October 02, 2026, 06:40 PM
got2hav11981 H&R US Government training rifle
I picked this up a few weeks ago. These old stocks are heavy and rather roughly finished, most of the wood is a dark color with a dark stain. This one as you can see is very light. I added a little red chestnut stain, probably should have added more. I like how it feels now and I don't have to worry about getting a splinter in my hand

I have been led to believe that it is a good shooter, I will find out next week. Rear sights are Parker with a Gehmann adjustable iris and the front is a " Tiger sight". Metal and wood was pretty nice for a 45 year old gun. Trigger breaks at 1 pound and is very crisp. It is adjustable but it feels really good so I doubt I will fiddle with it.
October 03, 2026, 07:42 AM
sigfreundNice. I did not know that there were training rifles in use so late until I started seeing what were available through CMP and elsewhere like this one. It would be interesting to know about how they were used, etc., during the era.
Now we need a range report.

October 03, 2026, 10:03 AM
Expert308I had a Tiger sight on my highpower match rifle and liked it a lot. Good luck with your new toy!

October 04, 2026, 07:56 AM
got2hav1quote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
Nice. I did not know that there were training rifles in use so late until I started seeing what were available through CMP and elsewhere like this one. It would be interesting to know about how they were used, etc., during the era.
Now we need a range report.
Yeah, I will shoot it very soon. If I'm not wrong the H&R rifles contract was thru '82. I then I believe that Kimber 82G got the next contract. I don't have one of those...yet.

October 08, 2026, 04:24 PM
got2hav1quote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
Nice. I did not know that there were training rifles in use so late until I started seeing what were available through CMP and elsewhere like this one. It would be interesting to know about how they were used, etc., during the era.
Now we need a range report.
First outing with the M12 rifle. The previous owner sent me (4) boxes of Eley Match as this is what it apparently likes. This target is from our monthly fun match shot at 25 yards with Eley Match. It was a challenge to see those silhouetes from that distance. Printed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper. They looked like a tiny pin prick. Tough but the M12 really shot well, no issues to report.
October 08, 2026, 04:44 PM
sigfreundquote:
Originally posted by got2hav1:
It was a challenge to see those silhouetes from that distance.
Very neat, and I can well imagine how tiny those targets would look with no magnification.
I shot some drills today with a few targets of probably similar size, and even at 10x max magnification they were none too large.
October 10, 2026, 08:52 PM
David Leequote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
Nice. I did not know that there were training rifles in use so late until I started seeing what were available through CMP and elsewhere like this one. It would be interesting to know about how they were used, etc., during the era.
Now we need a range report.
Its the US M12. Ive owned 2 of these rifles. Its too heavy for me to shoot standing. Age. Ive heard some military shooters state these were more accurate than the 52 rifles. My 1st one had some wear and the local FFL damaged the Redfield sights. I still have those sights. Sold the rifle. My 2nd M12 was in its box, unfired, in a mans safe for 19 years. Brand new rifle. I gave 1k for that one. Ive also had a NIB CMP Remington with Williams target sights.
October 12, 2026, 10:20 PM
lymanquote:
Originally posted by David Lee:
quote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
Nice. I did not know that there were training rifles in use so late until I started seeing what were available through CMP and elsewhere like this one. It would be interesting to know about how they were used, etc., during the era.
Now we need a range report.
Its the US M12. Ive owned 2 of these rifles. Its too heavy for me to shoot standing. Age. Ive heard some military shooters state these were more accurate than the 52 rifles. My 1st one had some wear and the local FFL damaged the Redfield sights. I still have those sights. Sold the rifle. My 2nd M12 was in its box, unfired, in a mans safe for 19 years. Brand new rifle. I gave 1k for that one. Ive also had a NIB CMP Remington with Williams target sights.
which Remington, 40x or 541x?
I have a couple M12's, good shooters, on par with the Winchesters and 40x if it likes the ammo
October 13, 2026, 04:28 PM
got2hav1I'll be shooting it again this month on the same target, with another lot of Eley Match.
I have a nice 541X too! It was a really good shooter the only problem with the 541X is the trigger. The trigger was extremely heavy. Mine was at least 8 lbs according to my gauge. I got lucky and found a 541S adjustable trigger and installed it. I got it down to about 1-1/2 lbs. Great gun!