Before I start, I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not shilling, or being paid, reimbursed, compensated, or even getting an internet high-five for writing this.
I paid for my copy of this book and I'm giving a review in a manner that is as objective and honest as I can manage.

The author does know that I am writing a review and I have a tentative "go ahead" from him.
Please don't nuke this because you think it's me trying to drum up business.  I honestly don't even know Mr Cleckner, but he seems like a pretty cool dude from some of the IMs we've passed as well as his YouTube videos, which are an excellent resource.




OK, I've been using this book for a few months now and I thought it could provide an avenue for information for interested parties here. At the very least it can answer some very popular questions and clear up some misconceptions.

So, you've got a rifle that you want to use for hitting at longer-than-normal distances.  Where do you start?  

When asked, a lot of folks will rapidly spit out a location or training group.  Usually a for-profit organization in a distant location that requires some money, an allotted training time, and travel... meaning more money.
But what if you just want to get started shooting?

If you're like me, or the people that I hang out with, there are only so many hours in the day and your paycheck will only get you so far.  Training in a long-range school isn't easily justifiable for a lot of us and there's gotta be a better starting point than just piecing together information you find referencing the internet and acquaintances at the local range.  

Some (sometimes most) of the answers you find at the range or from the internet are dubious and can waste a lot of time, energy, and money.  Let's be honest, even when you think you've found a good answer its validity can be questionable.

If you're like me, you pick up every piece of information you can on the subject you're tackling.  For long-range work I've bought a lot of books on the subject, it's information-heavy and can be confusing.  Connecting concepts like trigonometry and physics can be daunting to someone just starting out.

Among others, I've bought Robert Rinker's "Basic Firearms Ballistics" and Bryan Litz' "Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting".  Rinker's book is too light on the subject of long-distance shooting and Litz' book is too heavy, especially for someone starting out.  Everyone starts somewhere, and Cleckner's book is a good start.

First off, it's not just a book.  It's a handbook, small enough to carry in a shooting bag.  In fact, he mentions this, don't leave it at home.  Take it to the range, it's bright orange so you don't lose it.
There are simple instructions for how to use the book.  "But I don't need instructions on how to read".  Roger, I understand.  But, while it's small enough to read in one sitting, you're not going to be able to remember everything you read.  

After reading the instructions, I decided to take a step back and try to forget everything I knew about the subject and use what was taught in the book.  Then I read it.
It took me two evenings.

Then I read it again.  Then I read it again and highlighted everything I thought I would need to reference in the field, I even wrote notes in the margins and left index cards full of questions.  Then I used the book to find the answers to my questions.  I found answers to most of my questions in the book.
What I'm trying to say is this; the line of thought expressed in the book is... explained by itself.  But it's enough information for you to want to take the next step yourself.



A note about the format: it's conversational.  Very much like a useful conversation over email or the telephone.  It's almost as if the writer is talking to you at the range or the front of a classroom with a dry-erase marker in his hand.  It's personal enough to where it's easy to understand, and the unavoidable raw information is tempered with easy to absorb explanations.  I'm pretty sure any interested junior highschool student could follow the material presented.

Anyhow, starting fresh.  I ditched the laser rangefinders, the spotting scopes, weather instruments, anything that a new shooter typically doesn't have access to (yet).
I bought a surplus bag from ebay and grabbed a gun with a decent piece of glass.
Then, when I went shooting over 500 yards, I took the book with me.  The only other reference material I took with me was the owners manual for my optic.

My approach worked, to an extent.  I found that I had some die-hard habits I simply didn't want to stray from.  So I took a contrary view-point and attacked the reasons why I did these things, and when I wrote them out objectively... boy did I learn some hard truths about myself.

Following the book, I found out a lot about my shooting style, from equipment selection (and how some of it held me back from becoming a better shot) all the way to why I made decisions on when to clean my rifle, take a shot, why I made a wind call the the way I did, even how (and why) I used a data (DOPE) book.

An example: When I graduated from sniper school, I was told to keep a DOPE book to record everything.  It was written in stone.  "Thou shalt keep all the data all the time and no less"
The book gave a simpler alternative "Only keep as much as you're going to reference and use later".  The author also understands that this is a controversial statement.  But here's the cool part: the subject is broached with an acknowledgement that it's controversial and gives an explanation when it's appropriate, or not.  Basically, if it's something you can use, please use it, but be honest with yourself.  

Good writing, great instruction.

The author has the same simple and even-handed approach to the rest of the subjects in the book: equipment, ballistics, zeroing, estimating range and wind... all of it.  Like I said, it's done in a manner where you can almost hear the dude at the front of the room talking to the class.
Mr Cleckner also lends his opinions.  Here's the best part about that: he explains why they're his opinions and leaves them as opinions.  They're not presented as being definitive, they're optional tools, things he has found to be useful or practical.  

And the book is nothing but practical and motivating.  It's not about getting dialed-in to very small groups, it's focused on realistic expectations when putting a bullet on a target.  The writer has a great way of "pulling" you to want to try a technique, or define your capabilities... rather than pushing you to do it or [even worse] just laying out the information and letting it simply lay there.  After reading some parts, I found myself wanting to rise to the occasion, to see if I could do it.




If I had to narrow down "that one thing" I learned from this book, it is: with some simple instruction and minimal equipment you can do a lot.

I didn't need to rely on lasers or spotting scopes or expensive rifles.  If you want to get into shooting long distances, or if you want a refresher on the basics... this book is the cat's pajamas.
It has everything you need and nothing you don't.  It's not muddled with theory work and formulas, just some simple tools you can realistically use.

A decent rifle, ammunition, some paper, a pencil, this book, and a piece of land you can shoot on.  It's a starting point I can strongly recommend.

Mr Cleckner has linked a website to the book and it has printable targets and links for materials and equipment he references in the book.  Some of the chapters on the website have blank spots, but it is a relatively new book and I suspect that a lot of its target audience hasn't been exposed to it.

If you'd like to know more about the book, or even the author, look them up.  Time well spent.

I've been thirsting for more knowledge on this subject so I ordered the book.  Wife and I are doing an all ladies Appleseed this weekend in Alabama so this will give me something to read in the hotel at night!

Sounds like I need to buy a book.

yeah, I'll give it a look-see

since this is the internet, i'll ask:   you know, i don't think i've ever seen a pissing contest.   were those really a thing?      was it based on volume or distance?   seems like you'd have to be at a bruce jenner level of jacked up mentally to volunteer to referee/judge


looks like a good book though

 
Ditto.


Thanks for the heads up tweeter. I've just started getting into this sub-hobby of shooting and would love some pointers.

I ordered it yesterday too.

I bought the book a month or so ago.   It is as good an instructional manual as you will find on any subject, and heads and shoulders above most firearms instruction.  

Easily the best $15 I've spent on shooting gear ever.  

It's this simple - if you want to be a better shooter at long range, buy the book, read it, and absorb the material.  If you want to keep chasing your tail, don't.

Thanks for reviewing the book and sharing your thoughts, Tweeter!  I must admit, your analysis taught me something about what I wrote and/or how I wrote it.

Wow.  Thank you for the endorsement!  I'm glad I helped.

I just bought it on Kindle and am already about halfway through.

As others have said the book is written in a very laid back, easy to read format. The information is easy to absorb. Some topics I understood the basics of, such as Mil vs MOA, still had some stuff I did not know or had never thought about that made it interesting to read.

One of the things I liked most is where Cleckner would either say you don't need to worry about something or it is one of the last things you need to worry about. With so much technical information out there about precision shooting it's easy to get hung up unnecessarily and this book helps guide you through this.

If you are winning F Class or PRS matches this book may not hold as much information for you as it does for newer shooters but even then it presents many topics in a new light and may give you a new perspective on some things.

For new shooters it's a great investment. I am am fairly new and am going to buy a paper copy as well. It's less than the cost of a box of rifle ammunition and I think you will definitely get more out of it. It also nicely complements the authors youtube series.

Hell, thank you for doing the book.  I wish I had it 10 years ago.  

Due to my unhealthy man crush on Tweeter the book was just delivered to me.

I finished the book last night.  Great introductory type book.  Had a few points that I was unfamiliar with.  It definitely takes it back to the basics and you can use it to start from even if you have zero experience.

I have been shooting for over 35 years, but just recently really started to play in the long range game.  I am 5 chapters in and am really enjoying it and finding it useful.  I have already recommended it to two people, one bought it and the other is waiting to borrow my copy.

"This is the worst coloring book ever."

Just bought it on Kindle!

He texted me that quote and thought he'd call my bluff when I said that I thought it was so funny that I was going to include it on the cover!  

I about busted a gut when I saw that.

I bought the book and it is easy to read and understand even for a newbie like me. The biggest thing I have picked up from this book is it has stopped me spending money on items I thought I needed and directed me to buy the right items I need for what I am attempting to do, thanks Ryan.

Glad to have helped!  Thanks for the support!

Just ordered my copy.  Thanks for writing it.

I am on the last chapter and the whole book has been outstanding.  There is a typo in the windage chapter.  I don't have the book in front of me, but in the first example problem the answer should be 29 and some change, but the book says 20.  I'll double check the page this evening.

Page 253

After reading this thread I picked up a copy off of Amazon.  In hind sight I probably should have bought direct.   I'll add to the OP's comments.

Anyhow it arrived yesterday and I sat with it for an hour and a half.  Reading and skimming.  I do have to say I have a lot of the included info already but I can easily see this is a great format for the beginner.  It's thorough enough to do the job without bogging down in lots of minutia to make the new guys' eyes glaze over.  Simplified formulas that will work and get you on target.  It has what you need like Brawndo.   I can say the permutations I went through in the old days and math methods was kind of a stupid way to do things.  I was a guilty bastid for converting everything to inches in my brain then applying it back to the scope.  But hey that was the day of IPHY knobs and MIldot reticles, hand written drop tables that didn't always match what happened on the range.     The good ole days......

I know the author meant it as a handbook to pack along but I might humbly suggest a laminated card to come along with it, with some of the formulas and methods right on the card because I have lapses when I spend time away from shooting for a long time.    That way when you have the concepts down you can still have your cheat sheet with you when you leave the book on the shelf.  Just a thought.  

Good read and when I'm through reading it more thoroughly, I'm going to loan it to a friend that is getting into shooting longer distances.   I think this book is perfect for him, he's been shooting a long time but only by sighting in at 100 and kentucky windage and hold overs thereafter.  

RC was one of my primary instructors a long time ago.  He was/is generally a very intelligent person and is excellent at conveying the complexities or lack there of for long range shooting.  

Thanks for the recommendation, Tweeter. I'm new to bolt guns/longer range shooting, and this book seems right up my alley. Just ordered it off of Amazon, and looking forward to reading it cover to cover.

Off topic but sort of on topic - ish - Just bought a Remington 700 in 308 to start practicing with. I read a lot on these forums about better rounds, etc, but for the price, and considering this is my first bolt gun, it seemed like a more affordable route to go while I learn everything pertaining to longer ranged shooting. On my issued rifles, I've used everything from irons, Aimpoints, Eotechs, Acogs, and Elcans, but never shot anything in this field. The more I read about even what to buy, from a million different threads over a number of different forums, filled with contrasting and often contradictory opinions or perspectives, the more I, as a newbie, got confused.

This books seems to put it all together. The problem in my case, and I'm sure for other people who are in a similar position, is I don't really know all of the questions to ask to find the right answers. I've shot expert plenty of times during quals, but this is an entirely different animal.

So again, thanks for the recommendation.

Great catch!  I appreciate the critical reading.  If you send me your name via the book's website contact form, I'll make the change for future editions and give you credit.

bumped for later.  I gotta order this and need my wives passcode for amazon.  LOL.

OST

Mine will be here tomorrow. He has some videos in youtube that are great. From setting up the rifle, all the way up to cleaning the rifle.
How to set up a scope

sight in a rifle

Long range shooting, 11 videos

I have a Rock Creek barrelled upper (16") along with a Weaver Tactical scope that has not been put to use, as I don't know jack about shooting at distance. I just received the mil-dot master and, now, it looks like I'll be getting this book.

Thanks for the review, OP!

Just ordered it, can't wait to read it and finally learn a thing or too.

The authors videos got me into precision type rifles in the first place. Just need to learn how to shoot past 300 now.

Ordered

Thanks for the recommendation

Appreciate the OP posting up about the book and the others who gave it high marks.
Just ordered a copy directly from the authors website,looking forward to giving it a read.
RK

I don't expect English teachers to be shooting instructors nor shooting instructors to be English teachers.  My own minimal educational writings were long ago in textbook chapters now superseded, but it taught me great respect for the process of giving detailed technical information in a reader-friendly format. The author's educational and operational background complement each other perfectly for this type of book.

This was my first Black Friday purchase, albeit before midnight Thanksgiving. THANK YOU, Ryan, for doing Kindle MatchBook! I hadn't even known of that feature until last night and was able to start into the first chapters. So far, it's an excellent read with a logical progression of information. When reaching the early description of a bullet with the kinetic energy equation, I thought, "it would be great to expand on that and discuss powder converting chemical energy into kinetic energy." Several pages later, "boom," so to speak, there it was.

A suggestion on your own website's shopping section: Consider adding a drop-down menu at checkout to easily add the option of donating a copy to a service member. Alternatively, you could populate the store with 2 additional items. One of those would be the book + donated copy. The other could be donating both copies. I intend to give my Amazon hard copy as a gift and order one of the signed editions for myself from your website + donate one. You might find more people opting to donate copies if it's by clickable option instead of writing in the order comments.

There were 223 Amazon reviews when I ordered.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Nice work Ryan, I have always enjoyed your YouTube videos.

Thank you for the kind words and good advice.  I offered a donated copy as a drop-down option and I only had two people take advantage of the deal.  I'm happy to bring it back!  I'm open to suggestions on locations for the donations.  Of course, I'm going to favor the Ranger Battalions but I'm sure this book would be appreciated military-wide.  If anyone knows some good contacts to help distribute the donated copies, I could just ship them a case at a time and leave it to them to hand out as they see fit.

Got my copy this week, haven't had much of a chance to read it, but it looks great. Can't wait to learn as much as I can. Never got into precision shoot much, and I think lack of knowledge was the biggest reason, but I'm determined to make it work. Now if you all could teach me to read faster, I'm the world's slowest reader. Lol

Thanks to everyone in this thread.

tag

Thanks for this thread and thanks to the author.
Just ordered it off Amazon

I just placed order numbers 986 & 987 on your website a few minutes ago and added the donation request in the comment section. You're better plugged into the shooting community than I, so I'll defer to your judgement on where to send the copies. Sorry more people didn't take advantage of that, but it's still a great gesture to send such a large chunk of the proceeds to charity.

Started reading this morning, it will be in my range bag from now on.
Page 9 hits home with me right away..."Consistency is the key to accuraccy"..I need to work on doing it the same way each time.
Looking forward to the rest of this book.

I just order a copy from amazon, it's on sale for $10.67.

I sent the sale to two friends and they bought copies too.  What is the timeline for the next book?

Thanks for the tip - I just ordered one to go along with my Kindle version.

And thanks to the OP for the review; I never would have found the author or his NSSF video series on Youtube if I hadn't ran across this thread.

But most of all, thank you Cleck for writing the book and for all your efforts to make make ordinary folks better and safer shooters.

I just bought the book the other day and then decided to get a Kindle.

To my surprise I went to see what the cost would be for the Kindle and it was FREE since I bought the book

Can't beat that!!  I can't wait to start reading it tonight when my Kindle is up and running

@Cleck

I got my Kindle yesterday and started reading for a bit last night.  It is a very good book thus far!  It is also the first actual book that I have read in probably 8 years  I look forward to reading more of it tonight.

You have a very engaging writing style and an excellent tone for those just starting out.  I must admit that I am guilty though of buying a $4K rifle after upgrading several times over the years when I probably don't need it given how much and what distance I shoot at but I like my AIAT w/ Gen II Razor so I will keep it

I did see a typo though on Page 21 that Hornady is spelled wrong under the bullet caption.  Not a huge one but I figured you'd want to know for future releases.

Attached File

This book was recommended to me by @jlficken and has been the best $10 that I've ever spent on anything shooting related. I've read through this book twice along with going back and highlighting a lot of things for future reference. I'm new to longer range shooting and had never shot past 350 yards before. This past weekend I got the  chance to stretch it out to 660 yards and did this.

10"x18" plate at 660 yards. Five consecutive shots using the side of a 4wheeler to lay the rifle on. Group was roughly 7.5".
Attached File


That may not be all that impressive to a lot of guys but for someone who has never done this before I was honestly shocked