TargetTalk

I am a newby, to small bore and Anschutz rifles in general.

A local 4H rifle team coaches has a rifle he described as a 2007.

Internet search results usually list the 2007 together with the 2013, nothing is said specifically about a 2007

Was the 2007 a predecessor to, and replaced by the 2013?
Is the 2007 a rifle model with a 2013 receiver, and 2013 has no relevance to year of release or design.

I found pictures of the various receivers on Anschutz NA which helped a lot. There were no pictures of a 2007 receiver, so I will assume the pictures were of current production models.

Any information is appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Rj,

The 2007 was a companion model to the 2013. I believe that both were introduced in 1990. The 2007 and 2013 Supermatch Special were conceived as improved versions of Anschutz's Match 54 1907 and 1913 Supermatch rifles. The 1907/1913 replaced the 1807/1813, so the 2007/2013 came next.

The 2007 and 2013 share the same action and trigger; the first versions even shared the same 50cm barrel. Later Anschutz offered the 2007 with the same 660x22mm barrel as the 1907, and the 2013 with the same 690x24mm barrel as the 1913.

The difference was in the stocks. Both the 2007 and 2013 were made for 3-P shooting, but the 2013 had a larger, heavier, and more complex stock. The different stocks reflect Men's and Women's Olympic/International 3P rules back in 1990. Back then men and women were required to shoot different rifles. Men shot the "Free Rifle" like the 2013; this could have a thumbhole stock, an adjustable butt, a butthook, an adjustable cheekpiece, and some other acessories. Women had to use the simpler "Standard Rifle" and a 5.5kg max weight.

Standard Rifles started losing losing popularity after women switched to "Sport Rifle" (a lighter Free Rifle) in 1997. Today you still see new Standard Rifles, mostly in the hands of smaller shooters who want a lighter rifle. Rifles made after 1997 may have an adjustable cheekpiece, not just one that could be packed with wedges. As the action is the same, a 2007 can shoot groups as small as a 2013; it comes down to the individual barrel, ammo pairing, and bedding. However, the 2007 stock probably won't fit quite so well as a 2013, or rather can't be made to fit as well without rasps, files, or epoxy putty. Fit affects how much accuracy the shooter can extract from the barrel. Put simply, most adults will shoot better scores with a 2013 (or another Free Rifle stock) than a 2007. For this reason you're unlikely to see a 2007 (or a 1907, or Walther/FWB equivalents) at top level matches. Although a 2007 stock is quicker to get going with, and there's much less chance of getting lost in the adjustments. If you don't have access to a coach, or don't have experience with modern stocks, you're less likely to get it really wrong with a 2007.

Adding some to what Tim said. I assume you’re looking for a smallbore rifle? Sometimes you can get a steal of a deal on standard rifles because they’re not very popular. You can shoot it a while and then upgrade the stock to the latest. Can be a good path.

Thank you both for the most informative replies.

Yes I'm interested in a rifle suitable for NRA small bore prone competition.

As I look over this and other sites, & become more informed my interest may expand.