What's in This Category
Mile High carries most tools to cover almost every phase of precision rifle work: the mechanical setup of the rifle itself, velocity and ballistic data collection, and the electronic tools that feed a firing solution at the range. Here is a breakdown of each type.
Torque Drivers and Gun Maintenance Tools
Torque-limiting drivers use a calibrated slip clutch that disengages at a preset value, taking the guesswork out of tightening scope rings, base screws, and action screws. Each fastener on a precision rifle has a manufacturer-specified torque value, and getting it wrong in either direction causes accuracy and zero-shift problems. Fix It Sticks covers the full range of inch-pound values needed for a precision build, and a 49 in/lb limiter built to Accuracy International's spec is available for AI platform owners.
Chronographs
Chronographs measure muzzle velocity, the most critical input for any ballistic solver. Mile High carries three distinct chronograph types, each with a different measurement approach.
- Radar-Based (TCK LabRadar): Sits beside the shooter and uses Doppler radar to track bullet velocity across the full flight path. Provides the most complete ballistic data for load development without touching the rifle or requiring downrange placement.
- Muzzle-Mounted (MagnetoSpeed V3): Attaches directly to the barrel and measures velocity magnetically. Works at any range and in any lighting condition, though it adds muzzle weight and can slightly shift point of impact during testing.
- Downrange (Garmin Xero C2 Pro): Mounts near the target and transmits velocity data wirelessly to the shooter's device. Leaves the muzzle completely unaffected and is ideal for pre-match velocity verification.
Ballistic Weather Meters
Ballistic weather meters combine environmental sensors with an onboard ballistic solver, delivering a firing solution corrected for real-time conditions rather than estimated data. Kestrel is the standard in PRS and NRL competition. Key capabilities include:
- Measures wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and altitude simultaneously
- Feeds real-time environmental data directly into the Applied Ballistics solver engine
- LiNK-enabled models connect via Bluetooth to compatible rangefinders for automated solutions tied to measured distance
Shot Timers
Shot timers record splits between shots and total stage time, giving competition shooters and serious trainers a measurable feedback loop for speed work. The MDT Crush It is a purpose-built stage timer designed specifically around the timed stage formats used in PRS, NRL, and NRL Hunter competition, and is one of the most widely used options among precision rifle competitors.
Optic Leveling and Cant Indicators
Optic leveling and cant tools address scope alignment at two points:
- During installation: A reticle leveling device ensures the scope is properly aligned before rings are torqued, preventing systematic cant error from being built into the rifle.
- During shooting: An anti-cant indicator mounts to the scope's ocular housing and gives a real-time cant reference at the firing position. Scope cant introduces horizontal drift that compounds with distance.
Weapon-Mounted Rangefinders
Weapon-mounted laser rangefinders attach to the rifle's rail and measure target distance without requiring the shooter to break their scope view. Distinct from handheld and binocular rangefinders, which require the shooter to remove a hand from the rifle to operate.
Target Impact Indicators
- HIT Target Impact Indicators: Provide visual shot confirmation visible from the firing position, eliminating the need to walk downrange between strings.
Shooting Tools and Electronics FAQs
What tools are most important to buy first for a new precision rifle build?
Start with a torque driver kit covering the inch-pound values on your specific rifle's scope, base, and action hardware. Incorrect torque is one of the most common causes of accuracy and zero-shift problems on new builds. A chronograph is the next priority, as you need verified muzzle velocity to build a reliable DOPE card. A reticle leveling tool during scope installation prevents systematic cant error. A ballistic weather meter becomes important once you are regularly shooting past 600 yards or training for competition.
What torque settings do I need for a precision rifle scope mount?
Always check the manufacturer's specification for your specific scope rings, base, and action. As a general guide, scope ring cap screws typically spec at 15-25 in/lb, Picatinny base screws at 25-45 in/lb, and action screws at 45-65 in/lb depending on the manufacturer. Accuracy International specifies 49 in/lb for scope mount hardware on AI platforms. Use a torque-limiting driver rather than estimating by feel: over-torquing scope ring screws can damage the scope tube, and under-torquing allows the optic to shift under recoil.
Do I need a ballistic weather meter if I already have a ballistic app on my phone?
A phone app requires manually entering environmental data, and the phone's built-in sensors are not designed for the accuracy demands of long-range shooting. A dedicated Kestrel weather meter measures wind speed and direction, air density, temperature, and humidity with purpose-built sensors, and feeds those values directly into the Applied Ballistics solver without manual input. For serious long-range shooting past 600 yards and for competition use, a dedicated weather meter is the correct tool.
Are these tools necessary for PRS or NRL competition?
For competition, accurate environmental data and a verified firing solution are a baseline requirement. A Kestrel ballistic weather meter is the most common data tool used at the top of PRS standings because it integrates wind measurement and ballistic calculation in one device. A chronograph gives you the muzzle velocity input that drives that solver. Torque tools are the maintenance layer that keeps the rifle consistent between matches. For complete build and competition resources, see the PRS rifles section.
