Zero to One Mile – Part 1: Building the Perfect Setup
Precision shooting at long distances has always felt like something reserved for seasoned marksmen – a skillset built over years of experience and thousands of rounds. But as someone who barely knew the difference between MOA and MIL, I found myself drawn to the challenge of hitting a target a mile away. This wasn’t just about learning a new hobby; it was about stepping into a completely foreign world and proving to myself that, with enough dedication, even a beginner could break into long-range shooting and chase the dream of putting bullet after bullet through the same hole.
This series is a raw, honest account of my journey from knowing nothing to pulling the trigger on a bolt-action rifle and watching a steel plate sing at 1,760 yards. In this first part, I’ll walk through how I chose my rifle – the foundation of any long-range success. I didn’t start with insider knowledge or training; I started with curiosity and a desire to hit that one-mile mark. If you’re a newcomer like me, wondering where to begin, this might help light the way. If nothing else, you’ll get to follow along as I learn, make mistakes, and hopefully celebrate that one-mile hit together.
Setup for Success
The ultimate goal is to hit the one-mile target with as few shots as possible while being able to spot my own shot. I knew I wanted a chassis that weighs between 19-20 lbs to help manage recoil. The 6.5 Creedmoor caliber stood out to me because of its flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and excellent ballistic performance at long distances. This cartridge has become the go-to for precision rifle shooters due to its ability to maintain accuracy over extended ranges, making it ideal for PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitions and ELR (Extreme Long Range) shooting.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II - 6.5 CM | A precision rifle built for PRS Production Class, featuring a Stainless Handlapped Barrel, MPA Elite Action, MPA Trigger (Bix N Andy), ESR Chassis and half-MOA or better accuracy. |
| Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56 PR2-MIL | A high-performance scope with superior edge-to-edge clarity, low-light performance, and three revolutions of elevation adjustment for long-range precision. |
| Area 419 Tactical One-Piece Scope Mount (20 MOA Cant) | A robust, one-piece scope mount praised as the best on the market for its precision machining and rock-solid performance. |
| Accu-Tac BR-4 G2 Bipod | A versatile, high-quality aircraft aluminum bipod with adjustable legs and canting feature, designed for precision, competition, and target shooting. |
| MPA DN5 Muzzle Break | Significantly Reduces Recoil while keeping the muzzle down. |
Essential Accessories for Optimal Performance
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Xero C1 Pro Chronograph | The most essential tool for ballistics calculations is a chronograph to measure projectile speed, providing critical data for precision shooting. |
| MDT Electronic Level or Anti-Cant Level Bubble | An anti-cant device to check for proper vertical alignment of your rifle |
| Rear Squeeze Shooting Bag | Adds support and stability for improved shot consistency. |
Rifle – MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II – 6.5 Creedmoor
With so many PRS and ELR rifles on the market, choosing the right one felt like a daunting task. After a lot of research, I landed on the MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision.
When PRS raised the Production Class rifle price limit to $3000 in 2024, it opened the door for more advanced features in competition-grade rifles. The MPA BA PMR Pro falls well within that range and offers everything I was looking for without exceeding the limit. The rifle’s MPA hand-lapped, hand-chambered match-grade barrel, with Sheffield Air Gage Inspection down to .0001", gives me confidence in its half-MOA (or better) accuracy. Knowing the chamber is indicated to .0001" or less to the bore sealed the deal for me.
The action is the MPA Elite Action by American Rifle Company (Coup de Grace Action), which is known for its durability and precision. I also appreciated the MPA Trigger by Bix N Andy – the adjustable single-stage design (from 4oz to 2lbs) felt perfect for precision shooting.
One of the big selling points was the ESR chassis. It checked all my boxes with adjustable length of pull, cheek riser, and recoil plate. The folding stock option makes rifle maintenance and transport easier, which I’ve already found useful. Plus, the ability to order it in custom Cerakote colors and different calibers gave me some room to personalize the rifle.
This rifle feels like the perfect match for what I wanted in a long-range build, and I’m excited to see how it performs as I push it out to one mile.
Scope – Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56
When selecting a scope, one of the first decisions I faced was whether to go with an MOA or MIL reticle. After careful consideration and research, I decided to go with MIL, as I found it more intuitive for long-range shooting and adjustments. I even wrote an article comparing the two systems to help others make this decision (MRAD vs MOA: For Long Range and PRS).
For magnification, I knew I needed a scope that could comfortably help me reach the one-mile mark. After extensive research, I chose the Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56 PR2-MIL. This scope is favored by top PRS shooters for its superior performance, and it comes with all the must-have features for long-range precision shooting. The Leupold Mark 5HD is an FFP (First Focal Plane) scope, ensuring the reticle scales accurately with magnification.
With its outstanding lifetime warranty, exceptional glass quality, and the fact that it’s proudly made in the USA, I’m confident that the Leupold Mark 5HD will not only meet my current needs but also serve me well for years to come.
Scope Mount – Area 419 Tactical One-Piece
I can only trust my scope as much as I trust my scope mount. The Area 419 Tactical One-Piece Scope Mount is designed to provide the ultimate foundation for precision optics. It features a top mount for accessory attachment, allowing for easy integration of additional tools. Its rock-solid build and precision milling ensure the highest levels of reliability.
This mount is match-ready, offering multiple accessory mounting points, making it versatile for competitive shooting. The design also simplifies the process of leveling and balancing the scope, ensuring proper alignment every time. In my opinion, this is the best scope mount on the market, and its performance has given me complete confidence in my shooting setup.
Bipod – Accu-Tac BR-4 G2
Stability plays a huge role in long-range shooting, and I quickly realized how much it impacts my ability to stay on target and spot my own shots. After a lot of research (and some back-and-forth), I landed on the Accu-Tac BR-4 G2. It has a solid reputation for being one of the most stable bipods available, and once I got my hands on it, I understood why.
The BR-4 G2 locks down like a rock, and having that extra bit of confidence in my platform has made a big difference during long sessions. Scoring it at a steep discount on Black Friday didn’t hurt either – that pretty much sealed the deal for me. Out of all the bipods I considered, this one just felt right for my setup.
Chronograph – Xero C1 Pro
I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of knowing my muzzle velocity until I started stretching out to a mile. At that distance, even the smallest variations in velocity can throw shots off target. I decided to pick up the Xero C1 Pro, and it’s been one of the most valuable tools in my setup.
The Xero C1 Pro makes it easy to measure projectile speed, and having that data has taken a lot of the guesswork out of long-range shooting. With accurate ballistic calculations, I can predict bullet drop and wind drift more confidently. It’s made a noticeable difference in my consistency, and I’ve come to rely on the real-time feedback it provides.
As I get deeper into reloading, the chronograph is becoming even more critical. Knowing my exact muzzle velocity lets me fine-tune my loads so each round performs the same. For me, this isn’t just an accessory – it’s become a key part of making sure my rifle is dialed in for extreme distances.
Anti-Cant Device – MDT SendIt or Anti-Cant Level Bubble
When I first started shooting at long distances, I didn’t realize just how much even the slightest cant in the rifle could shift my point of impact. What seemed like a minor windage correction could unexpectedly turn into an elevation miss, sending shots high or low. It quickly became clear that an anti-cant device wasn’t just a nice-to-have – it was a necessity.
I ended up going with the MDT SendIt Electronic Level, but I also considered a simple Anti-Cant Level Bubble. Both do the job of keeping the rifle perfectly level, but I liked the immediate feedback and visibility of the SendIt. For me, it’s been a game-changer in maintaining accuracy and consistency, especially at extended ranges. Knowing my reticle is true and my adjustments are spot-on gives me confidence every time I pull the trigger.
At a mile, small errors feel huge. I don’t want something as simple as canting to throw off an otherwise good shot. Adding this device to my setup has made a noticeable difference, and I’d recommend it to anyone serious about long-range precision.
Rear Squeeze Shooting Bag
The Rear Squeeze Shooting Bag plays a crucial role in stabilizing the rifle during shooting. Placed beneath the stock, it allows for micro-adjustments to the rifle’s elevation, providing greater control over shot placement. This simple yet effective accessory enhances accuracy and reduces shooter fatigue during long sessions. Adds support and stability for improved shot consistency.
Final Thoughts
I'm incredibly happy with how this setup has come together. With everything dialed in, the overall weight sits right around 19.5 to 20 lbs. The MPA DN5 muzzle brake, combined with the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, keeps recoil minimal, allowing me to spot my own shots even at extreme distances. This setup feels balanced and capable, ready to take on the challenge of one-mile precision shooting. In the next part of this series, I’ll dive into the initial setup – from mounting the scope and selecting the right rail MOA cant to ensure I fully utilize my scope’s elevation travel, to balancing the rifle for optimal performance. Stay tuned as I continue this journey, step by step, towards ringing steel at 1,760 yards.