Rifle for a Practical Rifle Class

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Sounds like Randy Cain to me too! If it is then a magazine fed Mauser (or Model 70 claw extractor) with an un obstructed access to the magazine would be good. Put on some kinda flashlight mount with throw to 100 yards. The Streamlight Super Tac is a good choice.
I'd take a .223 Rem 700 with as good a glass as you can afford to go cheap on ammo. Actually .308 surplus can be only a little more $ than .223 these days.
 
A tactical/mid weight (18" to 22" barrel) rifle in 308 with a Leupold VXII 2 X 7 would be just the ticket. Spend a few extra dollars on really good scope mounts. With any luck you can find some relatively inexpensive FMJ ammo that the rifle shoots well and you are good to go. The same rig in 223 would be easy on your shoulder and pocket book. It sounds like a fun class, enjoy!
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So far, for the most part, this is the most useful reponse. I'm trying to figure out what AR's have to do with a boltgun class and what tactical training has to do with boltgun fieldwork. If you want to take a training course on efficient use of the boltgun, that is what you should do and that is what you should shoot. It'll do you little good to shoot the course with an AR if what you want to build is boltgun proficiency.

Look for a moderately heavy .308 rifle, you don't want an ultralight but you don't want an overly heavy rifle either. Remington, Ruger, Winchester, Tikka, Sako, etc. it's more important that the rifle fit you than the brand stamped on the barrel. I would choose a .308 because it's not something you'll 'just' use for the class, it can be your everything rifle and ammo is not too costly. I'd consider that 500rds an investment in your shooting skill that will easily pay for itself over your lifetime. Don't cheap out on it, if you're gonna do it, do it right. There are also lots of good low powered variables out there from just about every maker. The Leupold 1.5-5x is one of my favorites but there are plenty more choices. I agree that it's a good idea to spend some money on the mounts. I prefer Warne.
 
I thought it sounded like the Randy Cain course too. I think it would probably be a hoot with a Lee Enfield or some other similar period rifle....but realistically maybe you'd be better of with a more modern piece - such as Remington 700 or Savage 10FP, for instance.
 
Bix, it is Randy's class. You must know your courses (and instructors!). Thank you for taking the time to post the links they are quite useful!

As mentioned here, I do want to do this course right. No skimping as it will be the groundwork for future shooting and hunting. I do have until October...but that is why I'm starting now, so I can be prepared.

I am probably going to go with .308 for its versatility and fit for my uses in the future AND mil surp ammo availability.

I saw a Leupold 2x7 VXII at Bass Pro and liked that scope. They were out of the 1.5x5 but that's an option too. A 2x7 would be the highest I'd go. Thanks for the tips on the mounts. That makes sense to go with a stronger mount and rings.
 
I know you say you don't want over a 7 power, but i will be willing to bet a 3x9 would be fine in this class. If you are on a budget, take a look at the ss 3-9. its first focal plane, mil-dot, mil adjusted. these features will speed you up considerably. With a first focal plane scope you can use the mildots as hold overs for wind and elevation at any power range. You can run this scope at 3 power just as easily as 9 power. And having everything match will take alot of the math out of the equation.It is as dirt simple of a scope as can be had at this time.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P41044.aspx

I have gotten hits on torso sized steel at 800 yards with this scope on my ar15. clay birds at 500 aren't too much trouble either.
 
Real life advice: get a Savage, any model, in .270. I guarantee this $450 rifle will out-shoot 99% of the fancy rifles and exotic calibers mentioned.
 
BTW here is another thread about shooting out to 330yd with a .30-30.
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27290&sid=373afc8bc85bf00c2f801ef217281c82

Both of the guys shooting in the posts I posted a link to are shooting iron sights. I'm sure that as you read both threads you will notice that these are just two ordinary gents just figuring it out for themselves. However you wouldn't have to worry about that with a decent scope. Anyway good luck with your choice and the school. The funny thing is when you start shooting you won't beleive how easy it really is. The hardest part of distance shooting is finding a range to do it.
 
"Real life advice: get a Savage, any model, in .270. I guarantee this $450 rifle will out-shoot 99% of the fancy rifles and exotic calibers mentioned."

So a Remington 700, Winchester 70 in a 30-06, .308, or .223 is exotic?

Sorry but that post was kinda funny!
 
Okay, I broke down. Some of you didn't agree with the choice but I did get the Winchester M70 Featherweight in .308. Just picked it up on Tuesday. Man, is it a nice rifle. Of course, I've never purchased a NEW bolt action before...only singles, autos and levers. I think I'm going to have fun at this course.

Thanks again!!
 
Now three or four generations will have to hunt with that M70. Good choice, and perfect caliber for all around hunting.

You might look into a .22lr bolt gun. There are many good, accurate ones (I shoot a Savage), and the ammo is cheap enough to shoot often. You can offset the cost of the gun and a moderately priced scope with the cost of .308 practice ammo.

Have fun at your course. We'll be waiting for the report in October.
 
Look at getting a CZ527, or 550 depending on the caliber you're required to use. Bullet proof bolt action rifles for sure. I am a natural lefty that learned to shoot right handed in the military. Being right eyed dominant you shouldn't have any issues. In fact your shooting should improve. Enjoy the course.
 
Okay, I broke down. Some of you didn't agree with the choice but I did get the Winchester M70 Featherweight in .308. Just picked it up on Tuesday. Man, is it a nice rifle. Of course, I've never purchased a NEW bolt action before...only singles, autos and levers. I think I'm going to have fun at this course.

Thanks again!!
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Reviving an old thread...

So, it just so happens that I finished this class today. Great class. For those of you nay-sayers out there, you really should sign up and take this class. Besides Randy being a pretty top-notch instructor, he doesn't try to present the class as anything its not. He admits there are certainly times and situations where he'd prefer an m-4 with a wheel barrow full of 30 round mags. But I was very surprised by the usefulness of a bolt gun. Even if you don't ever want to use the gun as a fighting weapon, you can use all the information given for hunting. It's worth the price and the time.

As for the guns used, Winchester Model 70 classics and Model 700's were most common. He was pretty adamant about using what you had. For me that was a Remington 700 in .30-06 with surplus Greek ammo. I had a very old 3x Burris extended eye relief scope mounted forward in a scout configuration (a b-square mount with low Burris QR zee rings). My experiences were mixed. The forward mounted scope made reloading easier, but was harder to get a constant cheek weld with. The long action (.30-06) was a bit harder to maintain my cheek weld while working the bolt. I used a Brownell's competition plus sling (1907 leather military type shooting sling), as I didn't have time to get a ching sling. It worked great for position shooting, but was not nearly as fast as the ching sling. I used a hand held streamlight TL-3 and a surefire G2 nitrolon for the low light portion. A weapon mounted light would have been nice, but I'm not sure I would have used it, as we were training to use hand held lights.

So, to get back to the OP's original question of what gear to take, I will tell you what I would take if I took this class again (which I wouldn't mind doing). First, the rifle would be either a Winchester Model 70 Classic Featherweight or a Remington 700 in .308 (although a scout modified Lee-Enfield would be cool to try). It would have a lightweight synthetic stock with a third swivel for a ching sling. I would be very conflicted between a conventionally mounted lightweight low power Leupold or a scout setup. Either would work very well, and either would be mounted in quality QR rings (like Talley). Last, I would probably have some sort of way to mount a light on the 6 o'clock position on the stock. That would be my choice knowing what I know now. Take that for what it's worth...
 
That's the horse. There were two surplus rifles in the class. One sporterized mexican mauser and one Springfield 03a3. Both were set up as scout rifles.
 
Having recently read the Appleseed website and many comments about the basic iron sight instruction, lots of participants suggest a .22 semi-auto for those classes.

This is due to the huge cost advantage over using 400 rds. of much pricier centerfire ammo. and the very sore shoulders which result from so many rounds in Lee-Enfields, Mausers etc (K-31: ouch...).
I'm sure that the training discussed by the OP is quite different, and average bullet range could be a problem for a .22, but if not, money is money, not to mention in a bad economy.
 
MountainBear, thanks for posting your experience. That just solidifies my feelings that I made a good choice in courses and instructor. I enjoyed talking to Randy on the phone about his course. I am very much looking forward to the course in October. And, although I've made my rifle purchase, I have yet to pick up a scope. I own a Burris Fulfield II in 3X9 that I had purchased for different hunting rifle that I have. But, I think I will make one more purchase for this class. I am strongly looking at a Leupold VX3 in 1.75 - 6X32 (I believe it's 32mm anyway). I also intend on putting a ching sling on it. This will be a great setup for the class. And...I probably wouldn't need another hunting rifle for as long as I live.

Thanks again for all the posts!!
 
Picked up my scope for my rifle....a Leupold VX 3 in 1.75X6 by 32. Also, bought a ching sling. I intend on doing this course right and having this rifle as my go to gun for years to come.

Thank you!!!
 
Do some range practice with it before you go, in my experience the featherweight can be finicky about forward stock pressure.

My 243 wants to be held in the hand, it doesn't do so well of a sand bag.

You have made excellent Choices.

I recommend Leupold Dual Dovetail scope mounts
 
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