Ask Terry Houin Advise on how to get started

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T

typarker

New member
Hi Terry - I could use some advice on how to learn long range shooting. There’s too much conflicting BS and too many fake experts on the interwebs. I’ve hunted most of my life (54 years) but primarily in the forest of Mississippi and Louisiana. Mostly whitetail hunting and very rarely had to take a shot over 150 yards. I’d like to treat myself to an African plains game hunt in the next year or so I know I need to be a better shooter. I just joined range that goes out to 1000 yards so I have a place to practice. I currently own 3 Q Fix rifles (16” 6.5 CM, 16” .308, 12” 8.6) and they are great for the brush hunting I currently do. All three have Leupold vx5hd scopes. I’d appreciate getting your opinion and direction on these questions:
1) Any books or websites/youtube channels you’d recommend for learning the proper fundamentals of long range shooting?
2) I’m concerned that I may not have the right equipment. I know KB slays long range with the Fix, but are they good for a newbie long distance shooter to learn with? Do I need a better scope?

Thanks!
 
Ty,

While I’m not Uncle Terry, I wanted to share a bit of perspective from my own experience.

I’ve been traveling to East Africa most years since 2003, and I’m happy to pass along what I’ve learned in response to your questions.

First — congratulations on joining the range with the 1,000-yard capability. There is no substitute for time behind the rifle, and that kind of facility will do more for your confidence and consistency than any piece of gear ever will.

On equipment, I’d suggest investing in a solid set of rangefinder binoculars and a quality chronograph. Having dependable ballistic data matters. I personally use the Applied Ballistics app, though I know there are newer and more cost-effective options available now. The key is understanding your rifle and having verified data — not guessing.

All three of your rifles are more than adequate for plains game. I run two Q Fix rifles myself — one in 8.6 BLK and one in .308 — and I would have zero hesitation taking either on a plains game hunt. In Tanzania, unless I chose otherwise, I’ve never taken a plains game animal past 380 yards (a Roberts Gazelle). Other countries like RSA, Mozambique, or Zimbabwe may present slightly different scenarios, but in most cases you’re not talking extreme distances.

Regarding your Leupold scopes — do they have CDS dials? If so, I highly recommend using them. I’ve run CDS on caribou, elk, and mule deer hunts and have been impressed with the simplicity and reliability. The only caveat is you must have accurate ballistic data and an understanding of the typical climate and elevation where you’ll be hunting. Once you provide that information to Leupold, they’ll send back custom caps calibrated to your setup. It’s a straightforward system when done correctly.

Lastly, I’ve had a family member attend the Barbour Creek Long Range Class — I believe it was a 2–3 day course — and they spoke very highly of the experience. Structured training can accelerate learning in ways solo practice sometimes can’t.

Happy to discuss further anytime. Experience and preparation matter far more than gear alone.

Best,
Robert
 
typarker said:
Hi Terry - I could use some advice on how to learn long range shooting. There’s too much conflicting BS and too many fake experts on the interwebs. I’ve hunted most of my life (54 years) but primarily in the forest of Mississippi and Louisiana. Mostly whitetail hunting and very rarely had to take a shot over 150 yards. I’d like to treat myself to an African plains game hunt in the next year or so I know I need to be a better shooter. I just joined range that goes out to 1000 yards so I have a place to practice. I currently own 3 Q Fix rifles (16” 6.5 CM, 16” .308, 12” 8.6) and they are great for the brush hunting I currently do. All three have Leupold vx5hd scopes. I’d appreciate getting your opinion and direction on these questions:
1) Any books or websites/youtube channels you’d recommend for learning the proper fundamentals of long range shooting?
2) I’m concerned that I may not have the right equipment. I know KB slays long range with the Fix, but are they good for a newbie long distance shooter to learn with? Do I need a better scope?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I'm not Uncle T either but I have some experience on the matter... And it appears @randlhuntingtrips gave you some sound advice..
As to a book on the matter check out
"The Complete .50 Caliber Sniper Course
- Hard target interdiction" (Dean Michaelis)..

Dean Michaelis was a Sgt First Class and knows A LOT about shooting.. his book is specifically geared towards.50 caliber hard target interdiction (which we incorporated on our SWAT team to stop/interdict airplane engines on the runway, penetrate heavy airplane windshield glass, bus engines during tubular assualts, train glass, train engines, ship control tower glass, (such as our ferry boats out here, etc.. but, regardless.. the techniques and methods discussed and taught in the book are equally applicable to sniping and marksmanship of any type..
I highly recommend the section regarding Parallel Bore Zeroing... It revolutionized my extreme distance shooting...

Also, get at least two chronographs... Caldwell makes a relatively inexpensive one and it's been my experience they are reliable and consistent.. the reason I use two is because I like to know what a given bullet is doing as it leaves my muzzle, and what it's actually doing down range at whatever distance.. the better your information is going into a formula or equation, the more accurate the information coming out will be.. or, garbage in/garbage out (which is what you will get if you input the manufacturers claims printed on the box.. none of it is applicable to YOUR rifle..
 
randlhuntingtrips said:
Ty,

While I’m not Uncle Terry, I wanted to share a bit of perspective from my own experience.

I’ve been traveling to East Africa most years since 2003, and I’m happy to pass along what I’ve learned in response to your questions.

First — congratulations on joining the range with the 1,000-yard capability. There is no substitute for time behind the rifle, and that kind of facility will do more for your confidence and consistency than any piece of gear ever will.

On equipment, I’d suggest investing in a solid set of rangefinder binoculars and a quality chronograph. Having dependable ballistic data matters. I personally use the Applied Ballistics app, though I know there are newer and more cost-effective options available now. The key is understanding your rifle and having verified data — not guessing.

All three of your rifles are more than adequate for plains game. I run two Q Fix rifles myself — one in 8.6 BLK and one in .308 — and I would have zero hesitation taking either on a plains game hunt. In Tanzania, unless I chose otherwise, I’ve never taken a plains game animal past 380 yards (a Roberts Gazelle). Other countries like RSA, Mozambique, or Zimbabwe may present slightly different scenarios, but in most cases you’re not talking extreme distances.

Regarding your Leupold scopes — do they have CDS dials? If so, I highly recommend using them. I’ve run CDS on caribou, elk, and mule deer hunts and have been impressed with the simplicity and reliability. The only caveat is you must have accurate ballistic data and an understanding of the typical climate and elevation where you’ll be hunting. Once you provide that information to Leupold, they’ll send back custom caps calibrated to your setup. It’s a straightforward system when done correctly.

Lastly, I’ve had a family member attend the Barbour Creek Long Range Class — I believe it was a 2–3 day course — and they spoke very highly of the experience. Structured training can accelerate learning in ways solo practice sometimes can’t.

Happy to discuss further anytime. Experience and preparation matter far more than gear alone.

Best,
Robert
Click to expand...
Thanks Robert. Always great to get advice from someone that has “been there done that”. My scopes do have cds dials and I ordered one for the 8.6. Used it for white tail this year and worked great. I had a local gunsmith get the crono details I needed for that order, but I like the idea of buying my own. This is the push I needed to make that purchase. I’ll look into that class. I’m sure that would really help me. Thanks again!
 
Al Shifty Schultz said:
I'm not Uncle T either but I have some experience on the matter... And it appears @randlhuntingtrips gave you some sound advice..
As to a book on the matter check out
"The Complete .50 Caliber Sniper Course
- Hard target interdiction" (Dean Michaelis)..

Dean Michaelis was a Sgt First Class and knows A LOT about shooting.. his book is specifically geared towards.50 caliber hard target interdiction (which we incorporated on our SWAT team to stop/interdict airplane engines on the runway, penetrate heavy airplane windshield glass, bus engines during tubular assualts, train glass, train engines, ship control tower glass, (such as our ferry boats out here, etc.. but, regardless.. the techniques and methods discussed and taught in the book are equally applicable to sniping and marksmanship of any type..
I highly recommend the section regarding Parallel Bore Zeroing... It revolutionized my extreme distance shooting...

Also, get at least two chronographs... Caldwell makes a relatively inexpensive one and it's been my experience they are reliable and consistent.. the reason I use two is because I like to know what a given bullet is doing as it leaves my muzzle, and what it's actually doing down range at whatever distance.. the better your information is going into a formula or equation, the more accurate the information coming out will be.. or, garbage in/garbage out (which is what you will get if you input the manufacturers claims printed on the box.. none of it is applicable to YOUR rifle..
Click to expand...
Thanks Shifty! Just found the book on Amazon and ordered it. I like the advice on the downrange crono. I never thought of that. Now I’m ordering two cronos.
 
typarker said:
Hi Terry - I could use some advice on how to learn long range shooting. There’s too much conflicting BS and too many fake experts on the interwebs. I’ve hunted most of my life (54 years) but primarily in the forest of Mississippi and Louisiana. Mostly whitetail hunting and very rarely had to take a shot over 150 yards. I’d like to treat myself to an African plains game hunt in the next year or so I know I need to be a better shooter. I just joined range that goes out to 1000 yards so I have a place to practice. I currently own 3 Q Fix rifles (16” 6.5 CM, 16” .308, 12” 8.6) and they are great for the brush hunting I currently do. All three have Leupold vx5hd scopes. I’d appreciate getting your opinion and direction on these questions:
1) Any books or websites/youtube channels you’d recommend for learning the proper fundamentals of long range shooting?
2) I’m concerned that I may not have the right equipment. I know KB slays long range with the Fix, but are they good for a newbie long distance shooter to learn with? Do I need a better scope?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Ty my appoligies, I missed this somehow. I am traveling today but I will go through your question and put some thought into a genuine reply.
 
Jeff Forrester said:
@typarker Great question for @Terry Houin ! I would also recommend you keeping your eyes peeled for one of his Long Range Shooting Schools where you can go get instruction and a chance to put it to use on real game. we will be announcing the October LR Shooting School and Aoudad hunt soon. email me if you want to be on the waitlist. jeff@feoutrider.com
Click to expand...
@Jeff Forrester thanks for hitting me on this, missed it when I had the last group out West.
 
Terry Houin said:
Ty my appoligies, I missed this somehow. I am traveling today but I will go through your question and put some thought into a genuine reply
Click to expand...
Thanks Terry and no worries. I see you all over the world living all of our best life so I know you have better things to do. Robert and Shifty gave me some good advice in this thread to help get started, and I finally stopped over analysing and just hit the range with my 6.5 Creedmore Fix, a crono and a ballistic calculator. Been spending an hour or two every day for the last three weeks shooting and learning. I’m up to consistently hitting a man sized target at 600 yards but still have a ton to learn.
 
typarker said:
Thanks Terry and no worries. I see you all over the world living all of our best life so I know you have better things to do. Robert and Shifty gave me some good advice in this thread to help get started, and I finally stopped over analysing and just hit the range with my 6.5 Creedmore Fix, a crono and a ballistic calculator. Been spending an hour or two every day for the last three weeks shooting and learning. I’m up to consistently hitting a man sized target at 600 yards but still have a ton to learn.
Click to expand...
I would 2nd Jeff’s suggestion to hit up one of Terry’s long range shooting schools. I’ve done the SD class/Prairie dog hunt and the TX Aoudad cull. For a newer long range shooter, which was definitely me, the SD course is hard to beat. You’ll learn fundamental rifle setup, basic ballistics, and build out a profile that is necessary for long range shooting.

A good chronograph and range finding binos are also very useful. I invested in the Garmin Xero chronograph and it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for shooting. I use it all the time and take it everywhere I go to shoot. It’s compact and easy to take everywhere.

Your 2 Fix rifles are more than adequate. I hunted plains game in South Africa with my 16” 8.6 Fix, making shots at ~425 & 325 yards. Also have shot my Fox setup w/a 16” 6.5CM barrel out to ~1,070 yards at Terry’s SD class. It is very capable with good factory ammo.
 
Concur with Matt and others, Garmin Zero is amazing, and if you are patient, you can find one on the used market for a few hundred bucks. I also use mine every range trip. Beyond the ballistic calculator, do log your findings - the calculator is an awesome tool, but it still works on averages, and your rifle, your ammo, your barrel length which effects velocity, your environment, all are worth noting, and then being able to adjust. Range is one world, hunting similar but another. My advice - use the first to prepare for the second. In the first, patience, practice, science, all matter. In the latter, they still do, but so does speed. Putting three in a sub 1/2 MOA on the range is awesome. Putting one in the vitals, a larger reference area, is also awesome. Just so inspired you joined in, and asked, and prompted this thread, excellent exchange.
 
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