Rifles to look at for starting smallbore?

[jlorenzo]

Just became a member of a club that had a winter league shooting smallbore indoors. Looking for a semi affordable option. I assume I will need some kind of diopter sight. I don't know much about this style of shooting but would like to pursue it.
It seems some variation of Anshutz would be the way to go. There was another Russian sounding brand but I can't remember.
Suggestions?

 

[JimSC]

Anshutz's seem to dominate in small bore at our club. You can find a lot of good used model 54 match rifles on the auction sites. Go over to rimfire central on the Anschutz subforums to get particulars on the best triggers etc

Feinwerkbau and Walthers are also popular I believe. The lowly Savage MkII FVT is a very affordable alternative if you just want to give it a try without committing 1000 plus. Quite a few of our youth league shooters shoot the Savage and sometimes outshoot the grownups with their fancier rifles

Don't forget you will also need a shooting coat, a mat, a spotting scope and a good selection of ammo. Probably a few other things also, I never got into smallbore myself but have a few good friends that do. Good luck

 

[kzin]

Sounds like it would be 3-position, not just prone?
That means you probably want the fully adjustable modern stock which, of course, is more expensive.
Also means full kit would include shooting pants and shoes.
And a high quality match sling.

The Anschutz 1903 was a starter compromise that JUST went out of production.
You might still find one somewhere.

The savage probably shoots well enough for a starter rifle and has the right type of sights but the stock is crap. The Boyds @one is not really smallbore standard but it's not bad.

But as mentioned a used Annie 54 is probably the best compromise.

There just isn't an 'affordable' smallbore option.
Unless your other sport is auto racing

 

[kzin]

Don't want to push you away from what you want to do but there may be 'sporter' options that are much less expensive. Depending on where you are,
SporteRifle is all standing.
CMP Rimfire Sporter is 3 position and also includes rapid fire stages.
NRA Light Rifle theoretically exists but not around my area.
probably others

 

[Williwaw]

It seems some variation of Anshutz would be the way to go. There was another Russian sounding brand but I can't remember.
Suggestions?

Izhmash for the Ruskie I bet.

 

[Tim Slater]

The Russian brand is likely Izhmash, the venerable Izhevsk arsenal. Their CM2 and Ural rifles are roughly equivalent to a basic Anschutz 64 and 54 respectively. However, the Rudsian stocks are a bit planks-y and basic, on a par with an Anschutz from 50yo.

The Russians did make fancier rifles, but these are not at all common.

I'd also add that if you want a shooting jacket, this has to fit properly. A jacket that's too large won't support you, and one that's too small will restrict your movement.

 

[drover]

Just became a member of a club that had a winter league shooting smallbore indoors. Looking for a semi affordable option. I assume I will need some kind of diopter sight. I don't know much about this style of shooting but would like to pursue it.
It seems some variation of Anshutz would be the way to go. There was another Russian sounding brand but I can't remember.
Suggestions?

I shot winter league indoor smallbore for a couple of decades, it is an enjoyable sport.
I suggest that before committing to a lot of equipment that you go to a match as a spectator, this will give you a better feel for what you will need. There is no point in spending a lot of money on items that you may not be satisfied with. Also there is a chance that some of the shooters may know someone who is no longer competing and may have items for sale.

I think you are on the right track with thinking of Anschutz, even the older models from the 70's and 80's can still be competitive at the club level, they can be had at reasonable prices and should you decide to upgrade they are easy to sell since they are not as expensive as the newest models.

Enjoy - drover