Firstly I don't target shoot let along do PRS and in fact don't own a semi auto centre fire so my comments are far from helpful.

Centre fire semi auto rifles, as restricted firearms, are a little more awkward to apply for, not impossible but a few more hoops to jump through.

Just a quick Google of that particular rifle says it's in 223 / 5.56. Not that the little round isn't capable of reaching out there in the right configuration (suitable mounts and scope) but the overall design of that particular ammo (especially standard factory ammo) doesn't lend itself to long/ extreme range shooting. The longer heavier bullets stabilise better and are less effected by the wind, that's why you see calibres of 6mm and upwards commonly used in this discipline.

Semi autos can demand a higher price when looking for a greater degree of accuracy whereas a reasonable quality bolt rifle, again with the right optics setup, can achieve better accuracy out of the box.

Although recoil management is better with a semi auto, especially gas operated, the moving parts of the operating system can effect accuracy. PRS rifles are usually bolt action and heavier than thier counterparts used for field shooting giving a more stable platform and allowing observed strikes and follow up shots if required.

Plenty of lads here on Boards with various semi auto centre fire rifles that are used multiple shooting disciplines that will be able to direct you whether it's on applications, suitability and various pros and cons.

chris1038a wrote: »

Is there many people out there using Semi auto centre fire rifles for PRS or just target shooting. Or is there many people with them. I was looking at the Savage MSR Recon 2.0

Use mine for bullseye,prs and hunting ,
I'd be looking at that rifle in .308.
The story of BA Vs SA in the accuracy dept is now pretty moot.
The AR design is now being used to replace many military turn bolt sniper rifles, or is being issued en masse as a designated marksman rifle and is well capable of Sub MOA groupings with a heavier barrel model

cookimonster wrote: »

Would it not be fair to say that alot of these semi auto rifles used for military snipers are far superior to then run of the mill semi autos ethier issued in service or generally bought off the shelf.

Remember what we say about "Mil spec" equipment?;) Equipment made by the lowest bidder for a Govt contract with tolerances of +/- 4mm in the critical working parts? But actually no in the case of "peacetime" rifles and equipment. These are off the shelf HK/Knights armament that are civvie spec. They just have a military spec data number, and may or may not have select-fire.But come off the same production line.

Our own spotter rifle is a highly upgraded FN, which cost more to do so then if the DF had purchased a dedicated rifles for the job

.

Yes let's not mention taking old 1970s barrel shot out FAL rifles off the armoury racks,and monkeying new DSA stocks and fore-ends onto them, and not being able to shoot 3inch groups at 100 yards!

As it has been said before military sniper accuracy let alone the general infantry is not the same as target shooting. The practical goal is to hit an average man-sized torso. Yes they can achieve a much finer degree of accuracy but to day they are using match style ammo backed up with more or less customized rifles.

But a better comparison would be the police sniper Vs a target shooter. Both are working on supreme accuraccy, We want V bulls, they want pink mist headshots, on the roughly same target size, use almost the same types of rifles in SA, as they both dont have to sneak away after their shot lugging an 8kilo rifle, are within a distance, more or less, of under 500 meters . Ammo is virtually the same match grade, except the police get the best on our taxpayer's wages, and can use hunting ammo for shooting targets, and we are stuck with plain old FMJ match ammo.

Should add onto this, in a police role the bolt action is still a good gun for the job, and there would be few if any situations that you would need a lot of semi- full auto fire as a police sniper. But as things and equipment progress, we have to keep up with the times and if the accepted doctrine is now to use a semi-auto in these situations, then you go with what those above say is the in thing.

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Use mine for bullseye,prs and hunting ,
I'd be looking at that rifle in .308.

And its great to see you shooting your .308 S/A on the line in the Bullseye comps. A NICE BIG BANG, and I'm glad I'm at the other end of the line.

chris1038a wrote: »

I talked to an RFD, as semi auto rifle wouldn't be something that would be in stock. I'd have to pay the full price up front and it specially ordered in. Which I understand.
If I didn't get the licence for some reason. I'd have to wait for the rifle to be sold before getting any funds back.
Were you able to have a meeting with the Chief prior to the application, to get his view if the application would be allowed.

You talked to the wrong RFD

chris1038a wrote: »

What type of competitions have you been competing in using your centre fire rifles.

When shooting resumes, this is what has been going on for years.

There are competitions in Kerry at An Riocht.
Across the course type shooting
Civilian Marksmanship Program competitions in the US

Practices in Midlands at 200 yards & 300 yards. competition practice with .223 Service rifles, AR15 Type with specific set ups. (About twice a month) before Lockdown.

M1 Garand practices for 200 yard shooting in Midlands and 300m in An Riocht.

1903 Springfield 200 yard practices.

M1 Carbine 100 yard /M practices.

4 x competitions in An Riocht Kerry every year in which you are more than welcome to compete with a Semi Auto CF (Once lockdown is over) Electronic Targets, sure why not. Great fun indeed.