Bull barrel but tappered down OK for hunter?

[SKYWLKR]

Is this kosher with the rules?

About .920 for 4" then tapers down to about .750.

[BlauBear]

Is this kosher with the rules?

About .920 for 4" then tapers down to about .750.

It's legal according to the rule book, but individual match directors may have a different opinion and their word is law.

[Evelio Mc Donald]

Yes, your barrel is legal for both classes, Most all barrel will have a straight section at the chamber end, and then starts to taper toward the muzzle specially High Power barrels, this is due to the high pressure in that area. As long as the straight section is not over 3" to 4" in front of the action it will be OK.
I do know a couple of guys that had a straigth section to about 4" from the muzzle, and then a very light taper. This configuration, I would not allow it for Hunter class, and I am pretty sure it will not be allowed on any big match.
Evelio.

[SKYWLKR]

So if I started the taper closer ,ie 2" ,to the Action it would alleviate any issues?

[ShooterP14]

This raises some questions in my mind. How much taper constitutes a "hunting style tapered barrel"? (3.1.1e) Would a bbl that tapers from .920 down to .900 be legal? Or is it a subjective call made by the match director? Would it stand up under protest?

It also state "Bull or varment barrels are not permitted." How fat does the bbl have to be before it becomes a "varment" bbl? As long as it makes the weight restrictions, what other criteria do I use to determine what is legal?

Since I run the SBS matches in Orlando, I may have to deal with situation.

[BlauBear]

Just to keep life simple, I figure if it tapers at all and makes weight, it's legal. But to avoid problems make sure the taper is distinct and if a match director disagrees, even after stating my case, I'll either shoot standard class only or take my toys and go home. The world is full of stiff necked people that aren't worth arguing with.

[kevinbear]

[quote="SKYWLKR"]Is this kosher with the rules?

About .920 for 4" then tapers down to about .750.[/quote]
I wouldn"t worry about any minor details in the rules, the trend in hunting rifle silhouette is moving towards the use of bench rifles, but everyone will call them sporters, so that everyone can shoot 40/40 targets every time and really feel good about there score/shooting skills. Then we'll shoot chickens at rams to determine the match winner. If that sounds farfetched go to a IHMSA match if you can find one, most people quit because the game had become to ridiculous. If every kid in school gets an A is it really an A.

[hambone49]

IHMSA is a totally different game. Hunter rifle rules are in place. A tapered barrel, two pound trigger, 8.5 lbs., and a sporter stock. To stand on your hind legs and shoot a 40/40 is dang near impossible, and a very impressive achievement no matter what you're hanging on to.

[kevinbear]

[quote="SKYWLKR"]Is this kosher with the rules?

About .920 for 4" then tapers down to about .750.[/quote]
Your right, it is an impressive achievment to shoot a perfect score and I want to keep it that way.
IHMSA was formed by a group of NRA pistol silhouette shooters that thought that the game had to many stringent rules,{There ego's couldn't handle not hitting very many targets so they changed the rules to make it easier} Sound familiar?

[hambone49]

My point exactly. At our club's matches, we also shoot the IMHSA pistol. The same four shooters show up once a month, shoot their 40's, and go home.

[kevinbear]

[quote="hambone49"]My point exactly. At our club's matches, we also shoot the IMHSA pistol. The same four shooters show up once a month, shoot their 40's, and go home.[/quote]
Does the match director/teacher put a little gold star next to thier 40 on the score board. TIC "tongue in cheek"

[SKYWLKR]

So what is a Varmint contour?

I want to be able to shoot both classes and compete in the National match in Winsboro LA.

I am building a gun with a hollowed out factory stock and a heavy forend cap plus the extra weight and length of the barrel should really settle it down.

[kevinbear]

You didn't mention what the mfg. of the action is, but copyiing the original taper of a sporter version would alleviate any probems with the rifle making the weight requirement or being protested by another shooter.

[steve b.]

This is a great example of following the rules vs. someone's opinion.

If you make weight, and the barrel has some degree of taper, at some point, then it is legal by the rules.

Not allowing the rifle to shoot in Hunter class is not following the rules; it's making up the rules as you see fit, and that's crap.

It's a splendid way of turning off shooters to the sport.

Further, I think the entire rulebook of Silhouette needs a serious revision and rework to clear up some grey areas.

I would like to see the rifle design rules further detailed, as well as the rimfire ammunition requirements detailed. Tuners, Slides, Bloop tubes, Mid-barrel tuners, Eccentric Tuners, Spider tubes, ect. all need some discussion.

For ammunition, a max powerfactor needs to be established (mass x velocity = some set limit).

[kevinbear]

I mystified why rifle silhouette shooters want to take the hunting class that was invented as an introductory class and basiclly make the rifle a standard/custom gun.Talk about turning new shooters off, average Joe shows up at the range with marlin, remington,or browning after buying a relatively inexpensive target scope for it, close to 500.00 for the combo.
He thinks he has quite the rig, no one he knows as ever spent that much on a 22, he looks at the gun rack and starts asking questions.
Anschutz 54 with custom barrel = 1400.00+
Custom stock-bedded-painted =500.00
Leupold target scope = 600.00
=2500.00+
At that point he realizes these guys are all full of B.S. because these are not hunting rifles, but he shoots his gun anyway.
Now the way he figures he's a decent shot because after all he does kill a deer every year and hunts rabbits too. After a frustrating and embarrasing match he hit 9/40 targets and is convinced that if he had the money for a custom rifle he could do better. Someday I'll come back, maybe.
Build a 5000.00 standard rifle if you want, leave the hunting rifles alone, please.