Thread: Help a newb: No firearm experience -> Long range precision rifle

Definitely start with a 22, either CZ 457 or a T1x. Both are a good based to build in layer should you want to upgrade stock/chassis and build a more competition based rifle.
22 is considerably cheaper to shoot and going forward there are likely going to me more 22 PRS type shoots near Auckland than centrefire.

If you wanted a centrefire 223 is definitely the cheapest way to start and will be surprisingly competitive for both PRS and more traditional F class type shooting, especially as you are new to shooting.
I'd personally buy a Tikka CTR or Varmint in your shoes, again a very good base to build on and easier to upgrade than an RPR should you need to.

Whatever rifle you start with make sure you don't cheap out on the scope.
There are some really good lower cost options these days far better than even 5 years ago but if PRS is what your goal is rather than hunting, it'll be easy to go in the wrong direction.

As far as when to transition from rimfire to centrefire, you can do so at any stage. Preferably once you have a good understanding of safety and general gun handling, as well as a reasonable understanding of shooting fundamentals. But if your goal is to do PRS type events I'd personally stick to 22 until you have the hang of it. Most people only progress to a centrefire as they progress from hunting small game to big game, for target shooting that obviously doesn't matter.

As far as when to attend matches I'd say sooner rather than later.
If you have have the basics sorted out, as in you can handle/operate the rifle/scope competently, can shoot with some degree of accuracy (1" groups at 50m is more than good enough) and have basic idea of shooting fundamentals then I'd sign up to a match. A 22 match is certainly much easier to start out with than centrefire.

I'd just let the match organizers know you are a newbie and they'll put you with experienced guys who can help you throughout the day.

Unless you shoot with guys who are competive shooters its unlikely you'll be very well prepared for match or know about half the crap videos and forums talk about for PRS type events. Getting along to a match and having people guide you is by far the best way to get into it.