It’s a humbling sport.
Try it at 200.

It looks like I am going to have to invest in a decent 22 rifle. Any suggestions? Or should I just get the 22. conversion for my ar-15?

CZ452 Varmint is a nice little bolt gun.

If you wnat to be humbled try shooting F TR Class on the long range course.

Short = Long
 

FNG,

If you go the AR upper route buy a complete 22 LR dedicated upper. If you use a conversion bolt assembly you will never get any real accuracy.

FWIW: I once had the idea to conduct long gun training using 7.62mm blue plastic in the attic of the Company building in Germany. I could get more than 25m of "range" and figured I would use the Palma's on the M24 to get some meaningful training. It would allow relatively impromptu training without range requests, flags etc. I had provisional command blessing so I started shooting the stuff on the range at 25m. Results were dismal, I shot many 3-round groups and there was always a flyer. Two would go into one hole but one shot would wander off. I was never able to predict which shot would fly out so I gave up the project. There was one additional problem with the experiment: cleaning the plastic out of the barrel was a real PIA!

MVP

I think I am going to get a 22.lr dedicated bolt action to practice accuracy and fundamentals, but I may invest in a 22lr conversion kit when more funds become available. (not to use for accuracy just because it is cheaper than to feed my ar-15.)

Another question. If I am going to be shooting at a simulated range what type of power should I use on the scope? For example if I would normally use 10x at 300 yds, should I use that for the simulated shot with the 22. or should I back it down?

FNG:

If you are going to use reduced targets, use the magnification you will use at the normal range.

There are drawbacks in using reduced ranges but one of the things guys most want when using them is as close a sight picture as possible to shooting at what ever real distance they are training for.

Of course you can have other goals such as position development and trigger control but ensuring the sight picture is as close as possible to what ever normal distance one is training for is pretty critical.

Gene

Excellant information. Thank you.

Listen to everything Gene or Longrange have to say...

For my CZ - I bought a Tasco scope..

Fun stuff..

FNG - whatever scope you use, make sure it will focus to the range that you are wanting to use as a reduced range. As an example, the 10x M3A will only focus to 35 meters, so setting targets closer than 35 meters will produce not only parallax problems but a fuzzy ball of s**t that you are trying to obtain a precise sight picture on your point if aim. Makes it somewhat of a PITA to shoot accurately in that manner. If the scope is a fixed focus, then you will have problems as the focus is usually at 150 yards, but can be anywhere from 100 to 250 yards. Again shooting at ranges closer will produce parallax and fuzz ball problems.

Some more things to think about. :)

Haha, this is turning out to be more and more complicated by the minute. I love it. I just want to get out to the range and try some of this, hopefully soon. I have been unable to do anything other than go to school, and the gym. Finals coming up in weeks:boohoo. I have been doing research about getting a decent 22. the CZ seems to be a good way to go. One more thing to throw into the fire here.

I am left handed, so should I go with a left handed bolt gun? Sniper's hide seems to think no from what I've read but to me it seems dumb to invest money in a gun that already isn't fit for me. However, my 30-06 I use for deer is a right handed '03A3 so I'm not new to working the bolt by bringing my left hand across. However, it's a PITA and I can't stay on the target while doing it.

FNG - Try new techniques of bolt manipulation. Reach over the scope lift up and flip the bolt to the rear. Your hand should stay above the scope and out of your LOS. Return bolt to battery again over the scope. Works with some and not with others, give it a go.

If you are using your right hand then you should be able to stay on target if you are using a rear sock or support. Let go of the rear of the stock and move you right hand to the bolt and manipulate it.

LR-

Thanks, I guess I should just stick to RH rifle then. They are easier to find anyway. :cool:

FNG: Being LH is a PITA. There is a few things you can do. You can go to a semi auto, Ruger 10/22 Tactical, SWMP15 or Sig Sauer 522. These are a bit on the pricey side. Or you can do what most of us lefties do and stick with the "over the action bolt". I personally would stick with the bolt action till the skills im trying to accomplish are achieved then go on from there. I shoot 7 and 8mm Mausers for the pure fun of it. After shooting right handed bolts, left handed for 40 or so years you learn to adjust to the inconvenience.

FNG - Not telling you not to buy, asking that you try several different methods before you spring for the lefty gun. You may find that you really don't need it. They are more expensive and hard to find. :)