OK, time to ask *THE* question. Where do you live? We always tell newcomers to "Go to match before laying out any money."
Might apply to you as well for long-range rifles.
Another post mentioned 5" wide forearms . . . well, yes. and 7" wide forearms. That's typical for HGs. Most LGs have 3" forearms. But you *can* have a wider LG forearm if you can make weight.
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A 1K HG under all the sanctioning bodies usually uses a double pedestal rest, just like some old-fashioned RTB setups, except the rifle must ride in sandbags, which means it isn't a true RTB. In IBS, there must be 1/2 inch of bag between the rest and the rifle. No such rule in NBRSA, just the usual "deflection" rule. And in NBRSA, a LG can use a double-pedestal rest, but not in IBS. I forget Pennsylvania on that one.
Oh. And while the front and rear pedestal must not be conjoined when shooting, there are a number which are conjoined for setting up the rifle, then unbolted to shoot.
If you're in the Midwest or East coast, you'll shoot IBS or Pennsylvania rules. If in Arizona or California, NBRSA rules.
It is winter, and there probably aren't any matches you can go to. But if you live near an experienced competitor, they may invite you to a range to see & shoot the rifles. Even at 100-200 yards, there is a lot you can learn.
I'm guessing you're in Texas, and AFAIK, there aren't any IBS/NBRSA 1,000 or 600 yard matches near Fort Worth. But maybe I'm wrong. If you're close enough to central North Carolina, I'd be happy to met you at Rockingham County Gun Club. Or, If you really are near Fort Worth, maybe one of the Texas shooters knows of a range planning to add long-range matches.
