What 338 Lapua rifle is legal in Cook County IL?

[Electroshot]

I am looking into long range target shooting and wondering what 338 Lapua Magnum rifle will meet the silly Cook County Illinois rules (no thumbhole stock, no muzzle break, no pistol grip, no covering or grip on the barrel, 10 rounds or less max capacity, etc). The thought of not having a muzzle break is concerning, but I want to stay legal, even though the I find this law completely arbitrary and unconstitutional. (Wouldn't want to have an expensive gun taken away at the very least).

My first choice, for 50 cal, is already "outlawed", so I would need to go to something smaller.

Does anyone have suggestions?

 

[Chopdoktor]

I have a suggestion: MOVE TO A FREE STATE! Haha, but seriously, I wouldn't wanna shoot a .338 without a muzzle brake... just sayin'. Ouch. You can probably find the performance you're looking for in slightly more widespread/common calibers hosted in the Remington 700 platform, for example.

 

[Electroshot]

I was looking for target shooting at 1000+ yards. From what I have seen this ammo has a much flatter trajectory and has gained a reputation for very high accuracy at these distances.

If I am wrong,please tell me.

 

[Chopdoktor]

You're info is correct, .338 Lapua Mag is a fantastic, flat shooting cartridge, and even beat out the .50 bmg for the longest confirmed kill by a sniper, recently. If you reload your own ammo, then there are more options, but I am not a 'load' guru. There are lots of knowledgeable members on this forum to help you out, though. Perhaps you should first determine what all cartridges can perform at that distance (1000+ yards), and then find the appropriate rifle for the job. That'll leave you with more options, since .338 LM isn't a super-widely featured cartridge in many rifle makers' offerings.

 

[gathert]

FYI, that recent record kill was at 2,707 yards. Thats right, yards. Or 1.54 miles. With a 6 second flight time.

 

[dogmush]

As I recall, Remington made a run of 700's in .338 Lapua Mag. You could try to find one of those.

Or, given the cost of a good rig in .338, find a gunsmith to make one to your specs on a bare action.

or one of these Given the price tag I'm sure they'd sell you one without a brake if you asked.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I would look at a 260 remington, 7mm mag, or something similar. they will shoot out past 1000 yards with out a problem

you won't need a muzzle brake, ammo and components will be cheaper, and you will have a much easier time finding a rifle that will be legal in your area.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

No muzzle brake? Sure its not a flash hider?

 

[Electroshot]

No, unless I am misreading, it specifically bans muzzle breaks (as well as anything else). Cook County's restrictions, in my opinion, are aimed at trying to ban as much as possible that isn't in the "extremely routine" category.

If there is anything on it that is, or could be used to provide another grip, it is banned (the basically says that if it would prevent you from burning your hands while holding the barrel, it's illegal. Any type of shroud, shield, grip, or anything else around or near the barrel is illegal.

50 cal is completely banned. Any stock with a pistol grip is banned. Any stock with a thumbhole is banned. Any magazine that hold more than 10, or could be modified to hold more than 10 is illegal.

The restrictions are very infuriating.

 

[gathert]

Move?

 

[C96]

First: Go to some of the matches and see what others use and how well they seem to do the job.

Second: See which of those competitors have a used piece they want to sell. Try them first and see how you like it.

It is always cheaper to start in competition with someones used firearm. Then if you like the competition and you get reasonably good at it, you will have a much better idea of what will work and what will not. Thousand yard shooting is a very specialized game, see what others are using successfully before getting into it.

PS: Restrictions are a required part of any competitive sport.

 

[Tom488]

Are you sure the Cook County ban doesn't apply only to semi-automatic rifles?

 

[Sunray]

"...Does anyone have suggestions?..." Look into the cost and local availability of ammo first. Midway wants $90.99 per 20 for Hornady ammo. $64.99 per 10 for Lapua ammo. And $114.99 per 20 for Federal with Matchkings. Plus shipping, of course. Brass and dies aren't cheap either.
Shoot one too, if you can. Big magnums are not fun to shoot all day.
"...bans muzzle breaks..." Brake.

 

[General Geoff]

You say muzzle brakes are banned. How about silencers? A good .338 silencer will do everything a muzzle brake does and more. Cost isn't much compared to shooting .338 Lapua with any regularity.

 

[28lx]

Compare the 338 Lapua to the 338 Rem Ultra Mag and look at model 700's

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to THR, Electroshot!

A .300WM with a properly loaded high-BC 208-240gr. projectile will get you to the 1mi. marker (though it is more at home at 1500yds or less) with a precision rifle, good optics, and skilled rifleman, and do so without the necessity of a muzzle brake. This is one of the primary reasons I chose the cartridge (I can own one here in NC, but I despise them due to the requisite noise and blast), ammunition expenditure being the other reason (.338LM is significantly more costly, affording less practice/dollar). After all a rifle/chambering capable of 1760+ yds is worthless if you can't afford the cartridges to become proficient with it. The 7mmRM will do likewise and have slightly better trajectory and a little less recoil (which really isn't a problem in a heavy, precision rifle), but with a bit less authority and bbl life. The .260Rem. is another excellent cartridge that requires no muzzle brake, but it isn't in the same class as the aforementioned (though it is no slouch, and affords even less costly ammunition).

WRT to a quality LR precision rifle without brake or thumbhole/PG stock, I would look no further than a GAP "Crusader" or GAP custom build (but don't expect to order one & get it shipped the next day). Also don't overlook optics...a rifle such as this begs for something like a PRH, USO, S&B, or Hensholdt.

 

[unwise11]

look at the .264 Winchester Magnum, or 6.5-284 or even .260 on a Remington 700 action, it will probably cost less than a new .338 Lap Mag in the first place, get a Krieger 26-30" Barrel and an H-S Precision stock and the optics of your choice.
Either way you'll have a rig that will probably shoot farther than you can.

 

[Electroshot]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I will consider them and re-evaluate my direction.

 

[aubie515]

If you cannot have a brake on you rifle...I wouldn't get a 338LM. There are plenty of calibers that will reach 1,000 and beyond without beating you up in the process. Someone mentioned a 260, which is a great recommendation. Less recoil and powder compared to a .308 and it will go beyond 1,000 yards. Your shoulder and your bank account will thank you.

The 338LM is great if you have a brake or suppressor and you have the distance to shoot it. Unless you are very wealthy...for most folks that own a 338LM, reloading is a must.

I should have my 338LM ready to go in the next week or so.

BTW, the Remington MLR comes with a brake.

 

[Maverick223]

I missed the update that mentioned 1k+ yds. If not stretching out father than about 1200 I would look no further than the mild mannered, but impressive, .260Rem.

 

[kk0g]

Move?

I'm not trying to be a smart ass but I'd have to agree. Drive due west a little over 140 miles until you cross the Mississippi River and welcome to freedom.

 

[FatPants]

Are there even any 1000yrd ranges near cook county? Even here in NC I would have to drive several hours to find one.