Looking To Start Competing, Will My Current Rifle Get Me Started?

[sfldiver]

Complete virgin to competitive shooting, and new to this forum. Been practicing benchrest at the 100 yard range on weekends with a couple of Remingtons (223 and 308) for less than 6 months. Just found a range (Port Malager Rifle and Pistol Club) within reasonable distance (Palm Bay, Florida) that has monthly mid-range (up to 600 yds) F Class competitions. Thinking about heading up there for one of their practice sessions to get oriented and get the ball rolling towards one of their upcoming competitions. However, I have a question about my rifle:

I'm shooting a Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range in 308 w/ a Vortex PST 6-24x50 FFP. I've also added a Kahn muzzle brake, a Timney Calvin Elite Trigger and a Bradley Adjustable Cheek Rest.

Is this rifle suitable as an entry-level rifle to get started with these competitions? And will I have any problems with the accessories I've added?

Appreciative of any advice. Thanks, Adrian

 

[sfldiver]

Thanks for the advice Chris. It's bolted on, so removing it won't be a problem.

I do have another question: Are these competitions shooting prone? I do have a Harris swiveling bipod (6-9"), but I've never used it, because I use a Caldwell front rest and rear rabbit ear bag on the bench. If it is prone shooting, what are my options for supporting the stock?

 

[KT]

The F-class matches are shot in the prone position. You would be shooting in FTR (.308 and .223 only). They also must shoot off of a bipod. The harris bipod will do the job. Go to a match shoot and have fun.

 

[Immike]

Bring yourself something to lay on and a rug or mat to rest the bipod on as well. A car floor mat will get you by just fine for under the bipod. Safety glasses, empty chamber flag and some muffs or plugs. Pretty simple to get started actually and everyone did at one time. We had a bunch of new guys at our last club match and they got through it no prob.

 

[jr600yd]

Always glad to see a new shooter come to the club. WELCOME!
Like the others have said your rig will do just fine once you lose the muzzle break. Sorry they are not allowed in competition. The match is a 3 X 600. Meaning you'll shoot from 600 yds 3 times. 20 rounds per relay along with sighters. Between shooting you'll also pull targets and score for another competitor. It's not rocket science and you'll be a pro in no time.

Ammo: your 308 is fine. Any ammo as long as it's safe. Bring 100 rds, it will be more than enough. We'll get you on target during the sight in period. Lots of National Record holders in this club and you'll find they are free with advise, answers to your questions and sharing equipment if you don't have something (like a spoting scope)

Matches: well you've come in at the end of our season. We don't shoot matches in July, August and September (to #%* hot!) we do have a semi-practice match for those going to Camp Perry.

So you've got this month (April) and next month to decide if you like it or not. We have matches on Saturday and Sunday so that gives you 4 matches this a year. Bet your hooked at 1/2 the first day.

 

[sfldiver]

Wow, this is great information and really makes me feel better prepared walking into this new realm.

Jr, you mentioned the need for a spotting scope. I actually have a Celestron Ultima 80 (http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/sport-optics/spotting-scopes/ultima-80-45-degree-spotting-scope) on a nice sturdy camera tripod - will that suffice for now at the 600yd range? Also, is the full size tripod the way to go or will I need a shorter table-top tripod?

Thanks again!

 

[jr600yd]

That's a good Question.
Most competitors use a scope stand. Basically a pole with the scope attached. Its adjustable so you can lower the scope wile shooting or raise it when sitting in a chair scoring. Wile shooting many shooters use the spotting scope to see the mirage and get a fix on the wind. Bring your scope and tripod it's much easier to see than explain. The club has several and you'll be able to borrow one for the match if you want.

 

[TonyR]

Malabar is a great place to shoot and you will see some of the best mid range shooters anywhere on the firing line.

 

[ARIZONA_F_CLASS]

Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range in 308 was my first competition rifle. Your good to go, just get rid of the noise maker! ( muzzel break )

 

[Catfur]

Jr, you mentioned the need for a spotting scope. I actually have a Celestron Ultima 80 (http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/sport-optics/spotting-scopes/ultima-80-45-degree-spotting-scope) on a nice sturdy camera tripod - will that suffice for now at the 600yd range? Also, is the full size tripod the way to go or will I need a shorter table-top tripod?

That's a good Question.
Most competitors use a scope stand. Basically a pole with the scope attached. Its adjustable so you can lower the scope wile shooting or raise it when sitting in a chair scoring. Wile shooting many shooters use the spotting scope to see the mirage and get a fix on the wind. Bring your scope and tripod it's much easier to see than explain. The club has several and you'll be able to borrow one for the match if you want.

A $300 spotting scope on a genuine tripod beats a Nightforce or Leica on a scope stand. Bring the full size one, and a chair to sit in and use it (folding camp chairs are popular).

 

[TonyR]

A $300 spotting scope on a genuine tripod beats a Nightforce or Leica on a scope stand. Bring the full size one, and a chair to sit in and use it (folding camp chairs are popular).

Unless you want to use the spotting scope while you are shooting which can often be helpful at Malabar.

 

[Catfur]

Unless you want to use the spotting scope while you are shooting which can often be helpful at Malabar.

In which case his tabletop tripod will do nicely, I suppose.

I've always wondered why people buy those wobbly scope stands, unless they enjoy shaky-cam view at 60x.

 

[TonyR]

Unless you want to use the spotting scope while you are shooting which can often be helpful at Malabar.

In which case his tabletop tripod will do nicely, I suppose.

I've always wondered why people buy those wobbly scope stands, unless they enjoy shaky-cam view at 60x.

Have you actually tried a tripod from the ground in shooting position?

 

[jr600yd]

It won't wobble unless you bump it, if the wind is blowing that hard everything wobbles including the shooter.

 

[nosualc]

I've tried both. IMO, for match shooting, a scope stand wins, hands down.

A stand is way more convenient to move around, versatile (e.g. you can use it while shooting) and less likely to get tripped over on a firing line. Stability isn't as good, but it doesn't need to be. When scoring, all I need to see is spotters and target discs.

Oh, and to the OP: your rifle (sans brake) will be just fine, have fun!

-nosualc

 

[sfldiver]

I really appreciate everyone's feedback, reassurances, and suggestions. I certainly feel better prepared and more knowledgeable as a result of this thread. I'm looking forward to joining you on the firing line soon.

Thanks!
Adrian

 

[ryanjay11]

I've always wondered why people buy those wobbly scope stands, unless they enjoy shaky-cam view at 60x.

Donnie, you are out of your element.

Using a scope on the ground while you shoot allows you to see the mirage. It is a much more accurate indicator of the wind than flags. With this setup, I can see through my scope and spotting scope at the same, like a pair of binoculars.

 

[sfldiver]

Will my Caldwell Rock BR Competition front shooting rest work on the ground shooting prone? And my Caldwell rear medium high bag?

 

[Immike]

Will my Caldwell Rock BR Competition front shooting rest work on the ground shooting prone? And my Caldwell rear medium high bag?

It should be fine, I used one for awhile and my son uses it now. Needs mud feet and make a block to go under the rear bag in case you need it. That rest doesn't adjust down very low so you want to be able to raise the rear if you need to. Put one foot back and the other 2 forward so you can use the leg screw for fine adjusting the elevation. Its a really good rest if you lock the elevation and snug the wheel against it. BTW that rest puts you in open class.

 

[crowsnest2002]

If you'll be shooting a .308 as your previous posts indicated, I'd use the Harris in front, at least during a match. A front rest will put you in F-Open class, usually a decided disadvantage when shooting .308. I used a Harris and/or Atlas bipod in F-TR for a couple years, and they worked just fine to start out. There are certainly better F-TR bipods out there, but I'd use what you have at first, then make a more informed decision later as to whether you'd like to upgrade any of your gear. Along the same line, I'd practice using whatever you intend to shoot with in a match (ie. bipod rather than front rest). That way, you'll be gaining more familiarity with your setup before actually using it to compet{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252
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Edited to add: I like to practice for MR matches at 600 yd using the 18" Shoot-N-C targets. I use a fat black Sharpie to black out all the lines/numbers, everything but the red aiming dot. Your spotting scope should easily allow you to see 30 cal holes at 600 yd if the mirage isn't too extreme. Once home, it's very simple to use a compass to scratch in "scoring rings" (3", 6", and 12" for the X, 10, and 9 rings, respectively) so you can score your practice target and see how you did. I shoot practice rounds exactly as if they're real matches (time limits, wind reading, etc.) and it helps familiarize you with everything you'll be doing when you're on the line shooting in an actual match.

I really like the idea of shoot and see targets especially when a pit crew is never available when practicing. Good tip and I will more than likely use it.