I need some advice...

[Nooch13]

so I want to start shooting some competition events this summer. I've got 2 builds that I am close to being ready to go on. Here is what I'm running:

remington 700 .300 win mag (trued)
xlr element with tactical buttstock
20 Moa base
timney ce
Harris Brm-s bipod with larue mount
28" hart heavy with 1:11 twist
APA fat bastard gen 2
vortex viper PST 6-24x50 mil/mil illuminated

remington 700 .308
xlr element with tactical buttstock
20 Moa base
blackhawk swiveling bipod
timney ce
pac-nor 20" barrel 1:10 twist
APA fat bastard gen 2
leupold varixiii 4.5-14x50 duplex ret/Moa turrets

i know I need a kestrel, spotter and bags (was thinking of making my own bags). My tripod is weak compared to what most of you have, it's a caldwell field pod magnum. Like everyone, budget is a concern.

I guess, part of what I'm asking is not only what gear would you suggest, but what events would fit my guns. I don't fit the "f class mold", I'm more of a tactical setup. Any suggestions?

thanks guys

Bryan

 

[PBWalsh]

Disclaimer: I've never shot competition or any form of PRS.

Ok, that said,

A. I'd switch your PST and Harris to the .308 and burn that .308 barrel out, then spin on a 24"+ 6.5/6mm barrel.

B. Do A but immediately put on a 6.5/6mm barrel.

C. Burn a piss ton of money and shoot the 300WM in PRS. Hey, you'll have incredible recoil management and put some serious KE on steel!

If I were you though, I'd look at option A if you're on a tight budget. If you can swing it, I'd look at a 6.5/6mm barrel to be competitive. The .308 is my favorite, but if I did compete, I'd have a 6.5CM at 24"ish.

 

[Nooch13]

Sounds like an option. Especially since I haven't installed that barrel yet...what would that do to me as far as different classes though? I was looking at the f class rules and that would leave me with 2 "f open" rifles. I know that's a bad example as I don't meet their rifle build standards...lol

 

[Nooch13]

And thanks for replying! I'm open to any/all ideas (preferably good ones, though I've been known to listen to bad ones too)! Lol

 

[Thud]

I would go to a local competition and see what gear the people are using. Then make your descisions based on that.
Remember "BUY ONCE CRY ONCE, BUY TWICE CRY TWICE.
Good Luck

 

[Roddd]

Is there any reason you need those two rifles? You can sell one and put some money into the other, or sell both and pick something used up in the classifieds that's in a 6.5 flavor. Or just run your 300 WM. You can be competitive with it shooting Black Hills 190 factory ammo. Go to a few tactical matches with it and see if it's your cup of tea and make adjustments from there. Even if you finish flat ass last, you'll still have fun.

 

[Nooch13]

Oh yeah, I'm not worried about where I place, I just want to shoot. There's no reason I need to keep those 2, but I like doing the majority of my own work (other than truing etc). To me that's half the fun of it. I really enjoy working on the rifles...

i did just start reloading as well, so I'm hoping that helps my accuracy a bit (might hurt it before it helps as I'm just learning lol)...

 

[Nooch13]

Problem is with the "local events" is that there doesn't seem to be too many up here. And honestly, the range in Norman (just outside of OKC) follows f class and NRA rules. I haven't found a category I qualify to shoot there. No brakes, 4.5 lb or greater triggers etc...

i found another range, fouled bore, near chickasha but they don't seem that active with events...

 

[Opticsspecialist]

If you decide to keep both rifles and budget is an issue. With the right mounts you could move the PST back and forth between both rifles.

 

[Nooch13]

If you decide to keep both rifles and budget is an issue. With the right mounts you could move the PST back and forth between both rifles.

Now that is something I hadn't considered...excellent idea! Any suggestions on the mount?

 

[Opticsspecialist]

I would probably go with the Nightforce 30mm .885 height rings. Item # A118. Really anything from .87' to 1.00" should do very well and look good. Doing this you can keep things consistent. Opens up a lot of options. Let me know if you need any help.

 

[Sheldon N]

My $0.02...

Put the Harris bipod and PST on the 308. Work up a good load for the 308 so you can reload and shoot that gun a lot. You don't need a kestrel or a spotter or tripod or anything much more than a rear bag to go to a match.

Shoot PRS style steel matches. There is a lot of PRS activity in Oklahoma. Be willing to drive a longer distance and find some club matches. Once you attend the first one you'll be able to find out all the details on other matches from other experienced shooters, usually this stuff is on Facebook groups. Yes, it might involve driving but it's worth it... my closest match is 2 hours and there are several club matches that I'll drive 6 hours and camp overnight for.

You'll learn a ton, you'll have a blast, and by the time that 308 barrel is shot out you'll know exactly what you want or don't want in new gear. Spend the rest of your money on ammo and range time.

 

[Nooch13]

My $0.02...

Put the Harris bipod and PST on the 308. Work up a good load for the 308 so you can reload and shoot that gun a lot. You don't need a kestrel or a spotter or tripod or anything much more than a rear bag to go to a match.

Shoot PRS style steel matches. There is a lot of PRS activity in Oklahoma. Be willing to drive a longer distance and find some club matches. Once you attend the first one you'll be able to find out all the details on other matches from other experienced shooters, usually this stuff is on Facebook groups. Yes, it might involve driving but it's worth it... my closest match is 2 hours and there are several club matches that I'll drive 6 hours and camp overnight for.

You'll learn a ton, you'll have a blast, and by the time that 308 barrel is shot out you'll know exactly what you want or don't want in new gear. Spend the rest of your money on ammo and range time.

I'm definetly willing to drive and we have a 5th wheel so we could always turn it into a family camping event. I checked the prs site and only saw one somewhat local event coming up and that was in the Dallas area in sept. If you know of any others, can you drop me a line?

also, what bags do you recommend? I was thinking of trying to make some, but might be better off buying a good set and getting it right the first time...

 

[IanHusaberg]

Shoot the 308. With the 185 Juggernaut berger! Good luck burner that barrel out. Just shoot! Go to a comp., talk to some guys about there set up. They will let you borrow gear at a club match to see if it works for YOU!! Then buy it. PRS? I don't know how willing they will be to hold your hand? You don't need the 6.5 to learn what you don't know. If your serious, you would pick up a 22 trainer and worry about the fundamentals of marksmanship.

 

[Sheldon N]

I'm definetly willing to drive and we have a 5th wheel so we could always turn it into a family camping event. I checked the prs site and only saw one somewhat local event coming up and that was in the Dallas area in sept. If you know of any others, can you drop me a line?

also, what bags do you recommend? I was thinking of trying to make some, but might be better off buying a good set and getting it right the first time...

https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/profiles/club/39/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1662672030653690/

Those look like the closest, but lots of other club series matches in MO and TX as well. I'm sure there's a lot more that you could find out about once you get plugged in. Spend some time clicking around the PRS website under the Club series.

For bags I'm currently running a SAP Run-n-Gun for a rear bag, a Reasor Gamechanger (because well, it's a gamechanger) and a Weibad pump pillow. The last two are pretty universal at matches these days, seems like most everyone has one. Lots of other options for a rear bag too.