Yet another new guy

S

Stradawhovious

Guest
Hello, I have been lurking for a while, and have come across some good reads. I will post every now and again, but mainly only to ask stupid rookie, and noobie quesitons, so please bear with me. I have been a pistol shooter for quite a while, but about 6 months ago was bitten by the rifle bugand it has been hard to turn back. I have been out shooting as much as possible, and have recently acheived my first series of sub half inch groupings. granted this was only at a measley 100 yards with a measley .223, I am thrilled none the less, and look forward to getting better. I have never shot any rifle competition, and feel that that type of proficiency is still quite a bit out of my reach, but I look forward to reading and learning from the posts here.
 
Do yourself a favor

and find a registered match to attend as a spectator. Observe everything going on and ask copious questions of different people there, most are happy to answer them and to explain what is going on. Next try to find a range where copmetition shooters practice, go there when they are practicing and I'll bet at least one of them will have you shoot their rifle. If you like rifles and shooting after this, buy a good competition rifle for the disciplin you choose to compete in. Don't waste your money trying to make something lesser shoot at a competative level. Fill in the equipment you need behind the rifle purchase. Just my opinion you understand.
 
Get the Book

As an old competitive pistol shooter I also gravitated to BR.
The best thing I can advise is to get the Book from Mike Ratigan.
It was just published and it will help you formulate your questions while at the BR matches observing.:)
Centerfire
 
I also am an unrepentant bullseye pistol shooter that now enjoys the vagaries and mysteries of bench rest shooting. I initially thought "how hard can it be to shoot a gun solidly bedded in front and rear rests". Talk about a rude awakening. I second centerfire's suggestion to get Mike Ratigans book. It's a wealth of information on bench rest shooting. I keep it in my vehicle while traveling and read it while resting or having meals. Always find something to take away. :D
 
Thanks for the encouragement everyone, and the heads up on the book and link. I will definately check them out. I will search for registered matches in my area, and hope to find a couple..... the problem is that in the middle of MN there aren't very many long ranges that aren't in the form of Golf courses at the moment. Those precious few that do exist are either too far away to be practical, private, or not holding events. I will check at my range, and see if there is anyone there that can turn me on to some events, or show me the ropes.

As far as my rifle, it's going to have to suffice for a couple of years until I get my firearm funds back to where they should be. I bought a winchester m70 in .223 with a custom barrel (1.5" bull barrel, stainless, 1:8 22" length), Saw the price and had to get it. I topped it all off with a Nikon Monarch. I purchased this setup mainly for prairie poodling, but will also have to suffice for learning the basis of shooting rifle. Since I know this setup is easily capable of itty bitty groups, I figure once I can shoot better than that rifle it is time to get a comp rifle and start shooting with the grownups. Walk before you run, or so I've been told.
 
strad

I'm in central MN. we have our first match on april 18-19 at minnetonka game and fish club in st. francis. your more than welcome to come see and meet the guys here. its a good time call me for info if you like 763 441 6811
Tom G
 
Thanks Tom, I won't be able to attend that weekend as I have a steel shoot in Hutchinson, but I am a member of the Isanti County Sportsman's club, so St. Francis isn't that far out of the way! If it's not too much trouble, please try to keep me informed of upcoming events, as I'd love to show up and watch.
 
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