Wet mounting scope rings is gaining attention in the precision rifle world—but does adding lubricant between your scope mount and Picatinny rail actually improve the installation, or are we giving up friction that helps keep everything locked in place?

In this episode, Jamie shares what we recently encountered during a Long Range Shooting School when a rifle arrived with a wet-mounted scope system. After tearing the rifle down and working through repeatability and point-of-impact issues, it raised some important questions.

We dive into:

• The difference between torque, clamping force, and friction

• Why 45 inch-pounds of torque doesn't tell the whole story

• What happens to surface friction when lubricant is introduced

• Using the crossbolt as a recoil lug versus relying on clamping friction

• Recoil, roll, yaw, vibration, and movement in a precision rifle

• Why Wolf Precision has traditionally dry-mounted scope rings

• More than 20 years of experience removing and reinstalling optics on school rifles

• Why a new mounting technique deserves testing before automatically becoming the new standard

This isn't about saying one company or method is right or wrong. It's about asking the mechanical question:

If maximum grip and zero movement are the goal, does lubricating one of the most important mounting surfaces really help us get there?

Sometimes the newest technique deserves a closer look before we add it to the toolbox.

We also give updates on the Practical Tactical Shooters Challenge, our 2027 Long Range Shooting School schedule, the upcoming Immokalee, Florida class, and new Wolf Pack training content.

Learn more at WolfPrecision.net.

https://shop.wolfprecision.net/product/long-range-shooting-school-deposit-c910-february-26-28-2027-immokalee-fl/

https://www.wolfprecision.net/long-range-shooting.html

• Long Range Shooting School
Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership
Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at:
https://www.wolfprecision.net

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

How many rounds does it really take to master a rifle—and what's the smartest way to get those rounds downrange? In Episode 284, Jamie Dodson takes a close look at the value of the training rifle and why he believes it may be more important today than ever. A training rifle doesn't have to be a $12,000 duplicate of your hunting or match rifle. Jamie breaks down three practical ways to approach one:

1. The Budget Trainer — Start with an inexpensive or used .223 barreled action and put it into a stock or chassis that closely mirrors your primary rifle.

2. The Switch-Barrel Trainer — Use the same custom rifle, stock, optic and overall setup while switching to a lower-recoiling .223 barrel for high-volume practice.

3. The Full Twin — Build a dedicated training rifle that mirrors your primary rifle as closely as possible, giving you a second rifle that can serve as both a trainer and a backup.

Jamie also discusses two additional options—.22 rimfire and high-quality PCP air rifles—and where each one fits into a serious marksmanship training program.

Drawing from decades of teaching long-range shooting, Jamie explains why lower recoil, increased trigger time, better follow-through and the ability to self-spot can dramatically accelerate the learning process. He also shares stories from using his own .223 trainer in sniper-style matches, including competing at distances beyond 1,000 yards.

And this isn't just for competitive shooters.

For hunters shooting lightweight rifles and larger magnum cartridges, a training rifle may be even more valuable. Instead of trying to develop your skills while absorbing heavy recoil and burning through expensive ammunition, you can build the fundamentals with a lower-recoiling rifle and then transfer those skills directly back to your hunting rifle.

The goal isn't simply to shoot more. It's to get more quality trigger time, develop better fundamentals and become completely comfortable behind your rifle. If becoming a more consistent, capable marksman is the goal, a properly set up training rifle may be one of the best investments you can make.

Learn more at WolfPrecision.net.

https://shop.wolfprecision.net/product/long-range-shooting-school-deposit-c910-february-26-28-2027-immokalee-fl/

https://www.wolfprecision.net/long-range-shooting.html

• Long Range Shooting School
Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership
Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at:
https://www.wolfprecision.net

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

How many rounds does it really take to become a highly proficient rifle shooter?

Is it 1,000 rounds? 10,000? 50,000?

In Episode 283, Jamie Dodson breaks down the progression from simply shooting a rifle to truly mastering one—and why the quality of every round matters far more than simply sending bullets downrange.

We look at what you can expect at different stages:

• 1,000–2,000 rounds: Building competency and solid fundamentals
• 5,000 rounds: Becoming an experienced shooter who recognizes mistakes
• 10,000 rounds: Developing a high level of proficiency
• 20,000–30,000 rounds: Becoming a well-rounded, experienced rifleman
• 50,000+ quality rounds: Entering the territory of true mastery

Jamie also shares lessons learned from competition, nearly two decades of teaching long-range shooting, and why identifying and practicing your weaknesses is one of the fastest ways to improve.

The takeaway is simple:

You don't need 10,000 rounds. You need 10,000 rounds worth of lessons.

Next episode, we'll continue the discussion with training rifles—why they matter, how to build one correctly, and how to get valuable trigger time without wearing out your primary hunting or match rifle.

Learn more at WolfPrecision.net.

https://shop.wolfprecision.net/product/long-range-shooting-school-deposit-c910-february-26-28-2027-immokalee-fl/

https://www.wolfprecision.net/long-range-shooting.html

• Long Range Shooting School
Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership
Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at:
https://www.wolfprecision.net

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com