The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: alfsauve on March 14, 2009, 10:12:48 AM

Title: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: alfsauve on March 14, 2009, 10:12:48 AM
Went to try out different public range yesterday.  Now I realize there are a lot of yahoos out there and range owners must protect themselves and property (and neighboring property), but this was strange.

First, as a new shooter I had to prove I could keep my shots on paper at 25yds before I could shoot at 50.  Then at 50yds before I could shoot at 100.  Alright he doesn't know me.   So okay.  But then, I had to use their cardboard and their targets.  Very adamant about not using my targets and about not stapling anything to their cardboard and, no, I couldn't use my own cardboard.  Normally I use five up 10m airgun targets at 100yds.   I post 9 of them on one large piece of cardboard, so I don't have to go down range but twice.  But okay, I'll use their targets. But then when I got home, I discovered the squares on "their" targets are just under 3/4" not 1".  (I'm adding a ruler to my range box!)

Now, I do realize it is that company's range and I am appreciative there is another place to shoot.   They certainly can set the ground rules.  Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with what they were doing.  I'm sure from experience they had their reasons.  It was just a strange and different experience for me.   All told it was a good 3 hours on the range and they did only charge $5/hr.    Met some nice shooters and we compared guns and swapped stories. 

The Tikka in .338Fed isn't doing too hot with 3-4" groups, but I'm still trying to find the right bullet/powder combination.    Here's the best target from my Savage 25.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/alfsauve/Targets/Target03132009.jpg)

And of course, I good night cleaning my guns, putting away the gear, and recording the results.


Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: billt on March 14, 2009, 10:52:27 AM
I am a member here:

http://www.phoenixrodandgun.org/

When it is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, they keep the public restricted to one range. They just opened this place about 30 miles from me. It's a first class operation, and I'm going to give it a try before it gets too hot.  Bill T.

http://www.buckeyehillsshootingrange.com/
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: TexGun on March 14, 2009, 05:52:15 PM
alfsuave,

I have an office in Lawrenceville.  Isn't there a fairly nice range near there? -TexGun

But as they say, even a strange day at the range is better than a good day at the office.  ;)
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: Timothy on March 14, 2009, 06:00:26 PM
Alf,

3 x 3/4"= 2-1/4", not 3".....
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: alfsauve on March 14, 2009, 09:08:33 PM
alfsuave, alfsauve

I have an office in Lawrenceville.  Isn't there a fairly nice range near there? -TexGun

There's an indoor pistol range right smack in downtown Lawrenceville.   Seems like a nice place.  I think they host tactical shooting events.  (idpa? uspczxyyzza?  I can't keep them all straight)  I live on the other side of town; Marietta.  We have some okay indoor facilities as well.   Outdoor-wise on the NE side I'm not sure what's open to the public.  On my side (NW) there's Aidarsville and Cartersville ranges.  Each have their good points and their quirks.  I tend to alternate between the two.
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: alfsauve on March 14, 2009, 09:18:55 PM
3 x 3/4"= 2-1/2", not 3".....

Okay?   
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: Timothy on March 14, 2009, 09:30:36 PM
Okay?   

I was refering to your statement of a 3-4 inch group.  Looks like 2-1/4" to me..or was that a different target?
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: 1911 Junkie on March 14, 2009, 09:37:39 PM
The pictured target was with his savage .223
The 3-4" groups were with his Tikka.

Geez, pay attention. ;)
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: alfsauve on March 14, 2009, 10:02:16 PM
Yes the 3-4" groups from the .338 are not pictured.   Hey, I admit it.  I only show off the good ones.  Pictured are 19 shots out of 100 that I put down range. 

I use a circle template to determine the group size.  While it only gets me to around .0625 of an inch, that's close enough for my work.   It was when I put the circle template on the target I realized the squares were way off.   Though I was pleased they were smaller groups than I had thought at the range.   

 
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: Timothy on March 14, 2009, 10:06:06 PM
Then, if I read that target for the .223, you have two seperate groups about 1-1/4" to 1-1/2"?  Good shooting!

Is that the Savage with the thumbhole stock you've shown before?
Title: Re: A Day at a Strange Range
Post by: alfsauve on March 15, 2009, 07:43:42 AM
Is that the Savage with the thumbhole stock you've shown before?

Yes.  I love taking it to the range.  Not only shoots well but it gets ohs and ahs from the other shooters.

I'm amazed the 36gr Barnes bullet shoots as well as it does coming out of a 1/9" twist. 

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/alfsauve/Firearms/IMG_2085.jpg)

Only difference is it now has a Bushnell Legend 5-15x instead of the Leupold.