PRS Talk Looking at production class PRS

[Hogman2]

Looking at shooting production class next year MPRSC. Have read through a bunch of information on here and all has been excellent. Currently thinking of going with the Masterpiece arms PMR pro with an Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29×56 APRS FFP IR MIL UHD as it fits the cost cap for optics. Trying to decide on what to have it chambered in what mount for optics as well as input on reticle choice. I am thinking 6gt but would love to have some input on other options. Thank you

 

[SonoranPrecision]

If you’re new to the sport, don’t overthink it. Pick a caliber and run with it, people put way too much stock in caliber selection. I’d recommend a 6 or 6.5 creedmoor, as they have more and cheaper factory ammo options. Of those, 6.5 creedmoor will give longer barrel life.
For optic mounts, ARC M-10 rings are excellent and reasonably priced.
Reticle choice is super personal, and hard to give recommendations for. I’d say stick with a mil based system, and a “Christmas tree” reticle, ideally one with .2 windage graduations. Again, don’t over think this either. If you’re new to the sport, your misses will be your inexperience and not which reticle, optic mount, or caliber you picked. Just pick one and start shooting. Shoot for a season, then decide if there’s anything you’d like to change.

 

[1moaoff]

Class doesn't really matter.
The match is the match.
Unless you are trying to win the division it doesn't matter.

 

[308pirate]

Looking at shooting production class next year MPRSC. Have read through a bunch of information on here and all has been excellent. Currently thinking of going with the Masterpiece arms PMR pro with an Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29×56 APRS FFP IR MIL UHD as it fits the cost cap for optics. Trying to decide on what to have it chambered in what mount for optics as well as input on reticle choice. I am thinking 6gt but would love to have some input on other options. Thank you

If you’re new to the sport, don’t overthink it. Pick a caliber and run with it, people put way too much stock in caliber selection. I’d recommend a 6 or 6.5 creedmoor, as they have more and cheaper factory ammo options. Of those, 6.5 creedmoor will give longer barrel life.
For optic mounts, ARC M-10 rings are excellent and reasonably priced.
Reticle choice is super personal, and hard to give recommendations for. I’d say stick with a mil based system, and a “Christmas tree” reticle, ideally one with .2 windage graduations. Again, don’t over think this either. If you’re new to the sport, your misses will be your inexperience and not which reticle, optic mount, or caliber you picked. Just pick one and start shooting. Shoot for a season, then decide if there’s anything you’d like to change.

OP, re-read SonoranPrecision's advice over and over again. Get basic, adequate gear and ammo and then forget about it. You will suck your first one or two seasons. It's just the way it is.

 

[Hogman2]

Sounds like a fair enough deal guys! I will have all winter to find a scope that fits in the production class cost of 2000 or less. Just like to get the best bang for the buck on optics. Ordered the PMR pro today.

 

[308pirate]

Sounds like a fair enough deal guys! I will have all winter to find a scope that fits in the production class cost of 2000 or less. Just like to get the best bang for the buck on optics. Ordered the PMR pro today.

Why Production? It doesn't sound like it provides any differentiator from Open. As has been said, gear isn't what's allowing the big dogs in open beat the noobs.

 

[Hogman2]

I suppose I will learn more when I head up on October 10th. I will dig in a little more. I figured production was for noobs and open was for the big dogs.

 

[308pirate]

I figured production was for noobs and open was for the big dogs.

Not really.

 

[Hogman2]

Well there are quite a few nice choices for optics out there. I should probably not waste half the money and go for the one that seems to be the bees knees then. https://www.nightforceusa.com/Nightforce-ATACR-7-35x56-F1-ZeroStop-1mrad-Illum-PTL-TReMoR3-C571.aspx

 

[SonoranPrecision]

Well there are quite a few nice choices for optics out there. I should probably not waste half the money and go for the one that seems to be the bees knees then. https://www.nightforceusa.com/Nightforce-ATACR-7-35x56-F1-ZeroStop-1mrad-Illum-PTL-TReMoR3-C571.aspx

Here’s some definitive advice on an optic. NEVER pay msrp for any optic. Find it cheaper somewhere else. In fact, since you will more than likely be swapping things around after a year or two (maybe less), it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy used until till you know what’s important to you.
For instance, I hate the tremor3 reticle, I wouldn’t use an ATACR with a tremor3 if they gave it to me for free. I’d be way more pissed if I found that out after paying full price than if I bought used where I can sell it and at least recoup most, if not all, of what I spent.

 

[Hogman2]

Here’s some definitive advice on an optic. NEVER pay msrp for any optic. Find it cheaper somewhere else. In fact, since you will more than likely be swapping things around after a year or two (maybe less), it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy used until till you know what’s important to you.
For instance, I hate the tremor3 reticle, I wouldn’t use an ATACR with a tremor3 if they gave it to me for free. I’d be way more pissed if I found that out after paying full price than if I bought used where I can sell it and at least recoup most, if not all, of what I spent. I have honestly been a Burris fan. May not be the best but I have had great luck with them in the past. This looks pretty nice for the price.

For sure on used! The only point I was making about MSRP is the production class set a limit of 2000 dollars and that was to be the price displayed on the manufacturers website. I see a ton of nice used optics and great deals from supporting vendors that are far below MSRP. I don’t think I care for the tremor 3 either.

I have honestly been a Burris fan. May not be the best but I have had great luck with them in the past. This looks pretty nice for the price

XTR III 5.5-30x56mm | Burris Optics

A competition shooter's dream the 5.5-30X56 XTR3 offers forgiving eye relief and a huge field of view thanks to the 34mm main tube and 56mm objective.

www.burrisoptics.com

 

[SonoranPrecision]

For sure on used! The only point I was making about MSRP is the production class set a limit of 2000 dollars and that was to be the price displayed on the manufacturers website. I see a ton of nice used optics and great deals from supporting vendors that are far below MSRP. I don’t think I care for the tremor 3 either.

I have honestly been a Burris fan. May not be the best but I have had great luck with them in the past. This looks pretty nice for the price

XTR III 5.5-30x56mm | Burris Optics

A competition shooter's dream the 5.5-30X56 XTR3 offers forgiving eye relief and a huge field of view thanks to the 34mm main tube and 56mm objective.

www.burrisoptics.com

I’ve heard great things about the xtriii, again try not to overthink it.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I suppose I will learn more when I head up on October 10th. I will dig in a little more. I figured production was for noobs and open was for the big dogs.

With all the companies now making “production” rifles as well as optics still being very useable at $2k, production is pretty stupid now.

You’ll shoot the same cof as open, with equipment that could win open, and you’ll probably find a few pretty good shooters in production as well. You literally gain nothing from it except maybe a participation trophy if you finish top production but like 40th overall.

So, if you find a rifle/optic combo that you really want that falls under production costs, by all means go for it. But if you sacrifice something you really want to stay in production class, you do absolutely nothing to become a better marksman.

 

[Hogman2]

With all the companies now making “production” rifles as well as optics still being very useable at $2k, production is pretty stupid now.

You’ll shoot the same cof as open, with equipment that could win open, and you’ll probably find a few pretty good shooters in production as well. You literally gain nothing from it except maybe a participation trophy if you finish top production but like 40th overall.

So, if you find a rifle/optic combo that you really want that falls under production costs, by all means go for it. But if you sacrifice something you really want to stay in production class, you do absolutely nothing to become a better marksman.

Completely understood. I am not in need of a participation award all all. I tend to jump into things with 2 feet and become a little OCD about it. Again after reading the PRS rule book I took the wrong assumption that production class was a place for a noob to step in and learn from.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Completely understood. I am not in need of a participation award all all. I tend to jump into things with 2 feet and become a little OCD about it. Again after reading the PRS rule book I took the wrong assumption that production class was a place for a noob to step in and learn from.

That was the original intent. But it has morphed into something completely different.

 

[308pirate]

That was the original intent.

Trying to write intent into rules ends up with all sorts of mental retardation. Just look at IDPA...…………..

 

[308pirate]

Looking at shooting production class next year MPRSC. Have read through a bunch of information on here and all has been excellent. Currently thinking of going with the Masterpiece arms PMR pro with an Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29×56 APRS FFP IR MIL UHD as it fits the cost cap for optics. Trying to decide on what to have it chambered in what mount for optics as well as input on reticle choice. I am thinking 6gt but would love to have some input on other options. Thank you

Not sure if you noticed this about PRS Production rules:

• If your barrel needs to be replaced, it must be sent back to the original manufacture for a replacement barrel of equal value. Factory barrels are authorized to be rebarreled/fitted by a gunsmith if no factory option to re-barrel exists. However, only factory barrels are authorized replacements. Caliber changes are authorized if the manufacture offers the caliber in the same production gun.

• You may safely tune your original trigger but replacement triggers are not allowed.

May or may not matter to you. The rebarreling restrictions part would be a no go for me.

 

[mpk1996]

you are looking at the right area. the production class rifles are a great value. honelty, that rifle will not hold you back at all compared to a full custom setup. so, get the MPA rifle that you like. when you shoot out that barrel, then you can decide if you want to continue to run production or put a different barrel on it and run open. barrels are consumables, like bullets, so don't get to wrapped up in it.

the thing that will "hold you back" in production is the optics. frankly, there will be times where you will not see what others are seeing. will that matter in your placement initially? no. will it hold you back. not really. its worth maybe 2-3 point in a match. now, if you are competing for the top places that may matter. guys like doug and phil have done very well in the overall shooting a production class rifle and optic, so its not like it can't be done.

I think the Athlon is one of the better setups for production class. Ive looked through them and shot them and they are very very good. they have all the feature you want and don't compromise as much as the others in that price range for a PRS competition scope. The only other one in that areana would be the NF NX8 line. again very good scopes, but they were not built as a full tactical/PRS style scope. they were built to be shorter lighter scopes and excel at that. They are a little more finicky to get behind because of that short tube.

as far as cal selection goes. 6 GT is a great round (I have one and like it a lot). Kinda head to head with the dasher. but you really don't have factory ammo available (you do have "production hand loaded ammo" from places like copper creek, but that gets pricey). so if you are planning on hand loading, go with the 6 GT. if you are wanting to hand load but still have factory match ammo go with the 6 creed.

 

[Hogman2]

I have a PRM pro ordered in 6gt. I have a little bit of time to figure out optics but will probably get the scope I want and shoot open. Thank you guys for the input.

 

[Hogman2]

Here’s some definitive advice on an optic. NEVER pay msrp for any optic. Find it cheaper somewhere else. In fact, since you will more than likely be swapping things around after a year or two (maybe less), it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy used until till you know what’s important to you.
For instance, I hate the tremor3 reticle, I wouldn’t use an ATACR with a tremor3 if they gave it to me for free. I’d be way more pissed if I found that out after paying full price than if I bought used where I can sell it and at least recoup most, if not all, of what I spent.

got a nice deal on a used KahlesK624i with the SMR3 reticle. Excited to get this package together. I appreciate everyone’s help and input.

 

[jrowlands]

Hey everyone, I've been thinking about writing the same post for a while now. I just started PRS and have shot a few comps with my 22 lr but also wanted to get into the center fire world. I was considering the MPA PMR (not the pro) in 6.5 Creedmoor and adding a vertical grip and a break. I figured the longer barrel life and cheaper availability of components will allow me to practice more. I just had a few questions,

1: is the GT worth it, alot of the Guys that shot at the local comp use 6mm BR. I've looked at the GT as an alternative But as it stands right now i don't see brass being available.
2: I was originally going to stay in production but after what you guys said it doesn't look like it matters, so would the Vortex Razor HD II be a decent scope to start with. Again alot of the guys use nightforce but they are out of by budget to get started, where I've seen used Vortex razors in my budget.
3: Are there other rifles i should look at to consider, I originally went with the mpa because at a rimfire match one guy let me shoot his CZ 455 in a mpa chassis and I loved the vertical grip and hand position it just felt very natural to me
4: Are season has ended the PRS range is closed due to hunting season so I'm in no rush. is there holiday sales i should wait for or dose that more or less not exist in this industry.

Thanks for the help everyone, I hate feeling like I'm being annoying asking endless questions but there is so much information to start and no one in my family shoots so I'm on my own trying to learn this from the community.

 

[SonoranPrecision]

Hey everyone, I've been thinking about writing the same post for a while now. I just started PRS and have shot a few comps with my 22 lr but also wanted to get into the center fire world. I was considering the MPA PMR (not the pro) in 6.5 Creedmoor and adding a vertical grip and a break. I figured the longer barrel life and cheaper availability of components will allow me to practice more. I just had a few questions,

1: is the GT worth it, alot of the Guys that shot at the local comp use 6mm BR. I've looked at the GT as an alternative But as it stands right now i don't see brass being available.
2: I was originally going to stay in production but after what you guys said it doesn't look like it matters, so would the Vortex Razor HD II be a decent scope to start with. Again alot of the guys use nightforce but they are out of by budget to get started, where I've seen used Vortex razors in my budget.
3: Are there other rifles i should look at to consider, I originally went with the mpa because at a rimfire match one guy let me shoot his CZ 455 in a mpa chassis and I loved the vertical grip and hand position it just felt very natural to me
4: Are season has ended the PRS range is closed due to hunting season so I'm in no rush. is there holiday sales i should wait for or dose that more or less not exist in this industry.

Thanks for the help everyone, I hate feeling like I'm being annoying asking endless questions but there is so much information to start and no one in my family shoots so I'm on my own trying to learn this from the community.

1. GT will be easier to make it feed reliably. (Also Prime makes factory ammo for it). I’d still recommend a creedmoor
2. Razor HD 2 is a great scope. Get it in mils.
3. If you want a very nice turnkey rifle, there are three that I would highly recommend, MPA PMR (pro or not), GAP PPR, ARC Nucleus Rifle.
4. Black Friday can be good, same for Memorial Day.

Lastly, keep it simple, learn the sport, and have fun

 

[Dthomas3523]

Do not get a 6gt if you’re considering factory ammo. You’ll spend $4k on ammo to burn a barrel out. That’s enough to buy 2-3 6cm barrels and enough factory ammo to burn out one of the barrels.

With mag kits available, getting BR cases to feed is pretty easy and basically a non issue for any competent gunsmith.

 

[jrowlands]

I was planning on reloading, once you can get primers again at least. That's why I am on the fence about round choice. Also the MPA come in a GT option but not a BR option. I suppose i could always go with a custom build but that will really stretch my budget. one that was recommended to me was the bighorn arms origin barreled action. Also I always wanted to shoot 1000+ yards and i don't know what the ballistics of 6 br would be at that kind of range, I assume it would probably be fine just not have as much impact force.

 

[SonoranPrecision]

I was planning on reloading, once you can get primers again at least. That's why I am on the fence about round choice. Also the MPA come in a GT option but not a BR option. I suppose i could always go with a custom build but that will really stretch my budget. one that was recommended to me was the bighorn arms origin barreled action. Also I always wanted to shoot 1000+ yards and i don't know what the ballistics of 6 br would be at that kind of range, I assume it would probably be fine just not have as much impact force.

If you’re fine with loading for everything, the world’s your oyster. The BR’s, Dasher, GT will all get it done. They won’t have quite as much downrange energy as others, but you also have less recoil and it’s easier to spot misses. If this is strictly a PRS rifle, as long as spotters can see the target move that’s all that matters. If you want to shoot 1400, 1500, or further, you will likely start to have issues with a BR derivative, but that’s also a whole other game.