Rifleman TV's Crew Ringing Steel at 1,000 Yards

posted on April 1, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ARTVFTW4.jpg

Day 2 of filming at the picturesque FTW Ranch is in the books. Today was all about taking a 100-yd. zero and, using scope adjustments and reticle hold-overs, stretching it into an effective range that, for me, was greater than 600 yds. By “effective” I mean consistent first-shot hits on 9” targets, and by “greater” I mean wringing every last bit of velocity out of the Hornady .308 Win. 168-gr. A-Max loads and the Ruger SR762’s 16” barrel in order to score hits on 1,000-yd. targets. What a challenging and ultimately rewarding shoot.

Shooting gear at FTW Ranch

Besides learning how to properly use my scope’s reticle and adjustment dials, I also got a crash course in wind calling, a critical skill when shooting at long range. FTW doesn’t use any wind flags, and for good reason. How many orange socks have you seen flapping in the wind mere yards from a trophy buck? None, and that’s why the instructors here prefer to train shooters on how to use the sway of distant vegetation, drifting dust and even mirage in order to observe and ultimately correct for wind. My tenderfoot skills were quickly tried on the ranch’s broken terrain. One range we visited had targets arrayed throughout a gulley that had wind currents fed in through five adjoining canyons. Talk about a challenge, the winds shifted, swirled and changed so much that even the instructors had a difficult time keeping up.

There is no doubt that I am learning with every shot fired out here, and I can’t wait to share tips and techniques with American Rifleman readers and "American Rifleman Television" viewers. Check back here for more on shooting and filming at FTW Ranch, and be sure to see the final cuts during the new season of "American Rifleman Television," airing Wednesday nights this summer on the Outdoor Channel.

Latest

Cz600 Review Right
Cz600 Review Right

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

One of several models in the CZ 600 series of rifles, the CZ 600 Alpha is an affordable bolt-action design with a unique action that incorporates a lightweight receiver and a "hybrid controlled feed" system.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.