I have been researching the ARA factory class since last year, in hopes of shooting it his year. Looking for some tips, as most of the time shooter’s are willing to share what they have learned if you are willing to listen. I waited to purchase a rifle until the rules came out, as it seemed like there was some “Rubbing is racing” kind of things going on with the MSRP, and the approved rifles list. The fact that the CZ 457 was blanket approved, but several variations of that rifle, while superbly accurate, exceeded the MSRP limit. At least that is how I interpreted what was going on last year. In any case, here is my equipment to start:
CZ 457 Pro-varmint (couldn’t find an MTR anywhere, until I purchased this one….). In the as purchased configuration. I have a set of Pete’s pillars, and some Devcon. Plan to pillar bed. Also have a Yo Dave trigger spring, but not yet installed. I would like to shoot the rifle in the first few matches in the as purchased configuration.
Scope is a 20 power, but seems I may want to step up to a 36x, as that seems to be the GOTO. Stuck between tying to find a Weaver T36 or a Sightron Sii. I hear that the Weaver T36 can be a bit of a crap shoot on clarity, some are great, some are just OK. Is that an accurate statement?
Front rest, I have the Protektor Aluminum front rest with Protektor bag.
Rear bag, I have a few options, from an old sock filled with rice (this is my goto on prairie dog shoots), to a Remington bunny ear bag with leather bunny ears (bottom likes to bulge though). At some point, I think a Protektor rear bag will be where I land.
Wind flags, I made these myself with a 3D printer. I copied a 2 vane “Wicks” design, and cut up some old carbon fiber arrows for the shafts, and used some collar stops with set screws for the front counterweights. They are neutrally balanced without the streamers (18” survey tape) attached at the rear. With the tape at the rear, the are biased towards the back. I have read that some people prefer this to be the case. However, I have no working knowledge to say if this is right/wrong.
Ammo, to be honest, didn’t do much testing here. Variety of match ammo is not available in my area. So, my plan is to purchase bricks of 500, shoot matches with it, and see how each performs. Currently, I have a brick of Eley semi-auto benchrest. On a low wind day, and my current setup, I was able to shoot 10 rounds into a 1/2” or a bit less at 50 yards with a flier about an inch out. Which is probably not stellar, but as I was told as a youngin’ “you gotta dance with the girl that brung ya”.
So that is my setup, any pointers on a first match would be well appreciated.
CZ 457 Pro-varmint (couldn’t find an MTR anywhere, until I purchased this one….). In the as purchased configuration. I have a set of Pete’s pillars, and some Devcon. Plan to pillar bed. Also have a Yo Dave trigger spring, but not yet installed. I would like to shoot the rifle in the first few matches in the as purchased configuration.
Scope is a 20 power, but seems I may want to step up to a 36x, as that seems to be the GOTO. Stuck between tying to find a Weaver T36 or a Sightron Sii. I hear that the Weaver T36 can be a bit of a crap shoot on clarity, some are great, some are just OK. Is that an accurate statement?
Front rest, I have the Protektor Aluminum front rest with Protektor bag.
Rear bag, I have a few options, from an old sock filled with rice (this is my goto on prairie dog shoots), to a Remington bunny ear bag with leather bunny ears (bottom likes to bulge though). At some point, I think a Protektor rear bag will be where I land.
Wind flags, I made these myself with a 3D printer. I copied a 2 vane “Wicks” design, and cut up some old carbon fiber arrows for the shafts, and used some collar stops with set screws for the front counterweights. They are neutrally balanced without the streamers (18” survey tape) attached at the rear. With the tape at the rear, the are biased towards the back. I have read that some people prefer this to be the case. However, I have no working knowledge to say if this is right/wrong.
Ammo, to be honest, didn’t do much testing here. Variety of match ammo is not available in my area. So, my plan is to purchase bricks of 500, shoot matches with it, and see how each performs. Currently, I have a brick of Eley semi-auto benchrest. On a low wind day, and my current setup, I was able to shoot 10 rounds into a 1/2” or a bit less at 50 yards with a flier about an inch out. Which is probably not stellar, but as I was told as a youngin’ “you gotta dance with the girl that brung ya”.
So that is my setup, any pointers on a first match would be well appreciated.