ROOKIE QUESTION ON RIFLE?

[wam1653]

Could anyone tell me if the CZ 453 Varmint is legal to shoot in both the hunter and open class in Smallbore? I really like the rifle and am wondering if the bull barrel and the set trigger are legal for Hunter Class. Is the set trigger ajustable so it will pass inspection without using it in the set mode? Thanks for the information.

[BlauBear]

The set trigger is illegal for Hunter class, although some match directors may permit it with the proper adjustment.

[Jason]

The stock shape and heavy, tapered barrel of the rifle are fine for both hunter and standard class, and many people shoot 452 and 453 Varmints in NRA silhouette matches. From the factory, the 453 trigger is not legal for hunter class. If you adjust it so that the set function no longer functions and the normal single stage trigger pulls is at least two pounds, then it's entirely legal for hunter class. There is an understanding that once you pass tech inspection at any match that no other adjustments or modifications of the trigger on any rifle are allowed. This is as true for not adjusting it below the 2lb limit on any hunter rifle as it is for not adjusting below the 2lb limit or adjusting it to enable the set trigger function on the CZ 453. Given the quality of the 453 trigger versus the 452 trigger, I think the 453 Varmint is a better choice for silhouette and great choice in general for getting into the game.

[durant7]

Wam1653:

First, welcome. I am sure you have seen the comment, "bring what you own" more than once in scanning the board. As a rookie, no match director is going to throw the rule book at you. Mostly they are going to be concerned with good safe gun handeling, that the gun is safe, your ability to understand and follow the range commands and that the projectile comming out of your gun is not going to damage the club's targets. Eye protection, ear protection etc etc. That is the best place to start. If you own a set trigger (453)....well....you can shoot but understand if you decide to get involved in the sport or want to go to some more serious matches, someone is going to say you can only shoot it in Smallbore Rifle aka Std rifle. Not that big a limitation.

If you don't own the subject rifle yet, try to find an earlier Varmint with the 452 trigger. It is a common place to start out the sport and often just getting involved with your local club we'll yield a starter gun to either purchase or borrow. Weight, trigger pull, vest, bla bla bla can be sorted out over time.

The key thing, when the sun is out, get to a range and practice all the distances, get to KNOW what you own, the ammo, the scope, the rifle. Take some time and call/email a match director some evening and get the skinny on a match that might be farther drive than the local club. Get a buddy and drive and split the gas. The best thing a rookie(s) can do is show up and start talking to people who have been playing the sport. Rookies are highly valued in this sport and no one is going to expect you to show up ready for tech at the Nationals. More important that you show up and .... "bring what you own" and tell the match director what you know or don't and know and they will take it from there.

JD, a match director in NH. We should create a sticky with match directors/mentors by state (region for those big states) so it is easy for newbies to reach out and ask questions....do I have a second?

[wam1653]

Thanks for all the information guys. I've practicing at home (ranch) with my regular .22 and a 3x9 scope on copies of paper silhouettes. This is harder than chinese algebra!! What scope would you recommend? I can tell that the 3X9 is not enough magnification.

[mary10]

I am a Rookie and hooked. I have been using an old EL Paso T-16 Duplex Reticle. Sometimes hard to find but well worth it. I plan on sending it to T.K. Lee for a dot but having too much fun! Some day I will get a back up scope and send it in.....