Rifle Recommendations.

[SeanCallan]

I've never been a big shooter nor do I have too much experience, however I'm interested in trying to find a rifle I can use for target practice.

I am attempting in 12 months to qualify at 100+ yards as an expert marksman for the US Marine Corp. That requires I land 250 points(roughly 5 bullseyes, of 10 shots) without a scope.

I was considering the M1 as it's a trusted proven rifle and also used as a sniper rifle by the Corp.

I know Tonka has some experience but are there any other marksmen out there who have an opinion?

[invincible569]

This isnt in relations to the AIS post is it?

[SeanCallan]

You know, I knew you'd say that

No, I'm setup to enter OCS in May 06. I've already started training so I can achieve an above average score.

Because I don't have much experience with a rifle, I want to gain it before I ship out. I can't qualify to be a sharpe shooter or a sniper as I'll be an officier, but I do want to reach the highest level.

But now, this is not concerned with Kevin, I'll allow my lawyer to deal with him.

[Orion76]

poor Kevin

[Boosted98gsx]

I shoot a .220 Swift. Basically a .22 rimfire bullet in front of a .270's amount of powder. It is the world's fastest commercially produced projectile weapon at 4008fps on a compact powder load (yes that's almost 1 mile/sec). It's a very light bullet and easily subject to wind though. I would recommend a .223 though. Very much proven to be a highly accurate calibur.

[gqjeff]

.22-250 or the .223. I personally like the .22-250 though. Heres a little article on the .22-250 also.

http://www.gunblast.com/Savage_12BVSS.htm

Peace, Jeff

[SeanCallan]

No Poor Kevin. Kevin is rich with my money which I intend to get back plus I'm giving him and his friends 7 days to contact him and refund me or make things right.

As for the rifles, are you sure they aren't too small? Remember I need to get used to firing an M16 and other USMC supported rifles, .220s aren't in that list.

My father recommended an M1 (grande) as they are his favorite to shoot and he feels would be the best to learn on. Any input on those? Bigger heavier rifles at .30-06 but they have range.

The idea here is to go above a beyond 100 yards. I want the 250 points to be a joke by the time I get there. I don't want a bullet that is going to get blow around by the wind or one that starts to slow at 100 yards.

[Orion76]

If you want to pass that test with flying colors then practice with whatever is most similar to what you will be tested with.

http://www.ozarkguns.com/Colt/colt_rifles.htm

[fkadir]

Im actually trained on the M16 by the military, spent 3 yrs with the army doing Infantry work. At 100 yards, its actually quite easy to hit tactical targets. Even at 330 yards, its relatively easy to hit tactical targets. You got to watch your breathing, grip, triggering for accurate shots dead on. These are the fundamentals for good shooting.

[Heinz]

the key to be good at shooting is practice, to practice a lot, pick a caliber that is not so expensive in your area, so you can afford to practice a lot,
i am shooting for over 25 years, i got .30-06, 338Win/mag, 7mmMag, and a few handguns, but to practice, a small caliber will do the trick, of course i practice with the larger caliber too, but to shoot 500 bullets a day with a 338winmag would be expensive, and thats the number you have to shoot to get good at it,
100 yards is less as 100meter, i am using a 22cal to practice on 100meter, works just fine,

[Orion76]

Good point on the cheaper bullets, if you shoot a lot then bullets can be a huge expense.

[tonkadawg]

question is Sean - how much can you afford? M-16 (Ar-15's) M1's, those all will run you about $1000+/- for a decent rifle. Then throw in all the supplies - case, lock, cleaning supplies, sling, magazines - it can get pricey really quick for a nice set up.

Like others have said, ammo can get expensive, especially if you are shooting larger caliber rounds. Also keep in mind the range - some ranges will only let you shoot there if you buy their ammo. So I would definitely find a place that will either let you shoot your own ammo or that sells ammo at a reasonable price.

fkadir said it the best -

You got to watch your breathing, grip, triggering for accurate shots dead on. These are the fundamentals for good shooting.

remember BRASS - breathe, relax, aim, sight, squeeze. If you can perfect the fundamentals it won't matter what weapon you are shooting, you will still be able to put lead on target at a decent range. Also remember, you will spend many long hot days on the range while in the Corps shooting.

[SeanCallan]

I guess I didn't even think about the ammo.

So you'd say a .220 would be a good rifle to practice on?

[tonkadawg]

If all you are going to use this rifle for is practice - I would start off with a .22 long rifle. You can pick one up for a couple hundred dollars, ammo is cheap. Get the basics down and then move up to something larger.

What all have you shot? If not much, find a range that will rent firearms to practice on. There is a range over in Chantilly that will let you do that - although, I am not sure they will let you fire a rifle as it is an indoor range.

[SeanCallan]

I've used .22s before but not recently.

I need to find a long range here, most are indoors but I know there has to be others here in the south.