Any Smallbore Rifle Shooters in NoVA?

[echo3mike]

So the next thing I wanna play is 3 position smallbore rifle. Are there any clubs, leagues or matches in the Fairfax/Northern Virginia area where I can pick up a few pointers when I need them? I've looked around but I've only found clubs for Jr shooters... and I'm Hellen Gone from being 21 yrs old!

Thanks in advance,
Scott

 

[danva]

Try looking up Black Creek Shooters Assn.
They are in the Richmond area -- not real far -- nice club
We shoot USPSA down there but on the range we share ara 50yd smallbore targets in holders.

 

[tall2tango]

At least MD is not NY or MA! (Thank Heaven for small favors.)

My real reason for replying is that I'm been considering getting into small bore rifle target shooting myself. (Maybe I'm delusional, but I have the idea that I might do better with a rifle than I have been doing with a pistol.) My dilemma is what to get without spending a fortune. I've looked at a Mossberg 144LSB, in reasonable condx. If its owner can relocate the rear sight, this gun is an inexpensive route to start. From what research I've done over the past couple of weeks, this rifle should do a decent job out to 100yds. My research also tells me that the Anschutz rifles are quite good, even if you refrain from going the full competition model route. What I'm unable to determine is how these 2 brands stack up against each other. I'm hoping someone here might be able to shed some light on that question, because I've not had the opportunity to shoot either one myself.

What do I look for in a small bore target rifle? Is a scope a necessity? What power?

TIA for whatever insights you can share with me.

 

[echo3mike]

The Mossberg is a decent trainer, but if you want to get further than casual shooting it will limit you. SB events like 3 / 4 position and prone need a rifle with a degree of adjustability so that you can alter the rifle to YOUR position. Not the other way around. The Mossy might be alright for prone, kneeling, Varmint, maybe silhouette, (where you can use a scope), but it'll be a struggle to build a solid bone-on-bone position without some effort (and finding YOUR position is hard enough). Plus, if you move up and want to continue improving you'll

A) have to break alot of habits you've picked up as a result of using a rifle without the adjustability;
B) have to buy a new(er) rifle anyway.

A few events you may be able to do well with the Mossy, but building a position will be alot more work then it oughtta be.

As far as target rifles go, there isn't a whole lot of simliarities between the 144 and the Anschutz target line. Out of the box accuracy is exceptional, (as it is with Walthers and the Feinwerkbaus, among target rifles) and I'll be willing to bet better than the 144. The Sporter stocks offer a larger degree of flexibility for adjusting to YOUR position, the resale value is probably going to be better and even if you pick up a used rifle, it'll be in better condition than a 144.

Depending on the finances, I'd probably advise looking at an older target rifle or one of the Sporters vs the 144. It will probably be alot easier in the long run.

Scott

If we can get our schedules to line up, you're welcome to throw a few rounds through my Anschutz. Let me know.

 

[tall2tango]

Scott,

Thanx very much for your helpful and constructive inputs. Since my earlier message, I've located a Remington Model 37 in quite good condition through the indoor range where I normally shoot pistol. I'm just back from shooting it at the indoor range (50 and 75 ft.) and am pleased with my first-time results. The gun has Redfield sights that are click-stop vernier and an adjustable butt stock. The barrel and bolt are clean; the trigger releases very nicely and feels much lighter and smoother than the Mossy. The only issue I had was seeing the teensie-weensie target with my aging eyes - and holding the gun steady. I should have tried different front apertures, but had limited time today. Next week, I'll go back and try different apertures; but I think I've found a good piece.

Where do you shoot small-bore in your area?

Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year!

BR...Ted

 

[echo3mike]

I'm not shooting matches (for 3 position ISSF rifle) yet since I haven't built up enough endurance in my standing position and my kneeling/prone positions haven't been fleshed out. When I'm not dry firing in my basement, I try to live fire at the NRA range. Once I reach that point in my training calender I'll live fire there once or twice a week in addition to the dry fire at home.

There's quite a few matches in this region, but as far as local "clubs" or coaching, there isn't any in my immediate area that cater to adult shooters, (or at least I haven't found any yet). Mostly jr clubs around here. I think that Associated Gun Clubs might have a club or two with Adult SB shooters where coaching could be available to you. Seek them out if you like, but alot of the "over 21" crowd go it alone with varying degrees of success.

Stability in your position will come with practice, (dry fire dry fire dry fire). A mirror has been a great help with this. If there's a book to recommend about position rifle shooting, its Ways of the Rifle. More information about the elements of the three positions than you can imagine. A larger aperture is beneficial unless your hold is very stable. Your vision is critical to success in SB shooting. Light and it's effects can create some pretty strange occurances with the target. Marcus Raab has a little bit to say about the subject.

Sounds like you're off to a good start. Hope your holidays are blessed and peacful!

Scott

 

[tall2tango]

Scott,

Many thanx for the links to the reference materials. It's all too easy to develop bad habits, and never know you've done so, without the guidance of others who are experienced. I'm starting this avocation much too late in life to think I'll invent a better system. Practice, practice, practice and having been shown correct technique are what have helped me progress in the year since I started shooting.

I know of AGC in Marriottsville and also of another small club a few miles north of me in Baltimore County. One of my pistol instructors belongs there, so I'm fairly certain of having a sponsor; I just need to get more info about their rifle range(s), et al.

This week at the indoor range, I'm swapping in different front sight apertures to determine which one(s) help me see the target better.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Ted