Which rifle for competition

[6.5x47]

My partner and I are entered in Competition Dynamics (Zak Smith) 24hr Sniper Challenge. I'm the LR Precision Rifleman. Shots out to 1200, mountainous terrain, up/down angles shots, where we carry all out gear (approx 50-60 lbs worth) over a 30-40 miles course. I'm asking the opinion of the board members. I've two rifles, both in 6.5x47 Lapua.

Surgon action, 1.5 AICS stock, 5.5x22 NF with heavy MTU contour barrel. 5 & 10 rd DBM. All up weight = 18 lbs. 1/2 MOA with 130 VLDs. This rifle was built to be a heavy comp rifle.

Pierce action, McMillain Rem Sporter Edge filled, 5.5x22 NF with #3 Broughton. 4 rd BDL. All up weight = 10 lbs. 1 MOA with Nosler CC 140 's. This rifle was built to be a lighter hunting rifle.

It boils down to

the extra 8 lbs of rifle, detach mags and 1/2 MOA

vs

8 lbs less rifle, slower recharge and 1 MOA

I'll have just turned 54 a few weeks before the comp, end of July. Time is of essence when covering the distance involved. I'm trying to figure out if the extra weight of the Surgeon is going to really hurt me or if the 1 MOA of the Pierce will be a negative. I'm still working on finding a more accurate load with the Pierce.

Thanks for your input.

6.5x47

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: Which rifle for competition

If you don't have a load to trust yet with the Pierce actioned gun, I wouldn't shoot it in a comp.

What is more uncomfortable?

walking 30-40 miles and getting hits or
walking 30-40 miles and getting misses

You have until July, You have time to increase your fitness to make up for the heavier gun or develop a load you trust for the Pierce actioned gun...or both.

 

[Red_SC]

Re: Which rifle for competition

Personally I'd carry the lighter rifle. It's accurate enough for 90+% of the shots I've seen in competition, and you'll shoot better if you're less tired. I might have it inletted for a DBM beforehand, depending on how the targets are laid out. You have plenty of time to figure the rifle out.

 

[Ouch!!]

Re: Which rifle for competition

8#'s will make or break you?

I say shoot what you have confidence in!

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Which rifle for competition

That's gonna be a haul! Shoot with what you shoot with best. I agree, I would rather carry a rifle that far and know I can make hits vs. a rifle that might.

 

[USAF SP]

Re: Which rifle for competition

What Ouch said. Shoot the rifle you have the most confidence in.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Which rifle for competition


Start shooting the lighter rifle more, now. Confidence will develop if it shoots. If it doesn't the decision is made for you. From what I read and hear, navigation and hiking success might prevail over shooting in that event.

 

[calling4life]

Re: Which rifle for competition

Develop a competition load for the lighter gun...

 

[thehjot]

Re: Which rifle for competition

I'm going to agree with the consensus here. Start training with the lighter weapon and work up a good load for it.
Personally, I know the weight would make more of a difference to me than the 1/2MOA of accuracy difference.
In the tactical-style matches that I've shot, the targets are pretty consistently 1MOA or bigger. You'll score hits with the Pierce and that's what counts.

 

[Lofty]

Re: Which rifle for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ouch!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">8#'s will make or break you?

I say shoot what you have confidence in! </div></div>


Huh?

In an endurance scenario, 8 pounds is a killer.

Go run 2 miles carrying a 10 bag of sand. Then do it carrying an 18 pound bag.

Why do you think the military always says, "ounces equals pounds, pounds equal pain"?