Help me pick target rifle options for my wife

[19-3Ben]

Wow guys. Lots of really good info here. I think this was a great jumping off point for us.

The wife has been keeping up with this thread and we are adjusting expectations and budgets accordingly.

Thanks again for all the really great help.

 

[chicharrones]

Now, she's slight, and has a minor back problem ever since a car crash 5 years ago. So nothing that's going to have anything like big recoil.

Besides, any other suggestions? I have even thought about something in .17HMR, but would that shoot MOA at that distance? I'm guessing the tiny light weight bullets would just be too subject to disruption by wind.

If she has a bad back, she may be averse to any recoil for more than a few shots. Even a bolt action .223 has some, if very light recoil. Any rimfire will have virtually nil recoil and probably be a lighter rifle as well. Which should mean easier for her to carry and easier for her to shoot for as long as you want to shoot your rifle next to her.

I like what others have mentioned in .17 HMR or .22 WMR. My only personal experience is with .22 WMR. If you aren't into reloading, you can get near match grade ammo for both of those calibers for cheaper than match grade .223. Sub MOA is highly likely with a good rifle and good .22 WMR ammo. With the speedy types of .22 WMR, you can shoot from 50 to 100 yards with no elevation changes like needed for .22 LR.

For someone not wanting centerfire recoil, but mentally doesn't want to fool with a .22 LR, .22 WMR or .17 HMR is a nice option. A CZ 455 American (or CZ452 if found) would make for a very nice rifle that may appeal to your mil-surp side when you see how CZ builds a rimfire rifle.