.22 trainer

[bratch]

I'm wanting to get another 22 to supplement my training. The main thing it will be replacing is a AR, M1, Cetme, and a Vepr after the group buy. In other words everything has aperature sights on it.

I'd figure a 22 with an aperature would give the best training. I have a couple options get a 10/22 and install the Williams unit, get a 22 AR upper, get another rifle.

What other rifles would fit the bill? What would you think would be the best route?

 

[Chuck R.]

bratch

Any .22 will work. I shoot irons for BPCS (Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette), One of the hardest things I found about silhouette was/is the irregular shaped targets when using iron sights. I do not have enough time to cast and load enough for matches and practice, so a .22 was a good choice. I started out with a .22 liner for my Sharps and my High Walls but hated having to sight in every time I practiced. Finally, I had a .22 Low Wall built to replicate my center-fires, complete with the same aperture sights. My .22 has the same 30” barrel length so the barrel time is similar, and correct follow-through is just as important. The weight is also very, very close. I even went so far as to have both rifles double set triggers set to the same weight.

Another side benefit of the .22 is reading the wind. At 200 yards my .22 behaves like my 40-70 at 500 meters. Even at 100 yards, reading the wind and keeping the little .22 on a reduced silhouette can be a challenge depending on the conditions. One of the best aspects to a .22 trainer, besides cost of ammo (though some of the match stuff IS pricey) is the time involved. I can usually shoot a “mini-match” in about an hr. I only clean the .22 after a 500 rd brick, so a quick wipe-down and I’m done.

It also makes me smile when I toss the little brass in the trash.

Chuck

 

[WhiteKnight]

Chuck - do you have pictures of your rifle? It sounds fascinating.

 

[Chuck R.]

WhiteKnight,



Sorry, I don’t, I’m really bad at that sort of thing. You can find a version of it here though:


http://www.ballardrifles.com/Winchester-products.htm

Mines the Low Wall “Special Sporter” with DSTs, Helm lever, checkering, and exhibition grade wood. I ordered it as a retirement gift (Army) to me, from me.

Chuck

Hey, I found one like it on their website:

 

[DMK]

The main thing it will be replacing is a AR, M1, Cetme, and a Vepr after the group buy. In other words everything has aperature sights on it.

Do you have an AR now? If so, get a .22LR upper for it.

I built one using a cheap, used M16 upper(light profile barrel, 1/12 twist, no forward assist) from the AR15.com equipment exchange, blocked the gas port and added a Ciener .22 conversion. I also threw an XS sight systems single plane sight so I could practice with both the small and large arperures.

Here you go, everything you need right here in the THR classifieds:

SP1 upper:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=140442

Ciener kit:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=140774

 

[jefmad]

There are a lot of old Mossburg .22 rifles out there with aperature sights that are very accurate. You can usually find a good one for about $100 and it is worth every penny.