I'm looking into options for small bore silhouette. The only 22lr rifle I own is a Kimber model 82 government target rifle. Would it be more competitive and cost effective to lighten a Kimber model 82 government target rifle, or buy another 22lr for silhouette?

You'd be better off getting a new rifle because the Kimber is not only too heavy, but I believe that the barrel is not tapered, which is required for Hunter rifle - and you want your silhouette rifle to meet the Hunter rifle requirements.

I'd get an Anschutz 1712 or a CZ 452, depending on your budget.

Keep asking questions.

Dustin

Agree

You can buy a competitive CZ for what you could sell the Kimber for. Start changing just going to dump money that won't come back

Boats

It seems like Evelio has done at least one of these, but he had to re-shape the stock, and shorten and taper the barrel. As dustinflint said, a lot of work! The advantage of all that work is a very nice rifle tailored to you, and a unique work of art.

I thought as much. I'll probably borrow a 22 and shoot a few matches then make a decision.

Evelio did do a masterful conversion on a Kimber 82G for me for Standard Rifle. He cut down and recrowned the barrel and re-shaped the original stock. It shoots way better than I do and I only have a few hundred dollars invested in it.

Just my opinion (ask anyone how poor my judgement is), but if the cost were tolerable I would much rather have a re-shaped 82g than a CZ 455.

I would have Evelio work the gun so it passes as standard rifle a learn/shoot standard rifle for the first year, much easier to hit targets as a newbie with heavy gun and light trigger.

or you can buy this stock http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =391873920 this trigger guard http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =392022994, and this barrel, http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =392413702 and have a nice hunter rifle. The stock takes some inletting around the trigger area with a dremel. I took a rusty and did that, sold my extra parts and I have a nice little rifle. It was a minimal investment. I saw one that Evelio did for a local guy for standard class where he shortened the barrel and shaved down the stock and it looks and shoots really well . I was surprised how fast my extra parts sold on RFC. Good luck and have fun!!!!!

Pat

Or, you could save a wad of cash and get one of the new Ruger American .22lrs. I have read good reports on them and I'm seeing some good prices - The best I've seen is $225, but usually around $250. I would expect your glass to cost more than that.

M

Pat, What is involved in switching these barrels? Any problems with head spacing?

Al Foust

derherr65 wrote:Would it be more competitive and cost effective to lighten a Kimber model 82 government target rifle, or buy another 22lr for silhouette?

As you can see from the responses, the most "competitive" thing and the most "cost-effective" thing are very rarely the same thing.

Whatever you do, if you are going to change your rifle or get a new one make sure it meets the Hunter specifications. Otherwise, just throw a scope on the rifle you already have as it is and go to a local match and start shooting. Most match directors at local matches will not care whether your rifle meets the rules if you're a new shooter and Just getting into it. Hell, none of Pat Steiger's rifles are legal!

Dustin

I shot a Oregon Kimber 82 Sporter set up under the old Hunter 7 1/2 lb rule for years. Had to use a Weaver KT 15 to make weight. It was a good rifle no better than a CZ though. Look at the Nationals equipment list, hard to argue with results, Anschutz CZ, couple of Kimbers that's all.

http://compete.nra.org/documents/pdf/co ... lletin.pdf

2nd the scope it and shoot advice, it would be welcome our matches in Silhouette class. Get some matches under your belt than make the choice remodel or sell

Boats

As someone who had the same dream of converting a Kimber 82G to a Heavy rifle, I hesitated and ended up finding a Anschutz 64MS for about the same money I would have to invest.

So I sold my Kimber and bought a Ruger American and a quality used scope and am very happy with the the purchase.



The proof will be when it warms up and I can shoot outdoors. Shooting indoors, I'm shooting within 1-2 points of my heavy rifle scores.

It occurs to me that with a scope(which my kimber already wears) and a lightweight stock it would meet standard rules, would it not?