What category should I compete in?

[Mirage416]

I used to shoot NRA 3-position a long time ago when I was young, and recently I have wanted to get back into either 3P or some sort of off-hand centerfire shooting competition with a jacket and sling.

I currently have a new rifle which I would like to use, it is a 6.5x284 on a Mauser action, with heavy Shilen 26" barrel, McMillan A2 stock, and 1.5lb trigger. Weight is probably around 13lbs without scope. I know the slower lock-time of the Mauser action doesn't help but oh well for now...

Anyways, what would my choices be that I would want to look into competing in using a rifle like this? Is this cartridge overkill for an amateur getting back into off-hand shooting?

Is this gun probably just a bad choice to warm up with?

Another thing is the scope I'll need to swap out, as I realize I would probably need a non-magnification or a non-electric sighting device.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[abintx]

416 ...

Check in with the guys in the F-Class forum. I believe they may have a category you might be interested in.

 

[Asa Yam]

Is this cartridge overkill for an amateur getting back into off-hand shooting?

Yes, it's too much gun. While you can certainly shoot good scores with it, you'll also take more recoil than necessary. Get another barrel, and chamber for a "less brutal" caliber - 6BR or 6XC, for example. Or better yet, buy another rifle. AR-15s are fun.

Another thing is the scope I'll need to swap out, as I realize I would probably need a non-magnification or a non-electric sighting device.

Depends on the shooting discipline you end up in. Conventional highpower - maybe you'll need to change. Metallic silhouette - keep the scope.

Oh yeah - F-Class is normally fired from prone, not offhand.

 

[Tony Shankle]

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but what do you want to do? What makes you happy, keeps you interest?

I say this because I have bounced around and shot about everything you can name but in the end you will gravitate toward what you like the most. You can't just make yourself like something because of your rifle...that will never last. Find something you love and then make the equipment fit.

But, as mentioned F-class would be a good choice. I always used a smaller cartridge across the course but I have shot the long range nationals with much larger rounds so that is another option if you can live with prone-only.

 

[gzig5]

If off hand is all you want to do, then Sillouhette is probably your best bet. You'll have to check the rules to see if your rifle will make weight. If you are shooting scope only, you are probably better setup for F-class or LR prone both of which are shot from your belly. If you put irons on and the rifle is capable of accecpting stripper clips, you can shoot Highpower across the course which comines standing, sitting, and prone with some rapid fire stages.

As to the caliber, I would not hesitate to use the 6.5x284 if that was all I have. I started highpower with a 22-250 shooting 55gr bullets. For ranges out to 600yds you can load the 120-130gr class bullets down to ~2800fps to extend barrel life and if you're at 1000 the 140's at the same velocity will ride the wind with the best of them. It is more important that the loads are accurate.


Greg

 

[roninflag]

what category

i would shoot f-class with it. the mauser has a long hammer fall/ lock . very diificult for me to hold from any position