The 540X, from what I've been told, is on par with the Winchester 52. I have a Winchester 52C, and the 540X must be a good one. But I'm sure the comparison will waiver from sub-model to sub-model. The 144LSA is not in the same league as the 540X. I'm quite sure that all the members who respond to this inquiry will feel the same. You can pick up a real nice LSA for $200-$300, depending, of course, on condition. A nice 540X is most likely going to start somewhere close to $1,000.

The other Mossberg you may want to think about is the 144LSB. It's basically the same rifle as the LSA, but with a much heavier barrel. I have one, and it's absolutely the most accurate Mossberg I own. But, that being said, it's still a ways away from the 540X. Although, many a member here has shown the big boys how to shoot with these "lesser" rifles. If you're going to be competing you may want to contemplate the 540X, but if you're just looking for some real tight groups I would lean toward the LSB.

Just my 2¢ worth.

 

Thanks for your input Steve! I was really hoping the LSA would be competitive w/the 540x. There is a nice looking LSA on GB right now but... I need something closer to the 540x. Any suggestions?
the thing is my wife shoots the 540x and we want to have our own competitions

 

I did this using this ammo the very first time I took my LSB to the range... using peeps. I wasn't worried about the bullseye, I just wanted to see how tight the groups were going to be. The 144LSB is a sleeper. It's definitely on the top shelf compared to the likes of the 40X and the 52, but in the right hands it will hold its own. The trigger may not be the best in the west, but I lucked out. Mine is very light and crisp. The barrel is even heavier than the LSA, which is supposed to help with accuracy. You couldn't go wrong with an LSB. I like mine so much I'm thinking about a second one.

 

What???



Steve--you shooting my LSB again??

 

... and I'm lovin' it!:bthumb:

 

Here are some targets shot with my 144 LSA. I don't think it's quite as accurate as a $1000. rifle, but even my so-so shooting provided some very good groups.
I love the peeps, but my eyes are not what they used to be.
In the right hands, I think my LSA could be quite the shooter, I love it. The last two pics, the target with 4 shot rings and the close up of the one were shot at 50 yds using SK+ ammo, if you get a good one, they shoot great, and don't forget, it was me who shot these, not someone who shoots all the time in comps, the one that was out in the last photo was a called flier, would have been a really good group had I not pulled one.

The fliers were me, not the rifle.
I would try an LSA or LSB and work with it for a while, if you paid a decent price, you can easily get your money back out of it. Then if you need the edge a 540X or other expensive rifle will give you, go ahead abd get one. A good Mossberg may just surprise you. Mine likes the Wolf and SK, find the ammo it likes and get ready for some great groups. The first target was shot with CCI standard velocity, it likes the SK much better.
Do have the trigger worked, I did mine and it made a great difference. It will never be a target trigger, but if you get it done so it's lighter and breaks crisp and consistant, it helps a lot. Metal does have to be removed and the angles stoned a little, so have a professional do it if you are not 100% you can get it right and safe.

My Best, John

 

Thanks guys! Those are excellent targets DK! And a nice group slick. So that gives me hope about the LSA. I'm lovin' these options Now I'll keep looking for the best deal. I know I'll find something.

 

Lsa

As others have said, I don't think the LSA is up to the 540X, but the one my son shoots is pretty good. With a 12X scope, I was able to get sub MOA groups with target ammo. I don't have a great rest setup, and I'm an average shooter at best. At his 50 yard match with the peep sights, he shot a 198 11x prone (NRA 5 23/5) and the 8 was a mistake caused by the excitement of seeing his first 5 shots were all 10s or Xs. For bench rest competition, it may be at some disadvantage but the guns can shoot well enough to make you happy.

 

Thanks for that Joe Pa, Unfortunately I missed the bid for the one I was looking at on GB. So the hunt continues. Any gun that we end up getting will most likely not see sanctioned or even unsanctioned events at clubs and such. We want it for family "friendly" competitions. But it does help if the gun is closer in comparison to the 540x since we already have one of those. I still think there is a chance for a 144 LSA or B but we have also been looking at other possiblities, like a remmy 513T. We are also trying to keep the price within reason for us. Just trying to keep the bills paid and support two peoples shooting addiction

 

You messed up and got your wife into shooting, me too.

It really is great having the wife shoot with you, but as you iluded to, it doubled the costs.

I know if I buy a gun, the wife wants one too, I try to keep it at a 2 to 1 ratio, two for me, one for her.

I know she enjoys her firearms and am glad she knows how to use them.

Hope you find a nice 513-T, then you can find a good Mossberg, I sure love mine. Someone refinished the stock, not the best, not the worst, I'm leaving it as is. It shoots better than I do, so I'm not going to mess with it.

Better not to have a pristine rifle at the range, then outshoot the guy with his tricked up 10-22. I never have scoped it, always used the peeps. Someday I'll have to see how she does with a good piece of glass on it.

My Best, John