Did You Go Shooting Today

I figured I’d take out the Baby Desert Eagle I picked up yesterday to see how it shot. Affectionately known by me as “The Hebrew Hammer”, the Baby Eagle is a great shooting and accurate .45 ACP pistol.

I took the Python as well, and some .38 Special reloads. I’d adjusted the rear sight and needed to see if all was well. All was well and the holes appear where I want them to appear.
 
Snuck out to Champion Defense today to plink out to distance.

Finally shot the GLX 2.5-10 out past 100. Super easy ringing steel out to 600 yards with this set up. Beautiful day to boot.

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My bad for not posting when I went to the range on Wednesday. It had been a while since my last range trip, so I was overloaded with accumulated testing.

My first test was of various 380 ammo in my wife's S&W EZ. After three years, S&W apparently resolved the pistol's feeding issues with a new barrel. However, I also contributed extra-strength springs for her magazines. Overall, the pistol worked without any problems, even with the last of my Fiocchi ammo which has a thicker than normal case rim that gives many pistols fits. Our Ruger Security 380 did choke trying to feed the first of only 5 Fiocchi rounds that I found to put through it.

My new S&W M&P Compact continues to run without problems. On Wednesday, I was using a new 17-rounder by ACT-Mag to confirm its reliability. I'll report reliability of those magazines over time as round-count increases.
 
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Shot indoor bullseye at TSA last night. .22 only match. I ended up getting so frustrated that I threw a screwdriver like a brat to stop myself from chucking the pistol downrange. Why?

Because my Ultradot went down. Mid-match. Two weeks before the indoor championships. Gear fails, sure, so why would I get so pissed about this?

This optic broke on a .45 last year during a match—the rings failed and the rheostat detents gave out. They replaced it under “warranty,” except their warranty required me to pay shipping both ways and also a small fee.

I mounted it to a .22. A .22! I don’t have 600 rounds of subsonic .22 through the darn thing and it happens again. Rings won’t hold tight and the rheostat is losing its detents. It’s clearly not a recoil issue. It’s bad materials and bad QA.

Japanese optics imported by an American family-run business, and they’re unreliable crap compared to every Chicom Primary Arms and Holosun optic on the market.
 
Sighted in a backup optic and shot my best slowfire target ever.

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All I can do is hope the darn thing makes it through the end of April… it can crap out in May if it wants.
 
I finally found a day my son could go to the range with me, so it was the day to zero my new AR.

First was the carry handle sight (because I'm old and like old stuff). I was having difficulty getting the final adjustment and had my son shoot a group. Observing him shoot, I immediately saw I had the stock extended too far, which was messing up my eye relief and view through the ghost ring. I shot another group with the stock retracted a couple of notches and the rounds were dead on.

Then I switched out the carry handle for backup sights. The backups were spot on for elevation and two groups got the rounds on target for windage.

Finally, I put on a RDS and was preparing to shoot a group. My son interrupted me and asked if he could save some ammo. When I gave him the AR, he popped up the backup sights and began adjusting the windage and elevation on the RDS. After putting the dot on the target with the backup sights aligned, he shot a group that was amazingly close. A couple of clicks more and the RDS was zeroed.

It's a treat to have somebody competent guide me about ARs.
 
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Forgot to post yesterday. I was officially becoming “middle aged,” but at least I remembered to keep up with my practice.

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I am getting more and more consistent with the mid-to-high-40s scores per bull, but I am perpetually frustrated by 49s. Just for the novelty of it, I would like to shoot five 10s in a row someday.
 
I took a quick trip to the range today to check the zero on my CMMG AR that I have not shot in over a year and also took my 300 BO that is one of my HD guns that I have not shot much. The 300 was shot at 35 yards (center and right hand side of the target) and 50 yards (left hand side). The top left 3 shots were shot in less then 2 seconds. The Red dot is 2 or 3 MOA and I had a hard time seeing the red square on the target at 50 yards. Then took it to the 200 yard range and hit steel 9 out of 10 shots. I love this gun.
The CMMG was a different story, First 4 rounds did not fire thinking what the hell. I was using small pistol magnum primers in the rounds but I was also using the same primers in the 300 BO. I mixed the 223 rounds with some more rounds that was in the zip lock. Reached in to the bottom of the bag and found a few rounds that did fire. Was happy with less than a 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with the way the wind was blowing. Then ran into to some more rounds that did not fire. The rest of the story is in the reloading section.
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I donated a range trip a couple of months ago and one of the buyers redeemed it today. The husband has been in the Army (South Africa's army) but the wife has never shot a gun before. I told them we are going to start like nobody has ever shot a gun before and they agreed. First up was a 22 pistol on steel at 25 and then 35 yards. First couple of magazines each were non-suppressed then the last couple were. Next was a 22 pistol with a red dot. After a few magazines with that gun, we stepped up to a 9 MM. I was explaining to them that there is a trade off between different guns. First up was a Walther PPQ with upgraded sight. Both liked the sights on that gun better than the 22. Next was a Glock 19 with a Holosun green dot. Finished the pistols with a Sig 365X with a red dot.
After the pistols, we went to some long guns. First was a Ruger 1022 that has been customized with stock, barrel and trigger. It was wearing a red dot and a can. They shot that out to 50 yards. Next in line was a 16" AR with a scope. The husband had no problem with the scope but the wife did, so I pulled out an AR SBR that had a red dot and can. She had no problem with the red dot.
Last I wanted to finish the trip with a little something different. We went to the 525 yard range and shot a 6.5 CM. The steel was staged at 200, 300, 400 and 500 yards. The husband was first up and hit 2 shots on each distance. I put the wife on the spotting scope and she was calling the hits. They loved it. After he shot at 500, I let her shoot the 200 yard steel. First shot was a missed and the second was dead center. I had 3 rounds left and put the husband back on the gun at 200 yards. There were 3 different size steels and had him work from the biggest to the smallest. He hit all 3.

On the way home both of them said that they thought that they were going to shoot around 50 to 75 rounds and come back home. We were at the range for over 3 hours. They could not believe how much fun they had.
After dropping them off, an hour later the door bell rings and it was the wife bringing me a bottle of Eagle Rare for what they call an unbelievable experience. They also said that if I offer one next year, before the auction he is going to tell the audience his trip was worth twice the money he paid.
 
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Went and finished sighting in the Colt AR15A4 at 200 yards. The K31 has been hitting slightly right of center so I adjusted that as well. All set for the military rifle match this weekend, but if it rains I'm screwed because we'll be forced to shoot from 300 where we have a roof and I'm sighted in at 200.

My K31 reloads are slightly softer shooting than the PRVI stuff. They also group more consistently. I need to make more before Saturday.
 
Timfoilhat said:
Went and finished sighting in the Colt AR15A4 at 200 yards. The K31 has been hitting slightly right of center so I adjusted that as well. All set for the military rifle match this weekend, but if it rains I'm screwed because we'll be forced to shoot from 300 where we have a roof and I'm sighted in at 200.

My K31 reloads are slightly softer shooting than the PRVI stuff. They also group more consistently. I need to make more before Saturday.
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I understand that the general pubic is allowed to come and watch

Is that true?
 
Gardner said:
I understand that the general pubic is allowed to come and watch

Is that true?
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I'm thinking you'd need to be signed in as a guest because of "liability what if's". Part of getting signed in is paying $10.
Or if you pay $25 you'd be allowed to shoot. We've received notice that the portions we shoot at 200 are scrubbed this week because of rain. We'll be shooting the 300 events, and we move the standing portion to 300 as well. If you want the full experience the next one may be better.
I can ask the match director if there's a free version of coming to watch, but I think the club's guest policy prohibits that. Also, if you come be sure to bring eye and ear protection and close toe shoes if you dragging a wife or daughter with you.

also, note the Remington 700/M24 doesn't meet the match director's definition of an appropriate bolt gun. He's looking for historical bolt guns that pre-date the 700...think WW2 era or before.

Military Rifle Match - Charlotte Rifle & Pistol Club, Inc.

crpc.clubexpress.com crpc.clubexpress.com

MILITARY RIFLE MATCH
Location - Charlotte Rifle & Pistol Club
9120 Kensington Dr, Waxhaw, NC 28173,

*RAIN OR SHINE EVENT*
If it’s raining, the COF is modified and all shooting is done from under cover at 300 yards. All parking will be at the covered 300 yard line.

If not raining/wet, parking is on the grass at the 200 yard firing line.

Sign-in - 7:00am - 8:00am
Members $15
Non-members $25

Safety briefing at/shortly after 8:00am
First shots at approximately 8:15

Match ends depending upon number of shooters participating, but generally runs until 3:00ish.

APPROVED FIREARMS:
Any semi-auto or bolt action version of a current, or historical, military-issued rifle.
(AR, AK, SKS, FAL, Garand, Enfield, Mosin, Mauser, etc etc.)

All calibers allowed except .50 or similar calibers which could damage/destroy targets (no Barretts, or anti tank rifle calibers, for example)
-No tracers.
-No AP (armor piercing)

BRING:
-Eye and ear protection (mandatory)
-100 rounds of ammunition (suggested)
-Empty Chamber Indicator (available at clubhouse for minor fee)
-Shooting mat (or blanket, tarp, etc.).
-Front rest, if desired.
-Food/beverages (soda machine in club house).
-Hat
-Sun Screen (you will be under the sun for hours)
-Folding chair is a good idea.


All courses of fire timed electronically except “Sniper”.

THREE DIVISIONS - Separate Awards

IRON SIGHTS
1. Heavy - .30 caliber+ rifles (7.62x51/30.06/etc)
2. Light - under .30 cal (5.56/.223/5.45/etc)

3. OPTICS - Any caliber rifle using a red dot and/or magnification


COURSE OF FIRE (COF)

DROP EIGHT (iron sights and optics)
200 yards
Prone (front rest allowed - no rear bag)
Eight 8x13 falling steel plates
This is fired twice

STANDING (iron sights)
200 yards
3 hits on a static 1/3 silhouette target
This is fired once

BOLT ACTION (iron sights)
200 yards
Prone
Four 8x13 falling steel plates
This is fired twice

SIDE MATCH
200 yards
Prone
Eight 8x13 falling steel plates
This is fired twice
Side Matches will be different every match and will include less common rifles or combinations of above courses of fire (Garand, AK's, 2 man team Bolt, etc.)

When 200 yard COF is complete, shooters pack their gear and move to the 300 yard covered firing line.

300 YARD SILHOUETTE (irons and optics)
300 yards
Prone
Three-Five 1/3 silhouette static steel targets
(number varies based on scenario)
This is fired twice

SNIPER (iron sights)
300 yards
Prone
8x13 falling steel plates
Single elimination


For those shooters unable to fire from the prone position, you may fire from any chair of your choice with any front support of your choice (shooting sticks). Same course of fire.

After everyone helps take down stands and targets, cleanup, etc., awards are handed out at the clubhouse.



Welcome, and HAVE FUN!

Match Director: Reno Santini
[email protected]
704 651 1478
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I asked many years ago if "spectators" were allowed to attend and the answer then was yes. Things may have changed since then.

I don't want to participate, I'd just like to see how things are organized and get a feel for it.
 
Gardner said:
I asked many years ago if "spectators" were allowed to attend and the answer then was yes. Things may have changed since then.

I don't want to participate, I'd just like to see how things are organized and get a feel for it.
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I've got a note into the match director for his guidance.
 
Thanks, unlikely we'd go stand around in chilly rain this weekend, but for reference and future events
 
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I hate this sport sometimes. The tiniest inconsistency in grip or sight alignment is punished so much by these little targets. It’s 100% focus, 100% of the time.

I may or may not have bought a free pistol so I can enjoy this kind of frustration at 50 meters…
 
Went to the range to work up a new load since I ran out of the components for my old load.
The old load was awesome. That old small group is .304" ES 4, SD 2.7, and typical for the old load. new loads are showing 3/4 moa-ish & ES OF 10-20. I hope fire forming the new brass & seating depth tests will shrink all those #s.

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Took the Hammerli out for a little testfire and sight adjustment. Didn’t have B11 targets, so I made do with a B2 at 25 yards (the aiming black on the B2 is about a half-inch smaller all around, but it’s close enough. Has a slightly smaller 10-ring as well, at 0.9”).

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It’s a very odd shooting experience. The trigger is unlike any pistol I have ever shot. It’s almost telepathic. The hard part is just accepting sight alignment with all the wobble—it could stand to be a bit more muzzle-heavy, but I bet that would get very old very fast in a 2-hour match.
 
@JRV
I read about a lady that practiced air pistol while holding a sock filled with sand tied to the bottom of the grip.
She said it helped to build her muscles.
During the match she said she was able to steady the pistol as it seemed to be so much lighter.
 
SINNER said:
Just tested some 45-70 loads for the Uberti high wall. Paper is 100 yards last 3 round group. That looked ok. Steel is from 200 yards 4 round group. Not as good as I’d like. The fidgeting continues!!
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I wouldn't be too unhappy about that! If you don't mind me asking, what load data for that?
 
Toprudder said:
I wouldn't be too unhappy about that! If you don't mind me asking, what load data for that?
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I set the coal 0.040” back off the lands so COAL IS 2.795”. The load is 28.1 grains of IMR4198. No filler. Very light crimp with Lee FCD only due to how I transport ammo.I used Winchester LRP and LRP magnums with no noticeable difference. If zeroed at 100 yards the holdover at 200 is only about 30” (if you saw the vintage scope setup you’d see why I don’t know that exact number lol) so I’d guess 1200-1300 fps based on book data and that amount of drop. I tried the bullets at .459 and at .458 with little noticeable difference . .458 seemed more accurate at 100 yards but nothing at 200 tested so far. Those hits were all .459.
 
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We had a range trip yesterday

We shot a 38 spcl, 8mm Mauser, AR 22lr and a newly assembled AR pistol in 9mm

Except for the 8mm we had a blast. It appears that I have a scope problem (I hope that's it). I put 3 rounds out of 15 in the black at 100 yds. Something has changed since I last shot this rifle just 3 weeks ago. My wife was equally bad so I know it wasn't me.

Oh well the new AR pistol was a blast so to speak

:)
 
TSA in Raleigh, 9mm therapy with Beretta APX carry, SA XD-M Elite, G43 and Sig P229 40S&W that was factory upgraded. 7yd with face edge target timer. Daily dry fire has paid off, more practice needed.
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The guy in the next lane should sign up for a class, cheaper then range ammo required for rental guns.

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Hit a bunch of new personal bests at the DPRC Bullseye season opener. After the SNAFU that was indoor sectionals, I threw my .22 conversion upper on my .45 lower, 4.5lb trigger and all:

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New 50-yard personal best.

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New National Match Course personal best.

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New personal best for an outdoor 900.

I could have been more consistent today, but I was happy with a couple of discoveries concerning that particular setup. The heavier trigger was not a detriment to scores. That lower is magazine-sensitive though—half of my mags dragged on the trigger bar, giving a “sticky” trigger feel. Scores improved as I took sticky mags out of service.

I also noticed a lot of shots off call by a scoring ring, sometimes to my benefit, sometimes not. I checked the optic for parallax at 50 yards and saw none. So, I think the conversion might need better ammo than Eley Club to get the kind of consistency I want.
 
Shot Saturday a LOT. Had a single shot .308 CVA that kicked like a rabid mule ( see shoulder below lol) .Also shot a bajillion other guns with my brother and @lill53 . If you’ve never been to Hyatt Farms then you’re missing out. Never seen a shooting complex with bunk houses, a restaurant, a bar, a pro shop, and the most awesome RSO’s.
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