order of upgrades
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HI all,
I'm looking at upgrading a couple of things on my HCR, and I'm also looking at getting into reloading. Since I don't want my girlfriend to leave me, I have to take things slowly. So I thought I'd ask for some advice.
The things I'm looking at upgrading are the bipod and scope. Both of these are functional, but both are also generic, cheapo versions that are nowhere near the quality that I would like them to be.
In terms of the bipod, I'm looking at taking a cue from Norcal and getting a Harris with the adapter to accept Atlas feet. Looking at scopes is a little more complicated. I want a FFP model, but I'm still debating objective size and magnification.
Reloading is something I have never done, but I know I want to get into at some point due to the possibility of increased accuracy, as well as the chance to geek out about every little variable involved. I've really enjoyed that aspect of arrow building, and I think with bullets it will be a great learning experience as well as a lot of fun.
So my question is this: which of these things will give me the greatest return on investment in terms of accuracy/precision as well as consistency? I'm not so much concerned with price in a concrete sense, but... biggest bang for the buck... I guess is what I'm asking about.
For a little context, most of my shooting is done at 100 yards so far, but I'm in the process of joining a range which will get me out to 200, and I think I can stretch it out to around 400 in the fields where I usually shoot. My ultimate goal is to get out as far as possible, but I'm working on baby steps here. =)
Thanks, for any input. If I haven't given enough information, just ask and I'll be happy to clarify.
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In my opinion a scope is the most important upgrade you are looking at. You won't be able to shoot much at all if you are not confident in your optics.
A good bipod is nice...but you can shoot from a bag until you buy a good one. I have a Harris and I don't really like it. In my opinion I would save up and buy an atlas. I like them so much I have 4 of them. You want the PSR model and I like the QD, but it is not necessary. @orkan sells the atlas and usually has QD PSR's in stock.
Reloading is importnat to precision as well and will benefit greatly in precision shooting.
The thing with all of these is...you need to decide what you really want and then save for it until you can afford it. That way you won't be buying twice. I went the "value" route before and all I ended up doing is selling all of my "value" equipment at a loss to get what I really wanted. When you start narrowing down specific pieces ask advice again and you will get more help here. The guys here all shoot and will give you FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE to go along with recommendations. That is far different than a lot of forums. Hence the reason I really like gunhive.
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@dddoo7 said:
In my opinion a scope is the most important upgrade you are looking at. You won't be able to shoot much at all if you are not confident in your optics.
A good bipod is nice...but you can shoot from a bag until you buy a good one. I have a Harris and I don't really like it. In my opinion I would save up and buy an atlas. I like them so much I have 4 of them. You want the PSR model and I like the QD, but it is not necessary. @orkan sells the atlas and usually has QD PSR's in stock.
Reloading is importnat to precision as well and will benefit greatly in precision shooting.
The thing with all of these is...you need to decide what you really want and then save for it until you can afford it. That way you won't be buying twice. I went the "value" route before and all I ended up doing is selling all of my "value" equipment at a loss to get what I really wanted. When you start narrowing down specific pieces ask advice again and you will get more help here. The guys here all shoot and will give you FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE to go along with recommendations. That is far different than a lot of forums. Hence the reason I really like gunhive.
This is pretty much spot on. Save your pennies and get a good scope first. Good glass can last you a lifetime. So it pays to save and spend once.
Then start investing into reloading equipment. This you can do little by little and you don't have to drop $2000 off the bat. You can, but don't have too.
My Harris setup is nice. I have $180 into mine with the pod, lever, and feet.
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Thing is...about $210 will buy a screw clamp atlas. It is not a PSR, but it is still an awesome bipod and not much more than the Harris.
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Thanks for the input, guys. It makes sense to go with the scope first. Now I've got a ton of research to do in that vein.
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One good scope will last through multiple rifles over the years.
Reloading equipment is for a lifetime too.
Save up and get quality.
It is worth the wait.Oh , and it is difficult to lose a rifle scope down the kitchen sink into a food grinder.
First wife did that with a ring.
Second wife, and will be the last marriage, was happy with the PlayStation 4 for her birthday yesterday and has said no more jewelry.She wants a carry pistol next.
Balance in the Home Force is necessary so be patient.
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Thanks, hypo. As it turns out, my cheapo bipod bit the dust at the range today so out of necessity that will be the next upgrade. I think I'm just going to hold off long enough to get an atlas. Or maybe even pick up a front/rear bag set as a stop gap.
Also, any thoughts on where a muzzle break would fit into the order of things?
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I have the big grey Cordura bag from Champion. Works for me.
The fill in the Caldwell bags has too much bounce back. It is more like hamster bedding than sand. They aren't dead.Some guys here made their own rear bags. Mamalukino had a cool camo pattern.
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In my opinion...you are better off and will be happier with a suppressor than a muzzle brake. It will take longer to get and more money...but they are much nicer.
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@dddoo7 said:
In my opinion...you are better off and will be happier with a suppressor than a muzzle brake. It will take longer to get and more money...but they are much nicer.
Totally agree. Unfortunately I live in New Yorkistan and as far as I know I can't legally have one.
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There are other places to live ;)
No...seriously though...can you even have a threaded barrel?
What caliber are you shooting?
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Yeah caliber makes a difference in importance.
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Threaded barrels are ok. Muzzle breaks are alright, but no suppressors.
Shooting. 308
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@jbradt I'd get a brake after you get a scope.
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Speaking personally, I forgo the break. Get a great scope and bipod.
I shoot a .308 to test me and to learn to shoot because of it's mediocre ballistics.
I don't want to mitigate the recoil because I'm trying to learn how to drive a rifle through the recoil.
