Long Range Shooting with Iron Sights

By Richard Wilkins

With today’s technological advancements, shooting long range accurately and efficiently is becoming easier and easier. Because of the rise of high-quality optics, many new shooters fail to realize how capable a shooter can be armed only with a pair of iron sights. Check out my video above (article continues below).

The author decided to see what he could do with iron sights out to 500 yards with the Springfield Armory M1A Loaded Precision semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.

All variables like rifle type, optics, ammo, wind, elevation and temperature play an important role when calculating a successful shot. With a good set of optics, you can overcome those variables quickly. But what if your optics fail? A true test of skill and engineering is shooting your rifle (in this case the M1A Loaded Precision 6.5 Creedmoor in a Desert FDE stock) long range with your iron sights.

This photo shows the Springfield firearm chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. It is shown in a gun case at the shooting range. It is equipped with a muzzle brake on the rifle barrel. — The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is a great option for long range shooting. The rifle is also available in .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO).

Removing the fancy optics makes the elements that affect your shot a hyper-sensitive calculation. For you old school guys looking to find the next best rifle to help you reach new distances using iron sights, the Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor is the rifle for you. The same goes for those wanting to learn how to shoot effectively using iron sights.

When determining are iron sights accurate having a precise rifle like this Springfield Armory M1A Loaded is needed to ensure correct test results. — The rifle tested featured an Archangel Desert FDE stock with multiple adjustment points and solid construction.

Setting Up Your Shot

I recommend using a steel target when shooting long range. The reason for this is the quick feedback you receive when you hit your target. Plus, everyone loves the ping of a steel target.

In this photograph, the writer shows you the ammunition he used during the accuracy testing. It was a round loaded by Fort Scott Munitions that uses a solid copper bullet with a long ogive and full metal jacket. — The author used Fort Scott Munitions Accuracy Pack ammunition in the iron sights testing on the outdoor shooting range.

When choosing a rifle for long-range shooting, one of the critical components of that rifle system is caliber. There’s a reason why 6.5 Creedmoor is hugely popular in the long-range shooting world. The ballistic performance of that round enables shooters to get on-target.

This photo shows the rifle the author used to answer the question how far can you shoot with iron sights. — The Loaded M1A offers you a great deal of performance in an appealing package. It helps to answer the question: how far can you shoot with iron sights?

The M1A Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor is more than capable with its high muzzle velocity and low recoil for the accurate shot. Right out of the box, my rifle’s iron sights were spot on.

Zero the Sight

Just like a mounted scope, your iron sights need to be zeroed in properly. First, you need to understand the type of sight you’re using. The front sight on the 6.5 Creedmoor is a National Match .062 post. The rear is a NM Grade Non-Hooded Aperture .0520, Adjustable, ½ MOA windage and 1 MOA elevation. Knowing your barrel length is important, too. Here are the specs on the M1A 6.5 Creedmoor Loaded’s barrel: 22″, 4-Groove, 1:8 RH twist, stainless steel National Match medium weight.

In this photo, we see the writer aiming the rifle from a prone position on the shooting range. He is wearing a hearing protection device over his ears to protect himself from hazardous noise associated with firearms. — The author was really impressed with how the M1A Loaded Precision rifle shot on the range with just the irons.

Pro Tip: It’s always good to have a spotter working with you. This makes for quicker adjustments as you push the target farther and farther out.

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