Bench Rest Rifle

[rbseagle]

I have a Winchester 52 Target Rifle, and was wondering if it could be accurate enough to be used in benchrest competition at a local gun club. It will shoot a 1" to 1 1/2" 10 shot group at 100 yards with CCI Standards Velocity right now. But I don't know what a high dollar bench gun will shoot at that distance on average so I really don't have nothing to compare to. I was wondering if I could be competitive or if I would be wasting time and ammo. What do you guy's think?

 

[thekriebles]

The Win. 52 target rifles are very accurate. But, experience matched with a more modern rimfire bench action and trigger will be hard to beat with the 52 and minimal experience in my opinion.

However, I would still participate to gain additional experience and establish new relationships with those willing to share their knowledge to move you further along in the process.

 

[Shynloco]

The Win. 52 target rifles are very accurate. But, experience matched with a more modern rimfire bench action and trigger will be hard to beat with the 52 and minimal experience in my opinion.

However, I would still participate to gain additional experience and establish new relationships with those willing to share their knowledge to move you further along in the process.

I support everything thekriebles says. And there is much be be said about gaining experience in rimfire competition. Since you are going to be shooting in "local competitions", I also agree that it should be a wait and see proposition. It's hard to say what kinda of competition you'll be facing. I gave it a whirl a few years back and found out there were guys showing up with custom rigs as well as Anschutz rifles and all I had were two Savages that shot great for the money, but no way were they good enough to beat any of those much higher dollar rigs. And it wasn't so much that I HAD to beat those guys, but it became important that I achieved the accuracy I needed to have to shoot a decent score on an ARA (American Rimfire Association) course. So I bit the bullet and spent the bucks on an Anschutz and that got me to the top rung a few times and got me that impressive score. But it's REALLY all about what you are trying to achieve. And be realistic in terms of your expectations, because that Win 52 is a nice rifle, but it just isn't going to outshoot a quality rifle like an Anschutz (or a Hall Action or a Remington 40X) that is tuned with and using the ammo it likes the best, whatever that top grade Match ammo might be. Just my thoughts. But good luck whichever what you decide to go.

Alex

 

[rbseagle]

Thanks for the replies guys I will take all of your advice and info and add it to the knowledge that I am trying to gain. Maybe on day I can through some coin toward a costume rig, but right now I will do the best with what I have. I would not be this close if it wasn't for a very sweet great aunt. One of her request when she gave it to me was to use so I intend to do just that. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Fotheringill]

Go. Shoot. Enjoy yourself. Learn.

It is a no lose proposition.

If truth be told, it really comes down to technique and routine. Once you start to shoot as well as the potential of your rifle, think about getting a new one.

 

[mudduck]

Try some eley lapua and rws ammo I have a 52d and I can keep up with most guns except a true custom gun

 

[dickn52]

What model 52? A-B-C-D-E? Trigger? Micro Motion, Canjar or Ken K? Many factors. Barrel wt and on and on. I shoot a D model with HB and micro motion trigger in one and Canjar LP in the other. I can hold sub .5 at 100 yards off a bench on a perfect day. There are not that many perfect days though. I would try different ammo, and some of it is NOT cheap. Every single 52 has a preference, and once you find it the things will shoot like you can't believe. Have fun. And beat those silly little Annie's.

 

[searcher]

Have you run a lot of different "match type" bullets through it, such as Eley or Lapua - and tried them at different velocities? Your gun may be more accurate than the CCI is telling you. Ironically, it is easier to get quality .22 match ammo than that of lesser cost .22 ammo in the even you haven't wrung the rifle out yet.

My .22 bench gun is the most expensive gun I own (among a number of wallet shrinkers) and while I like to think I am good, I do get smoked by factory guns with no work done on them. And I'm not shooting against world-class shooters. Never underestimate (OR OVERESTIMATE) your competition. If we always took the attutude there is no point in shooting in a match because someone is deemed a better shot or has better equipment - there wouldn't be much going on. I'd go shoot in some matches and have fun.

 

[dickn52]

I agree with searcher on that. I used to shoot sporting clays, and guys would walk around talking about second place because so and so was here. My goal was to shoot 85% of the high score.. If I did that it was a great day. Then I found myself being the high score and had to look to the next class. But NOTHING will kill your score sheet like negative thinking. Just go shoot, enjoy it and maybe learn from all those other guys. Watch what they do, their prep and shot routines etc. Tons of info to be learned. But mostly have fun.

 

[artbosco]

When you can shoot Teen and Zero 5-shot groups with it at 100 yards, with a good wind blowing, then you'll be BR competitive.

 

[Fotheringill]

Give it a whirl, but I would seriously suggest a step up in ammo for competition.

Please remember, all other things being equal, i.e., front rest, rear bag or whatnot, it is all in repetitive trigger pull. I replaced the factory trigger shoe on my 1913a because I was not getting the consistency I needed, throwing some shots 1/8 to 1/4" off, ruining scores. I replaced it with a ball shoe (still need consistency with the pull), but I found it easier to achieve and off X hits are fewer in number.

Get the pull almost 100% the same each time you fire and you could very well be at or near the top of the food chain in many competitions.

 

[CJ6]

When you can shoot Teen and Zero 5-shot groups with it at 100 yards, with a good wind blowing, then you'll be BR competitive.

Now that's FUNNY right there...

 

[TrxR]

I agree give it a try and have some fun. I shoot a bedded factory 1959 40x with a 3 inch plate on the front and a weaver t36 at the local clubs and it is nothing unusual to beat new anschutz and some with tuners. Ive got a tuner to try on the 40x as well. Now there are no custom rigs here but if there was I would still be having fun and learning.

 

[Eddie Harren]

"Teen and zero 5 shot groups at 100 Yds." Outdoorsman, how many of those groups have you shot with a 22LR?

 

[Fotheringill]

I know they can be annoying, but SERIOUSLY, shooting teens can get you into a lot of hot water.