Getting started questions (Contender/Competitor) .22 and BB questions.

[chain]

 Background:  I do have not shot much competitively, but have enjoyed shooting recreationally for years.  My first hunting “rifle” was a Competitor pistol some 20 years ago.  In my barrel collection are a .223 (10” or 12”) and a .308 (14” or 16”).  I am not exactly sure on the lengths (might try to find them tonight).

My kids shoot somewhat competitively in 4H.  In the past they have been shooting a smallbore pistol in smallbore hunter pistol class. It has worked ok for them in the past – but I also know that a dedicated hunter pistol (and the taco hold) would be more competitive.  They mostly shoot iron sights.

Other factors:  There are several additional clubs we could shoot at – both NRA and IHMSA.  I have not shot at either so do not know their cultures (I do know the NRA one has some crossover with their local 4H club).  I also am not opposed to having a new hog hunting pistol (thinking a suppressed 300 blackout).

FWIW I am planning on shopping over the holiday weekend and highly suspect I will be seeing a quite a few Contenders and barrels, and perhaps a few Competitor barrels as well.
 
Questions and un-validated assumptions:
I don’t know if I could make the Competitor competitive in smallbore hunter class.  I don’t immediately see how to get a Williams site to fit (for taco hold) and worry it will be overweight after the effort.  It might or might not squeak by with a 10” barrel and a Ken Light rib (assuming that will fit).  I suspect going with a Contender is the best option-using the Williams sight designed for direct fit (any G1 vs G2 issues).
Not sure how much steel is left on the table if I go with a 10” barrel rather than a 12” barrel for 4H and NRA competitions.  I am under the impression that the shorter barrel has the advantage of being IHMSA legal (are peeps smallbore IHMSA legal?).
I do not know if my 308 is legal for anything (barrel length (over 15”), target damage rules)  Not sure if my .223 is useful for anything (potential barrel length (if 12”) and target damage rules).   I understand that none of them (nor the 300 blackout) would be legal for hunter pistol – but what considerations should I keep in mind if I get a new barrel (and length or caliber considerations).  Should I focus on the Contender or Competitor?
 
Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

[19 Turkeys]

Welcome to the sport! 12 inch barrels are not IHMSA legal in Production or Field (Hunter) Pistol. I would stick with a Contender. For maximum versatility, consider a 32-20 or 32 H&R magnum. You can use them in Field Pistol and Big Bore. Just use lighter loads/bullets in FPP.


Good luck, and keep us posted!


Steve W.

[35ISIT]

Chain, Go here http://www.ihmsa.org/forum/index.php Cruise around on the site. You will find a bunch of like minded individuals. You will also find a pdf file of the most current posted rules and matches. Go to matches I'm sure someone will let you look at and probably shoot their equipment. I agree with Steve T C is probably the best platform.

[Richard P]

The Contender is commonly chosen as it offers versatility and value. You can use a 22lr 10'' for several categories---(obviously it wont do as a revolver).  If our Field Pistol is attractive, a 10'' 22Hornet works well---assuming you reload.  The 22Mag is also legal (as is the 22lr---but it isnt designed to kill the bigger targets).
The Contender is useful in BigBore with a change of barrels. Again, reloading is a plus due to the type of cartridges used. In both there are categories for scoped guns.  Some study and time to absorb the rules is helpful.  If you would rather hear the steel ring than punch paper you'll enjoy Siluetas Metallicas.  rp