Canadian Rangers .22 training rifle suggestions

wannabe

wannabe

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We have a couple shooters on our patrol who could use some trigger time on a .22 to help with basic marksmanship skills...looking for input....would like something close to C-19 (tikka arctic) sights and weight...(aperture/8-9 pounds)
Lots of these folks have "limited means" but are willing to learn....

a few of the folks have light 22s with scopes or open sights but its not quite the same...
 
How about an older Anschutz 64 or 54 series target rifle? Should be able to pick one up in the $500-$1K range.

Both handle like full size rifles and have aperture sights. Downside is they are only single shot rifles.
 
Ruger American rimfire with tech sights and some weight in the stock should do the job. I am really pleased with mine, the action is very reliable and functions well for follow up shots.
 
wannabe said:
We have a couple shooters on our patrol who could use some trigger time on a .22 to help with basic marksmanship skills...looking for input....would like something close to C-19 (tikka arctic) sights and weight...(aperture/8-9 pounds)
Lots of these folks have "limited means" but are willing to learn....

a few of the folks have light 22s with scopes or open sights but its not quite the same...
Click to expand...

Marksmanship skills are independent of rifle, doesn't need to be close in weight at all.

It's the basics we teach in bmq right?

1) proper sight aligment
2) trigger follow through
etc etc.

Basically any bolt action .22lr with iron sights is going to be sufficient to teach them marksmasnship no?

You could look at getting Tikka T1x's, which is pretty much just a .22lr of that rifle but it has no iron sights. But you can use full size T3 stocks so it would handle similiarly.

Or a CZ 457 MTR which is closer in weight, but also has no iron sights.

You're probably going to have to end up putting weights in some cheap Savage with irons ...
 
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Have you considered an air rifle? The Cadet Daisys have aperture sights, but there are probably also cheaper options that can be combined with an aftermarket aperture sight.

Even if the initial purchase price is comparable or sometimes more than a .22, the ammo costs are much lower.
 
speaking as a retired Ranger myself id like to weigh in and say maybe try to pick up an old Cooey model 82?

they are the old WWII trainers for the Lee Enfields and the cadets used them for many years.
they are a big heavy 22 and weight-wise would get you in the ballpark.
plus they can be found for a lot cheaper than most new rifles.

as an added bonus they are Canadian-made and have the legacy of already being used as a military trainer.
and they are virtually indestructible!
 
chanrobi said:
You could look at getting Tikka T1x's, which is pretty much just a .22lr of that rifle but it has no iron sights. But you can use full size T3 stocks so it would handle similarly.
Click to expand...

+1 for the Tikka T1X MTR, it's a great rifle and has the same footprint as the Tikka T3 (which I believe is the same as the C-19) if a bit pricey. Using .177 pellet rifles at 10m is another really great option, plus it can be shot indoors all year round.

I'd also echo the above comments made by Chanrobi though, marksmanship training should be done by practicing fundamentals, equipment used makes no difference. The basics are the basics after all.

I see guys show up to matches all the time with 5k+ wonderguns and it doesn't make a hoot of difference if they have no fundamental practice or training. The old saying that "practice makes perfect" really is true. That and "volume breeds accuracy"....you can't learn to shoot without shooting :cool:

- Position and support of the firearm
- Natural Alignment of the body
- Aim and correct sight alignment
- Shot and consistent follow through
- Breathing, develop proper breathing and control

I'm currently heading up the RCAF marksmanship training program, having attended CAFSAC for the past 6 years alongside many of your fellow Rangers who, quite frankly, never cease to impress upon me how good you guys are with open sights. I'm just in the process of standing up a precision rimfire training program as part of our prep for CAFSAC 2022, if you're interested in being part of this pilot program please PM me for more details, I'd be happy to include you guys/gals!

~ Teller
 
Fellow Canadian Ranger here. "Tech sights" are probably the closest you'll get to the C19 sight picture on a budget rimfire. Those sights can be added to some Savage, Marlin, Ruger and CZ bolt action 22's. I'd suggest trying to find out which rifle and sights are both available at the same time. With the way things are right now you might have to settle on a second choice rifle to avoid a lengthy delay. You'll have to check out the Tech Sight website for their options and the site sponsors for availability.

I wouldn't worry about weight too much. The value of training fundamentals with a lighter rifle would be nearly the same as training with a heavier one. Outside of the fundamentals of marksmanship your guys may get some value from dry fire and weapons handling with the actual C19. Practicing fundamentals of marksmanship with a cheap Savage 22 (for example), weapons handling and some fundamentals with dry firing the C19, and a little bit of recoil management by live firing the C19 should get your guys where they need to be pretty quickly.

The difference in bolt manipulation, trigger, and recoil will probably be more noticeable than the difference in weight when they switch between the C19 and the 22.
 
wannabe said:
We have a couple shooters on our patrol who could use some trigger time on a .22 to help with basic marksmanship skills...looking for input....would like something close to C-19 (tikka arctic) sights and weight...(aperture/8-9 pounds)
Lots of these folks have "limited means" but are willing to learn....

a few of the folks have light 22s with scopes or open sights but its not quite the same...
Click to expand...

PM me with your location. I can set you up with some older Cooey or CIL rifles with aperture sights that that will not break the bank. As described by others they are great rifles, easy to use and clean and will last forever.
 
Thanks guys....with all the goings on this project never got off the ground due to a lack of interest...oh well, I tried...
 
Try purchasing Daisy Red Ryder BB guns
They are a great training aid and are used to train people in military applications
The reason is you can see the BB when you fire
When you take both sights off, it is all about vision
You are taught to hit BB's that someone throws up in the air in your field of vision
 
Most old Mossbergs have good apeture sights and are not too pricey.
Schultz & Larson M70/M77's would be good too.
 
BlackPowderBurner said:
Savage MK II FVT might be the closest thing. You get a medium weight full size rifle with aperture sights. Replace the round front sight insert with a blade and it should be a decent approximation.
Click to expand...

I agree, but it would be better if the FVT had a beech or birch stock to add some extra weight & durability. The plastic jobs can break pretty easy in low temps.
 
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