Trainer Rifle Options

[BLJ]

Do you have a 22LR?

 

[43.6N]

can use my daughter’s 223 Ruger American. I would need to replace the scope since she’s not ready for a complex scope or reticle.

-Do you have a suppressor?
-Is the Ruger muzzle threaded?
These are the two questions that would guide my choices.

My recs in order of importance:
1. Suppressor
2. Scope
3. Rifle.
4. Stock

Whatever option gets you (and her) shooting suppressed is how I would approach the build.

I’d scope and suppress your daughters Ruger if moneys tight. Otherwise, a scoped, suppressed 223 tikka in a Rokstock is the “gold standard” as far as trainer rifles go. But if the Ruger is what you have on hand, I’d build on it without a second thought if it meant bringing a suppressor into the equation. I have 2 Ruger Americans that have been great after a bit of work.

Lots of good cans. AB A10, or Otter Creek are good cheap no frills steel cans that will get it done. They are light enough, and plenty quiet. Printed titanium cans are great if you’re ok spending a little more for less weight.

The KRG bravo will make the Ruger an entirely more enjoyable and shoot-able rifle for you. And will help your daughter when she shoots it. 223 AICS mags from MDT run reliably with KRG. Frankly it’s probably the best stock after the rokstok and equal to the McMillan MTLR, but a pound heavier than both.

SWFA IS THE GOOD STUFF when it comes to simple-affordable-reliable scopes. 3-9, 6x, 3-15, 10x in that order. Not just for your daughter, but for you too.

 

[Jhconnected]

Do you have a 22LR?

Yes. Not threaded.

 

[Jhconnected]

-Do you have a suppressor?
-Is the Ruger muzzle threaded?
These are the two questions that would guide my choices.

My recs in order of importance:
1. Suppressor
2. Scope
3. Rifle.
4. Stock

Whatever option gets you (and her) shooting suppressed is how I would approach the build.

I’d scope and suppress your daughters Ruger if moneys tight. Otherwise, a scoped, suppressed 223 tikka in a Rokstock is the “gold standard” as far as trainer rifles go. But if the Ruger is what you have on hand, I’d build on it without a second thought if it meant bringing a suppressor into the equation. I have 2 Ruger Americans that have been great after a bit of work.

Lots of good cans. AB A10, or Otter Creek are good cheap no frills steel cans that will get it done. They are light enough, and plenty quiet. Printed titanium cans are great if you’re ok spending a little more for less weight.

The KRG bravo will make the Ruger an entirely more enjoyable and shoot-able rifle for you. And will help your daughter when she shoots it. 223 AICS mags from MDT run reliably with KRG. Frankly it’s probably the best stock after the rokstok and equal to the McMillan MTLR, but a pound heavier than both.

SWFA IS THE GOOD STUFF when it comes to simple-affordable-reliable scopes. 3-9, 6x, 3-15, 10x in that order. Not just for your daughter, but for you too.

I have a Thunderbeast Ultra 7 30 Cal. Plan is to suppress her rifle when in use. Haven’t tried it on there yet but I’m sure it’ll do alright.

I’d love to have my scope on there but that’s the highest price item. I want her to have a simple duplex for now to reduce confusion and errors. But, she won’t be using it for a few months and I have a big hunt coming up so maybe put a new scope on there for now.

 

[rogerdoger]

I would listen to Cliff G’s recent podcast with Ryan Avery. He goes through the entire concept of a trainer gun.

 

[43.6N]

I have a Thunderbeast Ultra 7 30 Cal. Plan is to suppress her rifle when in use. Haven’t tried it on there yet but I’m sure it’ll do alright.

I’d love to have my scope on there but that’s the highest price item. I want her to have a simple duplex for now to reduce confusion and errors. But, she won’t be using it for a few months and I have a big hunt coming up so maybe put a new scope on there for now.

Awesome.
So, a case of 556, an extra cone break, a KRG bravo, and a 3-9swfa and you’re 100% set up.

 

[BLJ]

Yes. Not threaded.

If it’s a bolt gun (assuming your 6.5 is) set it up with a decent FFP scope and build and break positions using that for a trainer.

22LR is cheaper, quieter, and needs less distance for good practice.
If you can get 200 yards and appropriately sized targets, a lot can be learned.

Shooting PRS/NRL 22 matches and practicing for them helped me tremendously for shooting from field positions.

IMO.

 

[Jhconnected]

Awesome.
So, a case of 556, an extra cone break, a KRG bravo, and a 3-9swfa and you’re 100% set up.

Don’t forget a torch to help get that brake off!

If it’s a bolt gun (assuming your 6.5 is) set it up with a decent FFP scope and build and break positions using that for a trainer.

22LR is cheaper, quieter, and needs less distance for good practice.
If you can get 200 yards and appropriately sized targets, a lot can be learned.

Shooting PRS/NRL 22 matches and practicing for them helped me tremendously for shooting from field positions.

IMO.

I’ve thought about this too. Not sure how easy it’ll be to do that. It’s the OG breakdown pack 22 LR…Marlin Papoose