Prospective Beginner in Odd Circumstances

octopusbeak · Post by **octopusbeak** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 12:32 am

I just found this forum today after searching for quite some time. What a neat collection of knowledge! Redirect me if I'm posting in the wrong place or someone's already posted similarly.

I've had a casual interest in competition air rifle on/off for the past year. I've watched as many competitions and related videos as I can get my hands on. I enjoy the atmosphere and focus of the competitors; it's unique. In the past month I've thought more about getting into the sport. My only other shooting experience is with a BB rifle when I was much younger, so I'm open to suggestions from anyone who's spent time shooting/training for target shooting.

I'm in an unusual situation though: I've got a chronic illness of four years that prevents me from going out and functioning as much as most people. It's not life threatening and I don't require medical attention, but rather something I just have to cope with. I am incapable of a regular job or school, but I manage to maintain at least a healthy level of physical fitness. I'm resigned to spending lots of time in my room or cycling/walking. Extended periods in crowded environments/cars/airplanes all render me bedridden and ill for a long time to follow. To put it concisely, I cannot join or compete at a club in the foreseeable future. I spend much of my time just trying to maintain a healthy/enjoyable life.

I've come to understand that many people practice air rifle in houses/apts, and usually dry firing at that. I could set up a 10m range inside too. From my perspective, it seems very meditative. Relaxing and fun. I think I could apply myself to it and practice daily, but I'm not sure it would offer return on investment. It obviously takes me a long time to earn money, and I'm certain an air rifle wouldn't be a source of income, so it would have to pay for itself in personal fulfillment. Tangent: I bought an industrial sewing machine over a year ago which does pay for itself in fulfillment, and is an income source the same way an air rifle would be if used for hole-punching notebook paper.

I wonder:
Is target air rifle viable to train mostly by dry firing in a bedroom? Is it loud enough to be disruptive to others?
What is the initial cost aside from the rifle? (shooting suit, range, ammunition, pump, shoes, gloves, glasses, stand, etc)
Could it be a rewarding experience even without public competition/social aspect? Would it get boring quickly?

Thanks for input and advice!

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:34 am

Sounds like a good idea! It also sounds like paying for it may be a problem.

I suggest locating a Walther LGR air rifle and a sleeve of RWS Basic pellets. This would equip you with suitable equipment for your needs at a low price. Cocking the gun would also give you some exercise, though it's not that hard.

You don't need any accessories to get what you're seeking, just gun, pellets, and targets. The gun itself is very quiet, and if you shoot into a box of rags, noiseless.

Boring? I don't think there is anything more boring than watching a match. Boring while you do it is entirely up to you.

BTW You could compete at home by shooting in Postal Matches.

Have fun!

octopusbeak · Post by **octopusbeak** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 10:19 am

I'd never heard of postal matches! I might just.

Paying for it isn't a big deal, except that more expensive equipment will take longer to get. I do work a small amount, but working towards a tangible result is satisfying. There is more information on the internet than I can possibly read about choosing a rifle, but I appreciate the suggestion. I will look into it, it is a pretty gun!

I don't have any concerns about the strength required. It's hard to explain to people how I am capable of biking for three hours, but a three hour work day can take it out of me. Very different types of physical stress, but that's off topic. I have a 'compressor' I use for airbrush and dusting that I pressurize with a bike pump; filling PCP cartridges must be similar if I chose to go that route.

I didn't realize that a shooting suit was unnecessary; that'll take a big chunk out of the cost. I suspect I'd know when it'd be time to get one, if I reach that skill level?

Thanks for the help

bdutton · Post by **bdutton** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:12 am

Have you given any thought to shooting air pistol? Other than the cost of pellets, targets, a target frame, and a single stroke pnuematic pistol (< $500 for an IZH 46)... there is no need for any shooting clothing.

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 12:05 pm

"Paying for it isn't a big deal, except that more expensive equipment will take longer to get."

Why wait at all? Why bother with a PCP gun when you can get a Walther LGR for $500 or less. It was a world beater when it came out; are you that fussy already when you don't even know if you want to (can) do this?

octopusbeak · Post by **octopusbeak** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:32 pm

Bdutton: I haven't given much thought to shooting pistol. For some reason pistol shooting is less interesting for me to watch, but that doesn't mean it'd be worse for me to take up. I'll read more about it. Less equipment req'd is an enticing aspect.

Rover: I think you may have over-interpreted my post. I'm just approaching this with an open mind; a Walther LGR seems like a very good option. Maybe it's the go-to for nice used rifles and I'm not aware yet, but I am going to study/compare it to other used rifles and new rifles. I am taking your suggestion seriously, I just want to know exactly what I'm getting (which may well be a LGR).

Thanks again

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:30 pm

viewtopic.php?t=14855&start=0

I was doing a Search for something else and stumbled across this.

I suggested the LGR because it's the cheapest decent air rifle I know; perfect to try the sport.

peashooter · Post by **peashooter** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 7:00 pm

I don't know your medical condition, however if anxiety is something you need to watch out for, shooting sport is interesting. It can produce very high levels of anxiety, but at the same time be an excellent opportunity to learn techniques to deal with it, which spins off to daily life.

octopusbeak · Post by **octopusbeak** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:18 pm

Rover: Helpful thread. If I'm ready to buy a LGR, I will PM you with the for-sale info if you don't mind. By that point I may know more about valuing rifles, but a second opinion wouldn't hurt if you think you could provide it.

Peashooter: That was a thought that caused me to post on this forum in the first place. Anxiety is a factor in my health, though hard to measure. Shooting rifle seems healthy, mentally, like you say. There are biofeedback and meditation for managing stress, and shooting seems to offer similar benefits to people who take it seriously.