SilencerCo Summer Camp: Long Range
Stephanie Kimmell
Alright, folks, grab your favorite brew and settle in because we’re about to take you on a wild ride through SilencerCo Summer Camp at the Highbar Homeland in Gillette, WY. SilencerCo knows how to have a good time, from intense bets to firing long-range shots from a moving vehicle, so you’re in for a show filled with some wild antics.
While there are no rules at this summer camp, the crew does manage to settle down long enough to pick up some valuable long-distance shooting techniques, all while putting SilencerCo suppressors to work.
They’ve got steel targets set out at distances that’ll make your average backyard range look like a walk in the park. With some bold challenges on the line, the crew pushes themselves to see just what kind of shots they can pull off when the pressure’s on.
Sundown Long Distance
Right off the bat, the guys dive into some long-range shooting with multiple firearms and chamberings. The range has over 2,000 steel targets scattered at distances that put their skills to the test, and when those bullets hit the steel, it’s music to the ears. Aiming at those distant targets, they’re pushing themselves to see what they can accomplish.
To up the ante, they tackle a challenge: the fastest shooter to hit two 350-yard targets wins bragging rights, with a hilarious consequence for the loser. But it isn’t all just fun and games; these guys know the importance of calibrating their guns and understanding the environmental variables that can make or break their shots. So, whether it’s adjusting for wind or accounting for elevation, they’re all about getting it right.
Day Two: New Challenges
On the second day at Highbar Homeland, the guys take a moment to reflect on the previous day’s shenanigans as they gear up for fresh challenges. After some long-range instruction with Matt Gibson from Ballisticraft, they head out to test out the 8.6 BLK, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor, aiming to see how stable they can hold up at long distances.
Using applied ballistics with the Kestrel 5700 Elite, the idea is to get the gun perfect on the front end to eliminate any variables afterward.
The range layout is impressive, stretching all the way out to 1,000 yards with a 500-yard row of targets down the center and 800 yards at the right.
SilencerCo’s Mike Aland is working with a Q Sugar Weasel with a 14.5″ Proof Research 6 ARC barrel with a Scythe STM in full configuration. And yes, he made that 1,000-yard shot.
“What I’m most excited about today, though, is we’re going to push 8.6.” Mike said, “There’s a handful of people that don’t think that caliber is stable enough at distance. We think it is, so we’re going to push it out and see what it does.”
8.6 is a cool suppressor round, and if you pay really close attention to the video, you might catch some prototype cans on those 8.6 guns.
As the day goes on, the crew dives into various shooting methods and makes some crucial adjustments, discussing the significance of understanding mirage effects and making accurate environmental calls. It’s all part of honing their skills and pushing the limits of what they can do.
The day’s activities also include shooting while moving, and you’ll get a kick out of the humorous commentary as they take aim. It’s a lively day, filled with serious shooting practice and light-hearted competition.
Long Range With Short Range Guns
So, just how far can you shoot a pistol — or even a .22 — when you’ve got the right gear and some grit? Well, that’s what they aim to find out in this final shooting session!
Starting with the 8.6 BLK, they transition to 300 BLK subs, along with some 9mms, including the MP5K, pistols, and .22s. Cycling through the guns, the crew dives into the nitty-gritty of what makes each piece unique and the challenges of hitting targets at various distances keep things interesting.
Every missed shot becomes a lesson learned, and adapting techniques is key. They’re all about making it work, no matter what they’re shooting. It’s a blend of skill and a bit of luck, with plenty of friendly wagers tossed into the mix. High-fives abound when someone nails a shot, and there’s never a dull moment!
Key Insights
- Long-Range Potential of Short Guns: You might be surprised at what short-range guns can do. This experience proves that even pistols can hit targets at impressive distances, breaking the mold of what you think you know about firearms.
- Importance of Calibration: Calibration is your friend. You can’t just throw bullets downrange and hope for the best. The right gear and understanding of ballistics can make all the difference.
- Diverse Shooting Environments: The scenery out there matters. Different terrains can affect your shot and visibility, so keep your head on a swivel.
- Physics of Shooting: Yeah, gravity plays a part in all this. Understanding the physics behind your shots is crucial, especially when you’re trying to nail targets from way out there.
- Fun and Learning Combined: The crew makes it fun while breaking down complex concepts. You’ll find yourself learning without even realizing it, which is the best kind of education.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, the SilencerCo Summer Camp at High Bar Homeland is a solid mix of learning and camaraderie. They’ve tackled long-range challenges, engaged in friendly competition, and picked up some valuable shooting techniques along the way.
Be sure to check out the next video, where this same crew explores the intriguing question: Is shooting with night vision and thermal gear even more fun?
Stephanie Kimmell
