New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

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New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

Post by brownhare » 03 Dec 2014, 3:18 pm

Hey Guys,

Firstly appreciate any help you guys can offer.

Ive just recently received my gun licence and Im looking to get into Rifle Target shooting.

I have very little experience but from what Ive shot before Im thinking something like 243 would be good.

Now I dont have a lot of money at present so Ill be looking for something second hand with a scope
maybe around $ 500 if thats possible.

So my question is what would you guys recommend and from where could I buy it.

By the way Im in South East Queensland and left handed if that counts.

Cheers,

Lee
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by hoofit » 03 Dec 2014, 4:17 pm

Hi Lee,

I'll leave the target shooting advice to the pros but welcome to the forum :)
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Tinked » 03 Dec 2014, 4:18 pm

Are you looking to compete in events or just punch some paper for fun?

If you want to complete there are some rules around allowable calibres and .243 might not be best in that regard.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Chronos » 03 Dec 2014, 4:42 pm

Welcome to the forum Brownhair

A lot of shooters would agree a .223 would be hard to beat for learning to shoot and reload on, most .223's would be capable of shooting accurately out to 300m (rifles fitted with fast twist barrels 1:9" twist and faster) can shoot heavier bullets which will buck the wind better and and will shoot beyond well 500m. They have long barrel life, around 5 times the barrel life of a .243 and factory match ammo is available to get you shooting sooner.

I think you may struggle to find anything decent with a scope with in your budget, perhaps you should go to the rifle range and talk to a few of the clubs there, most will have club rifles you can use until you get a better idea what you need to compete. You'll also meet people with similar interest who can help you learn

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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by brownhare » 03 Dec 2014, 4:53 pm

Thanks Guys.

I did already join the SSAA at Belmont where I did my course. Im mostly looking at casual target shooting, no comps at this stage but who knows.

My friend who I go with at the range has a 243 which I enjoy using and thats really the only reason I was looking at 243.

I was hoping to find a brand and perhaps type which would be a good starting gun at a reasonable price.

** Edit: The guy I shoot with has a Sako 85 Hunter Stainless which I enjoy using.
Last edited by brownhare on 03 Dec 2014, 4:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Guliver » 03 Dec 2014, 4:57 pm

I'd find myself a friendly club and try a few members guns, clubs are a great places to meet other like minded folks and get advice.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by on_one_wheel » 03 Dec 2014, 5:11 pm

If your interested in club shooting then a .223 would be a smart option, they are much cheeper to reload than a .243 and there are plenty of comps that allow that caliber.

When I approached my local club with a .243 they showed very little interest and told me it was nos suitable for any events at their range.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by FuzzyM » 03 Dec 2014, 5:16 pm

My Axis .223 with a cheapy scope was $550, second hand but in brand new condition. Can be had new for about the same from some of the big shops.

Biggest gripe is the heavy trigger. Diy trigger job helped that a fair bit.

Although cheap these Savage Axis's are known for very good out of the box accuracy.

There are other rifles in this price range too.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Oldbloke » 03 Dec 2014, 8:26 pm

Chronos wrote:Welcome to the forum Brownhair

A lot of shooters would agree a .223 would be hard to beat for learning to shoot and reload on, most .223's would be capable of shooting accurately out to 300m (rifles fitted with fast twist barrels 1:9" twist and faster) can shoot heavier bullets which will buck the wind better and and will shoot beyond well 500m. They have long barrel life, around 5 times the barrel life of a .243 and factory match ammo is available to get you shooting sooner.

I think you may struggle to find anything decent with a scope with in your budget, perhaps you should go to the rifle range and talk to a few of the clubs there, most will have club rifles you can use until you get a better idea what you need to compete. You'll also meet people with similar interest who can help you learn

Chronos

+1 A very versatile cartridge. Anything from bunnies to small goats and piggies.
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by brownhare » 04 Dec 2014, 8:23 am

Awesome thanks guys
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Harper » 04 Dec 2014, 8:42 am

brownhare wrote:** Edit: The guy I shoot with has a Sako 85 Hunter Stainless which I enjoy using.


That's a fine gun mate, but quite a bit more than $500 as I'm sure your mate told you :(
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Re: Re: new Guy

Post by Bark » 04 Dec 2014, 8:50 am

Nothing wrong with a .243, it's a great hunting calibre but it's not really used for target shooting.

.223 or .30 cal are most common for target shooting. There are others but that's a whole other long conversation.

.308 recoil not the best to learn with though some would say... I'd vote .223 as well.

Will do everything you want and ammo will be half the price of .243.
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Re: New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

Post by Juganort » 04 Dec 2014, 10:17 am

I'd be considering a .22 for that kind of money and there's a few club shoots that can be done at Belmont on week nights if you want to keep your weekend free.

You could sit at the range and blow 100 - 200 rounds practicing and the ammo would only cost you $20.

Once you've got the basics down you could sell the .22 and get a centrefire down the track once you've decided what style of target shooting you enjoy.

Just my 2 cents having gone down the same road recently :)
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Re: New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

Post by Vati » 04 Dec 2014, 10:31 am

A .22 is great gun itself anyway. No reason not to have one, even if it means getting the CF later ;)
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Re: New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

Post by mausermate » 04 Dec 2014, 11:40 am

I see lots of Omark/Sportco model 44's on the market for under your $500. 308 of course but great starter target guns that you can get great groups with.

Shoot matches or just have fun from 100 to 1000 meters no problem. Bench, F class or full bore.

It's a specialist target rifle and you won't notice the recoil of the 308, it will run rings around your mates Sako 243 on the range, and you will get a lot of respect and help from the older shooters at Belmont with a gun like that.

IMO.
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Re: New guy - Rifle target shooting advice

Post by Old Fart » 04 Dec 2014, 2:12 pm

mausermate wrote:I see lots of Omark/Sportco model 44's on the market for under your $500. 308 of course but great starter target guns that you can get great groups with.


:idea: +1
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