Rendezvous’ Best Long-Range Rifles & Optics

One thing can be counted on at our annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous event. There will be targets set up at many distances, all the way to a mile and beyond. Many people will step up to the positions to test their long-range capabilities. There will also be plenty of rifles from several manufacturers to aid in successful completion of long-range tasks. This year was no exception. So let’s rundown the best long-range rifles and optics tested out to serious distances.

Renezvous’ Best Long-Range Rifles & Optics

Barrett MRAD MK22 & SMR

When Barrett is on the docket, you know they will show up with some serious long-range wares. The MRAD came this year in two flavors, the MK22–the version acquired by SOCOM and the U.S. Army–along with the SMR (Single Mission Rifle).

The MRAD comprises a purpose-built, bolt-action repeater that proves extremely accurate and durable. It consistently remains one of the most accurate rifles I’ve ever shot. It’s designed to take a beating and be user serviceable in the field. The fully adjustable stock, without needing tools, reinforces the user serviceability concept. The rifle field disassembles the same way. The tigger group can also be removed/replaced sans tools.

The MRAD MK22 features a fluted barrel. This rifle, chambered in 300 Norma Magnum, came with a 26-inch barrel. The multi-caliber rifle also offers 7.62×51 NATO and 338 Norma Magnum versions. The smooth action of the MK22 utilizes a polymer bolt guide inside the receiver, helping it work in harsh conditions.

The SMR is basically a MK22 for the civilian market and lacks the chamber interchangeability and the folding stock. It also lacks the length of pull adjustability of its Elite forces sibling but shares 90 percent of parts commonality with it.

What you won’t lose is any of the accuracy associated with the MK22 or other MRAD rifles. The SMR delivers the goods in droves and will save you a good chunk of dough should you decide you’d like to buy one. (barrett.net)

Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro

Daniel Defense set the industry on its ear when it released the Delta 5 bolt-action rifle. It was a lightweight hunting-focused bolt-action that offered accuracy and affordability. Not long after that, the Delta 5 Pro hit the scene, a proper tactical/target rifle that improved since its initial release.

Let’s just start out by saying the Delta 5 Pro is sub $2,500, which is a tough spot to fill, while keeping high quality, great looks and functionality. With that, DD claims a sub-1/2-MOA guarantee.

Delta 5 Pro Features

• Mechanically bedded stainless steel action with integral recoil lug
• Interchangeable barrels that are hammer forged
• Three-lug bolt, 60-degree throw; Floating bolt head for improved accuracy
• Area 419 Muzzle brake
• 20 MOA scope base
• Removable/replaceable bolt knob
• Two-stage, adjustable Timney Hunter trigger
• Folding, LOP/ butt pad height/cheek riser adjustable stock

Those are just a few of the features. The DD Delta 5 has consistently delivered accuracy across the many owners that I’ve seen, and I know many departments that have moved to this precision rifle for their sniper program needs.

Should you choose to compete with the Delta 5 Pro, you’ll be happy to know that is qualifies of the Precision Rifle Series Production Division limit. It’s available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308, and 6mm Creedmoor with longer 26-inch barrels for the competitive target shooter. Shorter 16- to 24-inch barrels are available for operator-specific uses as well. (danieldefense.com)

RISE Armament 1121XR

Bolt-actions don’t necessarily own the “precision” rifle moniker. RISE brought out their incredible 1121XR precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The 1121XR is a gas-operated rifle, delivering excellent accuracy along with an incredibly smooth recoil impulse. Along with that comes fast follow-up shots (if necessary) thanks to its docile manners and the fact that you don’t need to run a bolt.

The 1121XR features a billet upper and lower receiver. And in classic RISE form, the 1121XR gets one of the best triggers available on the market, the RISE RA-535. It’s a single-stage masterpiece and allows the shooter the ability to extract maximum accuracy out of the platform.

The 1121XR accuracy and functionality is further helped by a premium bolt carrier group that is coated in black nitride. So keeping it clean should be a relatively easy task. The buffer system is a JP Silent Captured Spring System. This upgraded system removes the noise associated with your standard buffer tube system. The JP system features polished springs and its proprietary LMOW buffer. This eliminates the friction in the buffer/spring system, making it smoother and quieter running.

Out front the 1121XR gets a RISE RA-701 Compensator, keeping muzzle rise to a minimum. Other features of the 1121XR include a 22-inch 416R SS barrel, with 1:8 twist, Magpul PRS adjustable stock and a 15-inch slim handguard. It weighs in at a cool 9.7 pounds and comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. (risearmamment.com)

ZEV Technologies Billet Core Elite Rifle

ZEV brought out some stunning guns, per the usual, and while we often think of pistols from the top-quality manufacturer, we can’t forget about their equally impressive rifles, built on AR platforms. In this case we are specifically referring to the large-frame Billet Core Elite Rifle.

Let’s just reiterate how gorgeous the ZEV products are, and the Core Elite Rifle is no different. Aesthetic queues and details like AR Gold trigger draw you in, begging you to shoot this rifle. The Billet Core Elite starts with 7075 receivers, expertly machined all the way around. A 16-inch barrel showcases itself in a bronze PVD coating, contrasting boldly with the black, type 3, class 2 hard anodizing. Chambered in .308, the match-grade 416R SS barrel gets a 1:10 twist rate and a mid-length gas system.

The BCG gets treatment as well with a manganese phosphate finish that prompts smooth movement. Ambidextrous controls, including bolt catch, safety selector, mag release and charging handle, round out creature-comforts.

The ZEV is a cinch to shoot accurately thanks to all the high-end components. The 2.5-pound break of the trigger delivers a surprise in terms of recoil. But it remains manageable thanks to the gas system and H3 carbine buffer. (zevtechnologies.com)

Best Long-Range Riflescopes From Rendezvous

You can’t have precision rifles without precision rifle optics, and there were a couple of noteworthy versions at our annual Rendezvous event.

Burris Veracity PH

Technology has come a long way with useful technologies becoming more and more compact. While the precision rifle optic has been a mostly analog endeavor, some digital techonology is making its way into our scopes, and one of the best examples of this is the new Burris Veracity PH.

The Veracity PH is a precision-driven hunting optic with a 4-20 magnification range and 50mm objective lens. From the outside it looks like many other Burris optics, but that’s where comparison ends, because inside is where things get good.

The Veracity PH features a digital heads up display at the top which displays info from the PĒK (programmable elevation knob), which when adjusted changes the displayed come ups in yards, meters or MOA. In essence, when you pair the Veracity PH with the new Burris Connect mobile app, and zero at 100 yards, you can simply dial your elevation to a given distance, based on range. The heads up display shows other information such as your wind hold, as well as cant thanks to a digital bubble level. It displays battery life as well.

The Veracity PH is FFP (first focal plane) and comes with a simple and clean reticle (Wind MOA FFP) with one-minute tick marks for windage, and they extend to 12 minutes. PTC (Progressively Thick Crosshairs) add to the usability and start out fine in the center and progressively get thicker away from the center.

The side knob adjusts HUD brightness and blue tooth control. Don’t worry, the Veracity PH works like any other scope, so if the battery dies, you’re still good to go. I can tell you that the early test unit I had worked flawlessly out to 900 yards, delivering first-round impacts at that distance. I also killed an antelope with it as well at a much closer range, jut by ranging and dialing the Veracity PH to the indicated yardage.

Burris Veracity XTR Pro

Burris also brought out their Veracity XTR Pro 5.5-30×56. This purpose-built precision optic aims squarely at the avid precision rifle competitor and target shooter. The XTR utilizes excellent glass and compared to other competitive brands it rises to the top.

The greatest feature of the XTR Pro is the excellent Burris Quick Detach Race Dial. This system allows you to switch between different dials, one standard elevation dial with MIL, the other a “white board” type of race dial that allows shooters to write information direction on it, using dry-erase markers.

The XTR Pro is available in three different FFP reticles— Tremor 5, SCR 2 1/4 Mil and SCR 2 illuminated. The XTR Pro also has a tool-less zero stop to keep you where you want to be, and comes with a throw lever. Waterproof, shockproof, fogproof, the XTR Pro is a serious optic for serious use. (burrisoptics.com)

Sightmark Presidio

First focal plane with a magnification range of 3-18x, rated to handle .338 Lapua, and a price tag of $479.99, the Sightmark Presidio has a lot going on. The 3-18x magnification is a solid choice for even the longest of ranges with a magnification that isn’t overkill .

The Presidio has a 30mm main tube housing made from aircraft grade aluminum, with knurled turrets that are easy to manipulate. It comes with a throw lever attachment as well as flip-up lens covers.

A hard anodized finish helps it resist abuse; the unit also rates shockproof and IP67 dust and waterproof. The optic delivers a red, illuminated reticle as well as etched glass. The illumination comes with six different brightness settings. The Presidio offers a lot for a low price.

Sightmark Latitude

When you need more magnification, the 6-25 range is always a safe bet, and Sightmark brought out their 6.25-25×56 Latitude. We’ve used these riflescopes in the past and have shot them out to the mile and beyond with solid results.

The Latitude is available in other magnification ranges such as 8-32×60 and a 10-40×60. Both of these are second focal plane, while the 6.25-25 is FFP. Reticles vary depending on which model you choose, but the 6.25-25 is the only one offering a PRS reticle with a tree-type layout. The latitude features oversized turrets with a zero stop and features lockable eyepiece focusing. Illumination comes with five levels, user adjustable to red or green in color.

The objective lens is fully multicoated and the optic is shock resistant with a .50 BMG rating that is nothing to scoff at. If you’re looking for affordable glass with a slant toward the PRS-style shooting, the Sight Mark Latitude my be the one for you. (sightmark.com)

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