

iukamedic

Silver $$ Contributor
I’m looking for some guidance. I have gotten Into shooting ar type service rifles. So far it’s been just what I have been looking for. I love the whole atmosphere surrounding it. Every time I shoot is a learning experience. I have been using an M1 sling and a swfa optic. I would like to purchase a leather sling, shooting coat and dedicated optic. I just don’t really know what items to get. I would like to get the most for my money. Just looking for some advice on items that are well suited for the sport. Anything suited to improving shooting is what I’m looking for. Not looking to buy ability just want things that will aid in shooting. Thanks in advance.
 
iukamedic said:
I’m looking for some guidance. I have gotten Into shooting ar type service rifles. So far it’s been just what I have been looking for. I love the whole atmosphere surrounding it. Every time I shoot is a learning experience. I have been using an M1 sling and a swfa optic. I would like to purchase a leather sling, shooting coat and dedicated optic. I just don’t really know what items to get. I would like to get the most for my money. Just looking for some advice on items that are well suited for the sport. Anything suited to improving shooting is what I’m looking for. Not looking to buy ability just want things that will aid in shooting. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Karrararararar hit the nail on the head. I will make 1 noteworthy suggestion though....

The Eric Hollis sling is awesome. I think it improved my scores. However....getting it adjusted and getting it tight and then loose again is a bit of a chore, and one that I don't think brand new shooters need until the other wrinkles are ironed out. I got 22 of my DR points with a web sling. There are tip top shooters (Konrad Powers) that use a web sling with great success. The Hollis sling is damn nice...and if you get a 1907 leather sling, it'd be the only one I'd recommend, but it wouldn't be something I'd worry much about as a new shooter.

Here would be my list (and my opinion is worth every bit that you pay for it)...
1. Optic - White Oak if you're confident that you're sticking with the sport, and don't mind spending $800-900 right now. If not, the Vortex PST 1-4 (or it's re-badged name, the Ranger). It's 1/2 MOA clicks, and no adjustable parallax, but it's a solid option. The Athlon is another good option, and what I switched to after my Vortex.

The SWFA you have might be a great option, I just haven't heard of anyone using it for service rifle. If it tracks/repeats and has a useable reticle, it won't be what costs you points for a good while. I'd stay put with it for the time being.

2. Coat - Creedmoor hardback...go ahead and get all the options (all position, vented, sling hook, even though you can't use the sling hook for Service Rifle).

3. Sling - Web sling or Eric Hollis

4. Barrels - White Oak or Compass Lake, 1:7 or 1:8 twist, cut or button rifled. Wylde chamber. Either will shoot good enough to win whatever match you shoot if you can point it in the x-ring. There may be some advantages to the CLE chamber, but I've heard enough issues with it being a tighter chamber that I wouldn't recommend it to a new shooter.

5. Trigger - Geissele HSNM or Milazzo-Kreiger (not sure on the spelling). There is a difference, and it's not worth messing with the others if you're serious about it. Compared to other 2-stage triggers, the Geissele has a heavier 1st stage, and lighter 2nd stage, making it feel like a lighter trigger. Biggest advantage in my opinion is in offhand, where you need to be able to break the shot exactly when you want to with minimal disruption to the sight picture. The Rock River is a great trigger, but has no adjustment, and after a few thousand rounds ends up lighter than 4.5 lbs, and will have a hard time making min weight without bending springs, etc.

6. Ammo - most people are using LC or Wolf brass (if you can find either), but most mil-spec brass will work fine. Stay away from Federal (it's fine, but soft, and won't hold up to many reloads) and Aguila. Berger, Sierra, or Hornady bullets all work great and will clean any target. I'd recommend using 77 Sierras all loaded at mag length until you make Master classification. Don't bother with long-loading your 600 yard ammo before then. I'd also recommend using 1 brand of bullets for all yard lines...I'm convinced that Sierra and Hornady copper doesn't play nicely together. There are several powders that work....Varget, Reloder 15, Shooter's World Precision, 8208 XBR, AR Comp, N135, N140, H4895...about anything in that range of burn rates will do just fine.

Hope this helps! It's addicting for sure.

Where are you located, and what range are you mainly shooting at?
 
jrh84 said:
Karrararararar hit the nail on the head. I will make 1 noteworthy suggestion though....

The Eric Hollis sling is awesome. I think it improved my scores. However....getting it adjusted and getting it tight and then loose again is a bit of a chore, and one that I don't think brand new shooters need until the other wrinkles are ironed out. I got 22 of my DR points with a web sling. There are tip top shooters (Konrad Powers) that use a web sling with great success. The Hollis sling is damn nice...and if you get a 1907 leather sling, it'd be the only one I'd recommend, but it wouldn't be something I'd worry much about as a new shooter.

Here would be my list (and my opinion is worth every bit that you pay for it)...
1. Optic - White Oak if you're confident that you're sticking with the sport, and don't mind spending $800-900 right now. If not, the Vortex PST 1-4 (or it's re-badged name, the Ranger). It's 1/2 MOA clicks, and no adjustable parallax, but it's a solid option. The Athlon is another good option, and what I switched to after my Vortex.

The SWFA you have might be a great option, I just haven't heard of anyone using it for service rifle. If it tracks/repeats and has a useable reticle, it won't be what costs you points for a good while. I'd stay put with it for the time being.

2. Coat - Creedmoor hardback...go ahead and get all the options (all position, vented, sling hook, even though you can't use the sling hook for Service Rifle).

3. Sling - Web sling or Eric Hollis

4. Barrels - White Oak or Compass Lake, 1:7 or 1:8 twist, cut or button rifled. Wylde chamber. Either will shoot good enough to win whatever match you shoot if you can point it in the x-ring. There may be some advantages to the CLE chamber, but I've heard enough issues with it being a tighter chamber that I wouldn't recommend it to a new shooter.

5. Trigger - Geissele HSNM or Milazzo-Kreiger (not sure on the spelling). There is a difference, and it's not worth messing with the others if you're serious about it. Compared to other 2-stage triggers, the Geissele has a heavier 1st stage, and lighter 2nd stage, making it feel like a lighter trigger. Biggest advantage in my opinion is in offhand, where you need to be able to break the shot exactly when you want to with minimal disruption to the sight picture. The Rock River is a great trigger, but has no adjustment, and after a few thousand rounds ends up lighter than 4.5 lbs, and will have a hard time making min weight without bending springs, etc.

6. Ammo - most people are using LC or Wolf brass (if you can find either), but most mil-spec brass will work fine. Stay away from Federal (it's fine, but soft, and won't hold up to many reloads) and Aguila. Berger, Sierra, or Hornady bullets all work great and will clean any target. I'd recommend using 77 Sierras all loaded at mag length until you make Master classification. Don't bother with long-loading your 600 yard ammo before then. I'd also recommend using 1 brand of bullets for all yard lines...I'm convinced that Sierra and Hornady copper doesn't play nicely together. There are several powders that work....Varget, Reloder 15, Shooter's World Precision, 8208 XBR, AR Comp, N135, N140, H4895...about anything in that range of burn rates will do just fine.

Hope this helps! It's addicting for sure.

Where are you located, and what range are you mainly shooting at?
Click to expand...
I’m in northeast Mississippi. Most of my shooting right know is done at my home. I have a 100 and 200 yard range. The swfa I’ve been using at home is the 3-15. Just been using it at 4.5 power. The 1-4 I have is ok it’s just not easily adjusted and the reticle is not idea. My rifle is a white oak upper 8 twist and a rock river lower with the Ubr gen 1 and geissele nm trigger. I have looked at the athlon and the hi-lux. I saw a I’m shooting those 77 sierras and hornady 60 vmax. They both group well. I thought about a starter coat out of canvas or something but I’m beginning to see that it might be better to go ahead and spend the extra money to begin with. Sure appreciate the in-depth answer. How about that athlon. I was looking pretty hard at it.
 
If your in the Tupelo area, the closest range that holds matches to you is Memphis. At Memphis Sport shooting Assn. Its a great little 600 yard range that i called home for almost 13 years. They hold monthly XTC matches there from April to September. And on Months that have a 5th weekend in them they have M1 Garand matches.
Going to one of these matches will help you Immensely in getting gear and having someone to help you along.
 
Bat Rastard said:
Many years ago, I bought a cloth "starter" coat. It did nothing to help my understanding of what the coat does. A similar sized competitor had me try on the Creedmoor. It all became clear.

Do not dabble with the lesser coat.
Click to expand...
I have a buddy I've been mentoring that experienced the same thing. He was using a basic canvas coat for a couple of season until I gave him an old hardback that was given to me. He said it was a night and day difference.
 
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Bat Rastard said:
Many years ago, I bought a cloth "starter" coat. I did nothing to help my understanding of what the coat does. A similar sized competitor had me try on the Creedmoor. It all became clear.

Do not dabble with the lesser coat.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that knowledge. I’ve been using just a carhart but that is just for the sling. Cant hardly stand that sling around just my arm.
 
Rtheurer said:
If your in the Tupelo area, the closest range that holds matches to you is Memphis. At Memphis Sport shooting Assn. Its a great little 600 yard range that i called home for almost 13 years. They hold monthly XTC matches there from April to September. And on Months that have a 5th weekend in them they have M1 Garand matches.
Going to one of these matches will help you Immensely in getting gear and having someone to help you along.
Click to expand...
Sounds good. I saw them somewhere and was thinking about giving them a look.
 
Forgot to mention also MSSA has prone matches where they shoot Three 20 shot matches. They call them F class but its NRA Prone that includes FTR, F Open, Service Rifle, and NRA Match Rifle. F class is just a subdivision of NRA prone course of fire.
 
Go with a Wylde chamber. The new CLE chamber is not the same as it used to be and you can't seat long for heavy bullets.
Another vote for the Creedmoor hardback coat. My preference is for the leather version.
As for a sling, Hollis is as good or better than anything out there. Buy once as they say.
Optic, let your wallet be your guide. Nightforce and March are top of the line and their price reflects that. Vortex is good but the reticle is a bit bigger than it needs to be and the clicks are not as fine as top end optics. Personally, I have a Nightforce on my primary and a Vortex on my backup SR.
 
Sizing for the creedmoor costs has been spotty the last few years because they changed the cut of the coat. If you get into Alabama, their store is in anniston. I don't think I will buy another one of their coats without trying it on first, a monard is only a bit more. Be very clear with your measurements if you order.
If you don't want to spend the money on the hollis sling,(I have one of his gunbelts and it is unsatisfactory) the turner biothane sling is actually pretty good and almost half the price.
The leupold scopes with the p5 dials should be avoided, they're untrustworthy. I like the reticle of the vortex but have only shot a few shots with one. I have known a few people whose athlons were not reliable either.
The cheaper geissele 2 stage triggers or rock river will work for a start but I like the geissele national match and it's durable as can be.
You don't need to spend a lot on components either, half a match is at 200 yards and it's a big target. If you can find m193 for cheap, shoot it at 200 and save the brass.
 
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Creedmore hardback coat
I like the nightforce service rifle scope with sr2 reticle
Other good scopes are the hi lux and the WOA
Vortex made a 1-4 pst but it only had 1/2 clicks. I still shot hm scores with it. If you can find one used get it.
Sling, Eric Hollis or Ron brown 54” on an ar or 50” on a wood stock rifle. Don’t discount the old green cotton gi sling. Set up like a sliding noose it hold firm. At least on national champion used one in the last decade

Uppers, white oak or cle, wylde chambers and 1:7 twist
Spotting scope, cry once buy once get a kowa with a 27x ler eyepiece. Reading mirage with it is key
Scope mount
Use the white oak 10moa rail and tpr
 
to quote Roy D Mercer, "How big a boy are ya?" I have a used Creedmoor size 42 non tapered hardback with all position upgrade that I am not using currently. I am about 5'10 - 190ish.
 
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