Hi,
I'm also pretty new to the sport, so i can tell you what i've
discovered so far. if someone with more experience logs an opinion,
i'd take theirs over mine.

anyway -


>Believe me, I have NO misconceptions of how easy the shooting part
>is. I'm looking forward to hitting my first target during a race -
>who knows, that might not be till my thrid race!!! :-)
>
i would strongly recommend either reading a bunch on shooting
technique or seeing if you can get some coaching from a match
shooter. i grew up hunting and most of the people i know have
terrible technique. i've had to unlearn things as i try to improve.




> If I'm looking to purchase a basic, entry level biathlon rifle,
>what
> should I ask at my local gun shop?
>

This is tough. i had a .22 rifle that i thought would make an OK
biathlon rifle. i gave up on it pretty quick. there seem to be 3
rifles that are commonly used:

Marlin - american, ~$400, doesn't have all the winter biathlon stuff
(snow guards, harness, etc). clubs usually provide this gun as their
loaner guns for practices and events. not a great match gun, as some
people have reported stiff or scratchy triggers and jamming when
trying to load a new round.


Ismash - russian, ~$900, can be purchased from Altius Endevors in
West Yellowstone, MT. Good guns, though someone once said that some
of them don't perform that great in the bitter cold. they come with
all the stuff for winter biathlon. the actions are solid (i think
finland uses the actions of these rifles but replaces the barrels for
more consistent winter shooting. but i could be making that up)


Anschutz - german, ~$2000, Altius sometimes sells these used or you
can get them from at nealjguns.com. They're very nice. you have to
spend a little more than just the rifle price to get the harness,
etc. sometimes you can get them used, but they keep much of their
value if they are well maintained.


have fun!