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New Local Score Match -- What to Do?

BobT

Gold $$ Contributor
The local club has started a new short range score match and I would like to try my hand at it. My dilemma is whether to put a rifle together on a 40XBR action and stock I already have laying around or sell the 40X and put the money toward a custom action. I have never really competed in a serious match but I would like to know that my equipment was not holding me back. My plan is to put together a .30 BR on whatever action I decide on and go from there. I have a good front rest but that is pretty much where it ends, I'll need to gather up everything else.

I wanted to ask the guys who have been there. I'm getting ready to retire so I'll have plenty of time to dedicate to the project. I went to the first match the other day to observe and it was pretty clear I'll be facing some serious competition. So, what say the experts? Any input is appreciated!
 
BobT said:
The local club has started a new short range score match and I would like to try my hand at it. My dilemma is whether to put a rifle together on a 40XBR action and stock I already have laying around or sell the 40X and put the money toward a custom action. I have never really competed in a serious match but I would like to know that my equipment was not holding me back. My plan is to put together a .30 BR on whatever action I decide on and go from there. I have a good front rest but that is pretty much where it ends, I'll need to gather up everything else.

I wanted to ask the guys who have been there. I'm getting ready to retire so I'll have plenty of time to dedicate to the project. I went to the first match the other day to observe and it was pretty clear I'll be facing some serious competition. So, what say the experts? Any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Are the matches group or Score? (Or both)? Distance(s)? WD
 
BobT said:
The local club has started a new short range score match and I would like to try my hand at it. My dilemma is whether to put a rifle together on a 40XBR action and stock I already have laying around or sell the 40X and put the money toward a custom action. I have never really competed in a serious match but I would like to know that my equipment was not holding me back. My plan is to put together a .30 BR on whatever action I decide on and go from there. I have a good front rest but that is pretty much where it ends, I'll need to gather up everything else.

I wanted to ask the guys who have been there. I'm getting ready to retire so I'll have plenty of time to dedicate to the project. I went to the first match the other day to observe and it was pretty clear I'll be facing some serious competition. So, what say the experts? Any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Depending on what custom action you are wanting to go with you could potentially be looking at a lead time of 8mos- 1year.

If you can get a barrel and all the components for a 30BR on your 40X you could always shoot that until your custom is ready then sell it as a barreled action when a custom is ready for pickup.

In my option, and not knowing your history, you won’t really see the benefits of a custom at that range until you master your basic shooting and reloading skills.
 
I have been reloading for 50+ years and shooting longer than that. I have been shooting from a bench rest for close to 30 years and between rifles and serious single shot pistols I'll shoot a couple thousand rounds a year from the bench. I'm not a rookie reloader or shooter just a rookie competitor, my major handicap, aside from sourcing components will be the wind I'm sure.
 
Do what I did, shoot what you have to start. I used a very accurate Savage for the first year, then I made the mistake of doing everything possible to make it a short range bench gun, I held my own with other factory guns but not really with the customs, a lot of money to get nowhere.
Use yours while learning the ins and outs of the game, while waiting for a custom to be built so you will get a seasons worth of experience before getting serious, then jump in and have at it.
If waiting a year or more for a build doesn't suit you watch the classifieds here lots of BR guns come up for sale at extremely good prices.
 
BobT said:
I have been reloading for 50+ years and shooting longer than that. I have been shooting from a bench rest for close to 30 years and between rifles and serious single shot pistols I'll shoot a couple thousand rounds a year from the bench. I'm not a rookie reloader or shooter just a rookie competitor, my major handicap, aside from sourcing components will be the wind I'm sure.
Click to expand...
Are these registered matches or club?
Since you have experience I'd definitely invest in a good custom rifle. Maybe put a wanted add in the classified section to bypass the wait time on new.
For a 30 BR I'd make sure it weighed every bit of 13.5# as well. I shot 1 at 10.5# 1 season and it was a little brutal.
 
BobT said:
The local club has started a new short range score match and I would like to try my hand at it. My dilemma is whether to put a rifle together on a 40XBR action and stock I already have laying around or sell the 40X and put the money toward a custom action. I have never really competed in a serious match but I would like to know that my equipment was not holding me back. My plan is to put together a .30 BR on whatever action I decide on and go from there. I have a good front rest but that is pretty much where it ends, I'll need to gather up everything else.

I wanted to ask the guys who have been there. I'm getting ready to retire so I'll have plenty of time to dedicate to the project. I went to the first match the other day to observe and it was pretty clear I'll be facing some serious competition. So, what say the experts? Any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
Go Full custom but more importantly go to a TOP smith. His knowledge will jumpstart your learning curve by leaps and bounds. Buy once cry once........
 
Last edited:
BobT said:
The local club has started a new short range score match and I would like to try my hand at it. My dilemma is whether to put a rifle together on a 40XBR action and stock I already have laying around or sell the 40X and put the money toward a custom action. I have never really competed in a serious match but I would like to know that my equipment was not holding me back. My plan is to put together a .30 BR on whatever action I decide on and go from there. I have a good front rest but that is pretty much where it ends, I'll need to gather up everything else.

I wanted to ask the guys who have been there. I'm getting ready to retire so I'll have plenty of time to dedicate to the project. I went to the first match the other day to observe and it was pretty clear I'll be facing some serious competition. So, what say the experts? Any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...
I’d suggest starting in the most cost effective way possible before jumping in the deep end with a custom build. You might find there is some reason you don’t want to stay with the sport. The 40X can definitely compete if you make good ammo and the rifle and scope are maintained and accurate.
Dave
 
Dave M. said:
I’d suggest starting in the most cost effective way possible before jumping in the deep end with a custom build. You might find there is some reason you don’t want to stay with the sport. The 40X can definitely compete if you make good ammo and the rifle and scope are maintained and accurate.
Dave
Click to expand...
+1.^^^ Agree with this approach, unless you run into a really good deal on a custom action and stock soon. WD
 
If you end up like most you spend a lot trying to make the Remmy into a custom and it's just not
Then you spend it all over again buying the custom

Like others have said watch the classifieds here plenty of good ones come up every few weeks
Sell the 40x
 
BobT-

I'm from Missouri also and my club host NBRSA score matches, I am curious where you recently went to a score match, in Missouri?
 
Sell(or keep) the 40x and put that money toward a Borden, Bat or Kelbly. Don't even consider throwing money that you'll never get back, at the 40x. You'll thank me later. Get one configured to suit you, ie a RBLPRE, for example. At the very least and with zero regard for accuracy, one option holds its value and the other is a money pit.
 
J.J. Coe said:
Are these registered matches or club?
Since you have experience I'd definitely invest in a good custom rifle. Maybe put a wanted add in the classified section to bypass the wait time on new.
For a 30 BR I'd make sure it weighed every bit of 13.5# as well. I shot 1 at 10.5# 1 season and it was a little brutal.
Click to expand...
Club matches.
 
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