Kel, thanks for the extra information. So you want to get started in target shooting, eh? Okay, that’s cool. I’m a small bore and high power competitor myself.
If you want to get serious in competitive shooting, some good stores to go to are
Champion's Choice, and
Champion Shooters. Of the two I recommend Champion’s Choice, they’re usually cheaper in products. Dunno about shipping however.
Now onto the rifles of choice… you say you’re looking at Savage Arms. Now, I don’t speak from experience, but only from what I’ve heard, and what I’ve heard is that they’re pieces of junk… you get what you pay for. If you want something that you can do some decent target shooting at relatively low cost, I’d go for a Ruger rifle. Either the
Ruger 77/22 Laminate Stock (Laminate because supposedly, it won’t warp as easily in wet weather, and is more durable), or the
Ruger 10/22 Target. Now, please note that neither have sights, and will need to be mounted for a scope or irons.
If you want to upgrade to something a little fancier (and a WHOLE lot better), go for the
Anschutz 1903 (the same rifle I use). The Ruger 77/22 Laminate stock is $ 665, the 10/22 Target (semi-auto) $ 445 while the
Anschutz 1903 @ Champ. Choice (click “I Agree” to access the rifle) is $ 692, only $ 32 more than the Ruger 77/22(if purchased from Champion’s Choice). But don’t forget about the DROS fee and the other taxes. IF you buy the Anschutz, you will NEED to buy a good sight set. The
6834 Match Sight Set from Champ. Choice (again, click, “I agree”) is the best value in my opinion that you can buy. For a total of $ 917 you can have the best rifle, and sight combo you can for under $ 1,000. At least, it is to my knowledge.
Lastly, if you get an Anschutz (or any other target rifle), you’re not going to be able to unleash the rifle’s potential until you get a decent shooting jacket and a leather sling
and LOTS of practice, and I do mean LOTS. This rifle (as with any other Anschutz rifle) is capable of amazing shots. I’ve had two shots go in the same hole at 25 meters from both prone and the VERY uncomfortable kneeling position. Also, don’t shoot the high velocity ammunition, it screws up the rifle, and accuracy will suck.
Well, sorry for the LONG post, but I hope you found this informative. Let me know if you want more information.
P.S. Reading books will help a lot before doing any target shooting. Try looking up
New Position Rifle Shooting by Bill Pullum & Frank Hanenkrat or
Shooting for Gold by William Krilling.
EDIT: Spelling