New guy here and itching to shoot

[fisherking73]

Shot some NRA steels last week at a buddies club (which there seems to be a few on here from the same Hollywood Club) and I am hooked. After shooting IDPA, and countless hours at ranges destroying paper, this I must say was the most fun I have had in a while with any caliber weapon. Granted it was hard shooting them chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams with iron sights on my Marlin 60 and highstandard citation, but still much fun. So comes the question that I am sure has been answered or asked 100 times. For this type of shooting what would you recommend for a beginner. I would like a rifle that will last a few years as I get into it before I have to upgrade or feel the need to upgrade. The 2 I have in mind is either a Savage mark II (not sure which exact model) and the CZ 452. Scope is I guess another thread lol.

[tenx9]

Pretty easy. Although, I prefer the higher priced rifles, ie. anshutz, it comes down to a repeatable, accurate, light weight and clear riflescope. It must have target knobs and be parrallax adjustable. Luepold and Bausch & Lombs come to mind because they're quality and lighter than some of the other scopes. I also pefer 1/4 min click adjustable scopes.

[dmakley]

I have both those rifles you mentioned, the CZ is a much better gun. Most of the Savage guns now have bull barrels and are not legal for hunter class (the barrel has to be tapered), also they are pretty heavy. The 452 Silhouette is a really nice gun and well represented at the shoots that I have gone to. If you're on a budget I just picked up a CZ 455 for $320, the jury is still out on the newer models, but so far I like it and it's hard to beat that price. The trigger on the CZ's is not so great out of the box, but there are lots of options for that, (Yodave kit for around $18).

[malinois]

Important thing is to have fun.... when I started I used a winchester 310 rifle which I still have. Your marlin can work for a good bit till you decide on a bolt action that you feel comfortable with. Glad you enjoyed yourself at my club.

[fisherking73]

Thanks Malinois, I had been hoping to shoot there and become a member for sometime now, but never knew anyone that shot there. My buddy has been a member for just over a year, and I did not even find out till a few weeks ago. A gentleman named Chuck I met at BassPro (nice fella) mentioned the club and the events they have open to public to me a while back, but just never got the chance with my 301 other hobbies LOL. BassPro is like my shooting club LOL because I prefer the safety measures there over the other local public ranges. Hopefully can get sponsored soon to join the club as it is so close to my house.

So if the Marlin will work for a while then, I guess I should rephrase the question, whats a decent mid level entry scope under $300. Gonna read up in the optics section and see if I can find my own answer, but feel free to chime in.

[steveyacht]

Like you I am also very new to the sport, not even having seen a match in person nor shot at a chicken in anger! Also like you I pondered and fussed over what gun, what scope, what mounts, etc. I was fortunate enough to have found what I consider to be a great combination. A Remington 541-T with Broughton Barrel, Leupold 6.5-20X40 EFR Scope already mounted with the whole package having been finely tuned by Voelker. (Who I have since found out has a great reputation for working on rimfire rifles)

While I spent over my initial $1,000 budget, I feel that what I recieved in return is well worth the investment. Since I have not even pulled a trigger on a bolt action .22 in a couple of decades (at least) I may not like this game. So, I bought something that may actually increase in value or hold it's own instead of depreciating.

Just an opinion from a fellow nooobie

[hambone49]

Fisher, if you shot at HRPC I must know you although I keep a low profile. Chuck is my best bud (and club president). And good news for you, if you are shooting irons we allow you to shoot the half scale targets, even Baby Huey can hit those. Come on down, we love fresh meat.

[CZforlife]

EVEN baby huey!? Do I need to remind you of the nationals again sir!

[BCloninger]

EVEN baby huey!? Do I need to remind you of the nationals again sir!

Shhh! Sandbagging a newbie in progress...

[CZforlife]

That one blew right over my head

[fisherking73]

If CZ is the guy my buddy mentioned, the man child, and looking at your pics holding the CZ, dunno how old you are, but your are definetly a big dude as described. He mentioned your shooting abilities, so no sand bagging as I have been warned about your shooting abilities on the steels LOL Hambone, I don't technically shoot there, have only gone a few times as a guest shooter, waiting to hopefully meet the powers that be to become a member at some point. I don't personally know Chuck, just know him and have had some conversations with him at BassPro over some of my 38 target pistols he likes. I don't think he will or would remember my face, as much as he will remember my pistols lol. There is one he always says "man thats a nice revolver" everytime I have taken it there. But he has ALWAYS been a cool guy and gentleman to me there at Bass Pro.

[jdp]

Always thought that (CZ) Baby Huey was a big boy, but while in Chattanooga, eating with Baby Huey we spotted a man that was probably 6-10 inches taller than Huey. Tried to get Huey to walk over to him where we could get a picture, but the shy boy (MAN CHILD) in him came out and he wouldn't go. Intimated I guess.
We were all impressed when the man had to duck down to Huey's level to go through a 7 foot door. He is a Big Dude but that day he was a puppy looking up.

[hambone49]

Fish, you already know the powers to be, me and my caddie Baby Huey. He has the loud truck, I have the loud vest and rifle. (Huey just pinstriped the hell out of it)

[fisherking73]

Well then, let me know when we can go shoot lol. I got my $5 ready. Just have to get a scope for my Marlin 60 and should be good to go for now. Gonna swing by basspro and see what they have in the affordable range to get started.

[hambone49]

Come by tomorrow or Friday morning about 9:30 to 12. I'll be shooting prone, we host the Gold Coast Invitational on Saturday and I need to woodshed. On Sunday at 10 we have a fun rifle match you might like (50. 25 and 15 yds) and you can meet the whole gang (15 buck entry fee which you can win back). A 12 pack of Miller Lite will make you a bunch of new friends. Kevin