does this exist?

[subway]

I'm brand new to the game and no where near ready to compete yet. I'm still at the "learning to shoot accurately" phase and want to purchase a gun better suited to long target range sessions. ,my current rifle, while surprisingly accurate, is a hunting rifle and it's barrel is scorching after 5 or 7 rounds.) I'm not ready,or worthy of) a custom target rifle yet, so I'm looking at a good choice from "off the rack" models.

so, does this exist?

new, factory stock bolt action rifle with heavy barrel,and 24"min length), controlled round feed action, synthetic stock in .243 caliber? And to make it challenging, left handed. That's a reasonably short list of requirements, but they are firm - No Remington rifles or rifles based on Remington actions.,this isn't a put down of Remington; I've got a 700, I just want to try "the other kind" this time.) I'm really surprised at how much difficulty I'm having finding even ONE rifle that meets this very short list of requirements. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

 

[FatBoy]

You best bet, in a factory action, is to look at the Winchester WSM and WSSM actions. You'd have to go with a WSM or WSSM case, but that also deviated from your requirements. I'm unaware of any that are left handed though. If there are any, you better get it quick, as they've stopped making rifles.

You could easily meet your requiremnets, were it not for control round feed. I know of ZERO action with CRF and left handed bolts.

Chris...

 

[Hipshot]

I started shooting F-Class competitively with a Savage varmit model in .243 that was great. Savage makes accurate and reasonably priced rifles, including left handed ones. Check out their left handed rifles.

 

[Ogre6br]

Tikkas are made in left handed.

Try for a T3 tactical or a 595 Continental.

later
P

 

[oldjad01]

Most Savages shoot very good right out of the box. I bought my first ones recently,22-250,223) and am really impressed with the accuracy. Relatively cheap and very easy to change barrels. $259 or sao for a Douglas bbl from SSS, $360 gets PacNors best and both of these can be fitted by the owner, no gunsmithing cost. WWW.savageShooters.net is a very active board of dyed in the wool Savage shooters. They can answer any questions and there are a lot of 'how to' posts. Then later you can spend your $2000-3000 for your gun with a custom action, etc.. JimDee

 

[Ogre6br]

HI
Just found out the Competition shooting dot com are getting walther barrels in 6.5 grendel made up for savages.

I know it's not in .243 but the BC of the 6.5 projectiles means that they buck wind equal or better than the high end 6mm ones do.

Arnie has just shot a sub 1.5 inch group at 600 yards with his grendel using the 108 Scenar projectile.

Might be an option for you to consider. less recoil than a .243 but better LR performance, much longer barrel life also over a .243. cases are Lapua so you know they are good.

Just get a PC bolthead and the barrel and you are away. fire a few cases off and send them to Harrel Bros and you have a sizing die that will be the ducks nuts.

just something for you to consider.

later
p

Lotsa info here.
http://www.competitionshootingsports.com/
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/index.php?
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=704 this thread is about the barrels.

 

[subway]

Hey Gunamonth - thanks for the Cooper link. I visited their website once before the holidays and then forgot all about them. You're right, they don't offer exactly what I'm looking for: their,regular) Varmint rifle would be perfect if it had a synth stock; or their Phoenix would be great if it was available lefty. I REALLY like the fact that almost all of their rifles are available as single shot models.

,it drives me crazy when I see a custom or semi-custom rifle with a piece of bent sheet metal or a twisted piece of wire as the main magazine spring. the magazines always look like they belong on some inexpensive Sears rifle. a single shot configuration does away with the cheapest components on most bolt action rifles)

the good news is that the Cooper site mentions that lefty Phoenix rifles are not "currently" offered. but a few emails might change that. The actions are available lefty, so the only issue is the stock; seems like it could be resolved without too much difficulty, or cost.

certainly a lead worth pursuing! thanks again.

 

[Asa_Yam]

Most factory .243 barrels aren't set up for shooting 100+ grain low drag bullets,twist rate is too slow). The heavy match bullets are more useful for shooting at 600 yards and beyond, due to less wind drift.

While developing more recoil, it is much easier to find a left hand .308. By going to a .308, it is possible to find factory match grade ammo. Components for loading your own are easy to come by as well.
- Accurate short range paper punching? Use 125-135 grain flat based projectiles. Accuracy without the recoil.
- Medium range,300-600 yards) work? Use 150-168 grain projectiles.
- Long range,600+ to 1000 yards). Shoot 175-190 grainers.

Barrel life on a .308 is also longer than that on a .243 - anywhere from 50-100% more. Not surprising, as the smaller caliber is shoving the same volume of powder through a smaller diameter bore.

 

[manitou210]

I know that R.W Harts have new Rem 700 left hand actions and will make what ever you want, about $1200 + stock and there guns are great. nice web page www.rwhart.com