Damsel needs advice-what rifle is suitable for long distance competitive shooting?

[ebb]

Don't buy anything yet. Go to several shoots before you make a decision. We have a veteran here that geared up to shoot F class and discovered that his injures in service to his country prevented him from being able to get prone and shoot F class. he now shoots benchrest. Go to an f class match, go to a 3 gun match go see a benchrest match, check out service rifle attend a smallbore shoot. See what is going on close to where you live, traveling many miles to shoot takes time and money. If you spend time looking something will look fun or you will meet some people that stand out and you will know what you want to do. When you find something interesting ask around and see if someone will lend you a rifle to shoot one match with. buying now before you look may mean buying a bunch of the wrong equipment that hinders your progress.

 

[Rope2horns]

Lot's of good information in this thread.....The three posts that I would recommend paying attention to are......Post19-Post25-Post38<<< I would suggest you take Mike and Heather up on this offer, good folks can't go wrong there.

 

[Medic505]

F-Class and FTR - shooting in general - is the sport where men and women ( and even the woke gender fluid mob) can compete equally.

@torif This is true to an extent. It's been my observation over the years that females who take up shooting, have proper guidance and work at it, turn out to be better shooters than most men. Listen to Norm, great advice. Or, talk to Norm's wife Tracy or JennB on this forum, both of whom beat 99% of the men they shoot against like drums. Jump in with both feet with a desire to learn and you'll do fine. And believe this, the less you know now, the better you'll be in the long run. Good Luck in your quest, I hope to shoot against you some day.

 

[Jennb]

Thanks Dean! There are a number of great posts here and I agree that you should check out some different matches to get an idea of what you would like to do. Shooting is not a cheap sport if done right so getting a feel for what you might enjoy doing can save you a lot of time and money spent on the wrong equipment.

I am available to help guide you in any way I can and I am sure there are few other women here that would also make themselves available to help.

 

[cem]

To repeat because it makes sense, check NSSF and NRA and others for matches within a reasonable driving distance to you in Iowa. Join any Facebook groups associated with shooting in your part of the country. Attend multiple matches, ask to handle and even shoot a variety of rifles. Make a special effort for Appleseed matches and other particularly friendly to newcomer groups. It doesn't make much sense to tool up for a thousand yard bench rest match and then be forced to drive to Pennsylvania to shoot a match. Over the course or high power is often a good introduction because there can be a choice of matches and introductory equipment is affordable. The various books from Precision Shooting can be useful but not out of print and so pricey. Interlibrary loan is a good idea.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Try to find a friend with the same interest if possible. It's always nice to have a shooting partner to travel with.

 

[Tori.F]

I love the 6 mm's in the br family or variants, super accuracy and easy to shoot small out to a thousand yards

6 br
6brx
6 bra
6xc
6 dasher
6 Creedmoor... which might be over the counter purchase with box ammo being available over the counter as well.

Thank you for your input and taking the time to offer advice!! Seems like these are styles are pretty popular among everyone!

 

[Tori.F]

In your price range go with the ready to shoot Savages. A new target BR gun can be had for about $1300 on sale. Stay away from the plastic stocks that some come with. Laminated wood is the way to go. The BR stock can also be used for F Class by installing a rail under the forend (two birds one stock). The 6BR if you are trying for 1,000 yard or the .223 for 600 yard and under. The 6BR is F open and the .223 is F TR. Then look on the classified here at Accurate Shooter for the Scope. You can pick up a 8.5X25 Leupold for about $850 or a Vortex for about the same perhaps a little less. Try and stay away from fixed 36 or 45 power if the weather gets warm where you are. The mirage in those when it gets hot is miserable. With the variable you can turn down the power and some of the mirage goes away. Good luck.

Thank you for the little heads up with the fixed 36 or 45 power!! And thank you for your advice.

 

[Tori.F]

FTR class are restricted to 223 or 308 caliber, F class open gives the shooter more caliber options, both disciple shoot prone'

Hey there! Thank you for your insight! I am aware of this lol, I probably should have been clearer, but I have gotten some pretty dang good advice so far!

 

[Tori.F]

Are you reloading or buying factory ammo?

Which one would you do if you were just starting out in F-TR? Probably factory I presume?

 

[Tori.F]

If you would like to shoot F-Class, then you have two options F-TR (Target Rifle) which limits you to either .308 or .223. The gun can be up to ~18.2lb, use a bypod. The other option is F-Open. In this class you can shoot any caliber and use a front rest. There seems to be two popular calibers although the field is wide open, .284 Win and 6MM (with tons of variations on this). In my opinion, the .284 Win seems to be used by many of the National Champions.

Cost wise, F-TR is more affordable to get started. to start, bipods are much cheaper than the front rests. Generally $200-$500 depending on type compared to the front rests than can easily run $1000 and more. The rifles will run you about $2000 give or take for a competitive rifle and I would highly recommend starting with a used gun which could help you save even more and see if you like it.

Scopes will run you between $1000 & $2500. Again, you can always start with used as many competitors are constantly buying and selling equipment there are a lot of good quality glass out there to be had. You will want something adjustable up to 50 power, 30mm tube.

In addition you will need a mat to lay on, a rear bag and of course reloading equipment if you want to really compete. Sadly, store bought ammo will not be competitive and will only frustrate you. Again this equipment can be purchased used, but does not often come at much of a savings. You don't need fancy to start, a good single stage press, competitive dies, a good quality scale, etc.

On the scale, don't bother buying cheap $100-$200 digital scales. They just don't have the accuracy or repeatability that is required. Again, you can find used. I got my Sartarius which new sells for well over $3000 for $250 at an auction for a lab. You can start with a good beam scale such as a Haus 10-10 which can be very accurate.

I started with a standard rifle and over the years have spent more than if I had just purchased something used and got started and would have most likely been money ahead if I had. But you can start off with some of the basics.

If you are interested, check for ranges near you that have F-Class matches and go and watch a match. Talk with those there about getting started and they can help you get started. Many competitors will even loan you equipment to get started. A great way for you to see if you want to get really involved in this insanity. Through these networks, you can also find people to help you learn how to reload for competition, find good used equipment and generally make as few mistakes as possible.

Good luck and enjoy. You will find that the majority of competitors are very friendly, more than willing to help someone just starting out.

Wow, thank you! I have talked with my friend Cole, who shot in the F class, but he doesn't shoot much anymore. He has given me some basics of it, and had actually taught me how to shoot in the first place. I can't really count on him to teach me long distance, he is so busy. However, I will check out other ranges and go and watch a match, thank you for that idea.

You are absolutely right, all the folks on here have given great advice so far, more than I had expected, and I have already learned so much more just reading all the insight given.

I can shoot pretty darn well long distance, but it took practice getting the science down. You are right, I will take your advice and start off with some of the basics. I have written down a lot of your advice given and I really appreciate you taking the time to help me.

Funny, I would have never dreamed I would ever own a firearm. EVER. More so, I would have never thought shooting was a hidden talent of mine. I enjoy it. It is now one of my best hobbies.

Thanks again for your knowledgeable advice and I will let you know what I decide on!!

 

[Tori.F]

My wife benchrest shoots a RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor at 1000 yards regularly with 1/2 MOA and better. She loves the light recoil and accuracy of it.

That is awesome!! Do you guys live near Anamosa, Iowa lol? I feel she could teach me something. What was her first rifle and did she ever shoot in F-TR? Thank you, you sure got a fun wife to share a fun hobby with you!

 

[Tori.F]

12 F/TR | Rifle for Long-Range Competition | Savage Arms

The 12 F/TR is built for long-range accuracy and competition with a 30" full-profile barrel, adjustable Target AccuTrigger, and single-shot Target Action.

www.savagearms.com

Thank you, and thank you for your advice. I wrote it down, and I will check them out.

 

[Tori.F]

The best advice I can give you at this stage in your development is to find a mentor in the specified class of shooting you want to do and wait to buy any rifle scope or other equipment until you do. Most clubs or ranges in your area will have folks that have the necessary experience and will be glad to help you. If you list your geographic area here, you will probably find a few seasoned shooters that will be generous with their time.

Thank you! My friend Cole who shot in F class taught me how to shoot, I am sure if I asked him, he would teach me how to be best at shooting competitively, but he doesn't shoot much anymore.
Where do I list my area so I can find help? I am in Anamosa, Iowa.
And thank you for your response.

 

[Tori.F]

All good advice. Go to a local F-Class club, meet the guys and hopefully girls. See what happens and the type of shooting and rifles they are using. If it floats your boat, get local advice and go from there. F-Class and FTR - shooting in general - is the sport where men and women ( and even the woke gender fluid mob) can compete equally.

Someone on here will recommend a club/range within a sensible distance for you.

Thank you. In the works right now. And yes, I have gotten some pretty great advice on here.

 

[Tori.F]

Lots of good advise has been given. I suggest a .223, maybe used, seeing that it could have everything you would need for shooting out to 600 yards. If you want to build a rifle keep in mind “buy once cry once”. There are lots of options. My Remington 223 shoots great and there are lots of aftermarket parts available. Ruger also makes a RPR that lots of folks like. I also agree a mentor to help you get started will help you get a jump start on learning the proper way to shoot Your new rifle. This forum is a great place to ask questions. Lots a great shooters here.

Yes, great advice! I love it! I think you are absolutely right, given all the advice, I am going to buy a .223. I have a friend who builds rifles, he could probably do it. I have shot an AR-15 that the prison uses where I work, it seemed fairly fine.

Thank you for your advice sir!

 

[Tori.F]

Paging @1911mag

he's in Iowa and shoots with his wife. Maybe they could show you around a range and some equipment.

Thank you!! We have a range at the prison I work at, that I use. I'll look him up and see if they are near Anamosa. Thank you.

 

[Tori.F]

define the type of competition or casual target shooting FIRST then look for a rifle.
simple at this point would be a 6br/6bra/6dasher.
are you going to load for this( best idea) or shoot purchased ammo....
go to some matches and see what is involved. most clubs will let you shoot a gun to see real life
where are you ??

Thank you. I am in Anamosa Iowa. I will and already do, shoot purchased ammo. I have shot an Ar-15, which they use at the prison I work at.

I would like to go to some matches and see first-hand, what they are like. I think that is a great idea. Thank you.

 

[Tori.F]

Got the page -
Yes we are in Davenport Iowa, Milan is the nearest range for 600 with pits (no electronics there).
My wife (4'11" and not adding weight but say very petite) started shooting 2 years ago with a Remington 223 in a HS Precision stock, Bartlien 1:7 barrel HV, ISSF reamer to run Berger 90's. (That got me too HM in Mid Range) Last year I built a new one for her. I went with Borden action HBR with no ejector, another Bartlien 1:7 barrel HV, ISSF reamer and she wanted to stick with the HS Precision stocks even though I had a Cerus FTR stock sitting. Not debating a caliber .223 VS .308 but I will say the recoil is less. I shoot Van Meter as well couple times a year. I would be more than happy to bring the gear and let you see and shoot a .223 and .308 set up for FTR. Just PM me and we can set something up.

Let's make this happen! Thank you for the great information, I will reach out after this weekend.

 

[Tori.F]

Stop, Look and Think.

Go to a Fclass match a PRS match and a BR match and just look around and talk to people.
See what you like, then decide.

Working on it. Thank you for the insight.