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In this issue:

Re: The problem of canting
Re: Anschutz Acheiver vs. Marlin 2000
Acheiver vs bigger gun / canting / dealing with heat

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Hello, Does Chet want to start a war!!  As he well knows some of the most 
proficient Russian shooters from the past 20-30 years have shotm with a 
massive cant. I myself wish I didn't have to shoot with a cant but have done 
so for the past 30 years, with some success (Though not at olympic standard) 
at regional and county standard.

This subject needs more discussion, do you cant or not, I have to to ensure a 
decent head position, my body shape dictates this. Back to you Chet.

[Editor - I have challenged Chet on this very question myself since I am
like you and must cant to keep a good head position. I expect a response
very soon.]

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I wanted to post my opinion about the Marlin 2000L target Rifle.

    I purchased the 98/99 version this Feb. I'm a sniper in the US Army, and 
my intention was to purchase a .22lr target rifle that would cheeply allow me 
to keep up with my fundamentals and perhaps shoot an occasional NRA match or 
two. 
    The Marlin is so reasonable priced, I could not pass it up. It shoots 
quite well at 50 yards (1 MOA) with the right ammo. It has a rail that 
accepts the popular stuff and an adjustable stock which is pretty decent. The 
action is smooth and a good gunsmith can polish the trigger up to give it a 
nicer pull. By no means can it compare to the stuff that the big boys shoot, 
but it is great for a beginner like me to small bore. It comes with 9 inserts 
for the front sight and a non-iris adjustable rear site. Marlin makes an 
Anschutz base for an Anschutz rear sight. 
    Also, a 5 shot adapter is availble for biathlon applications. 
    In sum, I highly recommend it. Until I shoot better than it, I will keep 
saving my money for that Anschutz.

            Eric Long

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Several items.
#1
My wife is interested in shooting 3 position in a winter indoor league.  My 
wife is 5-2 with rather short arms for her hieght and in her mid 50's. 
Today she  had a chance to shoot an Anschutz Achiever. She really liked it. 
I test the gun from a bench yesterday and it is very accurate to fifty 
yards.. I am concerned that after she shoots for a while It may seem too 
light for her. On the other hand, a heavy gun now may discourage her. Just 
shortening the the stock would leave most guns too muzzle heavy. There 
doesn't seem to be many options between the Acheiver 6.5 pounds and the 
next level of 9 pounds plus. Any suggestions?

[Editor - It will be pretty light for target shooting for an adult since
that gun is meant for about age 8-13. As you've discovered the 1903 is the
next step up at 10 lbs which is about age 11-17 and 1907 at 10.5 for 13 and
up. If she has a proper position the extra weight would actually help
rather than hurt. However, you will pay much more for a 1903 and that much
more again for a 1907. If the Acheiver (1451) fits your wife nicely and you
don't have a need for the adjustable cheekpiece that moleskin can't remedy,
I'd save your money for the amount of shooting she'll be doing. To increase
the weight, there are 2 easy options. I don't know what the barrel diameter
is but you can easily make or buy a barrel weight (like you see on air
rifles) or you could make or buy Ancshutz weight 4746 which slides onto the
accessory rail. Our school has made both items. The first option is much
easier to make, or course, but can adversely affect accuracy from barrel
harmonics so you would need to experiment with placement and then leave it
there.]

#2
I am confused by the comments of Chet Skinner (its easy for me). I have 
always canted the rifle in all positions to keep my head erect. But I don't 
see how both the head and the gun can be verticle unless the sights are 
offset or the stock so bent that recoil would not be strait back. I would 
appreciate any more info on this. Also how is it easier to keep the gun 
always verticle than to keep it always canted exactly the same. It seems 
only practice could help with either one.

[Editor - you're not alone on this one. I'm sure Chet will respond in the
next issue.]

#3
Today I competed in a 160 round prone match. Using the metric target but 
NRA rules. The temperature was about 80 degrees at the start and 99 by the 
end. I always shoot with a sweat shirt under my shooting coat. Today I 
about cooked. I have tested before with removal of the sweat shirt and it 
makes considerable difference. Sling adjustment for one. How do other 
shooters prepare for shooting in heat?

Signed an old but inquesitive shooter.
Rich 

[Editor - obviously practicing more in the heat will help. Use light
colored exterior clothing and mat (with gray rubber rather than black). Use
the shooting underwear and sweater which claim to wick away the sweat. I
don't use this so I can't comment on whether it helps. I just deal with the
heat and sweat. Drink LOTS of water! Eyesight is one of the first things to
go.]

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End of UIT Mailing List #34

Michael Ray - Systems Engineer
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech. Rifle Coach
UIT Shooting Page - http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/1190/index.htm