The Intermediate Range AR-15

Theres a reason why the AR-15 has earned the moniker Americas Rifle. The modularity and flexibility of the AR-15 means you can alter it to perform any number of tasks, from close-range, home-defense drills to shots out to 1,000 yards and beyond. This jack of all trades capability makes the AR popular, but the second part of that jack of all trades phrase is and master of none. This means that when it comes to AR-15s, a gun that is set up to work within 100 yards is going to struggle beyond 500 yards, and a gun that works well at a half-mile or more is going to be unwieldy when things get up close and personal. We also have to consider the role that an AR-15 plays in the life of an armed citizen versus the role of a law enforcement officer or the military. Living in the suburbs, it can be difficult to envision a defensive scenario requiring shots at distances beyond 50 yards at most. This might change if one lived in a more rural area, but the fact remains that my home defense AR-15 is optimized for distances under 50 yards. Optimizing For The Middle Of The Road That said, I have a passion for designated marksman rifles, which are service-pattern rifles capable of reaching distances further than standard issue infantry rifles. I enjoy shooting AR-15s at targets out to 1,200 yards and beyond. While this could be seen as a useful self-defense skill in some contexts, at the core, it is just plain fun. However, a noticeable gap exists in my skill set. Shooting an AR-15 under 100 yards is essential for self-defense, while shooting at 500 yards and beyond is entertaining. What is missing, however, is shooting at intermediate distances, between 100 and 500 yards. While these ranges might not be common for self-defense, they are prevalent in small game hunting and competitions like 3-gun and Americas Rifle Challenge. A well-rounded rifleman should have the capability to make the shot, regardless of distance. This is why I enrolled in a course aimed at improving my skills at intermediate distances, while also sourcing an AR-15 suitable for those ranges. I opted for the new Springfield Saint Victor chambered in 5.56 NATO, paired with a 1X electronic sight and a 3X magnifier. If I'm honest, this turned out to not be the best choice. Neither the sight nor the magnifier were badthe optics are high-quality and comparable to military standards. However, the maximum magnification of this setup hindered me during practical exercises. Consider this: one drill involved shooting clay pigeons at 300 yards, translating to a target slightly over 1.4 MOA, achievable by my rifle and skill set. The issue arose during the acquisition of that 4.33-inch target with only 3X magnification. Although the top magnification allowed a general view of the silhouette target, it did not facilitate clear identification of the clays I aimed to hit. Intermediate Range Optics What should have been my choice? For years, my rule of thumb has been 1X for every 100 yards, but my experiences in the class have shown that while this method may suffice for hitting targets, identifying exactly where on the target to aim can be problematic. Enter the modern low power variable optic, or LPVO. These typically start at 1X or 1.5X and can reach 4X, 6X, 8X, or even 10X. Unfortunately, this increased magnification comes with drawbacks. As magnification rises, the effective eye box shrinks, meaning a strong cheek weld becomes essential. Fail to establish that, and you waste precious time seeking a clear view through the optic. Additionally, LPVOs are typically heavier than a simple red dot and magnifier setup. Yet, the advantages they offerlike significant magnification improvementscan enhance accuracy and target identification. Other beneficial accessories include a bipod (the new Magpul MOE QD is highly recommended), an adjustable stock for consistent cheek weld, and high-quality ammunition, such as the 62-grain HPBT from Federal Premium. With careful modifications to your AR-15 and time spent on the range, you may find that your 100-yard AR-15 is capable of achieving first-round hits at 300 yards and beyond. This flexibility enhances an already adaptable firearms performance across a myriad of distances.