suggestions: beginner target rifle?

[sqroot3]

wow. thanks, everybody, for all the suggestions! a few responses:

1) i want a rifle with aperture sights, as i want to get halfway proficient with iron sights first before i start using a scope. (is that reasonable? do you agree?) which of the cz 45x's are amenable to aperture sights? a google search reveals that a bit of tinkering or at least a trip to the gunsmith is necessary to put on aperture sights.

2) i would totally be asking this at rimfirecentral, but their forums are organized primarily by maufacturer. i mean, what kind of responses am i going to get if i ask on the anschutz forum, "which is the best starter target rifle?" :P

3) is having a handstop crucial?

[rkt88edmo]

If that is the style you want maybe you should save up some more and get a Kimber from CMP or used target rifle?

[nikki#2]

Apeture sights? Cooool! That's the way I learned to shoot on my HS rifle team (thanks, brought back some goooood memories!)

It's impossible to get everything you want in one rifle, and of course, there's no reason to.

If you want the most accurate target rifle with Apeture Sights, you're talking single-shot. For the least amount of money... the used Russian CM-2 at CCDN would be hard to beat. Not the prettiest girl at the dance, but it may be the best for your mission. You can always make it a project to refinish it. Check out the Russian forum on rimfirecentral.com. I'm assuming you can get these into CA....



Before refinish:




After:

[Mr D]

wow. thanks, everybody, for all the suggestions! a few responses:

1) i want a rifle with aperture sights, as i want to get halfway proficient with iron sights first before i start using a scope. (is that reasonable? do you agree?) which of the cz 45x's are amenable to aperture sights? a google search reveals that a bit of tinkering or at least a trip to the gunsmith is necessary to put on aperture sights.

2) i would totally be asking this at rimfirecentral, but their forums are organized primarily by maufacturer. i mean, what kind of responses am i going to get if i ask on the anschutz forum, "which is the best starter target rifle?" :P

3) is having a handstop crucial?

I have to ask... How are your eyes? Sites are a lot of fun, but my eyes have to strain too much, even with my contacts on. This is one reason I chose a scoped riffle. I do plan on restoring my dads old Remington with sites as soon as I get my hands on it. My son will have a blast with both!!

[Mr D]

CSACANNONEER, very cool of you! A very generous offer!

sqroot3,

I would echo Mr D's recommendation of the CZ. There are several different models, some with iron sights and some without. Perhaps the CZ 452 American is the most popular, it does not have iron sights and requires a scope. I would suggest the American or Varmint (as I have both), depending on which model you prefer after trying both. Both models are offered in either the 452 or 453 models. The major difference between these two is the trigger. The 452 is the standard trigger, the 453 has a fully adjustable set trigger, which you can set to two different weights (e.g., one for benchrest shooting and one for hunting/plinking). I can explain that more if you are interested. I would probably suggest the 452 with a trigger job (easy to do yourself) over the 453, just because it's less expensive and the trigger on my 452 is really excellent!

I have both models, as pictured here. The 452 American is on top, the heavy-barreled 453 Varmint on the bottom. Generally speaking, a bolt-action rifle is going to be more accurate than a semi-auto. While CZ's are no longer an undiscovered gem, they are still a great value. Mine will both shoot 1/2" groups at 50 yards with Wolf MT .22lr ammo. I encourage you to check out the very active CZ Forum at rimfirecentral! You'll find LOTS of good info and advice, from a good group of folks who are really into CZ's. 1/2" groups are regularly reported in the forum, so the accuracy of mine is pretty common. Why do I have two? Because they really grow on you... You'll read that over and over again in the forum. I use the Varmint for Smallbore Metallic Silhouette competition, and the American for informal benchrest, as well as hunting and plinking: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...splay.php?f=18

WOW those are sweet. Someday I want to get me one!!

[nikki#2]

WOW those are sweet. Someday I want to get me one!!

Mr D,

Why wait until someday ??? Darn it... You DESERVE it!

[AC Gould]

I would suggest....

Find a club or a smallbore match in your area and visit them. Admission and the education is free! Ask folks questions if you are serious about NRA type competition and observe. You will find out that it's not just the equipment that makes the difference, it's the technique, the shooter, the ammo...and practice...lots of practice.

Also, at least at my club, people bring along match rifles and accessories they want to sell...seems small bore people are always looking to upgrade their stuff. You may be able to find an Anschutz 64 for a reasonable price from a JR shooter who is moving-up to a 54 series.