Hi Guys,
You might try to find a Marlin 2000 (the blue stocked rifle you might
have used) on the used market. I don't know too much about these
rifles so ask around. The Izhmash 7-4 is a great buy and is a full
season biathlon rifle. Mine has been fantastic during the summer and
winter in temps to -20F. A 7-4 will be tough to find for under $500.
The 7-4 shoots better than I do. For summer only use you might try the
Savage FVT. Bust out retail is $375.

http://www.savagearms.com/markiifvt.htm .

Its an entry level target rifle. It has an adjustable trigger and you
would need a few extra mags and a way to store them on the rifle. It
might be too light to meet IBU rules. Best advice is find a purpose
built biathlon rifle. They do a good job of holding value especially
if you snag one on the used market. Good luck, Kevin





--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "jerryoaks" <groaks@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm glad you asked this question, because I've been in the market for
> something similar myself. I've done a lot of internet research, and I
> think I'll have better luck when I learn to speak/read Russian! Good
> look with your search, and I would love to hear what you end up with.
>