Just finished my first .22 match. I finished 6th...yeah. Super into it however, I had to use a friends 10/22. I do not own a rifle...yet. Wondering if i had the money to spend; what rifle would be the best. Strictly used for match/target. Heard anschutz could be a good starting point. Any advice? Want to be ready for the next compitition.
Best .22 target match rifle money can buy
- Thread starter Cootershooter
- Start date
If you are talking out of the box .22lr's. Here is a couple nice heavy barrel, bolt action .22lr. Im sure you can have a custom built .22lr thats more accurate, but im sure it cost lots more! Shoot Eley match .22lr ammo. Its some of the best .22lr target ammo.
Ruger makes a bolt action .22lr. It has a 24 inch heavy barrel. Its called a 77/22. K77/22-VBZ is the ruger cat #. It looks sweet! Cost a pretty penny!
Savage makes a nice .22 target rifle too. Its Model: MARK II BTVS. Its a bolt action with a 22 inch heavy barrel. This savage is WAY CHEAPER TOO!
Ruger makes a bolt action .22lr. It has a 24 inch heavy barrel. Its called a 77/22. K77/22-VBZ is the ruger cat #. It looks sweet! Cost a pretty penny!
Savage makes a nice .22 target rifle too. Its Model: MARK II BTVS. Its a bolt action with a 22 inch heavy barrel. This savage is WAY CHEAPER TOO!
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Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
Cootershooter,
Since you are talking match and "best money can buy," you'd have to be looking at $4,000 to $5,000 dollar rifles as a minimum and then you'd be looking at a scope starting out in the area of $950+. SO how serious are you? Now there are certain manufacturers that are at the top of the rung, "OUT OF THE BOX." It is very difficult to out-shoot an Anschutz and if you are talking fun to more serious accuracy, there are several Anschutz model you could consider. I shoot in local fun matches and own an Anschutz 64 MPR that now goes for around $1200 and my Leopold 35X Competition Scope (like the big and serious boys use - I bought one because of eyesight issue due to age) that cost me $1000. There are two main models of Anschutz, one with the 64 action such as mine and the other with the true "Match Grade" 54 Action such as on the 2013 model used by the more serious accuracy freaks around. Those usually start around $2,000 and even the used one command a price in that raneg because the barrels have been replaced with new Match Grade barrels that run in the $300 range. SO forget the $300 - $400 rifles no matter the manufacturer because you simply won't be able to keep up. Then comes the all important issue of ammo which you will have to test no matter which rifle you buiy. Thats because different rifles (even if made by the same manufacturer) each like their own specific ammo the best. I bought a bunch of Lapua (top notch ammo) that goes for $15.50 a box and another that goes for $9.50 thinking my rifle would love this stuff. That idea was based on a friend's Anschutz that loved the $15.50 (Midas +) and man was I wrong. Oh she shot alright but then I tried some Federal Ultra Match UM22 that goes for $14.99 a box (of box) and man did she shoot lights out. In fact I just shot a match yesterday and took 2nd, getting beat out by 10 points by an experienced and talented shooter with a custom rig that cost him $4500 without the scope. SO do some reading and go to some competitions if possible, and see what people are shooting to get a better idea of what it is you are looking for. Remember, the rifle alone won't win you matches. You must practice, have good equipment, good shooting skills and observe what it is other successful shooter use. Then develope YOUR OWN STYLE and make it work for you. Best of luck and don't jump at what others say necessarily. Go "feel" a rifle in your hands before buying. There are a number of manufacturers that build nice rifles, but I don't care for their feel in my hands. Once you buy and shoot that baby, its yours.
Since you are talking match and "best money can buy," you'd have to be looking at $4,000 to $5,000 dollar rifles as a minimum and then you'd be looking at a scope starting out in the area of $950+. SO how serious are you? Now there are certain manufacturers that are at the top of the rung, "OUT OF THE BOX." It is very difficult to out-shoot an Anschutz and if you are talking fun to more serious accuracy, there are several Anschutz model you could consider. I shoot in local fun matches and own an Anschutz 64 MPR that now goes for around $1200 and my Leopold 35X Competition Scope (like the big and serious boys use - I bought one because of eyesight issue due to age) that cost me $1000. There are two main models of Anschutz, one with the 64 action such as mine and the other with the true "Match Grade" 54 Action such as on the 2013 model used by the more serious accuracy freaks around. Those usually start around $2,000 and even the used one command a price in that raneg because the barrels have been replaced with new Match Grade barrels that run in the $300 range. SO forget the $300 - $400 rifles no matter the manufacturer because you simply won't be able to keep up. Then comes the all important issue of ammo which you will have to test no matter which rifle you buiy. Thats because different rifles (even if made by the same manufacturer) each like their own specific ammo the best. I bought a bunch of Lapua (top notch ammo) that goes for $15.50 a box and another that goes for $9.50 thinking my rifle would love this stuff. That idea was based on a friend's Anschutz that loved the $15.50 (Midas +) and man was I wrong. Oh she shot alright but then I tried some Federal Ultra Match UM22 that goes for $14.99 a box (of box) and man did she shoot lights out. In fact I just shot a match yesterday and took 2nd, getting beat out by 10 points by an experienced and talented shooter with a custom rig that cost him $4500 without the scope. SO do some reading and go to some competitions if possible, and see what people are shooting to get a better idea of what it is you are looking for. Remember, the rifle alone won't win you matches. You must practice, have good equipment, good shooting skills and observe what it is other successful shooter use. Then develope YOUR OWN STYLE and make it work for you. Best of luck and don't jump at what others say necessarily. Go "feel" a rifle in your hands before buying. There are a number of manufacturers that build nice rifles, but I don't care for their feel in my hands. Once you buy and shoot that baby, its yours.
Are you talking about rimfire benchrest? Or smallbore prone/3P?
If benchrest, I don't know.
If smallbore, well, I still don't know. ;D The top manufacturers' guns are all pretty darn good. (I think I remember hearing that the Eley lot-testing record holder was a FWB with a factory barrel) But an edge might go to the G&E/Bleiker rifles. However, the devil will be in the particulars. The guns make up a big portion of the total error on target in the smallbore disciplines--the top guys spend a *lot* of time testing their equipment and searching for that perfect lot of ammo or even barrel.
If benchrest, I don't know.
If smallbore, well, I still don't know. ;D The top manufacturers' guns are all pretty darn good. (I think I remember hearing that the Eley lot-testing record holder was a FWB with a factory barrel) But an edge might go to the G&E/Bleiker rifles. However, the devil will be in the particulars. The guns make up a big portion of the total error on target in the smallbore disciplines--the top guys spend a *lot* of time testing their equipment and searching for that perfect lot of ammo or even barrel.
spclark
Gold $$ Contributor
Best is anything better than your abilities. As you participate, learn & improve your skills your satisfaction with what might be affordable now will diminish over time.
Are you able to get to local (maybe some not so local too) matches fairly often? Look at what others are shooting, ask questions (politely & NOT during the competition either!) of the other shooters' experiences & preferences not only to learn more but to begin building a network of friends who may be able to help you find something affordable you might otherwise never hear about.
I just bought a nice package of Anschutz stuff from a guy whose father shot regularly at a club I now belong to but 30 or more years ago. There's good stuff out there for a fair price; finding it might take awhile.
Give 'Mac' Tilton a call for an earfull about what he's got stashed away if you're in a hurry. He regularly imports new and used equipment from Europe & is a great resource for information as well as hardware. Been in the game for decades. Website's MTGUNS.COM
You don't need to spend $$$$ to have fun but if you compete and want to win you'll have to spend both $$$ and time to make shooting a big part of your life.
Are you able to get to local (maybe some not so local too) matches fairly often? Look at what others are shooting, ask questions (politely & NOT during the competition either!) of the other shooters' experiences & preferences not only to learn more but to begin building a network of friends who may be able to help you find something affordable you might otherwise never hear about.
I just bought a nice package of Anschutz stuff from a guy whose father shot regularly at a club I now belong to but 30 or more years ago. There's good stuff out there for a fair price; finding it might take awhile.
Give 'Mac' Tilton a call for an earfull about what he's got stashed away if you're in a hurry. He regularly imports new and used equipment from Europe & is a great resource for information as well as hardware. Been in the game for decades. Website's MTGUNS.COM
You don't need to spend $$$$ to have fun but if you compete and want to win you'll have to spend both $$$ and time to make shooting a big part of your life.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I just finished my first competition here is Puerto Rico. It was an NRA 60 .22 semi or bolt stand up. I was shooting a Ruger 10/22 which was NOT intended for this competition. It was not mine. It was more of an assault weapon of sorts with lazer, flashlight, and a bi-pod. IT was a custom Ruger 10/22 made to look like an AR-15....and man did it weigh a lot (about 23lbs).
I am just starting out and have fell in love with accuracy. I just found out about a range that is 180 yards (most of which here in Puerto Rico are 25 yards). I would need something that is "out of the box". We do not really have any gunsmiths here and all of the work would need to be done in the states. I would have to import any ammo like eley, Lapua, etc...anyway. (Can not get them here as they do not provide them).
Most of the people shooting in the competitions are shooting with Ruger 10/22. Some were shooting custom .22's with Timney triggers, and imported there own match ammo...they were the ones that won by the way. In order for me to even compete I'm going to need something better than a 10/22. I should have mentioned the $$$$ before but, I would say my budget would be around the $3-$5,000 dollar range (without the scope).
I will be in the states in late May for a few months so I may take some of your advice and go to the ranges and see what people are shooting, I am not in a hurry. Sorry, but I have to ask....Is it polite to ask someone to actually shoot their gun? Maybe purchase them a box of ammo for allowing me to???? Or are their expos where you can test fire some of the top of the line rifles?
Again, really appreciate all of the responses. Who knows, I might meet some of you in the competitions in the states....you never know, but I would certainly look forward to it.
Billy
I am just starting out and have fell in love with accuracy. I just found out about a range that is 180 yards (most of which here in Puerto Rico are 25 yards). I would need something that is "out of the box". We do not really have any gunsmiths here and all of the work would need to be done in the states. I would have to import any ammo like eley, Lapua, etc...anyway. (Can not get them here as they do not provide them).
Most of the people shooting in the competitions are shooting with Ruger 10/22. Some were shooting custom .22's with Timney triggers, and imported there own match ammo...they were the ones that won by the way. In order for me to even compete I'm going to need something better than a 10/22. I should have mentioned the $$$$ before but, I would say my budget would be around the $3-$5,000 dollar range (without the scope).
I will be in the states in late May for a few months so I may take some of your advice and go to the ranges and see what people are shooting, I am not in a hurry. Sorry, but I have to ask....Is it polite to ask someone to actually shoot their gun? Maybe purchase them a box of ammo for allowing me to???? Or are their expos where you can test fire some of the top of the line rifles?
Again, really appreciate all of the responses. Who knows, I might meet some of you in the competitions in the states....you never know, but I would certainly look forward to it.
Billy
Unless Puerto Rico's shooters are very different from the ones I shoot with, it would be perfectly acceptable to ask to handle (or even shoot) other folks rifles.
I've let plenty of folks try mine. Trying out other competitors' equipment is probably the best way to make an informed purchase. You're likely to develop preferences in equipment along the way, and the more of that you can figure out before you start buying stuff, the better. Also, you want to make sure that whatever you buy is within the rules of whatever discipline you're shooting it in.
Good luck, and happy shooting.
I've let plenty of folks try mine. Trying out other competitors' equipment is probably the best way to make an informed purchase. You're likely to develop preferences in equipment along the way, and the more of that you can figure out before you start buying stuff, the better. Also, you want to make sure that whatever you buy is within the rules of whatever discipline you're shooting it in.
Good luck, and happy shooting.
Again, thank you for all of your responses. I did manage to e-mail with Dan Killough and his suggestion was to get a anschutz 1712. I have posted this in other forums and several people have suggested to go with a 54 MS or a 54 MSR. What would be the advantages/disavantages of these two or three choices.
Most of my shooting will be Sihloutte/target stand up. However, would also like to be able to do prone.
Most of my shooting will be Sihloutte/target stand up. However, would also like to be able to do prone.
The best information you have given us is the type of match you shot. It was a Smallbore Matallic Silhoute Match. This as with all NRA sanctioned matches have rules and limits on rifles and equipment.
Here is a link to the most important peice of equipment your going to have..... And its FREE... http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Sil-r/sil-r-book.pdf This a link to the RULE BOOK that tells you what the limits of the rifle for which you are looking to buy. ( that might be improtant)
Please look at section 3.2 and section 3.2.1 which tells you the WEIGHT limit of your rifle.
10 lb 2 OZ with scope for the open rifle and 8.5 lbs for Hunter class. Which one are you going to shoot Hunter or Open? If you get a hunter class rifle you can shoot in Hunter and Open. If you get a Open class rifle you can only shoot in the open class and Not Hunter. Typically there are two matches shot at a meet. Hunter then Open.
The Hunter rifle with a scope on can get over weight Fast so be careful on your choice of rifle and scope.
I shoot a Anshutz 54 action like the 1700 Series rifles, with a Shilen Stainless Match Barrel and 6.5X20 Leupold target Scope with Priemier bosted to 40X and custom 3/8" Dot reticle. Fiberglass stock custom painted Burgandy. One of my prized keepers.
Russ T
Here is a link to the most important peice of equipment your going to have..... And its FREE... http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Sil-r/sil-r-book.pdf This a link to the RULE BOOK that tells you what the limits of the rifle for which you are looking to buy. ( that might be improtant)
Please look at section 3.2 and section 3.2.1 which tells you the WEIGHT limit of your rifle.
10 lb 2 OZ with scope for the open rifle and 8.5 lbs for Hunter class. Which one are you going to shoot Hunter or Open? If you get a hunter class rifle you can shoot in Hunter and Open. If you get a Open class rifle you can only shoot in the open class and Not Hunter. Typically there are two matches shot at a meet. Hunter then Open.
The Hunter rifle with a scope on can get over weight Fast so be careful on your choice of rifle and scope.
I shoot a Anshutz 54 action like the 1700 Series rifles, with a Shilen Stainless Match Barrel and 6.5X20 Leupold target Scope with Priemier bosted to 40X and custom 3/8" Dot reticle. Fiberglass stock custom painted Burgandy. One of my prized keepers.
Russ T
The recommendation on the 1712 is the way to go if you are getting into Silhouette shooting which is all I compete in myself. I started with a CZ452, made AAA then got a custom 1712 in a Pharr stock. I recently broke down and bought a 54.18 MSR for Open class but haven't got a feel for it like the 1712 just yet but it's coming.
Start with a 1712 IMO. This way you can shoot both classes. I can't see going to a match to only shoot 1/2 of it. Then if you get hooked which you will look into a 54.18 later on. As mentioned these are rigs built for offhand shooting. Forget about that laying around stuff :
If you look around you can find custom stocked 1712's from time to time used for a good price with no waiting for parts or smith work for less than doing one yourself.
54.18 MSR in McMillan Thumbhole Anschutz composite stock. 2 Stage trigger with 1st stage around 2 oz. and second set to break clean at 4 oz. With a Bushnell 4200 Elite 8-32x with Target Dot.
1712's in Robertson/Pharr composite stocks. 2 Stage trigger with 1st stage around 26 oz. and second set to break clean at 8 oz. With a Bushnell 4200 Elite 8-32x with Target Dot.
Start with a 1712 IMO. This way you can shoot both classes. I can't see going to a match to only shoot 1/2 of it. Then if you get hooked which you will look into a 54.18 later on. As mentioned these are rigs built for offhand shooting. Forget about that laying around stuff :
If you look around you can find custom stocked 1712's from time to time used for a good price with no waiting for parts or smith work for less than doing one yourself.
54.18 MSR in McMillan Thumbhole Anschutz composite stock. 2 Stage trigger with 1st stage around 2 oz. and second set to break clean at 4 oz. With a Bushnell 4200 Elite 8-32x with Target Dot.
1712's in Robertson/Pharr composite stocks. 2 Stage trigger with 1st stage around 26 oz. and second set to break clean at 8 oz. With a Bushnell 4200 Elite 8-32x with Target Dot.
D2x shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
Go to rimfire central and look at the for sale rifles section. You will find myriad benchrest bolt action 22lrs. Also go to Dan Kilough's site. I bought a Turbo with a tuner built by Gorham and love it. I have settled on Eley Tenex 22 lr also purchased from Dan. If you are looking for a 10-22 "best" rifle, go to KIDD INNOVATIVE DESIGN. They build the best 22 semiauto. I have one with a Harrell's tuner and shoot Eley OSP ammo. It is accurate but a bit less than a bolt gun.
Have fun, Dale
Have fun, Dale
First you need to decide exactly what type of competition you want to participate in, then attend their matches, and learn about what successful competitors are using and recommend. The top rifles being used in one discipline like prone, are usually very different from the rifles being used in Bench rest or Silhouette. The absolute best would probably be to have a top competition gunsmith like Richard Gorum work their magic on some top components like a Turbo custom action, Shillen ratchet barrel, McMillen edge stock, etc....such a rifle will cost 3-5 thousand dollars, a top benchrest rifle would probably look something like the ones in this image.
Top silhouette rifles would look like the ones pictured in the post by Bowman26 above. Even though I have no shortage of accurate rifles to choose from, the one I use for silhouette looks like this:
For NRA prone and position shooting, or even benchrest, most of us usually start out with a used match rifle. I found this old BSA Martini rusting in the back of a gunshop and walked out with it for $300
Bought this Remington 37 at a gunshow for $700
Winchester 52D for $800
Anschutz 1411 bought from online classifieds $900
With quality ammo, these rifles can shoot very well, such as this five shot group at 50yds
Top silhouette rifles would look like the ones pictured in the post by Bowman26 above. Even though I have no shortage of accurate rifles to choose from, the one I use for silhouette looks like this:
For NRA prone and position shooting, or even benchrest, most of us usually start out with a used match rifle. I found this old BSA Martini rusting in the back of a gunshop and walked out with it for $300
Bought this Remington 37 at a gunshow for $700
Winchester 52D for $800
Anschutz 1411 bought from online classifieds $900
With quality ammo, these rifles can shoot very well, such as this five shot group at 50yds
OK ..boys help me too...I want to buy a pre-tested shooter for 50 yrds stock heavy barrel...shooting off bi-pods.I'am trying out a Win. 52 -B...the trigger is real heavy. Its a shooter but I want something else...its got a balvar 6x24 that I don't like...priced with the scope. So what's for sale.
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