TargetTalk

I am venturing into shooting rifles whilst continuing with pistols and Air Rifle, and would be grateful for advice about suitable s/h models to consider for prone and 3P, (including type of stocks)?

I am in the UK and an indication of likely prices would be helpful as well.

Discotwo,

pretty much any Anschutz Match 54 is suitable for prone shooting, and most are good for 3P too. Most serious prone shooters use a Free Rifle (aka the Supermatch) models 1413, 1613, 1813, and 1913. These are the heavy barrel rifles with a thumbhole stpck and butthook. The simpler 1411, 1811, and 1911 Prone rifles are perfectly good although no longer made. The lighter 1407, 1607, 1807, and 1907 rifles are great for beginners as the stocks are less complex (easier to set up), and popular among those who want a lighter barrel.

For 3P shooting anything that's not a 14/18/1911 Prone rifle is fine. These are too long and straight in the butt to be really comfortable standing.The Supermatch rifles give a better fit in each position than the 14/18/1907 models, but the 14/18/1907 rifles can fit well and are easier to set up.

In terms of price you should be able to find a decent 1813 or early 1913 (1980s Supermatch rifles) for under £800. Newer rifles, or anything in a fancy aluminium stock will be more expensive. Expect to pay £1,500-2,000 for a nearly new rifle. 14/18/1911 Prone and 14/18/1907 Standard rifles will be cheaper than a Supermatch of equal age and condition as the stocks are less fancy.

Tim

Thanks for the advice, it has been suggested that I consider the 1907/1913 action with an adjustable stock.

I am considering two options at the moment at either end of the scale:
1. 1913 with an adjustable aluminium stock c/w "specialist" sights
2. Match 54 with wood Supermatch stock c/w standard sights

Are these both worth considering, and what would be fair prices when buying privately?

Phil

Phil,

prices depend on model, age, and condition.

The Match 54 is easier to value than the 1913. I'd say £500 tops for a very late 1970s rifle (with new style 5071 trigger) in good nick, but say £250 for a 1960s rifle with the old trigger and a non-adjustable cheekpiece. An early 1970s model with an adjustable cheekpiece, but the old trigger would fall somewhere in between.

As for the 1913 you need to know how old it is (a 1913 could be anything up to 27yo); how many rounds it has fired; and what exactly the stock is (System Gemini? Old factory alu? New factory alu? etc). A rough idea is to take 75% of the original cost.