Help with where to buy TR equipment

Tinman204

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As I've expressed in a different thread I'm interested in getting involved in 308 TR shooting.

I pretty much need all of the gear to get myself going. I'm on a tight budget (works been REAL slow this winter due to extreme cold) so I'll have to pick up equipment in the next couple of months but I figured I'd make a list and figure out the appropriate equipment and costs to buy it.

Here's what I need,

A shooting jacket will be a must but I'm 6'2", 270lbs and built like a brick S***house so I'm guessing finding a used jack that will fit may be quite difficult? So where does one get a shooting jacket? How much does a shooting jacket cost??

I have a spotting scope but it won't do the job of spotting long range so that's on the list. What power will I need to spot with?

I need a shooting glove, again like the jacket I've never seen one for sale so I'm curious where to get one and the cost?

Please keep in mind that I'm and experienced shooter/collector but I've never shot TR or any other matches. I'm just looking for entry level gear that will get me on the firing line so I can practice and learn the craft of shooting long range. If I get hooked (which I probably will) I'll upgrade as a go.

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks
 
centerthegroup is a start.
Just to name a few,also try
http://w ww.championshooters.com/store/home.php
http://w ww.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx
http://w ww.targetshootingproducts.com/
http://w ww.creedmoorsports.com/shop/home.php
http://w ww.10pt9.com/About-Us-4.html
http://w ww.monard.biz/

You might also have some luck on ebay for some stuff.

For spotting scopes try to stay under 25X. You just want to be able to see mirage and the spotting disc and value indicator, you don't need to see bullets holes at 1000 yards. 45 degree eye pieces are nice to have so you don't have to break your position to look at the target. A good spotting scope stand is very important. here is a link for some side by side comparisons.
http://w ww.ray-vin.com/tech/shc/headcompare.htm

The sky is the limit on what you can spend, however dropping big bucks off the start won't gain you any points on your match ticket. Will you shoot better scores with an $750 Monard jacket than you will with a $175 canvas Anshutz or Champoions Choice jacket? I doubt it. Is a $75 Kurt Thune shooting glove going to make you shoot more V's than a $35 centerthegroup glove? Nope.
 
centerthegroup is a start.
Just to name a few,also try
http://w ww.championshooters.com/store/home.php
http://w ww.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx
http://w ww.targetshootingproducts.com/
http://w ww.creedmoorsports.com/shop/home.php
http://w ww.10pt9.com/About-Us-4.html
http://w ww.monard.biz/

You might also have some luck on ebay for some stuff.

For spotting scopes try to stay under 25X. You just want to be able to see mirage and the spotting disc and value indicator, you don't need to see bullets holes at 1000 yards. 45 degree eye pieces are nice to have so you don't have to break your position to look at the target. A good spotting scope stand is very important. here is a link for some side by side comparisons.
http://w ww.ray-vin.com/tech/shc/headcompare.htm

The sky is the limit on what you can spend, however dropping big bucks off the start won't gain you any points on your match ticket. Will you shoot better scores with an $750 Monard jacket than you will with a $175 canvas Anshutz or Champoions Choice jacket? I doubt it. Is a $75 Kurt Thune shooting glove going to make you shoot more V's than a $35 centerthegroup glove? Nope.

Thankyou for the info.

My philosophy is it's the person behind the gun that matters not nessesarily what the gun is or equipment being used. Practice trumps equipment IMHO. Now that being said if you have 2 shooters of equal ability that's when equipment may come into play.

I used to think equipment is all you need to shoot tight groups. Now I know it's experience and practice.
I shoot weekly in the summer at 200 yards. I've had friends and co-workers from the city who don't shoot much come out with their brand new rifle covered fancy gear and a big honking scope. The first couple of times I was intimidated as I thought those new hunting rifles would make my old target rifles look silly. We often end up do some friendly competitions which always starts with them making fun of my old Wood and steel rifles that are devoid of gadgets or optics.

Needless to say they stop laughing at me when we go to check the targets and my groups are consistent sub MOA to MOA and theirs are 5" with several flyers. Then they always say "how'd you do that without a scope?"

The TR class seems like it's right up my alley. I shoot terribly with scopes and I perfer a good set of diopters to get the job done.
 
Check out army surplus stores for cheap clothing. The most common items are typically the ridiculous size extremes that you are looking for. Just because it might not be a "shooting" jacket, it can be modified. Add recoil pad, elbow pads or whatever you want to do. Who cares if you mess around with $50 surplus garments. Shooting gloves? Not sure what you mean... Mechanix, MEC or check the discount bins at your local sporting goods stores. On cold days, I use thin liners under those wool-thinsulate fingerles/flap mittens.

I helped kit out my brother at the local Army Surplus store after he complained about the cost of cammo. Dressed him head to tow (except boots) for $225, some places, you can't get good pants for under $200!
 
joe.danay,
Shooting jackets, shooting gloves, single point slings and such for competitive prone shooting are kind of a specialty items. These aid a shooter firing from the prone unsupported position to hit the middle of the target at ranges from 300-1000 yards.
 
I also order my TR stuff from Europe. I've consistently found it cheaper to import from Europe than US and often quicker. Particularly in Germany Smallbore and air rifle are very big so there are many online sites. In case your not aware smallbore is essentially TR but with a .22lr so the vast majority of the equipment is the same.
 
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If you are willing to use second hand gear you can start by posting want to buy ads the the Equipment exchange. You might be surprised at what you find is available. Could be an old TR shooter has a jacket just the right size he is not using any more.

Since you are in Manitoba I will also suggest you contact the MPRA and ask to have a want to buy ad posted on their webpage. You could ask attend the MPRA monthly meeting and spread the word that you are looking for second hand gear. The club has a number of older shooters that may have items to part with. The moccasin telegraph can come in very handy.
 
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