Hi guys, first post here.

I am going to be joining a club that has only one scoped smallbore silhouette class and allows you to compete with pretty much anything without a palm rest. No weight, barrel, or trigger lbs restrictions.

I am just starting out but shot a lot about five years ago. What gun do you recommend that would be under $1500 list price? I would probably be buying used over $1000 and new under $1000. I know it is personal preference but what would be optimum trigger lbs? Is it generally better under the usual restricted to 2lbs?

If you were to buy 1 rifle I'd choose a Anschutz 1712 Silhouette. You can shoot in both classes, so outside your club you would be able to compete, their triggers are good and if left at a 2 lbs you are good for both classes as well.

austin870a wrote:Hi guys, first post here.

I am going to be joining a club that has only one scoped smallbore silhouette class and allows you to compete with pretty much anything without a palm rest. No weight, barrel, or trigger lbs restrictions.

I am just starting out but shot a lot about five years ago. What gun do you recommend that would be under $1500 list price? I would probably be buying used over $1000 and new under $1000. I know it is personal preference but what would be optimum trigger lbs? Is it generally better under the usual restricted to 2lbs?

Bob is right if your budget has additional room for a scope, and there are alternatives under that number with scope.

For used, consider a Remington 541 tuned by one of several very skilled gunsmiths.

New, your low cost choice is the CZ 452 American or Varmint, depending on your weight preference. Plan on replacing the trigger with a Timney drop in for a really nice rig.

Finally, there's the Weatherby XXII. There are several threads here devoted to it, for very good reason.

My first choice for scope is the Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40. Second is the Leupold VXII 6-18x40.

Bout sums it up Austin. A good Anschutz and you can't go wrong. There are other guns, I know a few of us who shoot Remington 541s and there are all kinds of others. I've seen everthing from Marlins to Stolle rimfires including Walthers, SAKOs, Savages, and Winchester 52s. Any decent gun can get you started but you'll never regret the Anschutz. Me, I shoot a customized Remington 581.

Thanks guys,

I was pretty much thinking Anschutz but my main concerns were whether to go with a lighter sporter or a heavier MSR, 1903 or similar heavier versions with the 54 action. I know most people with one gun seem to go with the sporter (1712, Rem 541 etc) to shoot both classes and not necessarily because it is an advantage. Is it the best choice given no weight restrictions?

Don't worry about versatility outside this particular competition. I really wanted to know what gun was best without considering that. I know almost anything can be used however, I was wondering what was the best choice for that price bracket.

My concern is does a lighter gun tend to be easier to handle the wobble etc or a heavier gun once you build the initial muscle control? Is it just absolute personal preference? I have to believe there is some advantage to a heavier gun or why bother with different classes?

I also have money for the scope I need in addition to this gun. I realize the glass is just as important. That will be a whole different subject.

Austin870,
Although most would never admit to it the real primary reason for the two rifles is a lot of people hate shooting anything heavier than a 6 or 8 oz trigger.
Most of the hunter rifles are built barrel heavy at this time so the balance is similar to the position rifles.

As for glass, it is truly a personal preference, depending on your vision capabilities. For soem the Leupolds and Burris are too bright. I find the Weaver too dark and don't really care for the fixed power as a lot of competitions run throughout the day so I adjust the power to suit the environmental conditions at the time.

Mary

Some folks, me included, shoot a Hunter rifle in both classes because it is easier to get used to the balance, fit and trigger of one gun vs two different guns. Of course there are great shooters who can handle multiple rifles, I'm just not that good. It multiplys when you get into High Power, then it's a choice between two guns or four!

dwl wrote:................... It multiplys when you get into High Power, then it's a choice between two guns or four!

Bingo!!!!! also saves on having to have a Uhaul to haul all your stuff around, it's bad enough already.

Bob259 wrote:

dwl wrote:................... It multiplys when you get into High Power, then it's a choice between two guns or four!

Bingo!!!!! also saves on having to have a Uhaul to haul all your stuff around, it's bad enough already.

Amen! Packing up for the range is a chore in itself!

My choice for out of the box, run what ya brung, hope ya brung enough, winner take all shootin' machine is the Anschutz 54:18 MSR...With a little luck you MAY find one that would fall within the upper limits of your price range...That's without scope...

Commander Kitty

I believe an Anschutz 54:18 MSR is going to be a challenge. There are not many out there and I have yet to see one very close to $1500 used. What would be your second and third choice in that style gun?

The rest of the choices are looking like a 1712 type gun.

It does not have to be an "out of the box" gun. I am wide open to suggestions on customizing something as long as I can stay around the same price. A lot of Rem 541's out there tricked out, however they don't seem to have the balance of a 1712. I have seen some well worked 541 triggers but rarely as good as an Anschutz.

A 1712 would be a great choice...I do however, have a tricked out 504 (a Blaubear project that I ended up with) that will shoot lights out, is in a custom stock has a Shillen barrel and a super trigger....I can be had for a price that would let you buy premium glass for it and still come in under the 1712 in price...pm me if interested.
Also have a 541 T that is for sale....

Kitty

Commander Kitty...do I see a Mallory wuxtom rifle coming out of the sale?

Innocent

Just looking ahead and planning...I know it's coming, just a matter of when...I've been holding back my private collection for just such a moment and it looks like it's time to open the safe...at least as we fit Mallory the rest of the grandkids can grow through her stuff..she shot a 24 in our home club match on Saturday...missed the first pig and ran the last 9. Pat Steiger has stent me a chopped factory stock to play with so we can get LOP down to where the gun will fit her..

Commander Kitty

Hey, she is worth it. There is a line of us waiting to adopt that one. Now to get her hooked on the right colors!!LOL
Innocent