Stalking and a bit of competition - advice?

My Rifle is off having a new barrel so I couldn't shoot today 😕

There's a lot of out the box "custom" type factory options now
Had a look at those at the gunshop about 3 miles away yesterday, they recommended Tikka and Ruger, its a whole new world to me but I see how the weight and heavy barrel makes a difference.
 
Well shot today! Very impressed
Thank you! That is very kind of you.
Ah you must be the chap wearing the smock - that looked to be the only Standard rifle on the ground! I came along and watched today for a bit - how did you get on?
I competed extremely strongly for the Wooden spoon, and await it in the post!

It was a terrific day:
- Lovely to meet so many helpful and friendly other shots
- Really well run by the NRA RCOs - they got us all through in good time, were really helpful, and I learned a great deal.
- My learning curve was near-vertical: I had never even shot many/most of the positions, let alone at such ranges.
- My big take-away is to fit a scope that I can dial. And then practice a LOT getting into positions, and shooting strings under time pressure, and at range.
- It is a really challenging format: a series of trade-offs between getting into, and then changing to, the various positions, getting as many rounds down the range in the time allocated, and actually scoring!

I really look forward to the next competition: I will be back with the same rifle, and hope for a hit or two more than today.
 
If you were buying a new "Factory" class rifle I'd look at the MPA one or the new Bergara one. Something already in a PRS style chassis.

That or buy a Rem/Tikka footprint action and buy a aftermarket chassis. I'm bias towards Vision but there's loads of chassis options for Rem particularly.
 
Thank you! That is very kind of you.

I competed extremely strongly for the Wooden spoon, and await it in the post!

It was a terrific day:
- Lovely to meet so many helpful and friendly other shots
- Really well run by the NRA RCOs - they got us all through in good time, were really helpful, and I learned a great deal.
- My learning curve was near-vertical: I had never even shot many/most of the positions, let alone at such ranges.
- My big take-away is to fit a scope that I can dial. And then practice a LOT getting into positions, and shooting strings under time pressure, and at range.
- It is a really challenging format: a series of trade-offs between getting into, and then changing to, the various positions, getting as many rounds down the range in the time allocated, and actually scoring!

I really look forward to the next competition: I will be back with the same rifle, and hope for a hit or two more than today.
Great - well done - I think the scope looks to be the thing I need.....also one of my knees will not bend like I saw today so that will be an "improvise"! I was going to stop you for a chat but didn't want to interrupt you from the competition.
 
If you were buying a new "Factory" class rifle I'd look at the MPA one or the new Bergara one. Something already in a PRS style chassis.

That or buy a Rem/Tikka footprint action and buy a aftermarket chassis. I'm bias towards Vision but there's loads of chassis options for Rem particularly.
I like the look of that Bergara and seems about £500 cheaper than a Tikka!
 
I was going to stop you for a chat but didn't want to interrupt you from the competition.
Given my results, you might have saved me from myself!

To come back to your original post: my inclination, based upon my experience today, is to change one variable at a time: calibre/chambering OR scope. And learn about each in turn. I am going to change my scope to one that works for stalking (so is light), but also has a dialable turret.

PM sent
 
Given my results, you might have saved me from myself!

To come back to your original post: my inclination, based upon my experience today, is to change one variable at a time: calibre/chambering OR scope. And learn about each in turn. I am going to change my scope to one that works for stalking (so is light), but also has a dialable turret.

PM sent
What calibre is your Tikka? My stalking scope is a 7x50 and think getting a proper ballistic scope makes sense even if keeping the trad rifle
 
Mine is .308, and my scope is 1-8x24: today I shot entirely on 8x
I'm on .30-06 and 7x50 which is probably not the best! Started this thread to see whether a 6.6x55 might work on my rifle but I think the weight is important having seen the kit today!
 
But compared to a Tac A1 or RPR much more suited

Tikka varmint - bin the stock and put in PSE E tac or chassis if that floats the boat

Wouldn’t recommend bugara - too many issues (past and present)

Some factory rifles are good

The MpA buikt on the ARC action is worthy of a look

ATX too - Stella rifle

Howa in an oryx available from the factory

Can’t think of anything else though
 
Tikka varmint - bin the stock and put in PSE E tac or chassis if that floats the boat

Wouldn’t recommend bugara - too many issues (past and present)

Some factory rifles are good

The MpA buikt on the ARC action is worthy of a look

ATX too - Stella rifle

Howa in an oryx available from the factory

Can’t think of anything else though
Yeah if I was starting again I certainly wouldn't have my AI AT. It's made a whole load more suitable for PRS with the Vision Chassis but the action was clearly built for a war zone and not competition.

I would still probably choose to shoot .308 as your not at a disadvantage vs home loaders in Limited Division.
 
The Accuracy International in ATX form is perfect for this style of competition (and culling work for that matter)

Won many many competitions stateside - people complain of heavy bolt lift - it’s a 60 deg lift so bound to be slightly heavier , just like any other action with this orientation of bolt lug

Maybe the people who cry about that this side of the pond should work on their wrist muscles or fundamentals of marksmanship ,,,

They are actually one of the slickest bolts to operate, period, once the action has been cycled a few times and run in.

Along with Sig Sauer SSG 3000…
 
Thank you! That is very kind of you.

I competed extremely strongly for the Wooden spoon, and await it in the post!

It was a terrific day:
- Lovely to meet so many helpful and friendly other shots
- Really well run by the NRA RCOs - they got us all through in good time, were really helpful, and I learned a great deal.
- My learning curve was near-vertical: I had never even shot many/most of the positions, let alone at such ranges.
- My big take-away is to fit a scope that I can dial. And then practice a LOT getting into positions, and shooting strings under time pressure, and at range.
- It is a really challenging format: a series of trade-offs between getting into, and then changing to, the various positions, getting as many rounds down the range in the time allocated, and actually scoring!

I really look forward to the next competition: I will be back with the same rifle, and hope for a hit or two more than today.
Great job! I'm always glad to hear someone had a great time at their first PRS style match.

As far as practicing, go to your local B&Q and purchase some lumber (not sure what they calla 2x4 in the UK), and a short section of closet clothes hanging rod (wooden type).

Then knock together a barricade type prop. With one side tall, the other side a step down (say about 14-16"). Within each of those squares, add cross members that run horizontally, one diagonally, and one "window" that has the round wooden bar. Make legs from the lumber that can stand the barricade up, but still allow you to easily put it away.

Now, get a timer and practice getting into position and onto target. Like dryfiring, but with the element of getting into, and out of, position. Your goal should be getting into position and on target within 20secs. When you can do that, set the timer to 15 secs. When you can do that repeatedly, set it for 7 secs. If you can get into (a solid) position and on target in 7 seconds, you will be taking medals. Even 15 secs beats most people. This game is not just about the shooting, it's also about efficient movement to engagement. Calling wind is best learned at the range, but this type of dry firing/practice can get you prepared, and comfortable, with doing things under time...which is where most people choke. I'll try and post a picture of the barricade when I get a chance.

Again, great job! You've taken the hardest step that many don't...you showed up, and put yourself out there!

Well done!
 
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