I'm looking for an "all-around" rifle to use from the bench, off-hand, and hunting (a few times a year). I've considered the 64 MPR (weight is a concern with this one) and the 1416 HB C Beavertail, but alas my favorite is the 54 actioned 1712 which as you know is designed for off-hand shooting. Will the 1712 do .25" from the bench at 50 yards if I use a properly fitted front bag and rear bag, good bench technique, and ammo it likes? Or should I look at something else? Would like to hear your experiences with 1712 from the bench and if any have used a Harris bipod on it I'd like to hear how that went as well. Can hardly wait to get an order in... Thanks.

Alan

A quarter of inch at 50 yards would be good enough to win most every BR 50/50 Match as it would result in a 250-25x. So no, I do not think a Anschutz 1712 is capable of shooting that size in a 10 shot group at 50 yards consistently. BUT, it will shoot under 3/8 inch most every group.

I am fortunate enough to own 4 Anschutz 1712's. Two are Miestergrade with consequtive serial numbers. The other two are "working" RF silhouette guns, one with a Pharr stocks done by Evelio and the other awaiting Evileo's majic. These shoot will under 1" at 100 meters with factory barrels and Eley Club Extra EPS ammo that we got in WInnsboro 2 years ago.

Would I recommend a 1712 for your use? You bet you I would!

AlanF: I notice you joined in 2006, live in the Northeast and have made 2 posts. Welcome! First, I am always interested in anyone in the Northeast on a silhouette forum. However, it sounds like you are in search for an Anschutz that will be both a bench competition gun as well as an off-hand competition gun. If my assumption is correct, I guess it all depends how deep you want to get into either sport. If you get more involved with benchrest shooting, you'll want to get second gun. If you get more involved with off hand shooting such as silhouette, you'll be happy as a clam.

The forearm on a 17XX just does not lend itself to bench shooting. Plus, for off-hand competition, folks tend to want their 17XX to come in at 8.5 lbs. But, if you're not looking to compete with your 17XX weight may be a non issue.

Given you only intend to use the gun a "few times per year", I must further assume you like to own nice stuff. Folks who invest in an Anschutz 54 action typically use them quite a bit more than "a few times a year". It sounds to me like you want (not need) to get a Miestergrade 1712 and have a gun anyone, even a non gun enthusiast would admire. Go for it, you won't ever regret it.

That said, pop over to rimfirecentral and delve into the Anschutz forum. I think you will find some good info re your question. If you are ever in NH, contact me via PM and we'll see if we can set the hook and get you out shooting every weekend with that new 1712!

durant7,

Joined the forum while stationed overseas and shortly before our daughter arrived and between moving back to the US and being a new dad I haven't had the time to shoot and hunt I had at one time. The "few times a year" is in reference to how many times I would likely be using the rifle to hunt with vice how many times it will be shot. In actuality most of my shooting will be at paper at least as long as we are stationed in CT. I like the idea of getting into silhouette and had considered it a little while back but the transient lifestyle makes it difficult at this point. You are correct I do enjoy a fine firearm and have been blessed with a few. Thanks for the advice and your comments.

Alan

Mixed answers here. For off hand, competition shooting the 1712 is as good as it gets short of having something custom built. That's what it was built for. Bench rest, not so much because you would probably want a flat bottom forearm. And it might get a little heavy to carry in the field.

How about a 64MS, 54MS, or one of the repeater variants? They would make very nice bench rifles with their wide, flat forearms, and are perfect for silhouette (in the standard class). They wouldn't be the first choice to carry into the hunting field, but for a couple days a year you could probably live with one.

The other choice I have seen recently is the 64-R biathlon rifle. I haven't seen one in person yet, only in pictures. I think I'm in love.

SteveM.

Thanks for all the comments. Don't imagine I could go wrong with any of these Anschutz!

AlanF wrote:Thanks for all the comments. Don't imagine I could go wrong with any of these Anschutz!

How about one of each?

BlauBear wrote:

AlanF wrote:Thanks for all the comments. Don't imagine I could go wrong with any of these Anschutz!

How about one of each?

Or better yet... a pair and a spare One can never have to many Anschutz's

You can't have too many Annies or little red cars.

Got me thinking now about putting a custom barrel on my 1712....

To those who have done it, other then balance change, was there much improvement over the stock Anschutz barrel ???

No real improvement in accuracy, except with the new Eley bullet profile.


Kitty

The real improvement in accuracy comes with the red bolt knob and the stock with the "Kitty" sticker on it....

Kitty

jneihouse wrote:The real improvement in accuracy comes with the red bolt knob and the stock with the "Kitty" sticker on it....

Kitty

Well got the red bolt knobs on actually two rifles now, but no Kitty stickers

Gotta be in the sticker

I'm thinking about having Paul Stevens wife make up some "Spot like a Kitty" stickers......Maybe some tee shirts too....that's what the well dressed shooter/spotter will be wearing this season....anyone interested???

Kitty