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Biathlon Sport & Biathlon Rifles

80K views 66 replies 17 participants last post by  iceweazel 
#1 · (Edited)
BIATHLON: For those that live in Cold Country - reason to own a BI 7-4 & Rifle Video

Kevin Brooker is a biathlon competitor and semi-pro writer.


The purpose of this site is to inform visitors of the adventures and activities the crew at 6Q.
To read about Kevin's latest races and experiences at the range, please visit his blog.

Kevin helps promote the sports of biathlon by writing articles about the sport.
Many of them have been published on-line and in print.
He currently writes a bi-monthly piece about his adventures for the website FasterSkier.com
Articles by Kevin - Search for: Kevin Brooker

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#2 · (Edited)
Biathlon

Biathlete.org Equipment


The Biathlon Sport

Imagine skiing around a turn at twenty miles per hour with a rifle harnessed on your back.
Out of breath; your heart pounds in your chest as you ski up to a rifle firing point.
Quickly pulling the rifle around from your back, you settle with the first target in sight.
Better calm your nerves quickly to knock down the targets; the clock is running.

Winter Biathlon is a combination of cross country freestyle skiing and rifle marksmanship.
Competitors ski with rifles and shoot at small metal targets fifty meters away.
Missed targets add either fixed penalty time to the final time or require penalty laps on a 180 meter loop.

Summer Biathlon is a combination of cross country running and rifle marksmanship.
Competitors run without rifles, however.
They leave rifles at the shooting range, which is either 25 meters or 50 meters in length,
and pick them up to shoot during the race.
Air rifle (pellet gun) competitions are a variant with a typical 10 meter distance to the target.
In some race formats missed targets require running a penalty lap,
and in others target hits subtract 30 seconds from the final race time.

Shooting
Biathlon competition uses .22 caliber rifles,
except for some summer events which have .177 caliber air rifles.
A race have an even number of stops to shoot prone and standing.
An athlete will shoot at five metal targets at each shooting stop.

Rifles
I get the most questions about rifles.
A biathlon rifle is a .22 caliber rifle, with mechanical sights,
five shot magazines, and a form of bolt action.
No optical sights are allowed.
Often biathlon rifles will also have snow covers for sights
and the end of the barrel, to keep snow out.
Rifles are outfitted with a hand stop and sling for shooting prone,
and a backpack harness for wearing the rifle while skiing.
Trigger weight must be more than 500 grams, and the rifle must be heavier than 3.5 kilograms.

Currently I divide rifles I see at races into three groups
based on price range: entry, amateur, and olympic.
Often clubs already have rifles that you can use, find a club near you and ask.
The downside of using a club rifle is that it
may not fit you well (especially if you're left handed)
and might not be sighted for you during a race.

The common entry market rifle is the marlin 2000 modified for biathlon.
There is a kit which adds a backpack sling and magazine carrier.
I'm not sure if Marlin is still selling the 2000 model.
Find a dealer from their web site.
If not, it's likely you could find one from the biathlon community.

The most common amateur rifle that I've seen lately
is the Baikal 7 made by Ishmash in Russia.
This rifle has been selling in the US for about $1000 US.
If has a quick level bolt for fast reloading.
Compared to the olympic rifles this one is a great value.

Anshutz sells a 1451 model biathlon rifle in this price range as well,
though I haven't seen any at events.
Let me know if you have any experience with them.

The king of the olympic rifles is the Anshutz Fortner biathlon rifle.
By far the majority of the world class athletes use this rifle
or the barrel from this rifle with another action like the Baikal.
Unfortunately this will cost you
about $2500 US with the basic accessories.
I noticed a few athletes on the German team
using lever action rifles from Krico or Suhl as well.
The lever action rotates the grip to reload.

Dealers for these rifles:

Neal Johnson in Colorado
Champion Shooters in Ohio
K.G. Larson in Norway

Accessories and Ammunition

Rifles don't always come with all the necesssary accessories,
make sure to ask what you're getting.
Anshutz rifles don't usually come with a rear sight for example
and you'll need to buy that separately.

Biathlon magazines hold five rounds,
and most will have additional space for carrying three more rounds
which can be removed manually from the bottom.
The five round limit is important for safety,
so an athlete doesn't accidentally ski with a loaded magazine.
The extra rounds can be removed manually
and are in case of a misfire and as extra shots in the relay format race.

Biathletes buy expensive ammunition,
though there's no rule for which manufacturer is best.
Common mythology is that certain rifles
shoot certain brands of ammunition better than others,
so you should try different types and see what works for you.
I recommend ammunition from Eley, Fiocci, and Federal.
Do not buy super-sonic ammunition,
as you'll damage the metal targets.
Super-sonic is actually less accurate
at the biathlon shooting distances anyway.
Make sure to buy sub-sonic.

Expect to pay between 10 cents to 25 cents US
per round for competition quality ammunition.
I train with middle of the road quality ammunition as a result,
and save the good stuff for races.


This rifle is a duplicate of the
one-piece walnut stock also featured on our website.
It was built for the same owner as a "backup" rifle.
Features include one-piece beech construction
with palm swell and cheekpiece of cocobolo.
The butt plate was requested to help with better positioning in prone
and standing and features dual, adjustable hooks.
An Izhmash action is re-barreled with an Anschutz Sprint Nitride barrel.
Anschutz sights complete this custom package.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Biathlon

How Biathlon Works by Ed Grabianowski

Izhmash 7-3 Biathlon Rifle with Larsen Stock

Biathlon Basics
The word biathlon has Greek origins, and translates to "the joining of two contests."
Any sport that combines two different disciplines into a single event
can be referred to as a biathlon.
Events that involve running and bicycling, running and swimming,
or even skiing and running are also biathlons,
but the official Olympic biathlon combines skiing and shooting.
A typical biathlon event requires participants to ski for a certain distance,
usually between 3 and 5 kilometers (between 1.86 and 3.1 miles),
with .22 caliber rifles strapped to their backs.
When they reach the firing range, they must shoot five targets placed 50 meters (165 feet) away.
They only have five shots, and for each shot that misses a target,
the competitor must ski around a penalty loop of 150 m.
This process repeats over three or four additional segments of skiing and shooting.
Izhmash Recruit Rifle from Larsen


Although skiing and shooting might seem unconnected,
the sport actually grew out of hunting and military practices in use for centuries.
In Scandinavian countries, skiing to get around while hunting for food was a common practice.
Rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Norway indicate that ski hunting goes back to prehistoric times.

Finnish soldiers were able to fight off a 1939 Russian invasion
although they were heavily outnumbered.
The Finns used the cold weather and terrain to their advantage,
striking quickly with ski-mounted units and targeting Russian food supplies.
Inspired by this, the U.S. Army formed the 10th Mountain Division in 1941.
This specially trained unit comprising experienced skiers and rock climbers
fought towards the end of World War II in the Apennine Mountains in Italy.


Various "rifle and ski" clubs had competed informally
in Scandinavian countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Early biathlons differed in some important ways from the modern biathlon.
There was one basic event, a 20 kilometer ski, with rifle targets placed 150 to 250 m downrange.

Recreational skiing and shooting has a long history as well.
In the early 1900s, the Norwegian military began holding organized biathlon contests,
which developed into a demonstration Olympic event known as Military Patrol.


By 1948, the biathlon was governed by the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne et Biathlon (UIPMB).
It then became an Olympic sport in 1955.
The first Olympic biathlon event was held in 1960 at the Squaw Valley Olympics.
Additional events were added through the years,
and 1984 saw the first women's biathlon world championships.
Women's biathlon became an Olympic event at the Albertville Winter Games in 1992.
Biathlon finally got its own international governing body in 1993,
when the International Biathlon Union (IBU) split from the UIPMB in an amicable agreement.
Izhmash Rifles from Larsen - Photo by HIL
 
#4 · (Edited)
Straight Pull Bolt

Newbie 7-4 Question: Larsen Biathlon Rifle Video & Toggle Bolt Images

Does the 7-4 have a bolt that is a straight pull? Meaning, can the operators thumb just flick it back and forth "easily?"
Awww .... more like pull, push.
Well, maybe a deliberate flick of the wrist causing the fingers to move back (pull).
Then, a flick of the wrist foward causing the thumb to move foward (push).
Anyway, the video shows it all.

Larsen Biathlon Video

Have you read this thread?
CM-2 (SM-2) Sport Rifle & Biathlon 7-3, 7-4 Sporting Rifles IZHMASH
 
#6 · (Edited)
Arm Sling & Firing Cuff

7-4 Sling (not harness - the sling): BI Arm Sling with Firing Cuff & Shoulder Sling

Or, do you mean the Arm Sling with Firing Cuff that provides stability during firing?

.
U.S. Olympic biathlete Jay Hankken fires prone with his arm sling securely attached to his firing cuff.
(Photos courtesy Eberlestock)​
When it is time to fire, biathletes hook an arm sling made of webbing to a firing cuff on their upper arm.
This connects to the rifle, and provides stability


The Arm Sling and Firing Cuff are not in-use.
Note how the Arm Sling is attached to the forearm rail
 
#7 · (Edited)
Joint Use of Slings

7-4 Sling (not harness - the sling): BI Arm Sling with Firing Cuff & Shoulder Sling

Or, do you mean the Arm Sling with Firing Cuff that provides stability during firing
Biathletes firing in the standing, or off-hand position, 2002 Winter Olympics

(Photo courtesy La Presse)

Note the first shooter, how the Shoulder Sling is wrapped under and around the Left Arm for stability.
It appears, the Arm Sling is under tension via the Firing Cuff.
The two sling systems are employed jointly.
 
#8 · (Edited)
#9 · (Edited)
#14 · (Edited)
#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
left hand 7-4: Want to try one before buying? PHOTOS & More PHOTOS & SHOOTER

Hi TS,
The action and mechanics of the rifle have remained stock. I have made a few mods to the butt plate and cheek comb to have a better fit and made up a new sling to save weight. The sling has a carbon fiber hook and my shooting cuff is a custom fit carbon piece for weight and distribution of load. I have a new CF butt plate and comb I need to finish up. Again these are to save a bit of weight. Photos to follow of the new pieces.

The action on my rifle is super smooth and I have not noticed any problems when changing brands of ammo. The closing pressure seems constant but my rebolting just slaps the bolt forward and yanks it back as quickly as I can so I'm not paying attention to the finer points of the feel.

I have shot a stock Larson but it didn't fit me too well. The Ethan Allen Biathlon Club has one in the club locker. The lift of the stock was very high and I spent a bit of effort rebolting as my shooting position has no way to really stabilize the gun during rebolt. Look at the pictures for reference. I felt as though I was always "catching" the gun to keep it on my hand so never really paid attention to the feel of the action. Next time I'm there I'll fire a few rounds prone instead of offhand so I can pay more attention.

I do know the rifle really likes RWS and Fiocchi. I've shot my most consistent groups with these brands. In the really cold weather, <15F, the Fiocchi biathlon ammo is just great. Too pricey for everyday shooting but worth the cash for races.
 
#16 · (Edited by Moderator)
Izhmash Biathlon 7-4 Sporting Rifle

Rifle for someone training for a biathlon - Recommendation: Ammunition & Rifle

I use a left hand 7-4 and it shoots great.

In the cold temps, <20, it seems to group tighter.
I'm heading to a race this weekend in Saratoga, NY
and the predicted high is 10F and shooting in real cold temps. is tough on the shooter.

The 7-4 performs better then I do.

At cold temps the biggest variable is the ammo.
Using ammo made for cold temps is well worth the cash.

I use Fiocchi 22sm340 biathlon ammo and its fantastic
when temps drop below 30 F and gets better (compared to non-cold temp ammo) as it gets colder.
The primer is a bit hotter and the powder formulation and packing are set up for cold.
The lube is also very light so it doesn't turn almost tar-like when its cold.

I've used an Anschutz too.
There are pros and cons with both rifle
but for the money its difficult to beat the 7-4.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Biathlon FAQ: How many a's are there in "biathlon"? - Colorado Biathlon Club

Forum Title - What's in a Name: Bialthlon, Biathalon, Biathalan, Biathlon

Guys,
I've had alot of problems spelling Biathlon.
When I've done internet searches,
I've had to try several variations of the word to find more results:
biathalon
biatholon
biathtalon.​
Here's the definitive answer ... tongue-in-cheek.

Bye the way, I've been meaning to post this information for a long time.
But, I was concerned it might offend someone - I'm not trying to.

However, I think it is interesting (and funny) that a biathlon organization
thought it was important enough to publish the fact.



How many a's are there in "biathlon"?

Many have tried to add an extra syllable by sneaking an extra "a" between the the "h" and the "l."
There is, in fact, only one "a," and a total of three syllables
 
#18 · (Edited)
Biathlon Ammunition: Fiocchi USA

BIATHLON: For those that live in Cold Country - reason to own a BI 7-4 & Rifle Video



Rifle for someone training for a biathlon - Recommendation: Ammunition & Rifle
Originally Posted by Kevin6q ....

At cold temps the biggest variable is the ammo.
Using ammo made for cold temps is well worth the cash.

I use Fiocchi 22sm340 biathlon ammo and its fantastic
when temps drop below 30 F and gets better (compared to non-cold temp ammo) as it gets colder.
The primer is a bit hotter and the powder formulation and packing are set up for cold.
The lube is also very light so it doesn't turn almost tar-like when its cold.
Kevin Brooker:

Fiocchi USA Sponsored Shooter

Corporate Sponsors
Go Faster boots and bindings
Russian American Armory Company Izhmash 7-4 rifle
Ski Trab skis
DragonWax
Infinity Ski Pole
Redpoint, Incorporated
Cobble Mountain Hammock
Sit-by-Site Internet Solutions​

Left-Handed Izhmash Model 7-4 Biathlon Target Rifle

 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
Interesting read

Interesting read: Russian Athletes to Dump 'Inferior' German Rifles

Russian Athletes to Dump 'Inferior' German Rifles
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,536787,00.html
That will teach them.:D

Midwest Swiss

Russian Athletes to Dump 'Inferior' German Rifles
The Russian team saw their chances
in the women's relay at the Biathlon World Championships
melt into the snow when one athlete's rifle refused to fire.

Now the disappointed Russians are dumping their German-made rifles
in favor of trusty Russian weapons.


The Russian team had had high hopes for the women's relay
at this year's Biathlon World Championships,
which took place Feb. 8-17 in Ă–stersund, Sweden.

But on Sunday, in the second leg of the women's relay,
Russia's Albina Akhatova spent several minutes fumbling
with the broken bolt of her rifle.
While doing so, she dropped to 16th place.
As a result, her team finished fourth.

It was a great disappointment for the Russians.
For some, it was more than a disappointment --

especially when it turned out that the rifle was German-made
and it was the German team that took home the gold.

Akhatova, who has been a competitive biathlete since 1993
and has won five Olympic medals in the course of her career, was devastated.
Andrea Henkel of the victorious German team told the International Biathlon Union:
"She looked really sad when I saw her in the changing room."
And even German coach Uwe MĂĽssiggang regretted the Russian's bad luck.
"It's a pity that this had to happen in such an important competition," he said.

But the Russians aren't looking for sympathy.
Instead, they're taking action:
It seems the time has come to wean the Russian team off German weapons.

Dmitry Medvedev, who is widely expected to succeed Vladimir Putin
as Russia's leader after the March 2 presidential election,
was quick to take up the cause.
"I hope that we'll be shooting our own weapons at the Olympic Games in Sochi,"
he told Russian news agency Ria Novosti.
The Black Sea resort of Sochi is to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Russian-made biathlon rifles are produced
by the Izhevsk-based weapons manufacturer Izhmash,
which was founded by Czar Alexander I at the beginning of the 19th century
and is most famous for making the iconic Kalashnikov rifle.

The facility's august history, however,
appears to not be entirely reflected in the product's quality:
At the moment, only one junior Russian biathlete uses an Izhmash.
Russian men's trainer Vladimir Alikin has indicated
that a change in the brand of weapon should not be expected to yield
immediate results -- at least not positive ones.

But the prospect of Russian athletes shooting their way to victory
with Russian rifles on Russian soil is a tantalising one.
On Tuesday, Alexander Zavarzin, director of the export division of Izhmash,
announced that his company would be making
its rifles available to the Russian team.

He claimed that the rifles are constantly being improved
and are popular among German and Norwegian biathletes.
"The Germans called us after the World Championships to thank us
for our excellent rifles," he told Ria Novosti.

(Kati Wilhem: Larsen-Izhmash Rifle)
nmb
PHOTO GALLERY: BROKEN BOLT BLUES AT THE BIATHLON
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
Interesting read: Russian Athletes to Dump 'Inferior' German Rifles

midwest swiss:

Great find, loved the article.

But, I have to ask, do you subcribe to DER SPIEGEL (The Mirror)?

What brought your attention to the article?

http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/
Here read this thread.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222671
I went on the E-net looking for some list or something showing that
allot of Russian shooters have won plenty of medals in the Olympics
using there own rifles. Then I found this article on the Biathlon
match last winter. I was going to post it in the CZ forum, but thought I should
just drop that Idea & posted it here. We just don't get no respect. LOL

Swiss
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
Interesting read: Russian Athletes to Dump 'Inferior' German Rifles

I was going to post it in the CZ forum, but thought I should
just drop that Idea & posted it here. We just don't get no respect. LOL
Well Swiss,

Being as we both are CZ and Russian rifle owners, and we both know how well both brands shoot, all I can say is SCREW 'EM if they get offended. Post away dude....I have your back. Well, I'll be a few blocks away but....:)

Maybe we should draw a picture of a CZ with a bomb strapped to it's receiver? That'll show 'em!

Anyhoo....I know that the Biathlon is a challenging sport but apparently it gets pretty rough according to this video.:D


I wonder if Marc Shepard over at Altius can make me a new stock for my RPG?

Scott

 
#22 · (Edited)
Articles by Kevin Brooker

BIATHLON: For those that live in Cold Country - reason to own a BI 7-4 & Rifle Video



Getting onto the Snow
Mar 23, 2008 - By Kevin Brooker.
"Sorry. I thought you had checked out," said the cleaning lady
before she caught sight of the rifle, ammo and me
bare-chested wearing green tights staring at her almost dumbfounded.
Living the Dream
Jan 11, 2008 - By Kevin Brooker.
After making the decision and commitment to become a biathlete,
it was time to get started.....Kevin Brooker brings us his second installment
on the road back to racing while learning the sport of biathlon
An Unexpected Reason to Train
Dec 15, 2007 - By Kevin Brooker.
Kevin Brooker is back at it after a six-year hiatus
and will be keeping us posted as he learns a new sport
and struggles with balancing family, work and training
Mid-Atlantic Region Announces 2007 Junior Olympic Team
Feb 27, 2007 - The 2007 Mid-Atlantic Region Junior National Ski Team roster.
The North American Cup Series
Apr 23, 2008 - By Kevin Brooker.
The best way to place the level of competition
for the NorAm Cup races is to think of it a double A baseball.
The athletes in the elite divisions are vying for a spot
on national teams competing in the Europa Cup and on the World Cup level
 
#23 · (Edited by Moderator)
Anschutz Biathlon Rifle

Anschutz Biathlon Rifle: 1827 Fortner - The Other Biathlon Rifle

Just thought I would share a couple photos of my Biathlon rifle.
It is not a Russian Ishmash but instead
a Anschutz Fortner with a custom stock
which I am currently carving down to make it better fitting.

As you can see the Anschutz logos on the sights
and action have been covered up with felt marker
because they are not a sponosor of mine,
right now there are no sponsorship stickers on the rifle
because the stock is only a couple weeks old.

 
#24 · (Edited)
#25 · (Edited)
Or, More Purpose Specific

The 7-4 vs. the Purpose Built - Or, Purpose Specific

Kevin6q,

Your BI 7-4 could easily be made more purpose built by changing-out the factory stock with a custom Larsen stock.

Altius Handcrafted Firearms

Also attached is a photo of the various stocks I have available from Larsen.
I am now importing the barreled actions and the stocks as individual units
so that I can allow more customer choice with regard to size
(available in 2 sizes in addition to their adjustability) and color.

Once the customer selects, then I bed the action to their choice.
Note that both RH and LH rifles/stocks are available.

Marc

Marc Sheppard
Altius Handcrafted Firearms
P.O. Box 1028/125 Madison Avenue
West Yellowstone, MT 59758 USA
406-646-9222 TEL
406-646-9433 FAX
altiusguns@earthlink.net
Notice the left-handed stock
 
#26 · (Edited)
Marc Sheppard & U.S. Biathlon Team

ALTIUS: Larsen Recruit Rifle, Legion Sable & Importing Izhmash Rifles - Moderator O/T

Interesting background information on Marc Sheppard of Altuis.





SUMMER TEAM
Marc Sheppard
Age: 38
Hometown: West Yellowstone, Montana
Biathlon since 1992

Marc has finished in the top 10 at nationals every year since 1993
(except 2000 when he suffered a broken leg).

He has been nominated to National Team every year since 1995,
but declined a position on the team for several years
while he was serving as the Summer Biathlon Program Director.

In 1994 he represented the United States in the European Championship.

He has represented the United States
in six IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships,
making the team every year from 1997 through 2002.

He competed in the US Men's relay team that took fourth in the relay
at worlds in 2000 (still struggling with the broken leg).

Last year he had a career highlight
as he placed 6th in the individual sprint at the World Championship,
shooting clean for the only time in his career, so far.

He followed that up by claiming the National Championship
in the pursuit race in Minnesota last year.

Marc is a gunsmith and operates his own business,
Altius Endeavours, in West Yellowstone.
 
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