Whats a good starting target rifle?
 

Im looking to get into smallbore rifle competition, but i dont want to spend a fortune on a rifle and sights. Is the savage Mark 2 Target the best value? What else is there for under $500? If nothing then what about $600?Thanks,

RE: Whats a good starting target rifle?
 

Yes, Savage MKII FVT is a good rifle, but I'm not sure its going to be competitive for smallbore competition.Its a good training rifle at the very least.
For $600, you can get a Kimber 82 from CMPwhich is a full blown smallbore competition rifle- it will be competitive with the Anchutzes and Winchester 52s and only costs about 1/2 to 1/3 as much. http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/caliber22.htm

Winchester 52s, if you can find one, are well out of that price range.

Mossberg 144s aren't easy to find either, but are usually under $300. They are not a very well known rifle, but were made to compete neck and neck with the Winchester 52 target rifles. I use a Mossberg 144 LSB for practicing positions for highpower rifleon the cheap. Using midgrade mach ammo (Wolf)Ican put 5 shots into a hole the size of a pencil eraser at 25 yards (using iron sights).

If there are smalbore matches held near you, go to one and see what people are using, a lot of guys will let you try their equipment out.

If you are serious about competition (I'm not about smallbore- I use my rifle for training like I said earlier) the cost of a rifle is big, but you won't get anywhere if you handicap yourself with a rifle that doesn't fit your right, or isn't up to snuff.

RE: Whats a good starting target rifle?
 

Have you been to any of the shoots yet?? You should be able to find a good used rifle at one of the shoots.

I used my Kimber of Oregon Model 82, with great success(years ago).

You have enough money to buy a quality used rifle if you spend some time shopping. One of the Remington 541's or 581's make a great starter rifle. Especially the 541's. The ones recommended above also make a great rifle. I woulds stay away from the Savage, but that is just me.

You can have a nice custom Ruger 10/22 made for $500-$600. I spent $500 on mine with a Green Mtn. Barrel, and a left hand thumbhole stock.

What are the rules where you want to compete?? Rifle limitations?? Scope limitations?? Or is it open sight's only?? Tom.

RE: Whats a good starting target rifle?
 

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