Help Needed Selecting BR Rifle

Hi Guys,

I'm going to give BR a try.  I had an AA EV2 MK4 with Sightron S3 scope I used for FT, but sold it, and rather than buy a "starter" gun, want something that can be competitive right from the git-go.  I'm trying to stay around $1000, and right now I've found a few Daystates, a MK4, Wolverine and Air Wolf, and a RAW TM1000.  I'm thinking the Daystates, since they were intended for hunting and have electronic components (not the Wolverine) would put them out of the race although they can be had for under 1K with scopes, whereas the RAW is purpose-built for target shooting, and is simpler by design, so less trouble, but it is beyond the top of my range at $1400, no scope.  Still, with my original premise, wouldn't the RAW be the one to go for?  I can't afford a Thomas, and I get a bad feeling about FX, although they seem to dominate.  Advice, please.

Thank You,

Scrench

Now I'm more confused since an FX Crown in .30 with scope just popped up, as well as some more Daystates, all within 1.4k.  Also an FX Impact in .25, but 1.6K, no scope.  I want to be able to shoot BR anywhere from 25 meters to 100 yards (mainly 25-50), but looking at match results, it seems the RAW's do well at 25 meters then the FX's take over at 75-100 yards.  I would have thought the most accurate guns at the longer distances would also be more accurate at shorter distances.  Tough choices, but I know some of you have owned these guns.  What do you think?

Thanks Again.

2016 and 2017 Extreme Benchrest results. I'm a bit of a FX fan boy so admittedly a little biased. ?  

Thanks Pluric, and yes, I have seen those results, but you have to take Extreme Benchrest as an oddity.  Granted those FX's probably are the better guns for 75 and 100 yards, but a.) they are heavily pushed by AOA, the sponsor of the event, and b.) if you look at results from USBR or from anywhere else around the world, FX doesn't show up anywhere near as much, if at all.  I've also heard of nothing but problems with FX's, from friends that have bought one and on-line.  Right now a friend just bought a Crown, so we'll see how his goes.

The biggest obstacle in benchrest is the wind. I competed in a few BR competitions and the wind was the universal factor that made or broke all shooters.

As far as guns, I'd choose regulated gun with a great barrel. BSA, Daystate, FX are all good. BSA is my preference.

.22 is a good bet to help lessen wind deflection but .177 is also competitive at ranges out to 50 yards.