26NOS Patriot Range Trip

[CWO4USCGRET]

Over the last 20 years the bulk of my shooting has been handguns from the 25 yard line in. I've shot some of my rifles but I've never claimed to be "Little Sure Shot" so I know I can get better.

I went to my local range (Mission Ridge, San Antonio, TX) that has a 4 shooting lanes at 100 yards. I was right next to the wall so I learned that when shooting the 26NOS I probably should use double ear protection!

Four rounds at 50 yards as an introduction and then 8 rounds at 100 yards. One round at 100 yards was like the old TV Show "12 O'clock High" just out of view. I can only get better; I'm not really comfortable with the shooting bay set-up. Ammo used was Nosler's 140 gr. Ballistic.

I like the Patriot; recoil wasn't punishing but let's you know that you've shot it...

Pictures, its not pretty but it works!




FIFTY YARDS



100 YARD TARGET, FIFTY YARD SHOTS MARKED WITH AN L, 100 YARD WITH A C

 

[TexasLife]

I'd say try different ammo.

 

[cloverleaf]

Hey- Congrats on the new rifle! not picking on your shooting at all, but as a guy who just cant shoot worth a darn when other guns are going off around me, maybe another trip to the range is worthwhile before you drop another $50 on a box of ammo? that muzzle blast can get in your head. I say this as a guy who has all kinds of "bad habits" from the bench. Some times its flinch, some times I "push" into the rifle and my groups are two inches higher and to the right than the last time I was there. Not say the ammo advice is wrong...I've been there. Bought a new Leupold 'cause I thought the current scope was bad only to discover that the one grain extra in that bunch of reloads was the cause. For me its usually technique....maybe not you, but before you drop a bundle..... Ive also had a friend shoot the rifle to see If his groups were better. Just a couple thoughts....

Still fun, but when you hit the right combo and have a good day its even more fun. Enjoy! CL

 

[CWO4USCGRET]

cloverleaf: My problem isn't the muzzle blast nor other guns going off around me; the bulk of my shooting has been with handguns. I've never had a "coach" to guide me shooting long rifles.

Practice makes for better...

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Ask someone at your range for help. Watch others what they do then try their style for yourself. Dry fire practice aiming at your target placed at 100yds. Watch to see if the crosshairs move when you squeeze the trigger. If they do, then keep dry fire practicing till they don't. Give it time. You'll get it all together.
Dan.

 

[JD338]

Here's something to try....
Dryfire a few times
When you have the rifle set up to fire, breath control set, cross hair set perfectly on the target...
Close your eyes for a few seconds and then open your eyes.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
That's where your shot would have gone!
Readjust the rifle and repeat the process.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
When they are exactly where they were before you closed your eyes, you are ready to shoot.

Also shooting a lot of 22 rimfire will help. When going to the range, start with and finish with the 22.
Hope this helps.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Here's something to try....
Dryfire a few times
When you have the rifle set up to fire, breath control set, cross hair set perfectly on the target...
Close your eyes for a few seconds and then open your eyes.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
That's where your shot would have gone!
Readjust the rifle and repeat the process.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
When they are exactly where they were before you closed your eyes, you are ready to shoot.

Also shooting a lot of 22 rimfire will help. When going to the range, start with and finish with the 22.
Hope this helps.

JD338

There's the straight skinny.

 

[Yoteklr]

Here's something to try....
Dryfire a few times
When you have the rifle set up to fire, breath control set, cross hair set perfectly on the target...
Close your eyes for a few seconds and then open your eyes.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
That's where your shot would have gone!
Readjust the rifle and repeat the process.
Where exactly are the cross hairs?
When they are exactly where they were before you closed your eyes, you are ready to shoot.

Also shooting a lot of 22 rimfire will help. When going to the range, start with and finish with the 22.
Hope this helps.

JD338

Definitely dryfire practice nightly..like 25 times a night.
I wouldn't have started you shooting a magnum. I would have you start with a 223 or even 22lr for a few months. The smaller cartridges allow you to build good form and habits.
Please dont develop a flinch. It's way hard to break.

 

[RL338]

I'm not really comfortable with the shooting bay set-up.

No matter how much you practice if you’re not in a comfortable position you will struggle. Public ranges one size fits all benches don’t cut it.
What set up are you using to support the rifle?
All you use a muzzle brake to help manage the recoil?

 

[CWO4USCGRET]

Yoteklr says: "I wouldn't have started you shooting a magnum. I would have you start with a 223 or even 22lr for a few months. The smaller cartridges allow you to build good form and habits."

I've been shooting guns for 50 years; not the first magnum rifle I've shot; but yes, dry fire helps. It's more of a shooting bench issue - the shooting platform is like the old school half desktop chair but smaller.....