Only accurate rifles are interesting
The primary emphasis of The Everyday Marksman is on your personal skill and capabilities, but I’m not blind to the importance of good and reliable equipment for your success. The articles here cover selecting, configuring, and using your gear.
You can’t escape the work, though.
The thing I want to you remember is that your equipment only has to be good enough to be reliable. After that, it’s all about what you are capable of achieving with it. Don’t fall into the trap, as I did, of looking for mechanical solutions to software problems.
/// Equipment Archive
Now Hear This: Are 22LR Trainers Overhyped?
By this point, it’s no secret that I’m way down the path to building a 22LR rifle for training and competition. I’ve previously written about using 22LR as a short-range substitute for centerfire rifles at long range because of its inferior ballistics.
With that in mind, I want to share a podcast episode from Wolf Precision on this very topic, and why my thinking might be wrong.
FFP vs SFP Optics: The Hype and the Truth
As I’ve been working on my precision competition rifles, I wanted to address a common topic in the world of optics: First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane scopes. Let’s get to the bottom line.
Let’s Talk About Load Carriage
It’s time to start talking about how we carry our stuff. This series of articles is not focused on competition or marksmanship. Instead, we’re going to talk about showing up for a fight.
Ilya Koshkin, The Dark Lord of Optics, Schools Me on Riflescopes
Podcast: Play in new window
Today we’re talking to ILya Koshkin, a prolific blogger and internet personality in the world of rifle optics. I’ve personally been following him for years and learning from his advice. We’ve recently struck up a bit of a friendship and I thought it was a great opportunity to bring him on to the show and have him share some of his wisdom.
Talking about the M16A5 with Lothaen of TNR
Podcast: Play in new window
In this episode, I sit down with Lothaen of The New Rifleman to discuss our mutual love for the M16A5 rifle. You know…the one that never really came to be for the US Military. It turns out that both of us have our own versions and experiences, and thought you might enjoy a little casual conversation about it.
Beginner’s Guide to the Best AR-15 Upgrades
With so many new gun owners out there, especially new AR-15 owners, I wanted to lay down some thoughts on the best upgrades for their shiny new rifles. Settle in, we cover a lot of ground.
The Enemy of Good Enough: Advocating for the MCC
Podcast: Play in new window
Today’s episode is bringing it back to the Minimum Capable Carbine that I wrote about in my article about your first AR-15. With so many new shooters out there dealing with their first guns, I’m seeing a lot of questions about all the little minutiae that I remember obsessing over when I got started. So this episode is really about giving some advice.
Here’s the short version: Don’t do it.
The Recce Rifle: Builder’s Guide to Modern Classic
The original SEAL Recce Rifle was an in-house modification to M4 carbines. The history goes back to the early 1990s. Since they were so individualized, there really wasn’t a spec, but there is an accepted pattern to follow.
On the Cheap: 22LR as an Awesome Long-Range Training Tool
Today I’m broaching on the biggest omission from my safe: a 22LR rifle. I know it’s been a great training tool for generations, but I’ve never been interested. Until now, that is.
And the reason I’m suddenly interested is how well the little rimfire works as a trainer for larger centerfire cartridges like the 308 at long ranges.
Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30×56: Raw Truth Review
Today we’re taking a look at another precision rifle optic, the Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30×56. In my opinion, someone at Athlon really did their homework with what the precisions hooting community wants and values with a tactical optic. The ETR checks all of the boxes and seems like a great all-around scope.
You Can Feel it in the Hand: What Goes Into Quality Gear?
Podcast: Play in new window
Kody Hamel is an everyday guy who decided to start making tactical gear. In this episode, I wanted to learn about how he got to where he is and what advice he has for other aspiring makers.
Meopta Optika6 5-30×56: Raw Truth Review
I recently got the chance to handle the Meopta Optika6 5-30×56 MRAD FFP. This optic has many features desirable to precision rifle shooting and competition. In this review, I cover the main bits you should know as well as my recommendation.