New to benchrest shooting. Looking for suggestions on a factory rifle

M

Marksman_2_be

Guest
Greetings everyone,

I'm looking to get into benchrest shooting and would like to start working with a factory rifle in order to get used to shooting long range. I would LOVE to go out and buy a 6mm with Nightforce and all but, my funds are not that abundant. Haha. Also, I have no hand loading experience. I'm just looking for something to get me going while I trickle money into education and equipment.

I saw the post regarding the Savage Weather warrior. And the awesome people at my gun club have praised Savage through and through. Do y'all have any other suggestions?

For now I'm just looking for something that I can buy Sierra Matchking ammo for and work to 400 yards until I can get better glass, rest, and loading experience.

Any reply is greatly appreciated.
 
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What club are you in and where is it located?

As for what to buy, you may want to "upgrade" at a later date; therefore, you might consider buying a used rifle that may have good resale value.
 
I joined the Elberton Gun Club. Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to meet some benchrest shooters and one of them is looking to sell a Savage 12 LRP in .260.

I think you are right, buying used would be a good start. I just wasn't sure which factory rifles I should keep my eyes peeled for.

Thank you for responding. :)
 
I had thought about shooting at Elberton yesterday, but other plans got in the way. Maybe I'll see you there next month.
 
I own an LRP 260 and it is a fine rifle for the price. It will hold 10 shots in 3.5"-4.5" at 600yds. With that said it is not a benchrest rifle.

The LRP will fit your stated goals but I would recommend you get a chance to shoot the rifle prior to purchase and to watch the current owner shoot some groups with it at 100yds. If it doesn't hold sub .5" at 100yds look for another rifle. If the owner is selling it for $100-$200 below new, just get a new rifle. Like Hunter said above, Savages don't hold their value so don't pay top dollar. Also, know what the round count is. You don't want to buy a gun needing a new barrel within a few hundred rounds.

Don't skimp on your optics. They can be transfered from one gun to another.

Benchrest shooting is addicting and it takes $ and time invested to be competitive. Get that LRP if it meets your needs, if not, buy a new one or get a Tikka or Remington with a heavy barrel and you will have a rifle to start with.

Most importantly, spend as much time reading and observing and you will learn tons of information to help you achieve your goal.

Good Shooting.

Rich
 
Thanks for the info, Mr. Rich. For what I can tell in the upcoming year, I think the LRP will hold me over for 400 yards to get my feet wet.
Like you say, glass is everything. I currently have a Leupold that doesn't have a rifle. My thought is to warm up with this LRP, network with
benchrest shooters, and slowly invest in better optics, hand loading equipment, and then a benchrest rifle.

Thanks again for responding.
 
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