The Ultimate Long-Range Rifle Guide

If you’re serious about precision shooting, choosing the right long-range rifle is critical. Whether you're dialing in for competition or pushing your limits at the range, having the right rifle, caliber, and accessories makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a long-range rifle, the importance of quality optics, must-have accessories, and the best calibers for extended distances. We’ll also highlight some top-tier Savage rifles built for long-range precision.

What to Look for in a Long-Range Rifle

A true long-range rifle isn’t just about a long barrel and a powerful scope—it’s about consistency, stability, and accuracy. Here are key factors to consider:

• Barrel Length and Contour: A longer barrel (24”–26”) helps to maximize velocity which will help to reduce drop at extended distances. Increased velocity will also reduce the bullet's time of flight, decreasing the effect wind can have on the bullet's path. Heavier profile barrels also better resist heat distortion, helping to maintain accuracy over multiple shots.

• Action Type: Bolt-action rifles have long been the gold standard for precision due to their rigidity and consistency. However, Savage’s Impulse straight-pull action offers faster follow-up shots without sacrificing precision, making it an excellent choice for competition shooting.

• Stock or Chassis System: A stable, adjustable stock or chassis system ensures a comfortable and repeatable shooting position. Chassis rifles like the MDT ACC found on the Impulse Elite Precision and 110 Elite Precision provide superior rigidity and customization options.

• Trigger Quality: A crisp, adjustable trigger is crucial for accuracy. Savage’s AccuTrigger allows for fine-tuned control, reducing trigger pull weight while maintaining safety.

• Muzzle Device Compatibility: A threaded barrel allows for the use of a muzzle brake or a suppressor. Both of these will help to reduce recoil for more controlled shooting. This reduced recoil also helps to spot bullet impacts either to confirm your impact on the target or to see the bullet splash to make corrections to get on target. 

• Balance and Weight: While heavier rifles provide more stability, they can be cumbersome for field use. Consider how you'll be using your rifle—bench shooting allows for more weight, while PRS competition may require a balance between weight and maneuverability. A heavier rifle is more stable while shooting, and reduces the felt recoil to the shooter, making for a more comfortable shooting experience and making follow-up shots easier by helping you stay on target.

The Importance of Quality Optics

A rifle is only as good as the glass on top. Long-range shooting requires high-quality optics with precise adjustments and repeatable tracking.

• Magnification Range: Higher magnification scopes can help with both identifying targets as and spotting impacts at extended distances. Scopes with a magnification range of 5-25x are a common choice for long-range competition and hunting. This large magnification range is extremely versatile and allows shooters to use the low end of the range for closer shots or to help get on target quickly when shooting at multiple targets at a variety of distances, which is commonplace in PRS competition. Throw levers are a common accessory to making changing magnification quick and easy.

• First vs. Second Focal Plane (FFP vs. SFP): FFP reticles scale with magnification which means that all holdover values stay true regardless of magnification this is ideal for shooters who use holdovers at varying magnification. SFP reticles remain the same size regardless of magnification, which some shooters prefer for a constant reticle at all magnifications. Holdovers will only be true at maximum magnification, however, many SFP scopes are marked at the midpoint of their magnification and shooters are able to use this position and still use holdovers. For example, a 1MOA holdover would equal 2 MOA at half magnification.

• Turret Adjustments: Exposed, tactical turrets with crisp, repeatable clicks are essential for dialing in elevation and windage. MIL or MOA-based reticles with detailed hash marks allow for accurate holdovers.

• Lens Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and provide clear, sharp images in various lighting conditions.

• Parallax Adjustment: For extreme long-range precision, an adjustable parallax is essential to eliminate sighting errors at different distances.

Must-Have Accessories for Long-Range Shooting

Long-range shooting isn’t just about the rifle and scope—accessories can make or break your accuracy and consistency.

• Bipod: A stable shooting platform is essential. Adjustable bipods allow for a firm, balanced stance, reducing movement when taking long shots. A bipod that allows for cant is important to allow the shooter to keep the rifle level.

• ARCA Rail System: Found on high-end competition rifles, an ARCA rail provides seamless mounting options for bipods, tripods, and other accessories.

• Rear Shooting Bag: A simple but effective tool for stabilizing the rear of the rifle, allowing for precise vertical adjustments.

• Bubble Level: Ensuring the rifle remains perfectly level eliminates unwanted cant, which can drastically affect long-range accuracy.

• Suppressor or Muzzle Brake: A muzzle brake significantly reduces felt recoil, while a suppressor lowers sound signature and improves control—both valuable for precision shooting.

• Wind Meter: Reading wind correctly is one of the most challenging aspects of long-range shooting. A wind meter provides real-time data to help make accurate adjustments.

• Ballistics App or DOPE Card: Understanding bullet drop and wind drift at different distances is critical for dialing adjustments to your shots. A ballistic app or DOPE (Data on Previous Engagements) card ensures you have accurate holdover data.

Best Long-Range Calibers

Selecting the right caliber is crucial for maximizing range, accuracy, and energy retention. Here are some of the most popular options for long-range shooting, including competition and extreme-range applications:

• 6.5 Creedmoor: A favorite among long-range shooters due to its high ballistic coefficient, low recoil, and excellent consistency at 1,000+ yards. It’s widely used in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitions.

• .308 Winchester: A time-tested caliber with proven performance at extended ranges. While it has more drop and wind drift than 6.5 Creedmoor, it remains a versatile and reliable option. 308 Winchester also has excellent barrel life allowing shooters to shoot a high volume without worrying about burning out their barrel.

• .300 PRC: Designed for extreme long-range precision, the .300 PRC offers superior velocity and energy retention, making it ideal for competition and big-game hunting.

• .338 Lapua Magnum: A powerhouse designed for ultra-long-range shooting, with effective reach beyond 1,500 yards. Commonly used in ELR (Extreme Long Range) competitions and military applications.

At Savage, we offer even more choices with some more niche long-range cartridges to fit the needs of nearly any shooter, including 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5x284 Norma, .308 Palma, and 6 Norma BR! 

Top Savage Long-Range Rifles

Impulse Elite Precision

• Straight-pull action for faster follow-up shots 

• Modular aluminum MDT ACC chassis with full ARCA rail 

• Heavy Palma Contour barrel for extreme accuracy 26” for short action and 30” Barrels for Long Action

110 Elite Precision

• Factory-blueprinted Model 110 action for superior accuracy 

• MDT ACC chassis with ARCA rail for unmatched stability and customizability  

• Heavy Palma Contour barrel for extreme accuracy 26” for short action and 30” Barrels for Long Action

110 Precision

• Savage’s factory-blueprinted action for enhanced precision

• MDT LSS XL chassis for stability and adjustability

• User-adjustable AccuTrigger for a crisp, clean break

Axis II Precision

• Chassis-style aluminum stock for enhanced stability

• 22-inch heavy barrel for improved accuracy

• AccuTrigger for a consistent, controlled shot

Honorable Mention: Long-Range Rimfire Rifles

Long-range shooting isn’t just for centerfire rifles. With the rise of NRL22 competitions and the affordability of .22 LR ammo, precision rimfire shooting has gained massive popularity. Savage offers top-tier rimfire rifles designed for long-range accuracy.

B22 Precision

• Full aluminum chassis for stability and repeatability

• 18-inch heavy barrel for accuracy and reduced harmonics

• Adjustable AccuTrigger for a crisp, clean break

B22 Precision Lite

• Carbon fiber-wrapped barrel for reduced weight and improved balance

• Factory-installed Picatinny rail for easy optics mounting

• Threaded muzzle for suppressor or brake compatibility

Final Thoughts

Long-range shooting is as much about skill as it is about the right equipment. Whether you're after competition-grade precision or just stretching your effective hunting range, the right rifle, optics, and accessories can elevate your performance.

Find the best long-range rifle for your needs and start hitting targets farther than ever before.