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© 2008, Shane Cossar, New Zealand.
All rights reserved.  
Contact:  shane_cossar@hotmail.com

Gucci Gear Topics:

For Practical Long Range Shooting the competitor needs to understand; capabilities of rifle and equipment; atmospheric conditions – particularly wind; ballistics; range estimation; and fieldcraft.

LIBRARY

Books
There is a wide range of information available for shooting, including long range shooting.  Much relates to hunting and tends to only cover ranges out to 700m. 

The books listed below are relevant for long range practical shooting.  They cover topics on rifles, accessories, range estimation, internal ballistics, external ballistics, terminal ballistics, ammunition, accounting for slant angle, meteorological and environmental influences. 

The practical nature of this shooting implies a tactical military slant, particularly towards the sniper.

The US military has three main sniper schools.  The US Marine Corps conduct training at Quantico, Virginia, and that doctrine is the focus in The Military and Police Sniper.  The US Army Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOTIC) is conducted at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and is described in The Complete .50 Calibre Sniper Course.  The US Army Sniper School (USASS) is located in Fort Benning, Georgia, and that course is described in To Be a Military Sniper.

The Military and Police Sniper, Advanced Precision Shooting for Combat and Law Enforcement
Mike R. Lau
ISBN:  1-931220-02-6

Practical information for shooting at ranges out to 1000 metres.  The focus is on 7.62 / .308 calibre with a particular emphasis on the US Marine Corps Scout/Sniper Rifle (M40A1) and the US Army Scout-Sniper Rifle (M24). 

Topics of interest include: ‘Range Estimation and Sight Adjustment’; ‘Managing the Log / Data Book’; ‘Practical Scenarios’; ‘The Sniper Match: Sustainment Training Through Practical Precision Shooting’.

The Ultimate Sniper, An Advanced Training Manual for Military and Police Snipers, Updated and Expanded
Maj. John L. Plaster USAR (Ret.)
ISBN:  978-1-58160-494-8

This has a wide range of topics covering equipment, marksmanship, field craft and tactics.  Also includes material relating to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Topics of interest include: ‘Sniper scope Basics’; ‘Using a Sniper scope’; ‘Binoculars and Spotting Scopes’; ‘Counter sniping Tactics and Techniques’.

The Complete .50-Caliber Sniper Course, Hard-Target Interdiction,
Dean Michaelis
ISBN:  978-1-58160-068-1

The emphasis is on anti-materiel targets with ranges out to 2500m.  Provides step-by-step range calculations with meteorological and environmental data, using scientific calculators.  Includes detailed information on how to use a theodolite for range estimation.

Topics of interest include: ‘Training the Hard-Target Interdiction Operator’ – includes commands and sequences for observer and multiple shooters; ‘Application of Fire’ – includes topics of Danger Range, Danger Space, Reverse Image Zero and Point Blank Zero shooting methods; ‘Target Analysis’ – includes example of FFP and target selection using CARVER Matrix and principles of target attack on materiel targets.

To Be A Military Sniper
Gregory Mast and Hans Halberstadt
ISBN:  978-0-7603-3002-9

Covers the US Army five week basic sniper training course and describes the skills required.  Contains hundreds of colour photographs. 

Special Forces, War on Terrorism in Afghanistan
Eric Micheletti
ISBN:  2-913903-90-8

Covering operations from 2001 to 2003 this is a relatively recent photographic essay, with some relating to sniper and observation equipment.

Out of Nowhere, A History of the Military Sniper
Martin Pegler
ISBN:  1-84176-854-5

Covers history of riflemen from 1500, through the American Civil War, the First World War, Russian sniping, and the German sniper, through limited wars, Vietnam and into the 21st century.  The focus is mostly on European theatres. 

Sniper, A History of the US Marksman
Martin Pegler
ISBN:  978-1-84176-979-0

Covers the evolution and development of rifles, scopes and equipment through numerous US conflicts.

Sniper One, The Blistering True Story of a British Battle Group Under Siege
Sgt. Dan Mills
ISBN:  978-0-718-14994-9

A true account of a British sniper platoon in Iraq during 2004. 

Web Portals and Shooting Forums.  
It’s hard to avoid the ‘S’niper word when searching for long range shooting equipment on the web.  There are a number of portals that provide equipment reviews, discussion forums, and links to suppliers and other sites.

There are many on-line forums related to hunting, various shooting disciplines, and long range shooting – some for New Zealand.  These are great places to share knowledge, ask questions and potentially find like minded shooting companions.

SAFETY

Range Safety Officer  
The NRA (National Rifle Association), USA, has firearms safety programs, including Range Safety Officer (RSO) and Chief RSO.  While it is not possible to take this qualification in New Zealand, the NRA Basic Range Safety Officer Course Student Study Guide can be purchased.  The guide is comprehensive and covers; basic inspection procedures for ranges, range safety briefings, firing line commands, basic inspection procedures for ranges, range safety briefing, emergency response, and clearing gun stoppages and malfunctions.  The package also includes a copy of an example set of Standard Operating Procedures for a rifle range.
The New Zealand Service Rifle Association periodically holds course for Range Officer (RO) qualifications, which are recognised by the Police.

Shooting Range Design  
There are many rifle ranges spread throughout the country, but unfortunately there are only a few that permit the firing of caibres over 8mm.  Even then they are KD ranges, which are of limited use for Practical Long Range Shooting.
The type of range most likely to be used for a Practical Long Range Shooting competition is a Field Firing Range (FFR).  A FFR is unlikely to have backstops or berms but the principles for danger areas still need to be applied.  The Police have a Range Manual outlining the principles for the design and development of shooting ranges.
The NRA also has a Range Sourcebook detailing elements of range design and equipment and includes numerous architectural drawings

NZ Mountain Safety Council  
Many shooting or hunting locations are in the high country, alpine or remote areas and the New Zealand weather and topography can be unforgiving.  The NZ Mountain Safety Council is an authority on outdoor safety in New Zealand – from guidelines on avalanche awareness and safety, bush craft and crossing rivers through to courses such as abseiling, top roping and the Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS).  They also conduct firearms safety courses for those applying for a firearms licence.

The New Zealand Firearm Handbook
Lynn Harris
ISBN: 0-908931-09-3

Provides an overview of all aspects and types of firearms, including safety, and the law in New Zealand.

SHOOTING ORGANISATIONS

Shooters Rights Organisations  
Over the past two decades shooters have seen increasingly restrictive laws placed on their activities. 

The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) is the largest shooting-related organisation in New Zealand.  Set-up in 1996, COLFO represents the interests of members through the preservation of the rights and privileges of licensed firearms owners.  COLFO also hold an annual conference.  Membership from only $35.

The Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) also represents shooters interests.  $65 gets SSANZ membership including a subscription to New Zealand Guns and Hunting, a monthly magazine also available at many bookshops.

DOC  
The Department of Conservation (DOC) administers many hunting blocks on public conservation land throughout New Zealand.  Permits are required and due to heavy demand in some areas ballots are used. 

New Zealand Hunting Guide
Spot X Hunting Knowledge
ISBN:  1-877374-97-0

This book contains over 750 hunting spots throughout the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island, and includes a combination of DOC and private) topographical maps; species available; accommodation; access; permits; restrictions; and hunting tips for the location.

Disclaimer:  Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix.  You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.