Master Competitive Shooting with a Rimfire Training Rifle

Competitive shooting demands precision, consistency, and relentless practice to stay ahead of the competition. But let’s face it—regularly firing your competition-grade centerfire rifle can be tough on your budget and even tougher on your body. That’s where a rimfire training rifle comes in.

The Savage B22 Precision, designed with competitive shooters in mind, offers a perfect training platform for practicing techniques, building muscle memory, and refining skills without the heavy costs of centerfire ammo. Whether you’re competing in Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches or just looking to up your game, integrating a rimfire training rifle into your routine can make all the difference.

Why Train with a Rimfire Training Rifle?

For competitive shooters, every session on the range is an opportunity to improve. But effective training isn’t just about putting rounds downrange—it’s about intentional practice that builds the skills and habits needed for success. A rimfire training rifle provides unique advantages that can help you get there.

Cost-Effective Practice

Ammunition costs are a major factor in competitive shooting, especially for cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win and other popular long range cartridges. The cost of 22 LR ammunition is a fraction of that, making it feasible to shoot more often and for longer sessions. More trigger time equals more improvement, and a rimfire training rifle like the B22 Precision lets you maximize your time at the range without blowing your budget.

Sharpening Fundamentals

The low recoil of a rimfire rifle allows you to focus entirely on the fundamentals of precision shooting. Instead of worrying about managing recoil, you can work on:

• Steady sight alignment

• Smooth trigger control

• Consistent breathing

These core elements are transferable to any firearm, making a rimfire training rifle an invaluable tool for honing your skills.

How the B22 Precision Stands Out

Not all rimfire rifles are created equal, and the Savage B22 Precision is built specifically with competitive shooters in mind. Its features closely mimic those of high-end centerfire rifles, making it an excellent training partner.

The MDT chassis gives the rifle the feel and ergonomics of larger rifles like the 110 Elite Precision, allowing you to practice with a setup that feels familiar. The adjustable AccuTrigger and customizable comb height and length of pull ensure that your training rifle can be dialed in to match your competition rifle. This continuity between rifles means that every minute spent with the B22 Precision translates seamlessly to your centerfire shooting.

Rimfire Training Tips for Competitive Shooters

While owning a rimfire training rifle is a great start, how you use it is what matters most. Here are some detailed tips to make the most of your time on the range:

1. Simulate Match Scenarios

Competitive shooting often involves dynamic stages, shooting from unconventional positions, and managing tight time limits. Use your rimfire training rifle to replicate these scenarios:

• Set up barricades or obstacles to practice positional shooting.

• Incorporate a shot timer to simulate match pressure.

• Practice transitioning between targets quickly and smoothly.

By creating realistic training scenarios, you’ll build the confidence and adaptability needed for competition.

2. Refine Your Trigger Control

With its adjustable AccuTrigger, the B22 Precision is perfect for fine-tuning your trigger control. Spend time dry-firing to perfect your press, ensuring that you’re pulling straight back without disturbing your sight picture. Follow up with live-fire sessions to confirm your technique under real-world conditions.

3. Focus on Sight Alignment

Small targets at varying distances are ideal for rimfire practice. Use challenging targets, such as steel plates or paper dots, to improve your ability to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture. This exercise translates directly to hitting smaller targets at long distances with your centerfire rifle.

4. Extend Your Sessions

One of the biggest advantages of training with a rimfire rifle is the ability to shoot more without fatigue. Use this to your advantage by dedicating extra time to practice drills. For example:

• Alternate between standing, kneeling, and prone shooting positions.

• Work on building a stable position quickly and efficiently.

• Fire high volumes of rounds to reinforce muscle memory without the strain of recoil.

Why Rimfire Complements Centerfire

A rimfire training rifle isn’t meant to replace your centerfire competition rifle—it’s a complement. The lightweight, low-recoil nature of a rimfire rifle allows you to practice specific skills and build confidence, while your centerfire rifle handles the long-range accuracy and recoil management critical to matches.

The B22 Precision and 110 Elite Precision make an ideal pairing. The B22 Precision gives you the ability to train frequently and affordably, while the 110 Elite Precision takes the skills you’ve honed and applies them to match conditions. Together, these rifles create a well-rounded training ecosystem that supports your growth as a competitive shooter.

A Real-World Training Strategy

Here’s an example of how you might integrate a rimfire training rifle into your routine:

1. Warm-Up: Start with dry-fire practice using the Savage B22 Precision. Focus on your trigger press and sight alignment.

2. Fundamentals: Transition to live fire, shooting at small, challenging targets to sharpen your accuracy.

3. Dynamic Drills: Introduce movement and time pressure, practicing transitions and positional shooting.

4. Centerfire Practice: End the session with your competition rifle, applying what you’ve learned to a platform with recoil and longer-range capability.

This balanced approach ensures that you’re developing your skills in a cost-effective way while still staying sharp with your competition rifle.

Smarter Training with a Rimfire Rifle

Competitive shooting requires dedication, precision, and smart training. A rimfire training rifle, like the B22 Precision, offers an affordable and effective way to build muscle memory, refine fundamentals, and practice match scenarios without the drawbacks of cost and recoil.

By integrating a rimfire rifle into your training routine, you’ll not only improve your skills but also extend the life of your centerfire rifle and budget. When paired with a competition-grade rifle like the 110 Elite Precision, the B22 Precision ensures that you’re always ready to perform at your best.

So, next time you head to the range, don’t leave your rimfire rifle behind. It might just be the edge you need to outshoot the competition.