Long Range Shooting Handbook: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Precision Rifle Shooting

I couldn’t wait to write this review. I am far from a novice/beginner but I elected to start with Ryan’s first book anyway and I’m glad I did. At my level, much of what I read was redundant for my existing skill set but I loved reading it anyway. If I already knew everything in it why was I so high on reading it? It’s about the delivery. It’s about the informational method, it’s about Ryan. You’ll notice that I refer to him as Ryan and not the instructor and there’s reason for that. It’s painful when we’re stuck in a classroom setting being instructed by a dry, often washed up monotone speaking teacher. This is where Ryan and his book shine. Ryan formatted and articulated every subject and touch point with a renewed sense of grace. Ryan’s methods and delivery feel more like going to the range with a friend rather than a disconnected dry teacher. The book reads to you like two guys having a conversation at the range instead of a dry robotic, overly refined formal approach. This is important because it allows the reader to connect with Ryan as if he were right next to you. That made it enjoyable. The information was neither over complicated or excessively diluted. It just simply felt real. One can quickly tell that this book was written with passion for the art of long range precision shooting. I LOVE Ryan’s non imposing method of letting the reader know that you may not like or agree with everything he says but just try it. I didn’t find anything that I disagreed with and loved the simplified delivery when simple was prudent. I’m a big fan of not installing needless complexity in place of preferred simplicity. The plethora of knowledge and information needed to master this craft can be overwhelming. Ryan’s method of simplifying Subject matter leaves you filled with the meat and potatoes while trimming most of the fat. This matters because the reader won’t find themselves zoning out while reading. Ever read a page of something dry and boring, then get to the end and ask yourself what you just read? Ryan’s style is indicative of someone who’s not just good at the craft, but also knows how to teach it well. I’m now 50 pages into the advanced book. You’re the man Cleckner!! I’ll bang on the long gun next to you any day. PSA….no I’m not one of Ryan’s friends writing him a rave review. I’m just someone who recognizes exceptionalism when he sees it.

There isn't enough good things to say about this book, it is the "go to" manual that every long range shooter should use. Even after years of shooting and instruction prior to this book, I was impressed with the knowledge and simplicity. We use this book as the basis for shooter instruction and set-up. Amazing job in taking a very complicated subject and simplifying it to the basics.

The Long Range Shooting Handbook gives a clear-cut, no B.S approach and explanation to the fundamentals of long range shooting. The amount I've learned from this book almost equals the volume of information contained therein. It's reassuring to know as you read that Ryan is a man of experience unparalleled by other sources of information on this subject. As he mentions, his methods may start internet flame wars, but then, what do they really know? In this book, you won't find any useless, exclusive, sophisticated methods, but, rather, the straight truths and ways of the rifleman's art. Ryan learned this art in an occupation where his life and others' depended on the outcome. He is without question a master in this field. Another thing to note is that many books on this subject which are introductory level, which the Long Range Shooting Handbook is meant to be, spend the whole book saying, "In (book, course, etc.) you will learn...," wasting space with useless photos, or bragging of the author's achievements. In reading Cleckner's book, you will forget it is even intended as a "beginners guide to precision rifle shooting." The cover should read, "An extremely comprehensive handbook guide to long range shooting." And yet it still remains accessible to the beginner. With such a huge success in a beginners handbook, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming sequel. You won't find a more comprehensive and valuable guide to the subject of long range shooting in layman's terms anywhere. Period. If you consider yourself proficient in rifle shooting, do yourself a favor and buy this book. You'll find important concepts you had no idea of explained in a way you will understand and easily be able to apply and take your shooting skills to the next level. Another plus for Ryan is that, while he recommends products, he doesn't spam, and only recommends tools of genuine usefulness. I've read some books that felt more like a catalog. None of that here! I could go on forever, but, I've got shooting to do. The Long Range Shooting Handbook will be the absolute best purchase decision you've made for you shooting gear bag in quite some time. You won't regret it, and you won't be able to put it down.

I spent about an hour flipping through the pages so far. First impression is excellent. This is the type of resource I wish would have been available or recommended when I began my foray into the firearm space. I also picked up the Advanced version, and looks to be about where I'm at knowledge wise in many areas but not all. Excited to read through both to freshen up areas I've already researched and pick up new tips to help me get rounds on target.

I am very much a beginner in shooting sports, but I did come from a number of fields that gave me some insight. I could say that after reading this book my groupings tightened considerably (they did) or that suddenly I am shooting sub-MOA from barely being able to hit a target (I am not) or that I have a deeper understanding of the parts and function of all parts of my rifle (I do) or that now I am that guy at the range with a DOPE book and ballistic calculator who really looks like he knows what he is doing (I am not). What I will say is that this text is eminently approachable and has something for anyone who shoots. Yes, anyone, because as Mr. Cleckner freely acknowledges, his style and wisdom comes from his own very personal experience, and is therefore unique. And no, that doesn't mean you'll find something that you use forever, but he does a great job of making you THINK about how YOU shoot, instead of saying this is how HE shoots and you must do this. I think the reason I would give this book five stars is that after reading it (and re-reading it), I began to just feel better at the range. I felt like I was actually working on improving, and realizing what I was doing wrong and what I was doing right, instead of being frustrated that I wasn't improving fast enough or couldn't figure out why I missed or how to fix it. The only reason I took off a star is that I am reviewing the Kindle version, which has some issues with the photos/diagrams in the book, which either load funny, aren't easy to decipher because of the size/resolution, or the text wrapping around them is super wonky. I would, hands down, give it five stars for the printed copy, especially if you will utilize the forms in the back (and/or shoot a .308, which most, if not all, his examples and tables are based off of).

I've been watching Ryan's instructional videos for years and should've bought this book when I learned about it, but I'm glad it's in my hands now. Ryan uses easy to understand language to teach the fundamentals of marksmanship and to introduce the reader to fairly complex topics such as how different environmental effects play into the mix. He introduces common sense formulas to account for wind, gravity, shot angle, etc. He teaches the reader proper napping position and to "Focus on the reticle, steady pressure on the trigger." And more than anything he encourages the reader to head out to the range and practice the fundamentals (after reading through the entire book, of course). Looking for a place to shoot? Check out their website: wheretoshoot dot org. And remember while you're out there, firearm safety depends on you.

Ryan has done an excellent job going into just enough detail for folks (like me) getting into long range shooting. This book is an easy read and will give you a great overview of all the things you need to take into account when making 1,000-yard shots. It's written with both practical and technical points of view (which I appreciate). Ryan is not on a soap-box trying to sell you on his particular style of shooting, rather, he'll explain various approaches and opinions so that you can make a better informed decision when it's time for YOU to decide upon something. This book is not all you need to take your rifle to the range and start adjusting for 1,000-yard shots (that's not the point of this book). I would say that this book should be a required primer before you start reading books with more scientific density (like Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting - more advanced). This book will give you the overall understanding of what you'll be learning about more in depth and help you to 'speak the language' of the other books. There are a lot of terms and concepts which novices have never heard of and this book will help you with all of that lingo and get your brain warmed up to learn the more in-depth concepts and apply them to your shooting. Read this book before you go spend thousands on equipment (I didn't, but I got lucky because I followed the advice of other long-distance shooters before I purchased my shooting package … you might not be so lucky). For example, spend at least as much on your scope as you do your rifle … and if you're not willing to do that, then long-distance shooting is not the sport/hobby for you (you will be disappointed when you keep missing your long range shots). Etc. etc. I really like Ryan's writing style which is mixed with just the right (minimal) amount of humor and a lot of common sense from his perspective as a former military sniper. As a fellow attorney, and fellow author, I really appreciate the fine work Ryan has poured into this book and I have bookmarked many pages to refer to later when calculating shots and keeping the basic fundamentals in mind. After reading this book, I feel like making a note at the front of my DOPE book which reads something like: "Dear Rifle & Glass, I acknowledge that the least consistent and least accurate component of my shooting package is me, the shooter, and I must remember and apply the basic fundamentals of shooting, and must interfere with you as little as possible in order to minimize my negative influences, bad habits, and over-controlling tendencies, on your inherent consistency and accuracy; please accept my apologies in advance." "PS - I also promise to not blame the first bad shot of the day on your cold-bore, but rather, on a cold-shooter."

Love book so far , knowledge and teaching me a lot as I go … will be the follow up book as well once I complete this one.

Even if you just shoot "normal" distances this book is a fountain of knowledge and helps to seperate fact from fiction - crucial for a beginner. Read the book before you buy gear.

Abarca todos los aspectos del Tiro a larga distancia, desde las armas hasta balística básica. Fácil de leer y comprender. Espero que salga pronto la siguiente parte

Intressant innehåll.

An outstanding book that covers every aspect necessary to get to grips with the skill of long range precision shooting in great detail. The title "Beginners Guide" potentially understates the exceptional detail covered between the covers. A great piece of work that will remain in my kitbag!

Interessante