What gun should i get?

skuntz1

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Im wanting to get into competition shooting but i do not know which gun i should get. I have an older 22 Marlin right now. Do you guys know which gun would be the best for the money?
 
It would be for small bore competition. im just wandering if you guys know what kind of 22 rifle i should get. Which one is very accurate and easy to use, etc.
 
At this point why not go to a few matches and see what folks are shooting and ask questions. Folks will be more than willing to lend a helping hand. Better to ask first and spend money wisely and once than to not ask and spend money multiple time foolishly.
 
At this point why not go to a few matches and see what folks are shooting and ask questions. Folks will be more than willing to lend a helping hand. Better to ask first and spend money wisely and once than to not ask and spend money multiple time foolishly.
+1
There are several different types of smallbore competition. Best to get advice from the folks you intend to shoot with.
 
check out some smallbore forums, like the one at targettalk.org. Your best bet is probably to get a nice used match rifle.
 
I have the S&W 15-22 and it's the best AR-15 copy out there. If you don't plan on shooting .223/5.56, then don't invest in a rifle that shoots it only to buy a .22 kit. Just buy a .22 rifle.
 
You mentioned Small Bore:

There are several types of Small Bore matches out there. The most popular now days is the NRA or CMP Light Rifle Matches. These are geared for the rifles most of us have in our closet. You don't need expensive equipment, if fact, you're not allowed to use heavy coats 'n such.

In this case your Marlin will work quite well. If you out grow (shooting wise) your marlin, the most popular, light super accurate rifle for these matches is the CZ 452s.

Then we have the NRA Small Bore and ISU (International Small Bore). This shooting can get pricy. This is where your Anschutz and similar rifles come in. They have several configurations. Standard and Prone Rifles. They can get well over $1000, plus hundreds more for the the equipment, shooting coats, pants, mats, gloves, etc, etc.

Then you have 22 Rimfire Metallic Silhouette. These matches have different classes but you can start out with your marlin and see how far you want to advance.

What I would recommend, is you use your Marlin rifle in the NRA or CMP Light rifle matches and see where you want to go from there. You have your rifle, all you need to get started is lots of ammo. Most Marlins I've seen are fairly accurate. Do most of your practice off hand (standing). Thats where matches are won or lost.

I'm a huge fan of the NRA/CMP light rifle competitions. They are designed that anyone can be competitiive. You don't need a lot of money, most people already have some sort of 22. Light rifle is just that, about 8 lbs so you arn't trying to compete with Heavy expensive match rifles. Its about the skill of the shooter, not how much money you can aford to dump in a sport.

If one out grows his closet 22, then there is the CZ 452s. They cost about $350 but they are supper accurate. The CMP GSM (Garand, Springfield, vintage Miliatry rifle) games also include the Light or Sporting Rifle events. When I went to the CMP Master Instructors' course, there were several instructors that delt with light rifle shooting. I (being a high power shooter) inquired as to the best rifle. Just about every one recommended the CZ 452.

Like I said, that is the high end. I sitll recommend starting with what you have on hand. And again, practice off hand or standing.
 
I have shot a little CMP Rimfire Sporter and it is the most shooting you can get for the dollar.

And again, practice off hand or standing.

In RfS, the offhand is at 25 yards and is really not too bad.
I find the hard stage to be 50 yard sitting. But then I am old and fat and arthritic and it is harder to get a steady sitting position than prone or even standing.
 
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