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Lever or Bolt action?
Vincent_V
Member Posts: 6 ✭✭
Hello. I'm new to this forum and I have a few questions, but before I ask, I just want to give you a quick summary of the basis for my questions;
I live in Ontario, where, a while back, sharpshooting with a .22 caliber rifle was a legal competition within the local 4H clubs, and was done often at local fairs as a contest, similar to the other 4H club competitions seen at fairs. My father was a regional sharpshooting champion, and I am hoping to begin to learn riflery and sharpshooting myself. However, I am in a quandary as to what sort of rifles would be best for this. The only restrictions in the old sharpshooting competition I know for certain are:
-The rifle cannot exceed .22 caliber ammunition
-The rifle may be a rim or centerfire type
-No scopes or other additional sighting devices are allowed
Other than that I am uncertain what restrictions may have been in effect. I wish to limit myself to those restricitions in order to begin learning the art of sharpshooting.
So far the only types of .22 caliber rifles I have seen are either Bolt or Lever action. I wish to know which would be best for sharpshooting, and why. Also, i would like to know what makes of .22 caliber rifle would be best, for accuracy and durability, as well as cost. Any helpful input will be welcome. Thank you.
PS: PLEASE do not be too technical in your terminaology, as I am only just entering the world of firearms and their use.
I live in Ontario, where, a while back, sharpshooting with a .22 caliber rifle was a legal competition within the local 4H clubs, and was done often at local fairs as a contest, similar to the other 4H club competitions seen at fairs. My father was a regional sharpshooting champion, and I am hoping to begin to learn riflery and sharpshooting myself. However, I am in a quandary as to what sort of rifles would be best for this. The only restrictions in the old sharpshooting competition I know for certain are:
-The rifle cannot exceed .22 caliber ammunition
-The rifle may be a rim or centerfire type
-No scopes or other additional sighting devices are allowed
Other than that I am uncertain what restrictions may have been in effect. I wish to limit myself to those restricitions in order to begin learning the art of sharpshooting.
So far the only types of .22 caliber rifles I have seen are either Bolt or Lever action. I wish to know which would be best for sharpshooting, and why. Also, i would like to know what makes of .22 caliber rifle would be best, for accuracy and durability, as well as cost. Any helpful input will be welcome. Thank you.
PS: PLEASE do not be too technical in your terminaology, as I am only just entering the world of firearms and their use.
Comments
Pete
Now when you talk about the best rifle, I think you mean the best rifle for you. That will come down to the price that you are willing to pay for a good rifle. Let us know what your budget is and we can recomend several great rifles for you.
And as to the use of bolt action in sharpshooting competitions, I can understand that, as modern lever action rifles are relatively rare compared to the proliferation of bolt actions, but wouldn't a lever action rifle be better? It involves much less movement of the shoulder and arm, which could potentially throw your aim off badly.
They will outshoot a lot of bolt guns too..........
Welcome to the GB forums!
The simple answer to your original question is that the bolt action rifle will be the best choice for accuracy as long as the competition allows it. The 'no additional sighting devices' rule could be slightly problematic because it puts the responsibility on you to choose a rifle that includes proper sights from the start. A good quality, basic bolt action .22LR rifle will get you started without too much expense. Lean the basics completely then upgrade your equipment.
I would start by getting a copy of the rules as they are set down currently instead of depending on memory. I would also get a clarification of what types of sights are allowable since these can run the gamut from exceedingly crude and simple to the very complex even from the factory. Once this is established you can narrow the field of choice by cost.
"...in order to begin learning the art of sharpshooting."
Learning to be a safe and accurate shooter is not usually something that is self-taught but is normally handled through shooting classes or by being coached. If my father was still alive and capable, I would try to get the best advice and coaching from him.
Safety instruction is the first order of business and there should be classes available in your area. Check with your local shooting ranges, either indoor or outdoor to get into a class. Proper ranges generally have a short series of programs that are arranged to help the novice shooter get started safely and learn the basic rules of shooting. You can do some checking with this group:
http://www.ontariorifleassociation.org/
Best.
I'll agree with nononsense, your wanting to enter into a shooting game that will be controlled by set rules. Before you spend a dime get the rule book. Read it at least twice, then go to a match and see what's being used. From that point you can make a decision on what level you wish to compete at and what you want to spend.
As to rifle type? I say shoot what feels good, but keep an open mind and go to a match. Let us know what you see and what you decide to buy![8D]
First, let me apologize for my horrendous response time; I live in southern Ontario, and for the better part of the day our Cable and High Speed Internet was down due to weather conditions-we just got hammered with about 45 cm of snow; gotta love winter storms.
Secondly, if you'll note, I said that a 'while back' sharpshooting was a 4H competition around these parts. That means when my now mid-fifties father was MY age (I'm 19). So I don't even know if any rule books from that time still exist locally, though I'd almost be willing to bet my father would have one stored away somewhere.
Thirdly; wow. So much advice from so many... where to begin? Okay, to start, I wish to get a rimfire rifle; that should be fairly easy as just about every company I've researched makes some class of .22 rimfire rifle (they seem to be one of the standards for the first-time shooter/learner). Next, I honestly believe my preference would run towards a lever action rifle, both for the sense of nostalgia involved in such a work of art, and for the simple fact that a bolt seems so complicated. However, I wish to learn to utilize both types of action to shoot well, so it really isn't terribly important. Sighting devices are equally unimportant to me, because, as I said, no scopes or other such devices are permitted. That means no red-dot sights, no laser scopes... just the factory installed iron sights. Even factory installed magnifying scopes weren't permitted.
I would of course attend a gun safety class, and a basic course on riflery, but otherwise I would wish to learn how to shoot by myself and with advice from my father.
And as to what types of rifle I see, and which I get, well, I won't be purchasing one for a quite a while; I wish to do extensive research and ask questions first. Too many people rush into weapons and end up injuring themselves or someone with their haste. I will not be one of them. But when I DO get one, and when/if I see some I like, I'll let you all know, and of course I'll gladly accept your input on which would be the best choice.
Thank you all again for your input and advice, especially nononsense. Please, continue to post hare so I can look for further advice while I practice the art of sharpshooting.
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/XR-100_rangemaster.asp
I have always admired Remington's products for their near legendary accuracy, though whether or not the 'legends' are true is something I don't know. Please let me know what you all think of Remington products, compared to, say, the Anschutz gear.
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87261944
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87535988
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87336705
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87591037
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87668909
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87580534
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87531044
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87608706
Other that would also work great:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87107143
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87687606
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87303844
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=86822309
http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?produktID=240&menu=95&sprache=1&produktShow=detail
I must admit, Anschutz rifles look like no rifle I have ever seen before; their design is so technical looking it's slightly intimidating, but I assume the purpose of the different design is simply to increase accuracy.
My price range is surprisingly high; any idea what that little number would cost up here in Canada? Go ahead and qute me a price in USD: I can do the conversion if any is actually necessary.
http://www.carl-walther.info/dev2/index.php?company=walther&lang=EN&content=products&hid=1&uid=4&product=827
http://www.feinwerkbau.de/ceasy/modules/cms/usage.main.php5?cPageId=127
Here is yet another rifle I am considering, now that you point me more towards Anschutz equipment:
http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?produktID=240&menu=95&sprache=1&produktShow=detail
I must admit, Anschutz rifles look like no rifle I have ever seen before; their design is so technical looking it's slightly intimidating, but I assume the purpose of the different design is simply to increase accuracy.
My price range is surprisingly high; any idea what that little number would cost up here in Canada? Go ahead and qute me a price in USD: I can do the conversion if any is actually necessary.
We need to understand what dicipline you intend on shooting. You do not use the same equipment for differen jobs. A Remington what ever will not deliver the accuracy on the A-17 target needed to be competitive in NRA three-position smallbore rifle. You should seek local clubs and see who the top shooters are. Spending a bunch of money on the wrong equipment can be very frustrating. BTDT