Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Shooting through the smoke

Well, I couldn't stand it any longer. My clubs range is shut down because of the smoke hazard. That is in Washington 50 miles away. Here it is no better, but I decided to go out today and throw an NRA 500 yard target downrange at 500 yards. Any of you guys still getting out and shooting, despite a little smoke or wind? I was shooting my S&W M&P 10 6.5 creed and my Tikka CTR 6.5 creed. Both rifles shoot better than what the targets display, as I could only make out the black silhouette of the F class repair center target. Generally I can see the X and the white rings inside the black circle. Not today:


Here are the results from the CTR.

First target shot:



Works out to be a .669 MOA and a score of 100-8X

After I adjusted the scope, I shot a slightly better score, but with a bigger moa:

Score of 100-9X, .883 MOA

Now for the M&P 10 Performance center 6.5 creedmoor:

This rifle usually shoots pretty good. The NXS 3.5-15x56 didn't let me down. I just could't see the damn target. I fired off 10 shots in 16.4 seconds and here are the results:

First group from the old girl. Not a very impressive score of 99-6x.

The next target scored a little better:

100-4x

Today really reminded me of shooting in a bad snow storm, where you can barely see the target. Good thing I have a solid backstop. How about you guys, are you being affected by this damn smoke and if so, are you still shooting? These rifles were shot in the prone position with Harris 6-9 swivel bi-pod and rear sandbag. Here's how big that damn 500 yard target is:

Nice groups. That is a 1000 yard F class repair center though...

Its an MR65 repair center.. 500 yard NRA target. 5" X ring, 10" 10 ring. You are also right that it is also a F class repair center for 1000 yards. This just gives the guys an idea of how big the targets are in these types of competitions. I know in another thread there was talk about marine qualifications etc. Even in smoky azzed conditions, they can be hit at their intended ranges. I'm not complaining about a .669 moa 10 shot group at 500 yards, but it could have been much better... On a good clear day that CTR will hit 2.5" targets at 500 yards and it is a 8.5 pound rifle. Keeping in mind, this is a "tactical" type rifle, not a benchrest gun like the one you use... Also, someone was inquiring about a good AR10 in another thread. I'm here to tell you that I've had absolutely no issues with the S&W M&P 10 performance center 6.5 creedmoor, except for the loose barrel nut when I first got it home . Other than that, it's been a fantastic rifle. I may actually shoot it in a short range centerfire competition next saturday, since it's a proven sub moa shooter.

Good shooting! but the MR65FCA target has a 2.50 X ring and the 10 ring is 5 inches. Your CTR current setup you would have to use it in F class or or pull bi pod off you can use it in high power/other rifle but you will have to sling up.. Your AR10 would be gtg in AR tactical class. Also everything in NRA mid-range prone is slow fire so single round feed.

You're lucky you had a place to shoot. All the public ground in WA is closed to target shooting. Can't even shoot a little clay bird.

Fire danger doncha know.

Can't be both.

You need to get out more.

Our range is closed here, and “will be till further notice”. I guess that’s ok because don’t want to breath this stuff in. Seems to be a little better each day.
Great shooting, BSA, no matter what target, in the smoke especially.

Also when shooting 809,900,1000 yds you have a choice shoot the T class or high power with sling.. And MikeS is shooting a Palma match rifle if I remember right. Which mats off to those guy peep sights/ limited to 155gr Palma bullet shooting out to a 1000yds