Perhaps my few readers out there can assist me. I am looking to acquire a .22LR rifle for NRA Smallbore Competition.
As much as I would like to do service rifle or high-power, cost is a factor. Put mildly, even with reloading, service and high-power are expensive propositions.
Smallbore is doable in the sense that it is somewhat more affordable. But I need some help and I hope someone out there can help me out.
I need a rifle that will be suitable for NRA Smallbore competition. Here is what I would like:
As much as I would like to do service rifle or high-power, cost is a factor. Put mildly, even with reloading, service and high-power are expensive propositions.
Smallbore is doable in the sense that it is somewhat more affordable. But I need some help and I hope someone out there can help me out.
I need a rifle that will be suitable for NRA Smallbore competition. Here is what I would like:
- Magazine fed
- Bolt action
- Stock adjustable for height and length of pull
- Ambi or left-handed stock design with a pistol grip style
- Adjustable aperture iron sights, target grade
- Be a competitive tack driver
These are my preferences. Of the most negotiable are the feed and action. If I can get by with a single shot bolt action, that's fine. Or a semi-auto over a bolt gun. I am more partial to good sights, ergonomics and the rifle's ability to shoot a very tight group (so I know it is the shooter, not the gun).
Budget is up to $1000. The gun can be used or new. I'd rather spend $700 on a top flight used rifle than $1000 on a new one which may or may not turn out to be a decent shooter.
My preference is for an Anschutz rifle. But cost is an issue. I like the Model 1903 JR and Intermediate. If the 1903JR (aka 64R) will fit me, I have found them for reasonable used prices. If someone knows of a used Anschutz suitable for left handed shooting with sights in my price range, I would be interested in learning more.
Otherwise, I need to turn to a commercial off-the-shelf rifle that is extremely accurate and can be fitted with good sights. My stock preference is for ergonomics over tradition. I prefer modern pistol grip ergonomics and I am willing to rebed into an aftermarket stock. Kimber, CZ, Remington, Savage, Marlin and Ruger (to name a few) are all possibilities.
Building is acceptable. I have been looking at a Ruger 10/22 based rifle and essentially rebuild the gun from the ground up. Definitely within my price range. I would like to hear from anyone who is using a 10/22 as a competition platform and what you are using. A Boyds SS Evolution stocked rifle with a .920 target barrel is one such combo I've found that has possibilities.
I will be doing this sight unseen so whatever I buy needs to work. Once it is ordered, it generally can't go back and the last thing I want is a gun I don't shoot and will need to take a huge loss on to dispose of.
Can anyone help me out or provide advice?
PS: Before you shake your head in amazement, I do own a .22LR rifle. Problem is, it is a dedicated .22LR upper for the AR-15. As fun as it is to shoot, I have no ability to accurize it. Plus, the standard military sights are piss-poor for competitive shooting and replacing them with national match sights or custom sights is prohibitive and renders the rifle unusable as a trainer for the .223 AR-15.
Budget is up to $1000. The gun can be used or new. I'd rather spend $700 on a top flight used rifle than $1000 on a new one which may or may not turn out to be a decent shooter.
My preference is for an Anschutz rifle. But cost is an issue. I like the Model 1903 JR and Intermediate. If the 1903JR (aka 64R) will fit me, I have found them for reasonable used prices. If someone knows of a used Anschutz suitable for left handed shooting with sights in my price range, I would be interested in learning more.
Otherwise, I need to turn to a commercial off-the-shelf rifle that is extremely accurate and can be fitted with good sights. My stock preference is for ergonomics over tradition. I prefer modern pistol grip ergonomics and I am willing to rebed into an aftermarket stock. Kimber, CZ, Remington, Savage, Marlin and Ruger (to name a few) are all possibilities.
Building is acceptable. I have been looking at a Ruger 10/22 based rifle and essentially rebuild the gun from the ground up. Definitely within my price range. I would like to hear from anyone who is using a 10/22 as a competition platform and what you are using. A Boyds SS Evolution stocked rifle with a .920 target barrel is one such combo I've found that has possibilities.
I will be doing this sight unseen so whatever I buy needs to work. Once it is ordered, it generally can't go back and the last thing I want is a gun I don't shoot and will need to take a huge loss on to dispose of.
Can anyone help me out or provide advice?
PS: Before you shake your head in amazement, I do own a .22LR rifle. Problem is, it is a dedicated .22LR upper for the AR-15. As fun as it is to shoot, I have no ability to accurize it. Plus, the standard military sights are piss-poor for competitive shooting and replacing them with national match sights or custom sights is prohibitive and renders the rifle unusable as a trainer for the .223 AR-15.
4 comments:
On the 10/22 route (to be competitive):
gun $125+ (used) $220+(new)
Match Barrel $110 - $345+
Match Sights $250+
Trigger mods: $125+ (parts) $220+(new trigger group)
Stock $150+
Bedding + Sight mounting (I don't know of any target barrels drilled for front sights) $100+
If you go the 10/22 route, you will easily spend your budget, and may very well end up with a gun that doesn't group. I encourage you to go over to the forums at www.RimFireCentral.com for all rimfire questions.
I think your instinct to go with a used Anschutz is solid.
It sounds like you are talking about NRA 3position. You will be looking for a 22 single shot bolt action, due to the rules for equipment.
During the 10 years that I shot smallbore competitions I used a number of guns, but most of the time when I was competitive I used a few Anschutzs, and a Feinwerkbau.
For the most part Anschutz has the market cornered, while Walther and Feinwerkbau also have offerings.
If I was starting out, I would look for a good used match 54 based Anschutz. It is the stronger heavier Anschutz action.
Left handed target rifles will bring a premium so working within your budget will be difficult regardless of make or model.
Two stores that handle new and used target rifles and other equipment here in the states are: http://www.championshooters.com/ and http://www.champchoice.com/
Best of luck, it is an addictive sport.
As previously said, you're talking about a single shot rifle. With few exceptions (like the BSA international I've been borrowing) it'll be a bolt action.
The stores he listed are good places to start looking. I've bought a fair amount of High Power gear from both of 'em. But even better is going to matches and talking to people. One of the guys I shoot smallbore with let me borrow a real smallbore rifle so I didn't have to keep using my .22 AR upper. (Single loading that thing was a major PITA!)
Oh, by the way... where will you be shooting smallbore?
see Anschutz 64 MPR 22 LR in LH
at http://www.handloadersbench.com/forum34/710.html
may be of interest
Good Luck And Good Shooting
Post a Comment