Cape_Yorkee wrote:Hi all, been keeping an eye on this forum for sometime. Some great info on here. I am relatively new to the firearms world but have bee using them for a few years now in my field of work. Predominantly Marlin 30-30's and smaller 22's both LR and WMR.
I am looking to potentially get into target shooting and have a family friend that has been a member of a rifle range club for several decades. I am though unsure what kind of firearm/s that I'd need to possibly purchase to get into this sport! I had a chat with a staff member from a Gun store close to me and he suggested heavy barrelled options such as 223 and 308's were the staple models to look at. I have my eye on a Ruger m77 mk2 in 223 (varmint) that is in VGC though unsure if a 223 would be a good allround choice?
Any info appreciated
Cheers
It will depend primarily on what sort of target shooting you want to use it for. PRS is longer-range shooting at steel mainly, but there is also 20m Benchrest Rimfire shooting.
I would agree that a heavier barrel would be better for prolonged shooting at clubs.
I would start by accompanying your family member to his club to see what he's doing and talk to other people doing the same thing. The club would very likely be able to put you onto secondhand equipment as well.
I would also suggest you get into reloading your own ammo.
It sounds like your shooting up to now has been more practical, I'm guessing pest destruction? In which case you might enjoy lever-action metallic Silhouette, far more enjoyable than sitting at a bench.
As for chamberings, .223 is rarely a poor choice for somebody starting out. The ammo is on the cheaper side which allows you do a whole lot more practicing for your dollars. The cheapest is probably the bulk ADI ammo cans at around $1.40 per round. When you start loading your own you can reduce the cost very significantly.