My friend's daughter has been shooting for her high school team and has been using a converted Savage rifle. he would like to buy a Anschutz biathlon rifle with accessories for her. If anyone has any leads, please let me know.
Thanks in advance.
I used to do biathlon. I don't know how things are now but our state biathlon club had a newsletter and fairly often someone would post used rifles in that. I imagine other states (Nordic skiing states - AK, CO, MN, UT etc.) are the same. A lot of shops can order a new Anschutz.
I think it kind of depends on what they want. The last time I looked, all the serious competitors were using straight pull bolts - Fortners - but even years ago - depending on exchange rates, that was a $2500 - $3500 rifle. Some people used an 1827B but even back then that was still about a $2000 rifle. I never was that fast. To be seriously competitive, biathlon requires a very fast skier who can also shoot well but being fast is more important. I wasn't fast enough so I used a 1403b which was the entry level Anschutz biathlon gun.
I have a 1403b sitting in my safe. It has the snow sights, with the spare apertures, the mount for the 4 magazines on the stock and the backpack sling and the arm cuff. I should have a spare magazine, maybe 2 (besides the 4 that you need for a 20K race) and a spare eye cup for the rear sight and the light nylon cover that competitors use getting to and from the start line. I'm not sure what it is worth. It has sentimental value but I'm not going to compete anymore and my kids are swimmers. For an entry level Anschutz it shoots very well. I shot a lot of good scores with it and twice in competition I shot a perfect score using it. I have mixed feelings but I'd consider letting it go.
I thought I saw one on rimfire central just recently
Either of these two sites might be able to provide some advice. They are both small shops. I am only personally familiar with one of them.
It doesn't look like either have much in stock, but biathlon is their specialty.
http://www.easternsierraarmory.com/blog/ http://www.altiusguns.com/about.php I dabbled in Summer Biathlon for a number of years. I too have been on a quest for a "real" biathlon rifle.
Good luck in your quest.
Lou M
My friend was able to find a rifle. Thank you for your assistance.