Just getting started..

[freed0m man]

I was referred to this site by another member and I was wandering if I could get some insight. I'm wanting to work on my marksmanship and become a more proficient shooter. I'm 24 and have shot throughout my life and have read a lot about shooting in general but I would like to try and focus more on marksmanship.

I was just wandering what some of the users here would suggest as far as a rifle or caliber that I could start learning true marksmanship and precision shooting. I would like to compete in competitions from time to time if monetary funds allows but overall my main focus is just on becoming a more proficient marksman.

Thanks,
freed0m

 

[KRP]

22LR, pick your favorite brand/style.

 

[Browninglover1]

22 lr is always a good choice. I think the 17 HMR is a really good one too because the guns are usually so accurate that the groups can show you that you're making errors.

 

[freed0m man]

Thanks for the reponses.

Is there any distinct advantage to .17 hmr vs. .22 lr?

 

[HJW]

If you have shot before, skip the rimfires. Go with a .243.

 

[freed0m man]

I guess I should have been fully forth coming with some information. I have shot before so being comfortable with a rifle is no problem for me. I already have an old Marlin 780 .22 lr that belonged to my grandpa and have put serveral rounds down range with it; but noting in the way of serious precision practice, just plinking.

I also own a model 70 30-06 that has been shot about 100 rounds but again no serious attempts at precision.

I also have components to start reloading with and want to start getting into that arena as well.

Should I spend a lot of extra time with the .22 developing my skills or should I use the 30-06 and learn how to work with a large centerfire rifle cartridge?

Are there any good rifles to start with in a .243? Every rifle I have ever looked at didn't have fast enough twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets that could be used for long range shooting if the situation presented itself.

 

[HJW]

I guess I should have been fully forth coming with some information. I have shot before so being comfortable with a rifle is no problem for me. I already have an old Marlin 780 .22 lr that belonged to my grandpa and have put serveral rounds down range with it; but noting in the way of serious precision practice, just plinking.

I also own a model 70 30-06 that has been shot about 100 rounds but again no serious attempts at precision.

I also have components to start reloading with and want to start getting into that arena as well.

Should I spend a lot of extra time with the .22 developing my skills or should I use the 30-06 and learn how to work with a large centerfire rifle cartridge?

Are there any good rifles to start with in a .243? Every rifle I have ever looked at didn't have fast enough twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets that could be used for long range shooting if the situation presented itself.

Look at savage's website. It should list the twist rate, I'm sure there will be one fast enough.

If not, look into a 308 Winchester.

 

[Browninglover1]

The 17 HMR is loads of fun to shoot. It shoots flat enough that you can practice out to 300 yards and still maintain a decent level of accuracy, plus it'll kill varmints at distances previously left to the 22 Hornet and other small caliber centerfires. It is more expensive to shoot than a 22 lr but still lots cheaper to shoot than centerfire ammo. I like practicing with the rimfires because it is quieter, cheaper, and lots of fun.

That being said, there is something to be said about practicing with guns that recoil too so that you're comfortable with it and know what to expect.

I personally shoot a 22lr, 17 HMR, and 22 WMR the most in the spring to work on basic fundamentals like breathing and trigger control. It gets me ready for rock chucks on the outskirts of town that can't really be shot with centerfires due to neighbors complaining about the noise.

I also practice a lot with a 22-250 in the late spring/early summer that helps me get used to a louder gun (noise honestly causes lots of flinching in many people). About July I pick up the 300 WSM and practice with it more frequently to get ready for the big game season in October.

I use all my guns year round, but I do have phases throughout the year where I shoot one gun more than the others to get ready for specific hunts.

 

[liltank]

If you want to start out with a factory competition precision rifle, here are my thoughts (though some would consider them not worthy of competition). Savage make a great line of competition ready rifles. There varmint series rifles also offer some great accuracy in good calibers. The Savage shooting team set records and won a championship with factory rifles. So that says something in my opinion. Here are the rifles to consider:

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 LRPV Left Port 6br 1:8 and the 223 1:7

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 VLP DBM I own this model and the 308 is excellent. The 243, 223, and 22-250 1:9 would be great options.

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 FVSS 308 and 223 Re-stock with a competition stock or Tactical stock (prairie dog/tactical) from Stockade Stocks.

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 Bench Rest any caliber, all are class comp calibers

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 F Class

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 F/TR

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 Long Range Precision I'll stress the 6.5 Creedmore and 260 Remington

Savage Arms Firearms > 12 Palma The stock on this gun would be amazing. Even though it is palma, the 1:13 will shoot 175's too. Considering that 155's are the common LR target bullet, no worries. You can even put a bipod on if you want too.

Tank

 

[freed0m man]

Thanks again guys. I may look into a a 17hmr as an extra fun rifle the shoot and work on my skills.

I have looked at most of the Savage rifles and those are all great rifles. I know those would be good for static competition and precision target shooting but I'm not sure that is the kind of competition I'm looking to be competitive with.

I like the aspects of tactical rifle competition. Making the one shot that counts and that kind of stuff. Sitting and chasing small groups can start draining your accounts extremely quick.

I read an article about shooting in tactical rifle competitions on this site and it definitely caught my attention. Plus if I get comfortable with a .223 or .308 setup I could shooting in F/TR competition if I chose too.

 

[liltank]

I like the aspects of tactical rifle competition. Making the one shot that counts and that kind of stuff. Sitting and chasing small groups can start draining your accounts extremely quick.

I read an article about shooting in tactical rifle competitions on this site and it definitely caught my attention. Plus if I get comfortable with a .223 or .308 setup I could shooting in F/TR competition if I chose too.

You may want to look into the tactical line offered by Savage.

Savage Arms Firearms > 10 FCP-SR This looks like a winner. Didn't have this one available when I was looking for a rifle.

Savage Arms Firearms > 10 FP-SR 22" barrel in both calibers you desire. You could restock it with a premium stock.

Savage Arms Firearms > 10 FCP McMillan Already comes with a McMillian A3. Doesn't get much better than that.

Savage Arms Firearms > 10 Precision Carbine Restock this bugger and have a nice quick handling rifle.

The reason I keep saying to restock these rifles is due to the cheesy stock they use. Unless you buy the McMillian or the HS stock offered by Savage, aftermarket is the way to go unless you have one of their laminates.

Tank

 

[liltank]

Another thought that occurred to me is a precision AR platform rifle. You could do a custom target AR15 or AR10 in a caliber of your choice. There are some really nice black rifles out there built for the very purpose of tactical competition.

Tank

 

[IdahoJoe]

I am by no means an expert, but if you are going to get into reloading I would suggest the 6.5-284 simply because it can punch paper 1000 yards and is easy to reload and make accurate.

 

[freed0m man]

I like all the ideas guys.

I've read about the 6.5-284 but I'm afraid that a rifle in that caliber is going to put me into direct competition with some very experienced shooters.

I've considered an AR platform rifle but won't I be putting myself at a disadvantage with longer range shots? I don't know if there are any tactical rifle competitions around the Kentucky area. I also don't know what yardages tactical competitions shoot too? Any information?