Help a Newbie get started

[Crimp_me]

I am interested in this sport and want to give it a try. My good friend who builds Bench rest rifles is coming Out with his new action. Quality of a BAT but less expensive, so I have access to these actions. My question is what class.Should I be in and what caliber? I was thinking 7br 260 Rem or 7-08. Can anyone help a newbie?

[nomad]

Where are you located?
Even if you have a 'friend in the business' you're better off to get someone to invite you to a match, let you look at and try existing equipment and then make decisions rather than trying to go in blind and start building something without any personal experience.
If you're anywhere near any existing competitions, we can almost certainly find someone here who'll introduce you around.

[dave imas]

I'm with Ernie.  For instance, the action is one of the least important components of your rifle.  Remington, Sako, BAT, Nesika Bay, Winchester...  pick one.  It almost doesn't matter.  Certainly advantages from one to another but the trigger, barrel and stock you hang off of it will have more impact on your ability to perform well.  But you wouldn't know that unless you had been to a couple of matches and tried some equipment.  As Ernie stated, there is somebody at every range in every state that would be happy to show you the ropes.  I'm in Washington and have...  well i don't really have friends...  let me say that i know people in a lot of places that put up with me that would be more than happy to help you out.  In Ernie's case, anyone that is willing to admit they know him should be considered a saint.  We all know his wife is going straight to heaven!  but i digress...
come out and watch first, build later.
dave imas

[nomad]

David,

That HURTS!
It's all true -- but it still hurts!