Still debating, centrefire now, or rimfire over the winter.

Gnomon

Gnomon

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I'm still debating which way to go. Here are the salient factors (to the best of my knowledge):

I have a membership at The Grange, and though my interest in handguns is waning, it's a place I could shoot a .22LR rifle with a good scope over the winter. By the time spring rolls around, I'd look for a situation for shooting longer distances and get an appropriate rifle.

On the other hand, Mark has informed me that Twin Cities (near Kitchener) is a good place, and have a covered firing line. I could brave the winter shooting there. In that case, I'd get a centrefire rifle now, and all the required extra gear (bipod or front rest, shooting mat, and whatever you guys suggest).

So, I have two questions:
1) Of the two above scenarios, what would you do?

2) If I go with the centrefire scenario, should I get a Savage .223, or keep an eye out for a 6BR or 6.5x284 of some kind?

2b) In a thread started by TrxR, warrenb said
warrenb said:
The stevens can be had for $350. Add about $40 for bedding and strengthening the stock, lets say $400. With handloads my 223 stevens shoots 1/2 MOA at 100 yards and as I found out for the first time yesterday, it shoots MOA at 300 yards. But we can do better.

Customizing:
If your happy to live with the original stock, as I am, add $400 for a barrel and $150 for a timney trigger.

$950 for a semi custom home built gun. Pretty neat in my oppinion.
Click to expand...

Exactly what steps would I follow and what pieces would I need to get to do that?

Rob
 
I would start with the .223 and if you like the savage I'd say go for it. .223 is cheap and easy to shoot. I wouldn't buy a 6.5-284 to learn with.

Shoot it all winter and learn what you can. Start buying the shooting gear as you go. All you need off the bat is a bipod and a rear bag, or front and back bags.

Mysticplayer will also vouch for the .223, we all know that!:D
 
Personally, I think investing in a quality rimfire rifle is always a wise decision...

There's no secret to be a good shot... you need to practice, and practice some more!... and the 22lr allows you to do it without breaking the bank. The time spent with the 22lr will allow you to built good muscle memory.

If you want to be fancy, you could get 'matching' rifle/scope combo... think CZ or Savage... If you want to trow more $$ at this project, matching coopers would be kind of nice ;)
 
I basically agree with SM. Rimfire is cheap and easy. There is no substitute for trigger time.

When the time comes to invest in a centerfire rifle, buy the best you can (and best does NOT mean most expensive) because learning how to shoot in all conditions makes a very accurate rifle an important tool. Cheap ammo in a factory 223 can be fun, but there is a limit to what you will learn from that if you are truly in pursuit of the skills needed to be a better shooter.
 
Thanks folks. I've heard enough to make my decision: rimfire for the winter it is. Now, as for which rifle to get, and considering The Grange has only 25m max, what say you to:

http://www.savagearms.com/markiifv.htm for $350 at Williams' Arms
or
SAVAGE MARK I I-G BOLT .22 LR 20-3/4" BBL, BLUED FINISH, HARDWOOD STOCK, OPEN SIGHTS, ACCU TRIGGER, DETACHABLE MAGAZINE $232.7 at Epps.
or
http://www.wholesalesports.com/storefront/hunting/firearms/rimfire-rifles/300-rimfire-series/prod236139.html

Or any other suggestions?

And for a scope, I'd get what Mike suggested I get: Bushnell Tactical 6-24X50. When I get the centrefire, I'll move the scope over.

Rob

Obtunded said:
I basically agree with SM. Rimfire is cheap and easy. There is no substitute for trigger time.

When the time comes to invest in a centerfire rifle, buy the best you can (and best does NOT mean most expensive) because learning how to shoot in all conditions makes a very accurate rifle an important tool. Cheap ammo in a factory 223 can be fun, but there is a limit to what you will learn from that if you are truly in pursuit of the skills needed to be a better shooter.
Click to expand...
 
I shoot my Anshcutz prone rifle indoors during the winter. The stock is pretty close to what I shoot for fullbore in the summer.
Personally I would stay away from a 6.5-.284 unless you plan on putting your barrel maker's kids through medical school. I know lots of guys that shoot them and are looking to replace barrels every 1000-1200 rounds (one good season) to stay competitive.
 
Rob Yale said:
Thanks folks. I've heard enough to make my decision: rimfire for the winter it is. Now, as for which rifle to get, and considering The Grange has only 25m max, what say you to:

And for a scope, I'd get what Mike suggested I get: Bushnell Tactical 6-24X50. When I get the centrefire, I'll move the scope over.

Rob
Click to expand...

You may not be able to focus at 25m with the 6-24X50. I think the one with the 40mm objective will do so but it's not a Tactical.
 
mikWS said:
You may not be able to focus at 25m with the 6-24X50. I think the one with the 40mm objective will do so but it's not a Tactical.
Click to expand...

I did some research, and if I understand what I read, the minimum focus distance of the scope is 10 yds.

What's the difference between a tactical and non-tactical? Is it that the tactical has mil-dot?

Rob
 
Rob

My mistake since I was thinking about 20yds where we shoot most indoor matches. My 6-24X50 says 25m on the side focus knob and is not really clear if I try to use it at 20 yds above 10X. You may be able to get 10yds at low magnification, I am not sure.

You are correct in that the Tactical has mil-dots. The 40mm is available with a dot. The mil-dots may help if you plan to use the scope outdoors as well as indoors.
 
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