1ST 22LR BENCHREST-BUY OR BUILD?

[TheGoatMumbler]

I really enjoy NRL22 style matches with my CZ457 Pro Varmint and steel matches with my tricked out 10/22. Plinking steel @ 300 yds with the 457 is great, but I'm wanting to get into more precision 22LR shooting and long range. I have no desire to plunk down $2800 for a SS barrelled action from Vudoo or crazy $$$ for one of the top smiths to build up a front running racehorse so I'm trying to decide if I want to build up something or buy it ready to go. My thoughts so far have been a frankenrifle starting with a Anschutz 54 and go from there with a barrel, trigger, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[1Merlin]

A 54 Match comes with some of the best triggers ever made... Buy one in good condition and play without doing anything and see where you are. Conventional wisdom is you are not going to be happy until you spend 5K on whoever's latest current rage must have rifle but a good 54 gets you 98% of the way there at 20% of the cost.

Just my .02.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Keep your eyes open for a proven shooter & buy it for less than 1/2 the cost of the new build.......Be Patient.

Regards
Rick

 

[TheGoatMumbler]

A 54 Match comes with some of the best triggers ever made... Buy one in good condition and play without doing anything and see where you are. Conventional wisdom is you are not going to be happy until you spend 5K on whoever's latest current rage must have rifle but a good 54 gets you 98% of the way there at 20% of the cost.

Just my .02.

I came across a 54 Match on the 1411 configuration literally 5 miles from my house. In good shape but it's a 1964 model. I'm patient.

GunBroker.com - Error

 

[linekin]

Best thing you could do for yourself is go to a sanctioned br match. Talk to others & if enough lead time the MD may be able to source a spare rifle for you to use.
Plenty of good used rigs out there for $1500-2500. An Anschutz is another good option.
What state are you in?

keith

 

[TheGoatMumbler]

Best thing you could do for yourself is go to a sanctioned br match. Talk to others & if enough lead time the MD may be able to source a spare rifle for you to use.
Plenty of good used rigs out there for $1500-2500. An Anschutz is another good option.
What state are you in?

keith

North Texas

 

[Bronco302]

Anschutz 54 or CZ 457 with a custom barrel can get you there. Find a rifle smith that shoots 22RF who has already done all the research on reamers and rifling.

 

[linekin]

North Texas

Here is the list of ARA clubs in Texas.

American Rimfire Association

www.americanrimfire.com

& the schedule https://www.americanrimfire.com/index.php/results

Here's the ABRA ( Auto Benchrest Association) clubs . They also shoot bolt guns in the Outlaw class? Most will probably have semi's

Ranges/Schedules | Abra

www.abra.guru

Here is a list of the IR50 clubs. Not sure if they're still shooting IR any more but are certainly active with the others.

IR5050 | Rimfire Benchrest Competition Shooting Sport

www.ir5050.com

Not sure if you're willing to travel but there are clubs in adjacent states as well.

Keith

 

[TrxR]

You guys in the US are lucky to be able to go to these high end matches to find rifles. Thats not an option here.

One of these days I want a top end bench rest 22lr built off a 2500x action using either a Shillen or Mueller barrel.

 

[gkgeiger]

You guys in the US are lucky to be able to go to these high end matches to find rifles. Thats not an option here.

One of these days I want a top end bench rest 22lr built off a 2500x action using either a Shillen or Mueller barrel.

Contact Jerry, I did and got a rifle I’m very happy with.

 

[drover]

Google Shooters Corner, he usually has some used ones at fair prices and being a bench shooter himself he can guide you to what you should consider.

drover

 

[Ol Thumper]

I’ve been interested in buying or building one for the wife to shoot since she can out shoot me every day of the week and letting her try out a match or two. I know this wasn’t my thread but I certainly appreciate everyones input and the education I got from reading it.

 

[doclu60]

Any or all of you thinking about a serious RFBR rifle, take Keith's advise (linekin posts 5 and 8). A little additional info.....ABRA (Auto Bench Rest Association) does shoot bolt rifles as well, as mentioned by Keith. Heavy Outlaw class is pure and simple Unlimited rifles the same as can be shot in ARA Unlimited and IR 50/50 Unlimited. Any barrel .850 and up, tuners and any rest and scope.

Lite Outlaw is any barrel .849 or less and NO tuner. Any rest or scope.
Hope this helps.

Scott