Newbie Questions and Resources

[rlandrum]

I'm new to shooting (started in January), but it's something I really enjoy. I've since purchased several rifles, including a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in .223, which I'm considering using for doing some competition shooting.

The rifle is currently stock, with a set of tall weaver rings, and a Bushnell XLT Trophy 6-18x scope. It shoots very well at 100 yards (the longest range I can find locally). I'd like to step up to the more common competition distances, like 300, 600, and 1000 yards.

There's a lot of information out there; almost too much, in fact. I'm not sure where to start or really what questions to ask... Is there a good "getting started in competition distance shooting" FAQ or write-up?

I'm really interested in building a light gun (under 17lbs, I think), in the 6mm BR, .223, or .308 calibers. What's the best starting platform for such a gun? Are there places where I can purchase a used competition gun?

 

[Nodak7mm]

Welcome to a great resource on the subject and most other accuracy related matters. Congrats on jumping in and going for it..

There are two "different" searches you can do here. Do one from the home page on "F-Class" and this search the articles and such, of which there are several good articles. Gotta read the one by Jeff Cocoron (sp?). And then do a search on the subject on the Forum which will give you hours of enjoyment.

Welcome and dont hesitate to hooler for questions, but remember that the search function is your friend.

Rod V

 

[Scotsman1]

+1 to Nodak7, He's absolutely correct. Welcome, you're at the best place. When I found the site I was overjoyed that finally, some real help, other than the BS arguing on other sites. Guys here are willing to help and are humble enough to be real men and learn. "Always the student".

You picked a perfect gun to start with. Keep shooting at your stated distance. You will get better and better. Then start venturing out and trying different things. The 223 is a great caliber to work with for starters. Take your time, listen and shoot every chance you get.

Before long, you'll have the night-sweats, tossing and turning, insomnia, staring off into the distance when your wife is talking, obsession over accuracy and nibbling your nails in hopes that your smith will cut a flawless chamber. Whew! Just like the rest of us here...

Cheers,
Sean

 

[rlandrum]

I believe it's Jeff Cochran... And this article:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/gunweek063/

Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Rob

 

[jmatters]

Welcome!
I'd suggest finding the range you want to shoot at first. Figure out how far you are willing to drive, and look for ranges in that zone. You may find that a 100 yard Score match is held in your backyard, while the 600 agg matches are 150 miles away. Those 2 disciplines use different gear, so take your time and figure out where you'll shoot. Run what you brung until you get a chance to figure out how deeply to get involved. Used rifles can be a real bargain. But mainly, SHOOT and have fun!

 

[rlandrum]

Welcome!
I'd suggest finding the range you want to shoot at first. Figure out how far you are willing to drive, and look for ranges in that zone. You may find that a 100 yard Score match is held in your backyard, while the 600 agg matches are 150 miles away. Those 2 disciplines use different gear, so take your time and figure out where you'll shoot. Run what you brung until you get a chance to figure out how deeply to get involved. Used rifles can be a real bargain. But mainly, SHOOT and have fun!

Quantico is my nearest 1000 yard range, but I'm only 4 hours from Butner in NC and about the same from the Harry Jones range in WV.

There's a 200 out at NVGC now, which I just became a member of, and another 200 out at Range 82 (which is mostly law enforcement tactical stuff, from what I've read). Five miles from me is a 100 yarder, which is where I've been doing everything, but it's not for competitions. I've got lots of options, but few for long distances.