Rifle for a Practical Rifle Class

[quietman]

Does it have to be a bolt? Since you're used to levers, why not get a 308 Marlin Express?

 

[brl150]

Thank you for the tip...I was pondering what base and rings to use as I am inexperienced with them.

The instructor strongly recommended the bolt. He said that if one had to use a lever that its fine. But, with the amount of ammo used in a short period time he's seen some levers not make it through the entire class without seizing or becoming hard to cycle or accuracy issues. My other option was my Browning BLR (lever) in 7mm-08. I chose to purchase a new bolt gun for a few reasons...

-I wanted to learn on a bolt action.
-I didn't want to chance doing any damage to my Browning.
-7mm-08 ammo isn't cheap and I don't yet reload for that caliber. I can get surplus .308 ammo for 1/3 the cost, at least. Same would have applied to a new caliber.

I am pretty happy with the set up and know it will be my go-to gun for most of my hunting in the future. I will definitely take some pictures of the rifle when it's set up and some while at the class in October and post.

Thanks everyone!!!!

 

[brl150]

Thank you for all the replies to my original posts.

Well, I'm back and what a class! Mountain Bear's post was very accurate (as well as Bix's links). I am considering taking the class again. The only things I would change would be the following...

Cutting my rifle stock down to fit me better. In some of the quick fire drills, I had a difficult time reaching out to grab the bolt and keep my cheek on the stock. The other would be to mount my flashlight to the stock...try holding a flashlight with your hand while holding the stock and quickly firing two to the body and one to the head at a target 25 yards away in the dark. We only had one night shoot though, but it was still fun.

I will say that I fared better than I thought being the first time I had ever shot right handed and my first instruction. I thought I would notice the recoil more too but didn't think about it at all...until the second day. But, once we started shooting again, I forgot about it. However, several of the guys told me that if I had my stock cut down to fit me better, the recoil would be even easier to tolerate.

This class was well instructed with a lot of useful information. I really think that I will rarely use the bench at my range much at all in the future. Learning how to properly shoot from the field positions has really peaked my interest in solidifying my newly learned skills.

I highly recommend Randy as an instructor and his Practical Rifle course. I will be taking his Handgun 101 class and this Rifle class again. I have been a self taught shooter for the past 23 years or so (what little I shot) and have come to realize the importance of quality instruction.

Thank you!!

 

[brl150]

I'd also like to mention that I took the class in Lakeland, FL hosted by Irv and his wife at Southern Exposure. Very nice facility and even nicer people. They did a great job organizing everything.