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Looking to start target shooting

Ben Cartwright SASS

Ben Cartwright SASS

Private
Minuteman
May 24, 2011
6
0
71
Massachusetts
www.hq224usmc.com
#1
I have started target shooting with my Savage BTV in .22 rimfire, we are having a target shoot coming up at my gun club for centerfire rifles and I was think up getting into centerfire target shooting, mostly for fun.

I was trying to decide what gun and caliber to get. Currently I have 2 .223’s a Bushmaster with a fixed carry handle (Mass Compliant) and a Savage Model 10, accutrigger non-heavy barrel, and in 30.06 two military guns a 1917 and a M1 Garand. Most shots will be between 50-300 yards.
I had been thinking of either a CZ or a Savage in .308 or 22-250 but wonder about adding another caliber.
I started wondering if I should just get a target upper for the Bushmaster, or get a Savage Varmint or McMillon with a heavy barrel and accutrigger in .223

I will admit that most guns shoot more accurately than I do.

Would a Savage Model 11 or 12 Varmint or McMillon be more accurate than a target upper for the Bushmaster? The trigger would probably be better than the stock Bushmaster ( I probably wouldn’t be getting a trigger job)
 
#2
Re: Looking to start target shooting

Uhhh.... Hmmm set up little toy trains and shoot them from 1000 yards with a 308..... That's my best bet...

Let us know how the insurance phone call goes when you get bent over and fucked cross-eyed after you get theived up....
 
#3
Re: Looking to start target shooting

wondering if you put a bullet in a mini train cargo trailer and set up track to the target you could get that lil guy goin fast enough to launch the bullet into the target, that'd be much cooler than either of the listed guns, IMHO
 
#4
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Uhhh.... Hmmm set up <span style="font-weight: bold">little toy trains</span> and shoot them from 1000 yards with a 308..... That's my best bet...

Let us know how the insurance phone call goes when you get bent over and fucked cross-eyed after you get theived up.... </div></div>

FTW!

1tv61y.jpg
 
#5
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ben Cartwright SAS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... Savage ... rimfire ...</div></div>

Paging Mr. Maser, white courtesy diaper, paging Mr. Maser ...
 
#6
Re: Looking to start target shooting

Take the Garand, learn to shoot it. It was built specifically for out to 300yds.
Few thousand rounds and then you will have a better idea of what you want.

OR, sell everything and buy a GAP/SAC/APA/???custom with a NF/USO/S&B/Premier.

Seriously, you will have to spend time pulling the trigger, learning to shoot before you will know what you want/need.
Buying a new rifle for a match will get you no where.
 
#10
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: force_multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">jason... I think it was really the other new guy that asked about a "sniper rifle" in the SB that pissed in the wheaties </div></div>

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w1MkjmbdHUM"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w1MkjmbdHUM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
#12
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmaHeavy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Damn beat to posting the youtube video... </div></div>

And now for an even better part ...

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Orvowfgxd7g"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Orvowfgxd7g" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
#13
Re: Looking to start target shooting

Your bushmaster with a target upper would be a great choice for shooting up to 500 yards. Ammo is cheaper, recoil is insignificant. I will recommend the rock river varmint upper as it is very accurate.

Wish the other people who replied had something useful to offer....
 
#14
Re: Looking to start target shooting

Come on guys not everyone is born in a ghillie suit, cut the guy some slack.

If you already have a savage 10 in 30-06 my suggestion would be to rebarrel with a good quality barrel in 308 or 30-06. Nothing wrong with a LA 308. You should be able to do everything yourself and it should be a lot cheaper than all you other options.

Feel free to read through similar threads...maybe Jason will post the google SH search engine link for you.
 
#15
Re: Looking to start target shooting

After the first couple replies I was thinking that this forum is not the type I would want to hang around on, would stick to the Smith and Wesson or Northeast Shooters forum.
But I appreciate the helpful replies.

My Savage is in .223

I agree with CSS I need trigger time. What I will probably do is ditch the Simmons scope that came with the Savage, pick up a decent (for me) scope in the 5-600 range and put in trigger time with the Model 10 as well as taking the Garand out and put rounds down range. After I get good with those I should have a better idea of what I want.
Also I have been using my Savage FT and BTV in .22lr to practice breathing and trigger work.
 
#17
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I'm confused, why all the instant hate for the new guy?

Did the OP get edited and I'm missing something? Or....someone pee in your Wheaties this morning? What am I missing? </div></div>

It's quite rampant... it seems that new posters, either due to their inexperience, generic questions, or by initially posting prior to reading the wealth of information on this site, are slaughtered like sheep.

But what do I know.
 
#18
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ghost1941</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I'm confused, why all the instant hate for the new guy?

Did the OP get edited and I'm missing something? Or....someone pee in your Wheaties this morning? What am I missing? </div></div>

It's quite rampant... it seems that new posters, either due to their inexperience, generic questions, or by initially posting prior to reading the wealth of information on this site, are slaughtered like sheep.

But what do I know.

</div></div>

Some of it is the as-of-yet unresolved SAS tag, and some of it was timing, as another new-to-us type sashayed into the Shout Box this morning and made of himself a lamb to our gleeful slaughter. That he had the guts to stick around despite the gently playful abuse says volumes about his character in one, if not several possible ways.
 
#19
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Some of it is the as-of-yet unresolved SAS tag,
</div></div>

Well, since the new fad seems to be to google the new guys and find all about their lives and pass judgement on them before we bother answering their questions.....I too googled.

I'm betting it's because our system wouldn't allow Ben Cartwright SASS which appears to be his user name on other shooting sites. So, maybe instead of special forces he likes revolvers (SASS....single action shooting sports?).

Now can you answer his question? Or are maybe you can just post up another youtube.com video instead of steering the guy the right direction.
 
#20
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ghost1941</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I'm confused, why all the instant hate for the new guy?

Did the OP get edited and I'm missing something? Or....someone pee in your Wheaties this morning? What am I missing? </div></div>

It's quite rampant... it seems that new posters, either due to their inexperience, generic questions, or by initially posting prior to reading the wealth of information on this site, are slaughtered like sheep.

But what do I know.

</div></div>

Some of it is the as-of-yet unresolved SAS tag, and some of it was timing, as another new-to-us type sashayed into the Shout Box this morning and made of himself a lamb to our gleeful slaughter. That he had the guts to stick around despite the gently playful abuse says volumes about his character in one, if not several possible ways. </div></div>


Or maybe its because most of you guys are pussies in real life and have to act like you bench more on the internet?

People truely show their worthlessness on here. People come wanting advise and guidance then trolls have to try and get their post count up by being pricks.


ETA: Your Bushmaster would be great like others have said up to a few hundred yards. Just make sure to get quality ammo, possible bags or bipod, other accessories to make it easier on you.
 
#21
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CleanMoostang</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ghost1941</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I'm confused, why all the instant hate for the new guy?

Did the OP get edited and I'm missing something? Or....someone pee in your Wheaties this morning? What am I missing? </div></div>

It's quite rampant... it seems that new posters, either due to their inexperience, generic questions, or by initially posting prior to reading the wealth of information on this site, are slaughtered like sheep.

But what do I know.

</div></div>

Some of it is the as-of-yet unresolved SAS tag, and some of it was timing, as another new-to-us type sashayed into the Shout Box this morning and made of himself a lamb to our gleeful slaughter. That he had the guts to stick around despite the gently playful abuse says volumes about his character in one, if not several possible ways. </div></div>


Or maybe its because most of you guys are pussies in real life and have to act like you bench more on the internet?

People truely show their worthlessness on here. People come wanting advise and guidance then trolls have to try and get their post count up by being pricks.


ETA: Your Bushmaster would be great like others have said up to a few hundred yards. Just make sure to get quality ammo, possible bags or bipod, other accessories to make it easier on you.
</div></div>

Sorry, no pussies here except for the housecat, and he's a tom. And I don't need to up my post count for anything. I'm coming up on three years and still haven't broken 1,000 posts yet.

To the OP:

The Bushmaster with a proper upper (watch twist rates, profile, projectile grain weight, etc.) would be fine out to several hundred yards, but bear in mind that (a) gas guns tend to lag slightly in accuracy to bolts, (b) you'll want a special, expensive-ish buttstock for maximum accuracy (unless you want to rock an A2 with the addition of a CVT), (c) perching your optics on top of a carry handle (no idea if you're stuck with the carry handle or not in MA) is less than ideal, and (d) target/varmint uppers represent the lion's share of cost of any AR for a good reason.

I wouldn't stress myself out about getting top of the line .30 cal. gear until you've shot the crap out of more entry level stuff and had a chance to learn a bit on your own and from others. Get a reliable if unspectacular mildot scope and learn how to range and measure with it. Find out about the esoteric effects of wind, moisture, mirage, and other such things and then think about "more" caliber and spendy doodads.
 
#22
Re: Looking to start target shooting

I second the motion to rebarrel the Savage in something like a .308. I have approximately $1400 into my Savage (including optics, bipod, etc.) and it will shoot just as good as some of these customs that cost $3k+.
 
#24
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: force_multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hey Ben... you know we can swap the bolthead on that 223 savage along w/ a rebarrel and make it any short action caliber you want... 308, 7mm 08, <span style="font-weight: bold">260</span>, 243, etc, etc... </div></div>

260 is a very useful thing.
 
#27
Re: Looking to start target shooting

I know I am getting tired of the teenage girls with nothing better to do then run someone down. If you guys have nothing better to do, go do your witching on Facebook.
BC, start reading here, a lot. Then, start shooting, a lot. You will find a lot of good info here in between the teenage crap. There are a lot of very good shooters that know what they are talking about. It sounds like you have a good start, use what you have and learn the gun and how to shoot it.
 
#28
Re: Looking to start target shooting

If his username has SAS in it and it has to do with SASS(Were's the extra S?), then I'm changing my username to Disney's newest Pirate movie, SEAL Team Six.
 
#29
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CleanMoostang</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ghost1941</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I'm confused, why all the instant hate for the new guy?

Did the OP get edited and I'm missing something? Or....someone pee in your Wheaties this morning? What am I missing? </div></div>

It's quite rampant... it seems that new posters, either due to their inexperience, generic questions, or by initially posting prior to reading the wealth of information on this site, are slaughtered like sheep.

But what do I know.

</div></div>

Some of it is the as-of-yet unresolved SAS tag, and some of it was timing, as another new-to-us type sashayed into the Shout Box this morning and made of himself a lamb to our gleeful slaughter. That he had the guts to stick around despite the gently playful abuse says volumes about his character in one, if not several possible ways. </div></div>


Or maybe its because most of you guys are pussies in real life and have to act like you bench more on the internet?

People truely show their worthlessness on here. People come wanting advise and guidance then trolls have to try and get their post count up by being pricks.


ETA: Your Bushmaster would be great like others have said up to a few hundred yards. Just make sure to get quality ammo, possible bags or bipod, other accessories to make it easier on you.
</div></div>
I am a pussy in real life. I don't even bench that much on the Internet, much less real life. I have never shot a real gun before, but I do know that you don't go into new territory and start asking erroneous questions before seeing how they operate, whether on this forum, work, or any other place.... Observation is important.

TO BEN, the fact that you didn't run off crying or bitch out after being slapped around a little says you are stupid, or you can take the abuse, hopefully being the latter. Welcome to SH and keep thick skin. You need it here.

If it was me, I'd get to reloading for that savage 223. 77SMK or 75 Hornady BTHP would be your keys to success. Shoot it till the barrel falls off, then rebarrel. By the time you need to rebarrel, you won't need to ask what's next.



jasonk, don't be hatin.... That's all, carry on. I wanted you to feel loved
 
#30
Re: Looking to start target shooting

man weve got some real cocksuckers on this forum.. i hope you never treat people like me like that in real life for your sake. fuggin knuckle sandwich and a hawiian punch to wash it down.
 
#32
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some people just got to hate ?

I would get a nice heavy freefloat upper for you AR platform, & spend $ on a nice trigger and ammo </div></div>

Didnt see it in your original posts, but how long is the OP's barrel on those bushmasters?

Freefloats would be a nice addition.

Also, what for optics?
 
#33
Re: Looking to start target shooting

For all the guys on the forum, I am Ben Cartwright SASS on other forums, "SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY" my alias is Ben Cartwright in Cowboy Action shooting. I was setting up my username here and typed in SASS and hit return and then noticed that it dropped the final S, it never dawned on me that it could be construed as SAS the elite WWII group.
I was Navy during Vietnam (USS Independence) and I am the webmaster for www.HQ224USMC.com a website I created for my Dad and his men who served with him on IWO JIMA, Roi Namur, Saipan and Tinian.
I have changed the username to just my moniker so the some people don't get their panties in an uproar.
 
#34
Re: Looking to start target shooting

I took my Savage M10 .223 )it has the factory Simmons 3-9 scope and a regular barrel) to the range today with 4 different types of ammo, 3 that I picked up at Walmart and one at a local gunshop. I could get to my club with a 100 yard range so had to go to my other club that only has a 50. it was slightly windy (15 mph). I don't know what the rifling twist is.
I decided the best thing is range time. At this point almost any gun shoots more accuratly than me.
I felt that the best thing is to start punching holes and keeping records. I shot off a Bass Pro rest.

the first shot with a cold bore was at 11 oclock and the next two said that the scope was sighted then I started running the tests.
The Remington was the first group fired the Federal second and the Winchester 3rd and the Wolf last. all were 55 grains except the Winchester which was 50. They were all 5 shot groups except the Wolf was 10.
The rifle seems to like the Winchester the best or the 50gr, but I need alot of practice and alot more range time. It is certainly not as good as I can do with my 22LR. I think this will be a good starting point.

target05272011223savage_0002-1.jpg
 
#35
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kentactic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">man weve got some real cocksuckers on this forum.. i hope you never treat people like me like that in real life for your sake. fuggin knuckle sandwich and a hawiian punch to wash it down. </div></div>
Was this directed at me?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ben Cartwright</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took my Savage M10 .223 )it has the factory Simmons 3-9 scope and a regular barrel) to the range today with 4 different types of ammo, 3 that I picked up at Walmart and one at a local gunshop. I could get to my club with a 100 yard range so had to go to my other club that only has a 50. it was slightly windy (15 mph). I don't know what the rifling twist is.
I decided the best thing is range time. At this point almost any gun shoots more accuratly than me.
I felt that the best thing is to start punching holes and keeping records. I shot off a Bass Pro rest.

the first shot with a cold bore was at 11 oclock and the next two said that the scope was sighted then I started running the tests.
The Remington was the first group fired the Federal second and the Winchester 3rd and the Wolf last. all were 55 grains except the Winchester which was 50. They were all 5 shot groups except the Wolf was 10.
The rifle seems to like the Winchester the best or the 50gr, but I need alot of practice and alot more range time. It is certainly not as good as I can do with my 22LR. I think this will be a good starting point.

target05272011223savage_0002-1.jpg
</div></div>
I would check out Triad Tactical for Black Hills 77SMK ammo. Your 223 is a 1:9 twist.
if you don't practice the 3 breath exercise, you should. it will help tremendously. It appears you are anticipation the boom and recoil so you jerk the trigger a bit. other than that, glad you got out and to shootin!
 
#36
Re: Looking to start target shooting

I would check out Triad Tactical for Black Hills 77SMK ammo. Your 223 is a 1:9 twist.
if you don't practice the 3 breath exercise, you should. it will help tremendously. It appears you are anticipation the boom and recoil so you jerk the trigger a bit. other than that, glad you got out and to shootin![/quote]

I will checkout the Black Hills ammo, I use some of theirs in my Cowboy Shooting.
Very few companies will ship ammo to the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts!
I will be your right about anticipating! That is why my .22lr groups are one ragged hole if I use the good ammo.
When I think about it a couple times I didn't chamber a round but thougth I did, when I went to pull the trigger I kind of pushed the gun and jerked the trigger. I can get away with that on shortrange steel or combat pistol but not on target shooting.

Is the 3 breath, 3 good breaths and let the last out halfway and hold it and squeeze off the round?

I will also have one of my son's (yes I have 3 sons and the youngest is a lefty and the middle one is heavy set, which is why the alias for SASS) anyway I will have one of my son's load the mag while I don't watch and put a snap cap in somewhere and that would show anticipating and flinching!
 
#37
Re: Looking to start target shooting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ben Cartwright</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the 3 breath, 3 good breaths and let the last out halfway and hold it and squeeze off the round?

I will also have one of my son's (yes I have 3 sons and the youngest is a lefty and the middle one is heavy set, which is why the alias for SASS) anyway I will have one of my son's load the mag while I don't watch and put a snap cap in somewhere and that would show anticipating and flinching!</div></div>
The snap cap idea is a good one. if I catch my groups opening up, I do that.
just 3 slow easy relaxed breaths. it actually forces your heart rate to slow and relaxes you more. its a mentality thing. let it fly at the bottom of your 3rd breath as a flat balloon (your lungs) is more stable than a fully inflated one which allows you to rock back and forth... did I put that so that anyone but me can understand it?
 
#38
Re: Looking to start target shooting

buy an sks sniper rifle wearing a bsa illuminated horus retical (this can be added with a sharpie but that costs nearly as much as the scope)complete with coriolis rangefinding capability then krylon that beast a nice flektard pattern followed by profuse and extensive burlap wrappings securely 550 corded in place. you can easily expect your bullets to hit something at least 500 yards away 100% granted the correct max elevate protocol is followed.
also be sure it has enuf rail and wears a bayonet preferably the buttout tool variety.
 
#39
Re: Looking to start target shooting

Ben
I checked out the site you made for your pop. Pretty nice. My dad was at Saipan. He ran a portable radar unit and radio station after they landed. They were supposed to go to Tinian but were sent to Hawaii to get new equipment. They never got back into the fight after that. He was 2MARDIV and he has no idea any longer what his unit was. He remembers the Marianas turkey shoot and watched it on the radar. The thing he remembers the most about the landing was all the bodies in the water. He said Japs but I am sure there were Marines there too.
Good luck with the rifle.
Dave
 
#40
Re: Looking to start target shooting

crumpmd
Thank you for checking out the site, it has been a passion of mine, to honor all those who fought. I was Navy 72-76.

I am taking the advice of several forum members and putting in range time with the guns I have while learning technique, trigger control and more, both with scopes and iron sights.
 
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