Target V2c and V3c

I have refined the targets, and am happy with how they look down range.  I also have a link now so you may download and print these yourself.

Target V2c has circles for what I consider 'vitals' in squirrel, coyote, and deer.  Boxes are for defensive practice with good (solid), fair (dashed), and the entire page as acceptable.
Get it here ===> Target V2c

Target V3c is a quad version of the center of the target.

Get it here ===>  Target V3c

I have been printing these with a color laser printer (Fedex Office), and they look great!

Feel free to download and use these, I just ask that you keep my website address on them.  (I'd love feedback as to how these work for you too!)

Zeroing a Scope - 2 Methods

I have used two methods for zeroing scopes on rifles.  The MOA Method is great for a single person, while the Full Benchrest Method is a two person procedure that requires a solid benchrest.

Both methods benefit from boresighting the rifle...but you can always use a large piece of cardboard (so you can see where your bullets hit, if it's way off) to get a quick rough in.

Remember this point: The direction of adjustment on the scope is labeled for adjusting the point of impact, so when you turn the adjustment to the right, your bullet's point of impact will move to the right (the crosshairs will actually move to the left).


MOA Method:

With this method, we calculate the number of clicks to bring the point of impact into alignment with the point of aim.  After firing a group measure the distance from the point of aim, to the center of the group.  Knowing that at 100 yards 1 MOA is equal to 1.047 inches (which we round to 1 inch for simplicity), we can calculate the number of clicks to adjust the scope.  Should we be zeroing at 50 yards, then 1 MOA is only 0.5 inch, and at 200 yards, 1 MOA is equal to 2 inches.  Most scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA increments, or 4 clicks per 1 MOA.  The following list will help when calculating clicks:

   1/4 MOA @ 25 yards = 0.0625 inches
   1/4 MOA @ 50 yards = 0.125 inches
   1/4 MOA @ 100 yards = 0.25 inch
   1/4 MOA @ 200 yards = 0.5 inches

For example, we have a group that hits 1 1/4 inches right and 2 3/4 inches low at 50 yards.  The following would be the number of clicks to adjust:

   left clicks = 1.25 / .125 = 10 clicks
   up clicks = 2.75 / .125 = 22 clicks


Full Benchrest Method:

With this method, no math is required, but you need a helper and a good solid bench rest that will hold the rifle very steady while adjusting the scope.  Fire a group at your target, once you have that, place your crosshairs on the center of the target and hold the rifle in the rest VERY steady and solid.  This places the barrel in the same orientation as it was when firing the previous group.  Now have your helper adjust the scope, remembering to move the adjustment in the OPPOSITE direction than what is labeled (see 'Remember this point' above).  Without moving the rifle keep turning the adjustments until the crosshairs are in the center of your group...your point of aim will then match your point of impact.

Zeroing Iron Sights using the RIBZ Method

RIBZ = Revised Improved Battlesight Zero

For zeroing my rifle with the iron sights, I use the RIBZ method found on the AR15.com website.  This method allows for setting the rear sight for 50 and 100 yard ranges, as well as the typical 300-800 meter ranges.  (Remember to adjust the front sight post for zeroing the elevation, and the rear sight dial for adjusting for range only.)

When using the detachable carry handle as I am, you must double the number of clicks in this procedure (the elevation ring is adjustable from 300-600 meters).

Here is the procedure on the AR15.com website:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=328143

For my setup (detachable carry handle with 3/6 elevation wheel) the following settings apply:
3/6 -4 clicks for 50 yards
3/6 -6 clicks for 100 yards
3/6 for 300 meters
4 for 400 meters
5 for 500 meters
3/6 for 600 meters

When it comes to what settings to use for self defense...I always leave the sight set to the 50 yard setting, this will keep me within -3 to +1.5 inches from muzzle to 280 yards.  This way, there will be no thinking about sight settings in a stressful situation.

Osama Bin Laden is DEAD!

I hope the fires are brutally hot in hell, Bin Laden!

We must remember after this victory, that just because the #1 asshole is dead, doesn't mean the job is finished. I'll gladly help arrange your departure from this world if you want to tread on the United States!

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of 9/11, and my thanks are to the brave soldiers who fight for our freedom every day!

God Bless the United States of America!

Shooting in the Wind

Today's range time gave me some practice in windy conditions.  There was a fairly consistent medium+ wind coming from 10 o'clock occasionally swinging to 8 o'clock, and I was shooting at targets placed at 100 and 200 yards with the Savage 17HMR using Hornady 17GR ballistic tip bullets.

At 17 grains the 17HMR round is pushed pretty easily by the wind...I noticed it at 100 yards (where I typically shoot)....but out at 200 yards the effect was definitely apparent.  Some poking around online showed a 15" drift at 200 yards from a 10MPH wind.  Pretty substantial!  This little round is great for experiencing wind effect...a great training aid!  {The .223 round I use in the AR-15 would only drift about 3 inches at 200 yards in a 10MPH wind.}

This is100 yards...(the unlabeled shots are my initial group, followed by orange, then 12 clicks left for yellow, and then 8 clicks to the right (resulting in 4 clicks left from my initial) for the final group in green)...

This is 200 yards...(initial shots are in orange (3 of which are out of frame), followed by the yellow at 12 clicks left, and green 12 clicks low)...

As for elevation at 200 yards, I botched up the mental math, and added 12 clicks down, when I should have gone for 6...I would have been spot on in elevation had I made the correct adjustment.  Good fun none the less!

The net result required 12 clicks left at 200 yards, and 4 clicks left at 100 yards to correct for the wind (the wind conditions change beyond 100 yards at my shooting range as the treeline stops at about 70 yards).

17HMR Lunch Break

I managed to hit the range for lunch today, and put 30 rounds of 17HMR down range.  Definately a good way to clear your mind, and remind yourself that more practice is definately in order.  I really need to work on my breathing, and patience.

I was shooting with a light 3 o'clock wind at 100 yards using a bolt action Savage 93R17 - 17HMR topped with a Nikon ProStaff 3-9x scope set at 9x.

This was my first 20 rounds, with my best two '5 shot' groups highlighted (there were some slight 1-2 click adjustments in windage on the scope between groups)...

And my final 10 rounds (with 1 click up added to the scope before shooting), with each 5 shot group marked...

I must get more practice....I'd like to be shooting tighter groups than this.  But overall a rewarding break from life.

BCMGunfighter Charging Handle

The BCMGunfighter Mod4 charging handle arrived the other day, and my first reaction seeing it was 'wow'.  The machining and finish is top notch...without a doubt, a very well made accessory!

This should be standard equipment on every AR-15!  I had been using the typical two finger/dominant hand method to rake the charging handle on my AR...a slow clumsy operation.  Now it is a quick easy movement, without having to remove the rifle from my shoulder, or my hand from fire control.  Excellent product!

I purchased the medium handle Mod4 unit, and it's just the right size.

It is available from Bravo Company USA here...
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm%20gfh%20mod%204%20556.htm


For those who are curious...BCM is short for Bravo Company Manufacturing.

Great firearm statements

God made man, Samuel Colt made them equal.

Don't retreat, reload!

Gun control means using both hands.

When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

You can take them from my cold dead hands.


and my favorite...


A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the

people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The NRA, our rights, and a new hobby

I believe every decent American should have the right to own firearms. I was raised in a home with firearms (which I rarely saw, but knew were there), and with all of the attention lately on gun control, I felt compelled to become a member of the NRA.  To me, this is a good way to support our 2nd amendment rights, and a way to stand up for what I believe is right. 

I became a member of the NRA in November 2010...I didn't own a firearm.

Until this point, I wasn't particularly interested in firearms.  It wasn't uncommon for me to say things such as "I'm not a big fan of recoil".  I've even been to family events where skeet shooting was enjoyed, but I kept to toying with the potato cannon instead.

Still, I felt compelled to do more.  Joining the NRA seemed like a great way to fund the fight for our rights...but I wanted stand up through action as well.  I started looking for a small calibre rifle...eventually settling on a 17HMR.

I recruited family members and friends to show me the ropes, I was hooked!  What fun I had been missing!  And I learned that shooting well is much tougher than it seems in theory.  This new hobby is now a major part of my life, I now own many guns, and I've become a big fan of recoil!

The irony in all of this is...the attack on our 2nd amendment rights, and my desire to stand up...drove me to become a gun owning American...surely not what the gun-grabbers wanted.

Please, if your not a member of the NRA, join today.

https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp 

If your not a gun owner, consider it.  If you are one or both of the above, find someone new to introduce to this wonderful hobby!

I'm a gun owner.

I'm a member of the NRA.

I'm proud to be an American!

Advice from a Marine

Not just any Marine, this one is my best friend, and he shared with me what had been drilled into him over and over again...and it's worth repeating over and over again....

• Always treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
• Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
• Never point your weapon at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
• Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

Also, a personal favorie that I see from time to time...

• The most important firearm safety is your brain!