Finally going for the 500 yard club

[Sidewinderwa]

I just got back from a prairie dog shoot in Montana with my brother. We were on private property, the nicest people live in Montana! It was our goal to get in the 500 yard club. I built a 20 VarTarg based off a Savage target action, right bolt, left port, with a Benchmark barrel. I was so pleased that the 20 VarTarg accuracy, low recoil and it's effective range. I shot a double and two singles in a row at 575 yards. My brother then shot one at the same distance on his 2nd shot with the same rifle. He did some great shooting with his 17 Fireball at the same or longer distance. You can see the truck that we were shooting by in the background of the picture.



We had a nice set up with a new BR Pivot bench, originally designed by some guy on Bend OR, RIO?? We did set up the cover the next day. It was in the 90s. I should say that the new synthetic topped BR Pivot bench does not hold a candle to the original bench Rick made. It is not near as stable. My brother even glued a plywood base under the top to try to stabilize it more.



It was a great trip, plenty of shooting and got to spend time with my brother. I of course had my two 204s with me, would never think about leaving them behind! The 204 was more graphic at longer ranges.

[Jim White]

WOW, 575 yds. Good job and great shootin'.

Jim

[Ray P]

Sidewinderwa...........WTG..............Nice shooting and to have your brother with you is even nicer. Any long shots with lil 204 ruger??
Nice accomplishment 575 yards!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Later
Ray P

[Sidewinderwa]

Thanks guys! Since the 20 VT was the new rifle I was shooting that one more. It did well with both the 32 and 39 grain Sierra Blitzkings. The 204 still got some good shots in, more graphic at longer ranges. I was not expecting the 20 VarTarg to shoot that well at 575 yards. I actually got a double and two singles in a row at that distance so it is consistent. As long as I out shoot my brother, I am happy!

[Rick in Oregon]

Sidewinder: Looks to be a very good trip....for you and your brother that is, NOT the prairie dogs! 575 yards is a fur piece in anyone's book, especially shooting at a soda-can sized rodent; nice shooting. There's lots of performance from that small 20VT case, eh?

Glad you both had a grand time. On the BRP.....I've had similar comments come way since I sold the patent. Seems the Chinese don't have the same degree of "craftsmanship" that we have here in the USA. Go figure. I've had more guys say that the butcher-block top (per my original) is the way to go, as the poly top just does not have trigger arm elbow room or enough room on the bench top for all the usual gear normally associated with LR rodent bench shooting. In any event, I'm glad it all worked out for you guys and you had a good shoot. Montana is a world apart from the rest of the crowded country, and the perfect place for guys like us to play with their rifles.

Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[Sidewinderwa]

Thanks Rick. I am sure glad I have an original bench, thanks again for that one! I thought that the 20 VarTarg would be a 300 to 400 yard caliber. I was amazed at how well it shot at about 600 yards. Glad I had a witness! My brother's 17 Fireball was doing pretty well too. You are familiar with the 17 Fireball or Mach IV better than I am. I cannot get my Remington 17 Fireball to shoot much under an inch at 100 yards. I have had a gunsmith do everything to it but change the barrel out. Would you keep it a 17 FB or make it into a 20 VT if it were your rifle? It is the only 17 FB I have and have one 20 VT. Anyone else that has both calibers, please jump in.