Opinions on the Lakefield 91T - is it competitive?

H Wally

H Wally

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How competitive is this gun physically compared to the newer guns?

For its price it looks darn great. I owned one a while back and was amazed by it, then sold it for reasons I can't quite explain.

So, could one entering the competitive target .22 world train with one of these (In good condition) and be competitive? I'm fully aware that I don't shoot as well as most guns potential, however I'd like to have that option.

So, is a 91t a good beginner option for competitive shooting? Heck, let's get crazy - is the gun a viable option for altering into a biathlon gun if I went that way? (I'm getting tired of my current sport and want a new one. I'm young and used to training at an international level, so while it's a cocky attitude, I don't think I'm completely SOL for being a little competitive in time... not olympics, but not back of every competition.)


I see the Izhmash 7-2 is out there at mtguns.com, with a basic target model being available for about $650 + S/H + export fees + exchange rate, and it's an "entry" gun itself. The guns that're current are between $1000 and $4000, and that's a lot of money for beginning....
 
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I have a 91TR. Off the bench it is more accurate than my CZ452s or Savage MkIIF w/Accutrigger.

Having said that, the trigger is stiff and a little work should produce better accuracy.

For Olympic style shooting, it could be a good trainer.
I cannot tell you anything about its suitability for biathlon type events.
 
There is a difference between competing and being competitive, as you may be aware. One can compete with all range of equipment and levels of effort - but if you want to be competitive you may have to reassess what you need and what you're prepared to commit to reach your aspirations. Your post sends mixed messages as to what you really want to do.
You may want to have a look at the equipment that participants are using at the level that you aspire to and then tool up accordingly.No competitive biathlete uses a bolt action even though many are more than accurate enough.
The toggle action on Izhmash and Fortner actions are there for a purpose and serve that purpose best.
 
Fair enough. What I meant to say was, would this gun allow me to be competitive if I put the time in on my end. I don't know the ins and outs of competitive shooting enough to know if having an older but accurate rifle will cripple you irreperably. I am physically fit enough and experienced at training enough that it would be more adopting new skills rather than learning to train that I'm thinking about. I sincerely doubt I would take this anywhere more than local or NA competition at best, since I've been there, done that, and don't have that goal anymore. I just want something I can perfect and be competitive in.

My sport is rowing, so I'll have to draw an analogy from it. The boats have a set minimum weight. Within that you can use what you like and still be competitive provided the hull design won't slow you down. I've seen people win major races in 15-20 year old boats that were well maintained. The 1990s (15-20 year old hulls now) was the transition era from wooden hulled boats to composite hulls. The difference in materials made too large a jump at that point to be competitive in an older boat, but past that, it's down to user skill, though better modern hull design does help. Therefore, one can use an older hull, within reason, and still be competitive without having to be gods gift to the sport. I'm wondering if it's similar to the target shooting sports.
 
For biathlon, I think a single shot would be a big handicap (91T), but if it's a 91TR(magfed) then not so much. I have a 91T that I was going to sell, but after shooting it with just cheappie ammo, I can get half inch groups, I'm sure that match ammo will make it shine. So she's a keeper for sure.

I have been thinking of looking for some smallbore matches to enter, but there are not many around Ottawa unfortunately. I think this rifle would be great for something along the line of English match type shooting.

For a $300 to $400 rifle, it's hard to beat accuracy wise in it's price range.
 
Oh, and the trigger is very easy to lighten up! There is a spring that tensions the sear, all you have do is give it a little squeeze and it make a huge difference in pull weight.
 
Yah - I had a brain fart on the 91t versus 91tr. I had a 91tr... having to load each rd would be a major pita in some instances.

Good to know the trigger is modable.
 
I saw parts of the Olympic women's biathlon event.

Using the Lakefield 91TR for serious biathlon will be like using a GI 1911 in an open IPSC match.

The actions and stocks of the biathlon rifles are totally specialized for the event.

But for training and getting your feet wet, yeah, a modified 91TR, just because it is super accurate and the trigger is apparently easy to lighten.

IMO, a Savage MKII with Accutrigger and bull barrel might be a better trainer.
 
$400 tops I'd say, I paid $325 for mine with the matching numbered hardcase(ex air cadet rifle) with Lyman aperture sight set. Keep in mind though, mine is a single shot, no experience with repeaters.
 
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