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The probationary shoots at NRASC Bisley are done. Full membership and SCC for scoped rifle, CSR and Gallery rifle should be round the corner so the FAC application will be going in shortly. I also shoot at a local smallbore club which has indoor ranges for .22 prone and LSR and centre fire Gallery rifle. Full membership there should be in a couple of months.

Very much a beginner - big gap between No4's at cadets and starting again end of last year.

Black guns don't press any of my buttons. Certainly for now I want to there to be lots of wood. A bit of history would be nice. I'm old enough for there to be iconic guns from the films of my youth - Lee Enfields, M1 Carbine (all those US Pacific war films with Geoff Chandler looking stressed), Mosin Nagants at Stalingrad. A gunsmith I know said 'remember they're just tools' but pretty would be nice as well (he should also appreciate as he trained at Purdey!), something tactile.

Competition isn't the main aim but would be there for fun. This is for enjoyment, personal satisfaction, relaxation, fresh air, the social side, tinkering. Not planning to reload in the short term. Guns shouldn't be too expensive to feed.

Hoping to wangle a total budget of about £3000 but this needs to cover all the capital costs: guns, optics, cabinets, maintenance and range equipment.

.22 prone - Can't see a need for anything fancy (lot of basics to cover yet). The Anschuntz's at the club seem quite sterile. A BSA martini international would seem a good place to start.

.22 LSR - Everyone has a 10/22 but I'm drawn to an Erma which covers that lookalike M1 carbine itch. Any thoughts?

Not so fussed about an underlever but will probably apply for a .38/.357 slot.

Service rifle - Here I'm torn No4 or a Mosin. No4 just feels so right, first gun I ever shot. Mosin - cheap, cheeerful, lots of tinkering potential.

Something for Bisley to 1000yds. Here I think is where I'd like to buy new but straightforward. Never going to be a top FT/R shot, not enough time or money but doesn't mean I don't want to try. Be nice if it could fit into S-class as well to expand the opportunities. First thought was a Howa possibly a rifled action http://www.guns.gb.com/contents/en-uk/p1734.html in a GRS stock. I'm only 5'7" so possibly the Decima Hunter http://grsriflestocks.com/grodas/decima-hunter .
Or off the shelf with a Savage 12 BVSS http://shootingsports.edgarbrothers.com ... -BVSS.aspx

The adjustability of the GRS is appealling. I find getting good scope alignment and cheek weld difficult on the NRASC club guns being quite small framed.

Then the vexed question of optics. Here I think an initial choice of the Fox 8-32X50 then see what comes in the future.

Then there's something longer term project at the back of my mind. Something petite, cheap to feed to get lots of trigger time now with potential to become a project - a CZ 527 in 7.62x39 which could be rebarreled to 6.5 grendel if the reloading bug bites. I would think that would fit S-Class well.

Comments on the choices and any other ideas welcome.
Thanks

I fitted a GRS Varmint stock to a .243 Sako 85 a couple of months ago and it made a nicely balanced combination and was certainly S Class compatible, I pillar and glass bedded the one I did however it is not absolutely necessary. A handy rifle.

The BVSS is a cracking rifle and offers superb accuracy out of the box however the prices are eye watering these days.

Anything in 54R is going to be cheep to feed, I prefer the P14 as it offers a very cheap platform and they can be pleasantly accurate however .303 ammunition is getting more expensive these days. Have you considered a 6,5x55? Choose the right rifle and you could end up with a good S Class rifle that will do 1000 yards.

What would you suggest in 6.5x55?

The Erma M1 carbine is a tidy wee gun and some parts and mags are avaliable if a tad expensive.

Don't knock the 10/22, plenty about second hand, and they are very versatile. Lots of after market parts available, and there's lots of info on simple DIY work to improve the trigger operation. You can make a 10/22 look like almost anything, check out the Rimfire Central web site.

Wasn't knocking the 10/22. The Erma just seemed to be a gun that it's users seemed to like, is a bit different and interesting.

I do like the Savage out of the box. Due to weight I am not sure it is ideal for S-Class. Also apart from the .308 it might just been too fast a flyer for MOD land.

Remington 700 in 308 would do you to 1000 yards. Go for the 26" varmint barrel. Might need a different stock but there's plenty of tinkering potential.
I might just be lucky but i find the Prvi Match ammo is very good in 308 win and for 303 I have tried HPS Target ammo which groups tighter than the standard prvi or S&B.

Hi Knewmans;

I'm probably far too late with this reply and I really only want to comment regarding service rifles.

Like yourself, I like a bit of history attached to what I shoot and I'm not much of a black-gun fan either. I can see the attraction but every man to his own I guess. I have the following in my safe and exercise them all on a regular basis:-

Enfield No 4 Mk2 (this is an excellent rifle and shoots really well. Buy 100 PPU and reload using the cases)
Mosin M38 carbine (an absolute blast in more ways than one. Reasonably accurate, easy to shoulder and ammo is as cheap as chips)
Swiss K31 (very accurate and extremely well made. Unique bolt action. Put a scope on it then watch what it can really deliver)

All of the above are wood and steel. No plastic. When you pull the trigger you'll get a very reassuring 'thump' in the shoulder which is sure to bring a smile to your face and of course, you'll have the pleasure of knowing that you have a real piece of history in your hands.

Whatever you decide to buy, take it to the range regularly and enjoy it because that really is what it's all about

Mezzer

Thanks for the thoughts. Must admit I'm erring towards a K31 but will need a variation after the Met chopped the number of slots I could have.