They aren't called Just Empty Every Pocket for nothing. Only vehicle that I ever had that left me on the side of the road, twice.
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Best Vehicle for Precision Rifle Guys?
- Thread starter arm017
- Start date
They aren't called Just Empty Every Pocket for nothing. Only vehicle that I ever had that left me on the side of the road, twice.
They're called that because you buy a Wrangler and end up putting a lift and bigger tires on it, then you put a bigger lift on and swap out the axles to Dana 60s so you can put on even bigger tires, then you regear because you need more gear to turn the tires, then you swap in a V8 for more power.
The 4 liter straight sixes they had in Jeeps in the 80s-2000s last forever. They routinely go 300,000 miles which is outstanding for an engine that came out back then.
Truck with a tonneu cover. I never liked driving around with my guns and gear visible inside the car.
You definitely need a deuce-and-a-half. Plenty of room to take the whole squad and their gear with you. Will burn anything for fuel, and can be parked anywhere.
Just kidding. You only need a bobbed-deuce.
I have an older Suburban that we always end up taking to matches. Everyone I routinely go with has a truck that can seat at least 4 but we don’t care to leave the many thousands of dollars worth of rifles and ancillary gear in the bed. Also, the last several matches I’ve been to have encountered rain. A lot of rain. I know none of us shoot safe queens only when it’s sunny with no wind, but we don’t want to needlessly abuse our stuff and you don’t want everything completely soaked or covered with dust/dirt when it’s super dry.
Three of us went from SC to the Guardian match in NC a few months ago. All of our gear plus all of our overnight bags. It didn’t reach above the back seats and gave us a little peace of mind that the rain wasn’t going to soak everything we had and it would take more than the opportunistic thief to grab our stuff at a gas station.
Just kidding. You only need a bobbed-deuce.
I have an older Suburban that we always end up taking to matches. Everyone I routinely go with has a truck that can seat at least 4 but we don’t care to leave the many thousands of dollars worth of rifles and ancillary gear in the bed. Also, the last several matches I’ve been to have encountered rain. A lot of rain. I know none of us shoot safe queens only when it’s sunny with no wind, but we don’t want to needlessly abuse our stuff and you don’t want everything completely soaked or covered with dust/dirt when it’s super dry.
Three of us went from SC to the Guardian match in NC a few months ago. All of our gear plus all of our overnight bags. It didn’t reach above the back seats and gave us a little peace of mind that the rain wasn’t going to soak everything we had and it would take more than the opportunistic thief to grab our stuff at a gas station.
What's your budget?
For mileage I suggest a VW diesel....perhaps one of off the thousands of diesel-gate returned vehicles. For true road stealth, Volvo XC70 and XC90s aren't favored by gun thieves and cops hardly recognize them at high speeds.
For mileage I suggest a VW diesel....perhaps one of off the thousands of diesel-gate returned vehicles. For true road stealth, Volvo XC70 and XC90s aren't favored by gun thieves and cops hardly recognize them at high speeds.
Oh, I've owned a few Jeep's in my time, including the bullet proof I6. Been there done most of that. You empty every pocket to keep them running, then the upgrades, then to keep them running....
Here's a different way to think about it. Cater towards making money first then spending money last. If you are concerned about a commute and gas mileage, buy the vehicle (certified pre-owned) best for this (going to work makes money). If you need to do longer trips for your PRS passion, consider renting a vehicle best suited for this. Make sure to use your new 2% cash back on everything credit card to pay for gas, coffee, road food, groceries, car rental, etc... to offset the cost of your new PRS rifle 
Only way to come rollin' to a match.
Make sure the parking lot can be seen from the safety brief area.
My cousin drove one of these for Red Bull a while back.
Pic isn't good but that looks a lot like him.
R
Make sure the parking lot can be seen from the safety brief area.
My cousin drove one of these for Red Bull a while back.
Pic isn't good but that looks a lot like him.
R
Are you looking for brand new or used? Either way, it doesn't sound like you have a real need for a truck. As much as it pains me, a Subaru sounds like a pretty good fit. Decent mileage, AWD, big cargo area, small enough to be a good commuter.
Me personally, I love our diesel excursion, awesome power and plenty of room for 6 guys without bumping shoulders and all our gear. Down side is fuel mileage and size, not a great daily commuter.
Me personally, I love our diesel excursion, awesome power and plenty of room for 6 guys without bumping shoulders and all our gear. Down side is fuel mileage and size, not a great daily commuter.
I just bought a 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE which I am very impressed with. Gas mileage is okay at 20-25 mpg, but it's a solid built vehicle with a LOT of room if you lay down the back two seats.
Get the optional captains chairs for the middle seats, and you and 3 shooting buddies can be riding in style and comfort to the match.
Get the optional captains chairs for the middle seats, and you and 3 shooting buddies can be riding in style and comfort to the match.
If you want a much more refined and luxurious Subaru, I'd highly recommend a Volvo V90 Cross Country. It is basically an AWD station wagon with a 2.5in lift. Otherwise wait a lil bit for the new Ford Bronco or the new Ford Ranger. I don't see the purpose of a full size truck unless you're gonna lug your entire collection to the range/match. Most of your stuff should fit in a nice pack with maybe another duffel full of clothes and then your rifle case.
I wish I still had my 97 Buick lesabre. Plenty of trunk space, mpg in the high 20’s on the highway, and smooth as silk
Doesn't it depend on where you set your practice targets?
There is at least one company that imports old military versions of the Mercedes Galenda Wagen and refits them in various ways.
If you get one of the 5-6 cylinder turbo diesel engines swapped in, mileage will be in the mid to high 20s I believe, with enough grunt to do some mild towing (a small travel trailer or maybe a car hauler).
Inside you can go from Spartan to high luxury depending on taste and they turn hard top ambulance versions in to awesome expeditionary vehicles if you like to camp where only the most capable off road vehicles can go.
You can buy it to have a uniquely capable vehicle or to make the Jonses' try to keep up with you.
From what I've heard, you might spend less on one than if you try to impress with a fancy new truck.
If you get one of the 5-6 cylinder turbo diesel engines swapped in, mileage will be in the mid to high 20s I believe, with enough grunt to do some mild towing (a small travel trailer or maybe a car hauler).
Inside you can go from Spartan to high luxury depending on taste and they turn hard top ambulance versions in to awesome expeditionary vehicles if you like to camp where only the most capable off road vehicles can go.
You can buy it to have a uniquely capable vehicle or to make the Jonses' try to keep up with you.
From what I've heard, you might spend less on one than if you try to impress with a fancy new truck.
As a practical matter I'd avoid anything too exotic if its going to be a daily. You don't want something that will be hard to get parts for, and when you can find them they'll be expensive
I dont tend matches, but I am a hunter and like to go out and shoot. With that said, I drive an '03 Volvo XC70 and I cant complain. $1500 purchase price, and maybe $2000 in maintenance over 3 years... it has taken me through a lot of terrain hunting. The AWD system with good winter tires gets me through foot and a half of snow readily.
I would put all terrains for summer if I needed it, but I just use momentum to get myself through anything that's a bit sloppy.
Also can get up to 35mpg
I would put all terrains for summer if I needed it, but I just use momentum to get myself through anything that's a bit sloppy.
Also can get up to 35mpg
Just bought a new f150 a couple days ago. Went with the 3.5 eco Crew vs the 2.7 but you can do the research.
I love the Tacoma’s appearance but the ford beats it in absolutely every category. More power, more room, more capability and better MPG.
Not a ford guy myself but there’s no way I would own a mid size truck that got worse MPG than a full size.
I love the Tacoma’s appearance but the ford beats it in absolutely every category. More power, more room, more capability and better MPG.
Not a ford guy myself but there’s no way I would own a mid size truck that got worse MPG than a full size.
i support this message. That said, get a G500. People who have the g500 and the diesel ones like the g500 better. It’s power is matched well to the weight of the truck.
If you go this route please hit me up to discuss details.
If you go this route please hit me up to discuss details.
I've had my 4Runner for 7 years now and just had the first failure - the light bulb in one of the directionals burned out. That's the extent of my headaches with this vehicle. Very comfortable, rugged and adaptable to whatever chore I'm doing.
No one has really mentioned anything fast, assuming a corvette won't work (they have a surprisingly big trunk) here's my contribution
I can easily fit a match's worth of gear in the back if you've got a folding stock, fold down the seats if not.
fuel economy sucks, (22.5 in mixed driving) but corners are hilariously fun and it's amazing on dirt roads and snow.
relatively quiet, well appointed, and fairly stealthy vs. it's actual capacity for hooning.
I can easily fit a match's worth of gear in the back if you've got a folding stock, fold down the seats if not.
fuel economy sucks, (22.5 in mixed driving) but corners are hilariously fun and it's amazing on dirt roads and snow.
relatively quiet, well appointed, and fairly stealthy vs. it's actual capacity for hooning.
^^ Looks like fun : when the tar stops the fun begins ! Unfortunately a lot of the unsealed roads around
my area have a lot of rocks embedded , which kill low profile tyres and rims very fast . Last time I had
to traverse one in a road car, I was down to 20 Kph on 45 profiles , dodging rocks .
my area have a lot of rocks embedded , which kill low profile tyres and rims very fast . Last time I had
to traverse one in a road car, I was down to 20 Kph on 45 profiles , dodging rocks .
Until your head gasket walks at 10,000 miles. Weird that so many were surprised by that, its 350 hp out of 2.3L, that's very high strung
the head gasket issue has been resolved - mine is actually at the dealership right now getting it replaced. there are at least 3 versions of the 2.3L engine, and some were mislabeled and made there way to Germany all RS's are built globally. Ford did the right the right thing and proactively replacing all gaskets/heads/engines regardless of mileage.
350 HP out of 140 CI isn't all that high today. Mercedes Benz, Audi make more HP per CI and Honda is about the same in the R. Porsche and Nissan both make more per CI in their 6's.
350 HP out of 140 CI isn't all that high today. Mercedes Benz, Audi make more HP per CI and Honda is about the same in the R. Porsche and Nissan both make more per CI in their 6's.
C6 GS, very nice choice.
have you ever figured out how much shooting gear you can store in the hatch?
If I didn't need car seats I'd be driving a C7, but I do, so I don't...
I'm really interested in the C8, a mid engined corvette could be the perfect sports car in terms of performance vs. cost, but I fear it will loose the huge trunk and therefor the utility of being a better hauler than expected.
have you ever figured out how much shooting gear you can store in the hatch?
If I didn't need car seats I'd be driving a C7, but I do, so I don't...
I'm really interested in the C8, a mid engined corvette could be the perfect sports car in terms of performance vs. cost, but I fear it will loose the huge trunk and therefor the utility of being a better hauler than expected.
No and it's long gone. I haven't been following the 'Vette forums or new generations since selling. I can tell you that there's no better value in sports cars. And the GS was especially good for the $. This one had the magnetic suspension control and was absolutely incredible. Nice and easy when you wanted and instant grip when needed and if you wanted to feel like your'e driving a serious sports car, turn up the magnetic control. And as far as I know, it's gotten even better. I can't imagine what an 8 or 10 speed tranny would be like in one.
My buddy's dad who once owned and is still, I believe, CEO for BOSS snow plows has a Z06 and he used to race Porsche's at the Daytona 24 hrs. That's says a lot about Corvettes. I was able to attend a Porsche driving event at High Plains Raceway w/ the same buddy and after driving all the Porsches sans a Cayman, did drive a Boxster, that they are insanely good. That auto is everything they claim. Even the Panamera was impressive for it's size. But I think I'm gonna have to get a Cayman someday soon. Same buddy is going to buy his dad's gen 7 Z06 when he buys the ZR1.?
And yes, there's a TON of room in the back hatch area on a Corvette. Well enough for a PRS comp.
I really like the idea of a Mercedes sprinter 4wd. Two chassis length options, and two roof height options, windowed or panel side. A walk-in man cave on wheels. They can tow another vehicle, and get decent mileage considering their profile.
Like this without all the bullshit bolted on the outside fucking up the mileage.
Like this without all the bullshit bolted on the outside fucking up the mileage.
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I have a 2wd tall dually. Dodge version. I have 11 seats in it, including the front 2 and enough room in the back for 11 guys worth of guns and equipment. It tows a 7.5k trailer all summer and the little 5 banger diesel does pretty good on fuel. When we take it to shoots it's nice because only one guy has to stay sober!
All you need is the biggest, baddest, loudest, highest truck you can't afford and role up to the match and where ever and pull out your safe queens and talk the talk and leave stating you forgot your ammo.
I never did that but people have told me such.
Just kidding.
Lots of great ride here.
I never did that but people have told me such.
Just kidding.
Lots of great ride here.
Try driving 7+ highway hours in a Defender...I feel like I need to amputate my left arm.
Give me an LR3, LR4 or RR Sport anyway
Give me an LR3, LR4 or RR Sport anyway
A mini van is the way to go. Ride in comfort, good gas mileage, no one ever assumes that you have anything of value, especially guns inside.
Agreed on the Mini Van- we rent one every year for the Steel Safari....fold the seats down and ride in comfort and stealth.
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I hate to admit it, too, but everything you said is accurate.
But, dang, it's a mini-van. Eeewwww ! LOL
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