Well that's interesting Rugermann, I didn't even know there was such a thing!

https://www.nhsra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/National-High-School-Rodeo-Shooting-Sports-Guide-Final.pdf

Without seeing shot 50 yard targets it's hard to say but on the surface it sure looks like you've put together a competitive package for him.

Frank

 

Looks like a pretty great place to start. Under the weight limit. Run whatcha brung! You could run a lighter optic. Doesn't seem necessary in my mind. Looks great!

 

Lucky son!
You got me at first. "Rodeo" took me to a 1873 short rifle in 357/38spl.
It sounds like you are really hooking him up!
I'd look at his competition and go from there.
Are they shooting 10/22s and Marlin model 60s? Or tricked out target rifles?
I'd float close to the competition for two reasons. #1 to have a slight edge over the average, #2 don't go too far with it because others will be jealous and judge your son. If he wins because "his rifle out classes" the field the other kids will say thats why he won, and it wasn't fair.
Although if they are all basically using upper tier equipment then go as far as your dollar allows. (Just the way I see things.)
I hope my son shows interest in the shooting sports like yours. I'll definitely go broke helping him out if I can. Hes not 4yo yet, but I'm working on him. Have fun!

 

What are the regs for triggers? If that rifle doesn't have a Yodave trigger kit it needs one.

 

He is lucky for sure. I would kill to be in his shoes. This is the first year so I haven’t seen any other rifles but I’ve heard the ruger precision with a lija barrel is common. The trigger is pretty good right now but I think I will put a yo Dave trigger. The trigger pull cannot be Less than 2lbs. Does a barrel stabilizer work on .22’s? This is a bull barrel.

 

Do NOT put a stabilizer on it. I had one of those 452s and I now have the 455 version of it. You have a great setup for him with that stock and what you've done to it. Quit now and shoot it.

 

Methinks someone is using the event as an excuse to build a rifle for themselves.

 

In which case he's pretty much succeeded and should stop before going over the edge and gilding the lily. 😂

 

That's a pretty sweet rig for an 11 year-old. I guess for a kid I wouldn't monkey around trying to make the trigger super-light. I'd also say "shoot it first" before getting into any further mods. [Edit I see that the rules specify a trigger pull of no less than 2 lbs. I guess you have to decide whether that's a safe minimum for your son]

That said . . .

The triggers on the 452's are ok, but a YoDave or similar shim kit can reduce trigger creep for a snappy let-off even with a trigger that's set at a good safe pull for, say, hunting. DiP makes an adjustable sear if YoDave style shims don't appeal. CZ polymer mags can shave an ounce or two off of the steel ones, if it gets close on weight. They are just as reliable, in my experience. Folks who tune these sometimes replace the factory firing pin spring, polish the underside of the firing pin with an Arkansas stone 'till smooth, and lube with a light teflon based oil. And you can Q-Tip check the crown or re-crown if necessary. Do perform a torque test on the front and rear action screws. You might be surprised how groups can tighten up with repeatable, tested torque values and no other changes.

Hope your son has a good, safe time with this. And consider yourself lucky! Mine won't touch a firearm unless it's in a video game (groan.....).

 

My 11 year old son will be entering the junior high school rodeo association for the rifle event so I’m trying to put together a rifle for him. Rules are it can’t weigh over 8.5 lbs which includes the optic (can’t be anything more then 10x scope), no hollow points.
This is what I have Built so far:
452 varmit that’s pillar bedded and glass bedded in a Boyd’s thumb hole stock. The optic is a weaver ct 10. It weighs about 8.4 lbs. I was wondering what else anyone would recommend like maybe a barrel stabilizer.
I was going to start with centerx ammo and get this on paper.
The scope has a sun shade and caps I can remove and this puts me at 8.2-8.3 lbs.

IMHO, at that age and level, the experience, practice, and self discipline of the competitor has substantially more impact on the results than the gun. If it were me, I'd be working closer and more often with the competitor and worry less about the gun. That written, the gun you built should be more than enough...though it would be a great gift to celebrate a win.

Good luck wishes go out to the shooter.

 

Very well said jeepergeo. That’s probably the most important aspect. Thank you!

 

Hey go for it. I’ve got a 6 year old granddaughter that has been shooting a tricked out Begara 14R carbon fiber with a Nightforce on top since she turned 5. She can outshoot me with me using my Vudoo with same type scope