One Rifle for both classes

[njjessee]

Is it common for one rifle to be used for both standard and hunter classes?

Noah

[ppkny]

That seems to be the trend although at the past few SB Nationals its been about 35% are using one gun. It hasn't increased beyond that. In SB, if you check the scores there is little difference between Std and Hunter scores anymore.
I'll be attending this year Nationals and I'll do a count as I've done in the past few years. My guess is that it will increase a little because there is still a lot of old iron out there that people won't part with.
I shot two guns up until about 4 years ago and switched to one gun.
I'm sure there are other opinions.
ppkny

[Dee]

There are many benefits to using one gun like only having to haul one gun. I can see where in the future I may look into building a 54.18 up into a Standard rifle and use the 1712 for Hunter but that won't be till I make master at least in both classes. That extra weight and the stock shape itself are helpful but the light trigger say 4-8 ounce is what I would be after the most.

To bad they don't make a simple push button drop out trigger unit that you could alternate between .5 and 2 lb trigger units on the same rifle. Or some sort of selector switch that did the weight change would be nice if it could be made consistent. But then they wouldn't sell as many rifles.

Dee

[ter]

I shoot in PA, and there are may matches and shooters. I think there are more hunter guns than standards in the racks. I shoot one rifle per match, and I switch between the models.

[TOP PREDATOR]

i'm presently shooting 2 guns for both classes, only because i can't get away with shooting a heavy barrel and light trigger in hunting rifle.


but i actually prefer shooting the hunter classed rifles, sems more "pure" and IMO the spirit of the sport.

[Jeaux]

To answer the OP's question. Yes, it is very common to use one gun for both standard and hunter class. With the current state of the art custom stocked guns that make hunter class, you are not really giving up much to the standard class guns. 18 ounces in overall weight and a lighter trigger. I elected to build a custom 1712 and use it in both classes, and it seems like that path is being taken by most of the newer shooters in the sport as they advance in skills. I would guess that most of the "heavy" standard rifles used by shooters today were acquired prior to the advent of the current crop of hunter class rifles. I don't want to use the word "Frankenhunter", but the economics work out for the newer shooter to build or buy a dream hunter class rifle and shoot it in both classes. Like Dee said above, I may still get a dedicated standard rifle one day, but I don't think it will make much difference to my scores.

There are tradeoffs to both ways. One gun becomes more familiar, two guns you get the heavier barrel and lighter trigger on the standard gun, but you have to haul two guns and maybe ammo to matches. You also have to transition between the different feel and triggers at matches as well. None of these are problems, just differences. In the end it is up to what YOU like and want to do. Try some heavy guns in matches and see how you like them. You may find that you like the advantages of heavier weight and light trigger.

[Wirenut1212]

Another thing to think about and this just happend to me. I was in a shoot out and I have just gotten built a 1712 which I used in both classes. The gentleman I had to shoot agianst had just gotten done with a different gun than the one used in the match we where shooting off for. I think it helped me win the shoot off as he had to change back to the original gun he had used the round before. Something to think about

[ppkny]

Good point wirenut1212. I switched to one gun about 3 years ago and never looked back. My reason was I was just getting fatigued with the heavy gun. I can shoot my 7.1 lb. Hunter gun all day.
ppkny

[AZRifle]

I will not stop using my heavy gun until it is a weight problem, which it eventually will. There have been some days that I can hold the lighter rifle well enough to shoot great scores but, I am definately looking at a better target with the extra weight and with a few ounces of trigger, it can make a difference. There is something to be said about getting used to one trigger weight but I do not feel it will meet the quality o9f the extra weight and lighter trigger.
I have 2 scores 50+ in a 60 shot match with my hunter rifle (Anschutz 1712), I have 6 - 50+ scores with my Standard Rifle (Anschutz 1808MS).

I did use just the 1712 for a two consecutive matches and shot a 34/60, 34/60, 42/60 and 46/60. The next two matches I shot 49/60 and 49/60 with the heavy and 37/60 and 42/60 with the hunter rifle.

That does not mean that any other individual will get the same results I do either. People, being individuals, are inherently different.
There are a lot of factors that are involved from the habits of the shooter to the physical characteristics of the firearm.

One thing is certain, weight does make a difference overall, that is why it is restricted in both rifle categories.
Trigger pull does make a difference, that is why it is restricted in the hunter rifle category.

That being babbled.... I personally feel that nearly everyone shooting only the Hunter Rifle is handicapping themselves in the Standard Rifle category.


Jerry

[CZforlife]

Hamebone and I do it. I think its a good idea to just use one. After a while you know your trigger weight by heart and to be switching for a lighter pull and heavier stock I dont know if there is any advantage. Some will agree and some will disagree. Its just a matter of preference.

[Trent]

I will not stop using my heavy gun until it is a weight problem, which it eventually will. There have been some days that I can hold the lighter rifle well enough to shoot great scores but, I am definately looking at a better target with the extra weight and with a few ounces of trigger, it can make a difference. There is something to be said about getting used to one trigger weight but I do not feel it will meet the quality o9f the extra weight and lighter trigger.
I have 2 scores 50+ in a 60 shot match with my hunter rifle (Anschutz 1712), I have 6 - 50+ scores with my Standard Rifle (Anschutz 1808MS).

I did use just the 1712 for a two consecutive matches and shot a 34/60, 34/60, 42/60 and 46/60. The next two matches I shot 49/60 and 49/60 with the heavy and 37/60 and 42/60 with the hunter rifle.

That does not mean that any other individual will get the same results I do either. People, being individuals, are inherently different.
There are a lot of factors that are involved from the habits of the shooter to the physical characteristics of the firearm.

One thing is certain, weight does make a difference overall, that is why it is restricted in both rifle categories.
Trigger pull does make a difference, that is why it is restricted in the hunter rifle category.

That being babbled.... I personally feel that nearly everyone shooting only the Hunter Rifle is handicapping themselves in the Standard Rifle category.


Jerry

That... is the best way I have seen it stated. A pound to a pound and a half absolutely makes a difference in hold. And a 6oz trigger compared to a 2lb trigger makes a BIG difference. I feel that anyone that says that these two factors don't make a difference is just kidding themselves. You won't find any competitor in any formal rifle/pistol competition using a 2+ pound trigger, unless... it is restricted to that weight (there is a reason for that restriction).

I am currently using one gun, but for one reason only and that is cost. I am simply not able to afford a 2nd and 4th rifle, for smallbore and high power respectively. I am nearing the point to where I am feeling the need to make necessary changes to afford it though. I have more than a few guns that sit in the safe and haven't been shot in years. They may soon find themselves on the auction block.

[CZforlife]

There is no doubt the extra weight and lighter trigger help, but ounce you count switching in between two guns I think that is where you lose a little bit of the advantage. To each ones own though. This debate could go on for the next ten years if we wanted it too.

[Trent]

For sure. Each of us can only make up our own mind.

For me, weighing the pros and cons, the adapting to different trigger weights does not outweigh the advantage that the additional weight and lighter trigger pull gives. Of course, we are comparing slight advantages... but it is an advantage none the less. We all have different dexterity and muscle make-up so what works for one person won't work for another.

[silhouette13]

BTW Jerry, just wanted to say thanks for your site, SC and your site are the two i send interested parties to. an excellent resource .

dave

and i would love it if heavy rifle was more popular. i shoot one gun cause that is what i have, but would love a 64MSR or 54 MS.

[AZRifle]

TRENT - I was thinking of an added statement for my first response about anyone new to the sport.
One rifle for a beginner is a great idea. It can less expensive equipment (generally speaking).
The person can shoot the same rifle twice as much and get a better idea about figuring out how to do the sport and, see if he likes it enough to get better/more expensive stuff.

SILHOUETTE13,

Thanks!

Jerry