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Project for fun target shooting - input wanted

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  • FNGGlock
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2020
    • 1289

    Project for fun target shooting - input wanted

    Looking to start a project for a fun target rifle, not competition purposes. Since doing a lever & revolver fun project is on hold due to ammo/gun shortages & super high prices I figured I may look into another fun project. I probably already have to many gun projects, though my wife doesn't seem to mind, yet.... (Trying to pull her in slowly)..

    Anyway back to topic. Looking for some input and feedback on items I'm interested in from the Calguns braintrust. First a bit of background. I already have a 10/22 takedown, which is great for plinking and a travel gun for fun when out and about in the forest, etc. However I do want some thing that will fun to shoot targets out to 100yds, maybe a little further, though I would rarely get the chance to go beyond 100 yds. Already have an AR for a defensive long gun and which will be more accurate and consistent at long ranges. Also looking for something that is easy to use, and potentially get my wife and kids interested in shooting.

    My thinking so far:

    1- Caliber
    Want to stick to 22LR since I have a bit in stock. Low noise, recoil, etc. Don't really want to add another caliber, especially in the current climate. Also will be easier to get novices to use it without "side effects". It is also pretty accurate to 100 yds, though starts adding some "fun" due to drop and wind that needs to be accounted for. More powerful calibers you can pretty much point and shoot at 100 yds. So it will add a bit more thinking even at 100 yds as wind does impact 22LR, and different cartridges will add to the complexity.

    2- Rifile
    Thinking of getting a Ruger American rimfire, since I already have the magazines, loader, etc. Makes it easier to share with the 10/22. Want a bolt action as it is simple to use, and good for beginners to learn the basics without having to deal with semi-auto if there is a feed issue, etc. I have bolt actions to be more reliable than semi-auto with 22LR due to the overall poor quality of 22 rimfire ammo compared to centerfire. Also already have a 10/22 for semi-auto and plinking purposes, with a red dot for faster target acquisition.

    I looked at the Ruger Precision Rimfire and just don't like the looks of it, and will likely add to the intimidation of novice young shooters (female). Since I don't plan on doing competitive things with it, probably not needed.

    Looking at the Ruger American Rimfire, looks to be plenty accurate, like the looks of it. Not sure if the 22" barrel or 18" is the way to go. Don't think the 22" will add much in terms of accuracy, any ideas? Also the overall length of the 22" I can manage in my safe and rifle case, but will make things a bit more tight.

    My preference is to the Ruger since I already have the 10/22 and mags, etc. I also like the elevated stock that comes with it, which should make it more conformable with a scope.

    But perhaps I need to widen my thinking.

    3 - Scope
    I definitely need a scope with my eyesight to really see at 50 & 100 yds for more accurate shooting. I have used the peep sight on the AR and it does help, but at 100 yds my eyes are just not good enough anymore to precisely see the bullseye. I don't want to buy a scope that will cost more than the rifle, prefer something that will be clear but still budget friendly.

    I saw the new Bushnell Banner II - 4-12x40 - the pricing seems good and I like to be able to get get a little higher in magnification to get a better picture. 12x with 40 will work best in good light, and I'm ok with that. Not planning on darner shooting. Something that can do 10x or better will be good, especially if the optics are clear in good light conditions.

    I do like the app that comes with the DOA on the scope to estimate drop and will make it fun to play with different ammo and see/save profiles. May make target sessions fun, or frustrating???

    Open to other ideas as well.

    4 - Scope mount

    Only saw a few Weaver mounts like this Weaver Quad Lock rings

    But really no idea of what works, etc.
    Also not sure if I need a little torque wrench to fit the rings properly or hand tight is GTG.

    Anyway figure this may be a fun discussion, and hopefully I get some good ideas to build this project.
  • #2
    SoCalZen
    Member
    • Jan 2019
    • 146

    Comment

    • #3
      JackEllis
      Veteran Member
      • Nov 2015
      • 2731

      If you want to continue to use accessories you already have, then it sounds like a Ruger something is what you want for a rifle.

      As far as scopes, I put a Cabelas 3-9x40 rimfire scope on my Savage Mkii and it's more than adequate. Under $100 and I expect to get long service from it. You might also look for used scopes. I also have a Bushnell scope that came with the Savage and it works just fine. I've shot mini-Palma matches with the Savage and while my scores are nothing to write home about, they sure weren't the scope's fault.

      However if you want to take on the 300 yard egg challenge, you might need something a little better.

      Comment

      • #4
        FNGGlock
        Senior Member
        • Jul 2020
        • 1289

        I will probably go with my buddy, who has a number of good airguns in a few weeks. DO some plinking with the 10/22 and his airguns, may see. Though I would like something that can reach out to 100 yards reliably, not sure airguns are the way to go.

        My wife probably doesn't care if I get another 10/22, I just like some different options. Figured a bolt may play nice with some different ammo options, though the 10/22 has been fine.

        Originally posted by JackEllis
        If you want to continue to use accessories you already have, then it sounds like a Ruger something is what you want for a rifle.

        As far as scopes, I put a Cabelas 3-9x40 rimfire scope on my Savage Mkii and it's more than adequate. Under $100 and I expect to get long service from it. You might also look for used scopes. I also have a Bushnell scope that came with the Savage and it works just fine. I've shot mini-Palma matches with the Savage and while my scores are nothing to write home about, they sure weren't the scope's fault.

        However if you want to take on the 300 yard egg challenge, you might need something a little better.
        She's cute, but not sure if she got the memo that it is a bad idea to shoot across roads Though 300 yds with a 10x scope, her eyesight is obviously much better than mine. I don't think I will hit an egg at 300 yards with a 22 and a 10x scope. May have to try it sometime, once I get my setup sorted.

        Comment

        • #5
          ChampCarStar
          Senior Member
          • Feb 2011
          • 605

          Originally posted by FNGGlock


          She's cute, but not sure if she got the memo that it is a bad idea to shoot across roads Though 300 yds with a 10x scope, her eyesight is obviously much better than mine. I don't think I will hit an egg at 300 yards with a 22 and a 10x scope. May have to try it sometime, once I get my setup sorted.
          Shooting across roads is fine.....in Switzerland.

          Comment

          • #6
            FNGGlock
            Senior Member
            • Jul 2020
            • 1289

            Guess this answers the 18 vs 22" barrels


            The 18 gives the same velocity as the 22 inches, so smaller and likely going to be more accurate as well. Guess that why it costs more. They even have a more expensive target model with bull barrel, that goes well beyond the $400 mark - not sure if that is worth it.

            Comment

            • #7
              joe47
              Member
              • Aug 2013
              • 475

              Originally posted by FNGGlock
              Guess this answers the 18 vs 22" barrels


              The 18 gives the same velocity as the 22 inches, so smaller and likely going to be more accurate as well. Guess that why it costs more. They even have a more expensive target model with bull barrel, that goes well beyond the $400 mark - not sure if that is worth it.

              Comment

              • #8
                MongooseV8
                Veteran Member
                • Apr 2010
                • 4426

                Barrel length would matter depending on what ammo you use. I like an 18ish when using standard velocity ammos. My preference is to have the bullet leave at subsonic so it doesnt have to immediately go through the transonic jumble. So if you use faster ammo a 22ish barrel can increase accuracy.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Peahi2
                  Senior Member
                  • Jan 2018
                  • 818

                  Originally posted by joe47
                  From what I’ve heard all the powder is burned up in the first 16-18 inches so the only reason to have a longer barrel is when using iron sights vs scope.
                  Rutgers are great guns but I prefer CZ’s in rimfires. If this is for kids the CZ Scout is a great beginner gun.
                  Last edited by Peahi2; 01-15-2021, 12:29 PM.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    FNGGlock
                    Senior Member
                    • Jul 2020
                    • 1289

                    Thanks guys, I may need to expand my rifle brand search a bit, not that anything is in stock currently. Was hoping not to have to add another magazine type to the mix, but not a big deal with a bolt action.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      BillSmith
                      Senior Member
                      • Nov 2017
                      • 568

                      My 10/22 takedown is finicky like a cat. Won't eat much bulk stuff. .22LR it likes are CCI Mini-mags, Winchester M-22 and funny enough Remington Golden Bullets. All else is usually jam-o-matic.

                      How ammo selective is your current Ruger? My thoughts paralleling yours was to get a bolt action (or pistol) to shoot what my 10/22 won't cycle.
                      Sometimes a gun is just a gun.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        FNGGlock
                        Senior Member
                        • Jul 2020
                        • 1289

                        My 10/22 has worked with everything I have fed it, was a bit finiky with Norma when it was new. Now it runs fine with everything I have fed it.
                        I just cleaned and lubed it with MPro7. Some guys have issues with the stock and how the mag fits, causing issues. Mine runs great with pretty much everything now. Though I only used Federal, mini mags, golden bullet, norma tac, aguila hv.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          FNGGlock
                          Senior Member
                          • Jul 2020
                          • 1289

                          Just to close the loop on this. I ended up with a Ruger American Rimfire, got the compact model due to availability, but it was reasonably priced at SW ($349). I got the normal stock drop ins with high comb for the scope from Ruger. The nice thing is that it cam with the high comb stock on the compact size to take the girls out with.

                          Got a BSA 4-12x40 Sweet 22 - which has the turrets for 22LR, comes with the rings ready for the RAR 22LR. Figured it is worth a shot at $80 (on Amazon).

                          Also added a Harris bipod I had from another project.

                          Didn't want to break to bank for fun target rifle and maybe a trainer as well for the kids.



                          It al ready to go, need to go zero it, and see how it does with bulk ammo. Not expecting target rifle accuracy, more economy fun.

                          A few interesting tid bits, the RAR was missing the trigger set screw (contacted Ruger support to get it. Trigger is pretty light at a hair over 3lbs, will see how it feels on the range. The BSA scope crosshairs are not 100% aligned on the turrets, had to use a plumb bob to get the crosshair lined up (used a flash light through the scope to the wall - in reverse). The bolt is a little tight, even after lubing, hopefully will loosen up a bit with use. All in all not too bad for an economy build.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            FNGGlock
                            Senior Member
                            • Jul 2020
                            • 1289

                            Took it to the range today. Need to make a few adjustments, the high comb on the stock wasn't comfortable, switching to the stock comb on the standard pull. Also need to figure out the focus adjustment better, had issues getting the target in focus only to find out that the eye piece can adjust a lot more than I noticed at the range (which would have helped accuracy).

                            Overall it did OK after I zeroed it, still not great as I had a lot fo fliers. I tested Norma TAC SV, CCI Mini Mag 40gr, Federal HV 40gr bulk. It seemed to like the Federal the best.

                            The BSA Sweet 22 turret seemed to work fine with HV ammo, zeroed at 50yds and the 100 yd setting was good.

                            At 25 yds
                            Federal


                            CCI


                            I struggled at 100yds due to focus, hopefully next time it will be better. Also the comb and positioning was hard to get a good target picture through the scope.

                            100yds with Federal. I'm sure with som adjustments and getting used to the setup it will improve.





                            The setup was fun to take out and a bolt action uses less ammo

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