PrecisionRifleBlog.com A DATA-DRIVEN Approach to Precision Rifles, Optics & Gear
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Meet The Pros
The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is a championship style point series race based on the best precision rifle matches nationwide. PRS matches are recognized as the major league of sniper-style rifle matches. At the end of each year, the scores from 15 different matches are evaluated and the top 50 shooters nationwide are invited to compete head to head in the PRS Finale Match. The info below is based on the equipment those pros brought with them to the most recent finale. This is a great set of data, because 50 shooters is a significant sample size, and this particular group are also considered experts among experts. Thanks to Rich Emmons for allowing me to share this info. To find out more about the PRS, check out What Is The Precision Rifle Series?
Best Optics For Long Range Shooting
The only optics information gathered from the competitors was scope manufacturer and reticle, but it is pretty easy to infer the scope model from that information in most cases. There are a few that could have been a few different models, but here are some of the most popular scopes most likely topping the pro’s long-range rifles:
| Precision Rifle Scope | Model # | Street Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25×56 MSR | 677-945-842-B2-A8 | $3,950 |
| Schmidt Bender PMII 3-20×50 H2CMR | 668-945-942-B2-A8 | $3,500 |
| Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 EBR-3 MRAD | RZR52008 | $2,000 |
| Bushnell Elite Tactical 3.5-21×50 G2DMR | ET35215G | $1,400 |
| Premier Heritage Tactical 5-25×56 Gen 2 XR | 09004 | $3,550 |
| U.S. Optics LR17 3.2-17×44 MPR | UR321744-4 | $2,650 |
| U.S. Optics ER-25 T-PAL 5-25x 58mm MPR | ER-25xT MKII MPR | $3,100 |
*All prices reflect what you could buy it for from a reputable dealer online as of Sept. 2013.
About 94% of these shooters chose a MIL-based scope reticle over MOA. For a thorough comparison of MIL vs MOA and the pros and cons of each, please read MIL vs MOA: An Objective Comparison.
Other “What The Pros Use” Articles
This post was one of a series of posts that look at the equipment the top 50 shooters in the country use. Check out these other posts:
- Best Rifle Calibers & Cartridges
- Best Long-Range Scopes
- Best Gunsmiths, Actions, Barrels & Stocks
- Best Precision Bullets & Powders
- Best Precision Suppressor & Muzzle Brake
- Best Rear Bag Shooting Rest
I love my Vortex Razor HD with 10mil turrets and EBR-2B reticle as well as my 2 March scopes F 3-24 and 5-40 with FML-1 reticles. All have great glass and warranties and have yet to have a single issue even on my MRAD 338LM. Zero stop on March scopes can’t be beat!