RANGE REPORT!!!!

Hi Guys,

I just got back from the range. It's a good thing I learned how to read and comprehend some time ago. However, I don't always remember what I've read....So, here's what happened. I read a lot of great advice on what to do. One fellow suggested I start real close to see how the rounds are printing and work back from there. Another....or maybe it was the same one....suggested I put up two targets and shoot the right barrel at one and the left barrel at the other to see how they are printing......WELL, GUESS WHAT........I'M ON PAPER!!!!!!

Yep, that's right. I started hitting right off.....now I also owe this to another person who suggested that I change up my "sight picture"......I WAS shooting a "fine bead" on all my shots. So, I simply raised the front sight till it was even with the top of the rear sight and voila!!! Rounds started hitting where I was aiming!!!!!

I sat on the ground, and shot over a pair of "flip out", "fold-out" shooting bipods sticks...you've seen those that fold up to about a foot long....well, I pulled those out of my deer hunting back pack and took them with me.

I put the gun across the shooting bipod and held on to the front half like I was standing and shooting off hand. I guess the only contact would be the bipod right at the rear of the forend where it contacts the action. The gun shot totally different than what it did the last two times from a bench rest with sand bags, etc. What a difference.

Also, one of the guys suggested that I don't give up on her yet and shoot it alot before I form my opinion. Well, that's what I did today. I shot 24 rounds yesterday with S&B and Norma. Today, I fired 30 rounds mixed with S&B and RWS. I could not see a difference in the two at all. They appeared to hit about the same places.

In addition, I took the scope off and only shot with open sights. I shot REAL GOOD at 25 yards. I shot pretty good at 50 yards, and it took me a while to shoot good at 75. I guess my eyes aren't what they used to be. Anyway, I found out how the gun shoots now at each of those and I'm more confident in the gun than I was yesterday.....what a difference a day makes.

So, I've just about shot up all my ammo. I think I have six rounds of RWS left. I started out with four boxes. I guess now it's time to break down and buy some dies. They cost about the same as a box of ammo, but the return is in the future product.

I'll have to continue to follow your advice in shooting the gun more when I start reloading for it. I've read alot of great info on here about the different loads, etc. So, I'll just follow your suggestions and see what happens.

I owe most of this success to all who have contributed info and advice to my questions and concerns. I'm sure I would not have learned as quickly as I did if it were not for reading your posts and honoring your experience. I deeply appreciate all that you have done to help out. You are all a great bunch of guys.

Thanks alot!!

Take Care!!