Gizza22196 Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Decided I want to have a go at target shooting with a .22lr, I have never done any target shooting before so know absolutely nothing. I am going to get a variation on my ticket from .22 air to .22rf but unsure on what rifle to get. I really want a semi auto and would be ideal because it will probably take over from my .17hmr for lamping too but are these frowned upon or even not allowed at some ranges for target shooting (like semi auto shotguns on clay and driven shoots)? May be a silly question but as i said, i have no experience with target shooting with a rifle what so ever. Also, does anyone know of any ranges in the Alcester/Stratford/Redditch area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les*1066 Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 It depends what you mean by 'target shooting'. You can probably get a .22rf on your FAC without a problem if you have a permission that's cleared for that calibre, but if you mean proper target shooting then you'll probably need to join a club. A lot of people use Ruger 10/22's for 'social' target shooting, but if you wanted to get serious then you'd be better off getting a bolt action ..... something like the CZ452 American. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gizza22196 Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 I'll have no problem getting .22rf on my ticket as my land is cleared up to .243 if i remember correctly. My intention is to start off doing a bit of 'social' target shooting then if i enjoy it enough i will get serious and get another .22rf slot on my ticket for a dediacted target rifle after joining a club whereas at the moment i would like one of the military styled semi autos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 90 Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 I would like one of the military styled semi autos Personally I wouldn't buy 1 of these until all the dust has settled following the terrorist atrocities in France. A bolt action with a nice crisp trigger such as a CZ 452/455 will serve you well for target shooting a semi auto will cover a target nicely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Target shooting with virtually any semi-auto is a waste of time. You'd be better throwing the rounds downrange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumbrian Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 If you are serious about small bore target shooting, either 3P or simply prone you will need a proper target rifle. The CZ is a very good rifle (I have one for vermin) but its stock is not suitable for anything in small bore competitions except Lightweight Sporting Rifle, and even for that its inherent accuracy is probably not quite up with the best. That means you need to think about a second hand Anschutz Match 54, and preferably an 1800 series example (not the cheaper Match 64), and a lot of gear to go with it, notably a stiff jacket, sling, and glove. The outlay will be upwards of £400 even if you are lucky with second hand buys. I won't even start on the really expensive Swiss and German stuff. Target ammunition can get pricey, too. But, as has been said, your best bet is to approach a local rifle club, try out the sport, and see if it's for you, before spending any money. Most clubs will let you do this. It is a fascinating and addictive sport once you get over the first hurdle or two. You will need to give it time, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 I beg to differ, I shoot bolt action and the nice man beating me a has a moded 15/22 sa. I target shoot with a cz 455 22lr 16" varmint with sk standard plus ammo at the minute and scope,I'm doing well but not as well as I would like. I'm currently in the procedure of trying to uprate it to another. If you want a good reliable starting out 22lr for target shooting I would go for a lightly used cz452 varmint for use with a scope and for hunting or a single shot anschutz 54-64 match with peep sights for target. Im after a 10shot capable 22lr with minimal bolt travel, scope and peep sight capable and screwcut. I still haven't found one. Spend your money on a good scope as in a leupold vx3 6-20-40 efr etc and the rifle ammo matched will do the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deershooter Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 I'll have no problem getting .22rf on my ticket as my land is cleared up to .243 if i remember correctly. My intention is to start off doing a bit of 'social' target shooting then if i enjoy it enough i will get serious and get another .22rf slot on my ticket for a dediacted target rifle after joining a club whereas at the moment i would like one of the military styled semi autos There is no social target shooting ,by that I mean there is no where you can just turn up and shoot you have to be a full member of a home office approved club to shoot targets or own a firearm for target shooting .All clubs require you to complete a probationary membership before gaining full membership this can be any where from 3-6 months or even longer you then can apply for a rifle for target shooting . There are competitions for light weight sporting rifle which can be shot with a semi auto .Google rifle clubs in your area . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Target shooting with virtually any semi-auto is a waste of time. You'd be better throwing the rounds downrange. If you are serious about small bore target shooting, either 3P or simply prone you will need a proper target rifle. The CZ is a very good rifle (I have one for vermin) but its stock is not suitable for anything in small bore competitions except Lightweight Sporting Rifle, and even for that its inherent accuracy is probably not quite up with the best. That means you need to think about a second hand Anschutz Match 54, and preferably an 1800 series example (not the cheaper Match 64), and a lot of gear to go with it, notably a stiff jacket, sling, and glove. The outlay will be upwards of £400 even if you are lucky with second hand buys. I won't even start on the really expensive Swiss and German stuff. Target ammunition can get pricey, too. But, as has been said, your best bet is to approach a local rifle club, try out the sport, and see if it's for you, before spending any money. Most clubs will let you do this. It is a fascinating and addictive sport once you get over the first hurdle or two. You will need to give it time, however. There is no social target shooting ,by that I mean there is no where you can just turn up and shoot you have to be a full member of a home office approved club to shoot targets or own a firearm for target shooting .All clubs require you to complete a probationary membership before gaining full membership this can be any where from 3-6 months or even longer you then can apply for a rifle for target shooting . There are competitions for light weight sporting rifle which can be shot with a semi auto .Google rifle clubs in your area . Smallbore .22 is very specialized and so are the people that shoot this discipline. Nearly all target shooters only shoot target and don't hunt at all. they have the one target gun and only paper punch. Scopes don't come into it and neither do semi autos and hunting rifles. My hunting rifle is accurate and I can head shoot bunnies out to about 80 paces reasonably consistently but when I take it to the range it is nowhere near on the same planet as my match target rifle. Although decent hollow point subsonics are pretty good they aren't anywhere as consistent as a match round such as E Match or Eley Tenex or other brands such as RWS and Lapua. High velocity stuff is all over the place. As far as accuracy is concerned if you shot a ten shot group you should end up with a slightly oversize one hole group at 25 Metres. if you had a ten hole group it would be scrap as far as competition is concerned. find a club and go and have a chat with them. You wont be allowed to shoot or handle a gun but it will give you an idea of what this is all about. It is serious shooting The shooters are just the same as anyone else and will help you. PS we've had all sorts think that they can just turn up and shoot a ton but most cant even hit the black. http://www.nsrashop.co.uk/collections/targets/products/nsra-25m10bm-89-targets The bullet has to be inside the small inner ring which means that you have to take the dot out with every round and the bullet hole has not got to cut the line of the inner ring to get a 100 score. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmep Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 lightweight sporting rifle target shooting sounds like what you are looking for. it's gaining in popularity, can be shot by young to old, and for a minimal outlay. our club shoots leagues in precision, where you can use a bolt action rimfire or air rifle, and timed where only a semi auto will do. most are using rugers, or ruger clones, some black guns as well. a few of the guys use their 'bunny guns' for it, but to be really competitive you'll need a dedicated rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninja_fox Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Here's my current rifle for 'social target shooting' https://twitter.com/nwcustomparts/status/674873930860142593 It's not always about lying on the floor for F-class perfection, I usually go down to shoot and meet up with my friends at the range. You'll need to join a club but most of them should let you go along and shoot as a visitor a couple of times as you've already got a FAC. Most of them are very wary about people joining just to get their ticket and then never coming back afterwards. Providing that you don't get a cheap plastic rifle then it will stop bunnies as well as any other .22 providing that you know how far out you're capable of shooting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deershooter Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Smallbore .22 is very specialized and so are the people that shoot this discipline. Nearly all target shooters only shoot target and don't hunt at all. they have the one target gun and only paper punch. Scopes don't come into it and neither do semi autos and hunting rifles. My hunting rifle is accurate and I can head shoot bunnies out to about 80 paces reasonably consistently but when I take it to the range it is nowhere near on the same planet as my match target rifle. Although decent hollow point subsonics are pretty good they aren't anywhere as consistent as a match round such as E Match or Eley Tenex or other brands such as RWS and Lapua. High velocity stuff is all over the place. As far as accuracy is concerned if you shot a ten shot group you should end up with a slightly oversize one hole group at 25 Metres. if you had a ten hole group it would be scrap as far as competition is concerned. find a club and go and have a chat with them. You wont be allowed to shoot or handle a gun but it will give you an idea of what this is all about. It is serious shooting The shooters are just the same as anyone else and will help you. PS we've had all sorts think that they can just turn up and shoot a ton but most cant even hit the black. http://www.nsrashop.co.uk/collections/targets/products/nsra-25m10bm-89-targets The bullet has to be inside the small inner ring which means that you have to take the dot out with every round and the bullet hole has not got to cut the line of the inner ring to get a 100 score. You obviously know nothing about light weight sporting rifle or man v man or any other gallery rifle competition all these can be shot with semi auto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 The OP didn't specify any sort of target shooting and as far as I know prone or 3p is what NSRA target shooting is all about. I know that a lot of shooters shoot at all sorts of animal / bird targets with 10/22s and the like. I've seen them at Bisley. But Of all the clubs that I know of, this isn't what most clubs shoot. If you want to shoot that type of target then you could just shoot a tin can out on the permission. It all depends on what you want to achieve and how deep your pocket is, and the commitment to shooting against your own standard. Recently I went to a fairly large club /range on the south coast with over 300 members and the detail I watched had a bloke shooting black powder handguns, next to a 357 lever action next to a 22 version of an mp 5 next to an M16 in 9 mm next ot a 44 lever. Not one of them was shooting a competition card it was all just man targets and no one really was looking at the results. scoring or anything. They were just launching lead down range for the fun of it. It takes all sorts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmep Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 as far as I know prone or 3p is what NSRA target shooting is all about. NSRA also run leagues for lightweight sporting, the yearly Eley sponsored postal competitions also include precision and timed lightweight sporting rifle. I was shooting in the finals this year at Bisley and there were competitors from all over the country, so there are quite a few clubs shooting it. there are also county teams shooting lwsr, along with the more local leagues. I believe there are around 10 different clubs that shoot in my local league, we have around 20 divisions, with 6 shooters in each division, so hardly a minority sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 It all depends what you want to get out of your target shooting, do you want to get into the real serious .22LR end of things where you wear a straight jacket and load your rounds singly or do you want to take part in more dynamic form of target shooting with turning targets, limited time shoots etc. Whichever it is, select a local club that fits your needs and get down there for a visit. You'll have to become a probationary member and complete the probationary period before becoming a full member. Our club holds many competitions throughout the year for every type of gun that can be shot there, there is a good mix of almost precision target shooting and the more practical type of target shooting using the turning targets, limited time and advancing lines. It is good fun, which is what shooting should be all about. I use my guns for hunting and target, gives you valuble practice time. I can guarantee that once you have been to a club your imagination will wonder from the .22 and enter the relms of lever action, black powder, WW2 service rifles and the occasional gun you have never seen before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Target shooting with virtually any semi-auto is a waste of time. You'd be better throwing the rounds downrange. Unless you're doing practical rifle shooting with turning targets etc which is still classed as target. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjimmer Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 (edited) You imply the possibility of getting into 'serious' target shooting. If that is the case, it would be better to have a go with a 'serious' target rifle. Unless you have a sporting use for it, don't waste money on a sporting rifle. Once you get your nose in the door of a club, they can seem a bit stuffy to start with, ask to take along your rifle and it won't be long before someone offers you a go with their rifle. Until that happens, you will be unhappy with your performance compared with what is going on around you. There should be club rifles that you should be able to try out. I've not done any smallbore range shooting since handguns were banned, but at that time, people were still using BSA falling block match rifles, while some had Finnish Lion and Anschutz rifles. I found prone smallbore target rifle shooting a bit of an uncomfortable endurance test, much preferred pistol shooting. The advantage of a smallbore club is that they usually shoot weekly if they have their own indoor range. Edited December 14, 2015 by rjimmer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumbrian Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 The posts from Fortune, Livefast, and rjimmer are spot on, in my opinion and from my experience. It sounds like, however, that the OP might be happier with something a bit less precise and demanding in the way of target shooting than the kind that I turn up for every week - and there would be nothing wrong with that at all. I shoot mostly 25 yards prone, indoors. I took this up in retirement some 7 years ago. I'm not a bad natural shot, but nothing exceptional and at my age (69) eyesight and physique are on the wane. I have invested in pretty good equipment, but nothing like the top end Swiss and German stuff that you can buy nowadays. It has taken me all those years to be able now to shoot a match card and be disappointed, and perhaps a bit surprised, not to achieve at least a score of 95 or 96. I have shot as low as 93/94 and as high as 99/100 this season. I cannot be confident of how things will turn out on a particular day. The mental and psychological aspects of precision target shooting should not be underestimated. I have recently taken up shooting at 50 metres outdoors, which is another game altogether. My initial scores were very depressing, down to 91 or so, though they have picked up somewhat with practice. I also shoot clays (not very well) and vermin, and I attend a small game shoot, where the bags are very modest. The point is that as an exercise in skill I enjoy all my shooting (though I don't really like killing any of God's creatures and have to put this feeling on one side when I line up a pheasant, squirrel, crow, rabbit, or whatever). I'm sure that the OP will be able to find something in the way of target shooting that he too will enjoy. I wish him luck in his quest. I would add only that motionless target rifle shooting is a very bad discipline for anyone that needs to swing a shot gun fluently, as I can testify. That's probably why most shooters stick to one or the other sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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