2 questions
how to get in touch with Sharps 54?
where to see the cpa rifles?

Someone mention my name?

The rifle Boats is referring to was sold to Shooter_1. He should be posting pics soon as it should have arrived today. Green Frog can tell you more about it then I can, I bought it and then came across a used CPA in .32-40 so I turned it around before I even had a chance to take it to the range.

Shooter,
Hate to hear that, they were dropped off at the UPS center at the same time.

Back on topic:
Probably the best bet for an "inexpensive" starter rifle is to watch the internet and more importantly go to matches. I found that Ruger at a match. I didn't have the money to buy it but luckily for me the gentleman that had it wanted my BSA International Mark 1 .22 so we traded. 

One thing you really need to do is try some of these rifles before you put your money down, they handle very different then anything else. I have found Schuetzen shooters to be very friendly and more then willing to talk about their rifles. Chances are they will also be willing to let you try a few shots to see how they handle. Another thing to do before buying is to pick up a copy of The Modern Schuetzen Rifle by Wayne Schwartz and Charlie Dell.    

Another idea is to pick up a BSA Martini .22, either an International or a 12/15 to start with. They are pretty cheap, great shooters, and easy to turn around. I think most if not all matches have rimfire competitions and .22 is inexpensive to shoot. That way you can still shoot a match while deciding how to go with the centerfire rifle.

Most if not all of the early high-wall actions were color case hardened.  I don't think redoing it is likely to weaken the action, although some have been warped in this way.  If the rifle in question is functional, you can eliminate that concern.

As for parts, I regard the 'walls about like hot rodders regard the '55 Chevy.  Parts may be expensive sometimes, but anything and everything is available for them if you are willing to look (and pay) enough for them.  Most "consumable" parts are available in reproduction pretty reasonably.

Froggie

I agree completely with Sharps54. The easiest, least expensive, and quite satisfying way to break into Schuetzen is to get a BSA International rifle (.22 rimfire). A good example will shoot competitively right out of the box. A number of models come with an interchangeable hook and flat buttplate and they are already set up for a palm rest. What could be easier? They are more expensive than when they first hit this country (when England, in effect, banned all guns to their citizens) but can still be had for reasonable prices.

You can then attend matches, shoot the .22 and compete at a competitive level, rub elbows with the centerfire shooters. THEN you will be more apt to make PROPER decisions on the type of centerfire you REALLY want.

FWIW
Dale53

Fred,
That's just some of the propaganda that has been handed to us by the NRA. They said the same thing about the down under guys. 
Shooter

Well, pardon me . I talked to a number of British citizens who were visiting Friendship for the NMLRA matches and they had to turn in EVERYTHING, even their bullet moulds. Now, I certainly do not know the details of the regulations, but the thousands of BSA Internationals that came into this country were here for some reason.

I didn't get my information from the NRA but from British citizens. May be someone can correct my impressions with some details.

Dale53

Quote:


I am really up ion the air about those questions.  I was thinking about a 30/20 but I understand that the 32/40 is superior to the 30/20.  Was explained to me that the bore diameter of the 32/40 is larger than the 32/20.  Sounds strange as hell to me that both 32's are of different bore diameter but the fellow that told me is an ASSRA member and a match director so I assume he is correct.  Bbl length is also a question since I plan to shoot mostly standing, tha ballance has to be correct.  Anyone want to hazzard an idea on bbl length and diameter?  This action is currently complete with a 22 Hornet bbl but 22 is not my choice for target.   
My club also has "buffalo shoots" but the min. cal is 38 which makes the 38/55 a choice however I fear that the increased recoil of the 38 will begin to tell over the course of a long event.
When it comes to breech seat or fixed ammo I will prolly opt for fixed ammo since in the case of standing shooting, the shooter is the weak link.  At least that is the case in my shooting.  Can a rifle be shot both as a breech seater and a fixed ammo eater?  Again my "expert" says in the case of the 32 Miller short that one cannot use it as a fixed ammo shooter and a breech seater due to the minimum ammount of bullet in the case mouth.
There are SO MANY things that are different in cast shooting that I am afraid it may be quite a while before I can make an educated decision on many criteria concerning the build of this rifle.
I am leaning toward a 30/20 as there are a gang of 30 cal lead bullets available and I have had great luck in the past in IHMSA silhouette shooting with the 30/20, in fact since I already have the dies and cases I will prolly opt for this and if I have made a mistake I will just use it for standers and build a dedicated "bench" shooter in the breech seated 32 Miller short.
Thanx for your consideration, I appreciate the help.