Posted by Cory Ross on 2024 Sep 3rd
Average Shot Preparing for Mammoth 2025 Twin 308s - MDT Mention
Averageshot is a newer channel on YouTube dedicated to the art of precision shooting. Through their journey into the discipline, they decided to take on one of the biggest challenges in the precision rifle sport—the Mammoth Sniper Challenge. To put it plainly, “American Grit” describes the challenge as a “three-day physical and mental endurance competition. Teams will engage in long-range targets in simulated sniper hides. From Navy Seals to school teachers, carpenters to combat veterans, participants from all walks of life compete in this competition.” It is a great equalizer. Anyone can go out and shoot a PRS match with minimal training and basic gear; that can’t be said of Mammoth. Preparation, both physical and mental, is required. In a recent video, Averageshot takes us through a training session. In it, they discuss team rifle setup, confirming dope, and practicing various stages.
The shooters take their talents to Alder Brook Sportsman's Association in Littleton, New Hampshire, where they can access steel targets to ranges exceeding 1100 yards. Here, the Averageshot team breaks in their twin 308 builds. The rifles are built identically in hopes of having identical data. This is key when shooting a match like Mammoth. When they spot each other, the DOPE (data on previous engagement) is the same, making the transition from shooter to spotter seamless.
The ammunition they shoot is also the same—175gr. Federal Gold Medal Match. They don’t mention it, but hopefully, the ammo is from the same lot. In this instance, reloading ammunition makes more sense than using factory ammo. All variables need to be considered when the goal is to match the data. Regardless, the shooters make successful impacts at 1109 yards, including a second shot impact from a cold bore. Things deviate slightly when an unexpected visitor arrives (any range session is better when a bear shows up)!
Their engagement at a distance proves that the identical rifle concept works. And it should when meticulous detail is given to the rifle builds. Build components include Impact Precision 737R actions, Bartlein 1/10 twist barrels, and MDT ACC Elite chassis with control bridge. Both guns are also equipped with Baker Wings, an internal weight set, and Ckye-Pods. No expense spared.
After data verification is complete, the shooters shoot replicated match stages using PRS barricades. Easy enough, but as the video shows, practice makes perfect, and it’s better to make mistakes on the practice field than during the game. Always check your scope’s zero before beginning a stage. It’s an easy thing to miss, but it can ruin a match. Once this fundamental stage is complete, the shooters transition to Mammoth Challenge style stages, where the shooter and spotter must work in tandem when shooting at hidden and unknown distance targets. This style of competition shooting adds additional real-world stressors to test the shooter and spotter’s abilities. As shown in the video, human error is a big part of the challenge and one that must be practiced to minimize its effect.
The video finishes with a summary of the day’s shooting and an overview of the rifles they built. One observation by the Averageshot team is if a shooter misses and the other is spotting through his rifle scope, he can easily correct his optic and follow up with an impact. This is a key component to two-man sniper-style matches. Averageshot shows that twin rifles can deliver consistent and repeatable data. Follow them to continue their journey to Mammoth!
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COMPETITION RESOURCES FROM MDT
- NRL Hunter Gear Breakdown
- NRL Hunter Stage Breakdown
- Tricky Props | PRS Stage Breakdown
- Getting The Most Out Of Your Shooting Bag
- How To Run A Sub-30-Second PRS Barricade
- A Pro's Approach to Complicated Stages | PRS Stage Breakdown
- How To Clean A PRS Stage: Francis Colon Stage Breakdown
- How PRS Will Make You A Better Hunter
- How Pro Shooter Francis Colon Sets Up His Rifle
- 12 Essentials For Match Shooting In The Rain - Precision Rifle Tips
- Mastering The Mental Game Of PRS: An Easy Way To Achieve A Higher Score
- Advanced Target Acquisition - How to be a Better Shooter
- How To Shoot From Vehicles