Reasonable Entry-Level Rifle for F-class AND NRA long range

[quickdraw]

What would be a good entry level rifle to compete in both F-class and NRA long range? F-class looks fun, but I would like to learn to shoot with a sling as well. I don't want to buy junk, but I don't have the skills / experience to justify high-end gear right now.

The Savage Palma rifle looks like a solid value. Do they sell the stock separately?

I hear the Weaver T-36 is the right scope to start with.

 

[1000yardstare]

F(Open) or F/TR?

If F/TR you must use a .308 or .223. One of the Savage Target rifles would be ideal.

If you want to join the F(O) money race you will get as many answers as shooters. The 6.5/284 has been hot with a swing to 7mm lately. Many prefer 6mm. The 6BR is a little light for long range.

 

[quickdraw]

I'm interested in both, but it would probably make sense to start out in F/TR since I could use 308 in F/TR, NRA long range, and Palma.

Do many competitors use the same gun for several types of match?

 

[watercam]

I know shooters in Calif. who use their Palma rifles for all three disciplines. The High Masters do them all very well. Most use their Palma loads (155 gr. bullets) and long barrels (30"). Try the Savage Palma or look for used Palma rifles on this site as well as www.usrifleteams.com/lrforum. Couple out there as we speak for under $1500.

 

[TonyR]

I started out in F-Class Open with two used Palma rifles. Just put a plate under the fore-end so it rides in the bags. The 308 boltface gives you all sorts of cartridge options. I'm still shooting both of them with some perminent stock modifications, a bunch of barrels, four different cartidges and one rebedding job. I'm setting one of them up for F-T/R and will make the weight limit with no problems. I don't have a Savage, but I have seen plenty of them on the line doing extremely well.

 

[mauser284]

F-T/R Remington or Savage action that has at a minimum had the receiver face trued and lugs lapped and a decent barrel. if you can afford a full blueprinting do so.

 

[284winner]

What would be a good entry level rifle to compete in both F-class and NRA long range? F-class looks fun, but I would like to learn to shoot with a sling as well. I don't want to buy junk, but I don't have the skills / experience to justify high-end gear right now.

The Savage Palma rifle looks like a solid value. Do they sell the stock separately?

I hear the Weaver T-36 is the right scope to start with.

The Savage Palma rifle is a great start. Not sure if there stock is sold separately but there have been some here in the classifieds for sale used but new condition.

 

[RDA72927]

I hear the Weaver T-36 is the right scope to start with.

The T-36 is a GREAT starting scope, no handicap starting with it...

Robert

 

[Jdne5b]

9 year old thread.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Having shot 1000 yds Hi power for many years (High Master). To start I would look at a .260 Remington, or a .260 30* shoulder. enough case to shoot 140 gr bullets, Great Brass ( Lapua).
36 power will be too much in a sling. something in the 20 range for sling . 36+ for F class. you will not be in F/TR with a .260 but a great way to start! Hard to shoot Sling with a true F Class stock. But look at a Tube Rifle ( Elieso). You can add a plate for bag rider up front.

 

[DirtySteve]

9 year old thread.

I think I will dig up the dead as well... lol..

 

[Ned Ludd]

I think I will dig up the dead as well... lol..

It's so close to Halloween, I would just wait another month and let them [the dead] come up on their own.

 

[BP1]

9 year old thread.

Maybe the OP is a procrastinator and hasn’t gotten around to it yet..

 

[DirtySteve]

Maybe the OP is a procrastinator and hasn’t gotten around to it yet..

I was going to procrastinate but, I had to put it off till tomorrow.....