A used 6mm PPC - What should I check out?

D

doghunter

New member
G'day.

My local dealer has had this sitting in the rack for a while http://www.elks.com.au/hunting/hunting.htmItem#145544 and I want to get re-involved in benchrest 200m-300m comps. at the local club. It would cost me more than twice the asking price to get the same thing built locally.

Apart from (imho) the stock colour is crap, what should a bloke be looking for to check it out? 'Apparently' 680 rounds up the spout, decent dies and projectiles are problematic to obtain locally and what would be a decent but affordable set of optics to suit.

I know how to reload and accurately prepare/turn cases btw. Also there are a few decent local gunsmiths in the area, should I take it to them for a full checkout?

* doghunter *
 
The 6PPC was invented with one sole purpose. To shoot competitive aggs in The Competitive Arena.

So in reality, the only way to actually ascertain the worth of the Rifle is to shoot it.

That blue Rifle on the web site is a $800 Rifle, tops. It is based on a Factory Action with a sleeve to stiffen it up, maybe a Bruno or Kebly stock. Yes, it might shoot small groups, and might even be competitive. But it is still outdated technology.

Barrels are an expendable item, assume it's seen better days.

If this Rifle is your only option, I suppose it looks like a good deal. You stated that a local built similar Rifle would be twice as much. but I am assuming that would be on a Action specifically designed for Benchrest from one of the modern action manufacturers.

Being in Australia, I suppose it is more difficult to get some of the things that we might take for granted here in the USA? But you have some phenomenal Benchrest Shooters in Australia. They could probably steer you in the right direction better than some of us could.
 
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Everything Jackie said is, of course, correct. I did look at the exchange rate between US $$ and Aus $$ and if I understood it, it's roughly 1-1.5. That would make the rifle at around $1000 US, which isn't actually ridiculous, just a little on the high side. As Jackie, said, see if you can shoot it. A sleeved Remington can be just as accurate as a custom, just a lot slower to operate. If you are competing with local guys using similar equipment or hunting rifles you may be OK. Go shoot it and see.

Rick
 
Thanks Jackie and Rick for your advice.

I know the dealer pretty well so shall try to talk him down a bit considering that I would be requiring a package including a decent scope, cases and dies etc.

I would dearly like to test this one over a rest. I have a friend at the local range who shoots a b/r 6mm PPC who might offer me some ammo and an evaluation. I would have to mount a scope on it though.

I also found a reasonably local independant gunsmith who owns a bore scope and has a good reputation (according to my b/r mates).
If I cannot test fire the thing then I should be able to arrange for an independent inspection. I don't mind paying for such a service as it's cheaper than heartache and grief in the long run if I end up with a shot-out lemon.

* doghunter *
 
Never buy a gun planning on using the barrel thats on it. No telling how many 400rd barrels ive seen that were smooth wore out. If you go into it never planning on using that barrel itll save you a lot of heartache.
 
Thanks Dusty, what you said makes complete sense and has caused me to re-think this project because what I basically would end up with is a sleeved factory Remington 700 action, a stock that I don't particularly care for and the distinct possibility of a new barrel.

As Jackie Schmidt said, it is difficult to obtain things here that you may take for granted in the U.S. so I am a bit wary of making the wrong decision.

Given that my initial budget was about $5,000 (Au) it appears that I might be better off to wait a bit, save up another $5,000 and see what I can get locally custom built. As Ned Kelly said just before the trapdoor opened beneath him "Such is life".

* doghunter *
 
Just re-adjust your offer. Think in terms of an action trigger and stock (that youre not in love with) then budget a new barrel, take off some for pain and suffering then make the guy a lowball offer thatll make it worth your while. You never know you may just own it.
 
Blue Sleeved Remington.?

doghunter said:
G'day.

My local dealer has had this sitting in the rack for a while http://www.elks.com.au/hunting/hunting.htmItem#145544 and I want to get re-involved in benchrest 200m-300m comps. at the local club. It would cost me more than twice the asking price to get the same thing built locally.

Apart from (imho) the stock colour is crap, what should a bloke be looking for to check it out? 'Apparently' 680 rounds up the spout, decent dies and projectiles are problematic to obtain locally and what would be a decent but affordable set of optics to suit.

I know how to reload and accurately prepare/turn cases btw. Also there are a few decent local gunsmiths in the area, should I take it to them for a full checkout?

* doghunter *
Click to expand...

I would try to find a rifle w/custom action. The stock is similar to stocks many winners use. I just think there's less headache w/Custom actions. But it's your money and this rifle may be very competitive. Just hasbeen opinion
 
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