FirearmsA2Z

"SAVAGE MODEL 10P"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:41:00 +0000

I was looking around my favorite store (Blyth's Sport Shop in Griffith, In) for a short barrel 308 win when I saw that red Savage Arms sticker on the stock of an all black bolt action rifle. I picked it up to read the price and info sticker which read, new Savage Model 10P, 20" heavy barrel, accutrigger, detachable box magazine, and over sized bolt handle. After some haggling I left Blyth's with this Model 10P and a Nightforce one piece base with built in moa and a set of Nightforce rings. I then went back home and stripped this rifle and gave it good cleaning and lube before mounting a Leupold MarkIII 6.5 x 20 x 40 with a Varmint retical.

Two days later I am out at the ISRA range. I brought four boxes of 308 win ammo, Black Hill 175gr BTHP match, Remington 168gr BTHP match, Federal Gold Medal 168gr and 175gr BTHP Sierra Matchking. I set up targets at 50 and 100 meters. Four shots at 50 meters and I had my zero. Now at 100 meters a few minor adjustments and I was hitting center on a 3 inch dot. The first ten shots I cleaned the barrel after every shot and for the next ten shots I cleaned after every three shots. The next four times out I was down state at the farm where we have a 50 foot pistol range and a 200 yard rifle range. Today, with more mud then I wanted to wade through, I set two targets with two 3 inch red dots on each. I re zeroed at 190 yards with the Federal Gold Match 168gr had three shots touching looked like a very small triangle. Now I re cleaned the rifle and re zeroed with 175gr Federal Gold Match, shooting off a Dog-Gone-Good bag three shots in a little ragged one hole. This rifle shoots as good as my Savage F/TR and my LRPV's. I don't know how Savage makes rifles so accurate but keep up the good work. I'm a proud owner of many Savage rifles, if you too want an accurate rifle go Savage Arms.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

*Update on this Savage with 175gr Federal Gold Match ammo and a target at 300 yards, I had a five shot 2.5 inch group with two fliers which were my fault. Some rifle.

"BULLET SLICK THE BEST"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 01:34:00 +0000

I've been using Bullet Slick for a long long time and my hunting and shooting friends are always saying tell people about this stuff. Many years ago I read about this Bullet Slick in Shot Gun News, its made by Lubrication Specialists, Inc. in Ca. It's all natural and easy to use. The night before I go hunting or shooting, I dry patch my rifle or handgun, then I run a wet patch of Bullet Slick down the barrel, and let it set two to three minutes, then dry patch. With the wet patch I coat all the bullets on my loaded ammo, one wet patch is good for forty to fifty rounds. What I found by using Bullet Slick you never need a fouling shot, first shot is always on target, bore fouling is reduced a lot. Impact point did not shift when putting a lot of rounds down range. I use Bullet Slick in rifles from 22LR to 375 H & H and handguns from 22LR to 45acp. Once you use it, you'll know its great. I order by calling 858-565-7399.

Always be safe and know whats behing your target.

"HENRY BIG BOY 44 MAGNUM"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:49:00 +0000

This Henry has a 20" octagonal with a 1:38 twist, American walnut stock, adjustable semi-buck horn r/sight, solid brass receiver, brass butt plate , barrel band, plus second generation Big Boys receiver are now drilled and tapped, which is a plus for me. I am not a big fan of cantilever mounts. As usual I took my Henry apart for a good cleaning, then mounted a Sightron 3 x 9 scope.

Its off to the range. I decided to setup a target at 50 meters. It took five shots to hit a 2 1/2 inch red dot, I had my zero, all five shots were shot with American Eagle 240gr soft point. I then cleaned the barrel. I also brought with me Fiocchi 200gr Semi JHP, Hornady 240gr XTPJHP, and Remington 240gr Semi JHP. Now I moved my target to 100 meters and started with the same American Eagle ammo, it took a couple of adjustments and I zeroed again. I cleaned the barrel again and did the same after every sixth shot as I changed ammo brands. While shooting this Henry Big Boy it was flawless in every way, plus fit and finish were perfect. All of the ammo's shot 3 inches or less, but the American Eagle 240gr soft point shot a 1 3/4 inch four shot group off a Dog-Gone-Good bag rest. I've used this Henry five times now and its very accurate, the lever action is very smooth, and its American made. Out west its taken some good sized varmints. This is my third Henry Big Boy, I've never had a miss feed, failure to fire or any other problem with any of them. Thanks again Henry rifles.

Be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come

"RUGER BISLEY SUPER BLACKHAWK"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 20:00:00 +0000

I've always wanted a single action Blackhawk in 44mag, but the grips never fit my hands, they were just too small for me. While on the Ruger sight a few months back, I see Ruger was building an exclusive run on Super Bisley Blackhawks for a big distributor named Lipsey. This Ruger is stainless with black laminated Bisley grips, a 3 3/4in barrel, Lange frame, adjustable sights, and non fluted cylinder. It's single action and weighs 44oz. The Bisley gripframe is the best for recoil control.

Now I was off to Blyth's Sport shop located in Griffith In. to order this revolver. After picking up my new Ruger, I took it apart for a good cleaning, which did not take long, this Blackhawk was already very clean.

Tuesday I was off to the range with five boxes of 44mag ammo, American Eagle 240gr soft point, Fiocchi 240gr jacketed soft point, Federal 300gr castcore flat point, Buffalo Bore 200gr hard cast wadcutter and Remington 240gr semi jacketed hollow point. I set up a few targets at 25ft to see how this Ruger would shoot. After six shots I had to adjust the rear sight, I was four inches left of center. That first day I shot forty rounds of mixed ammo that I brought. Then home and a good cleaning so I'd be ready for next week.

Now its back to the range, this time I put targets at 50ft. Now I'm in a standing position using a rest and getting 2 1/2 to 3in groups with the Remington and American Eagle ammo was easy. What surprised me was the 300gr castcore Federal ammo would constantly shoot 2in groups if I did my part. The Buffalo Bore ammo shot around 2 1/2in. This Blackhawk did not like the Fiocchi ammo at all, results were 4 or more inches. Been at the range three more times and the farthest I've shot is 25yds using the same ammo with about the same results. This Bisley Superhawk is one of the finest revolvers I've ever had. Never a malfunction, fit, finish and accuracy are outstanding. Thank you Ruger.

Be safe and always know whats behind your target.

"SMITH & WESSON 351PD REVOLVER"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 18:42:00 +0000

This Smith & Wesson is perfect for small varmints and snakes. Its a J frame model 351PD in 22 magnum holds seven rounds, has a fiber optic front sight, and a nice pair of wood grips. The frame and cylinder are matte black and aluminum alloy which makes it very light.

I bought this just to carry it loaded with CCI shot shell for snakes when we are up in the mountains or out in the fields. The shot shell is #12 shot with about 250 pellets, works well out to eight feet for me. When breaking this J frame in I was using Hornaby 45gr Critical Defense and Fiocchi 40gr JSP. I set the target a 25ft, both the Hornaby and Fiocchi shot good. I then set the target at 10ft and the Hornaby and Fiocchi grouped very good, with no rear sight and 1.875in barrel, I thought this was great. We then put a steel 12in round target at 25ft and my wife hit the target six times out of seven. I've used this Smith & Wesson around the barn and in the field on small and medium size varmints and a lot of rattle snakes. After firing 145 rounds through this great little Smith & Wesson 22mag, I've never had a miss fire or any other problem. Fit and finish are perfect. I'd give this 22mag an A plus rating. It's a lot of fun to shoot and easy to carry. If you are looking for a small caliber that's light weight and compact, this is it.

Be safe and always know whats behind your target.

More to come.

"A NEW SAVAGE AND A NEW RUGER"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:45:00 +0000

As I said earlier , my buddy John had a new Savage Model 10 precision carbine in 308, with accustock, accutrigger and a 20" medium weight barrel with 1 in 10 twist. Good looking rifle. The other rifle is a Ruger Model 77 hawkeye tactical. The stock is a black hogue over molded with a 20" heavy barrel with a 1 in 10 twist and a two stage adjustable trigger. Both rifles had Leupold Mark 4 LF/T 3.5-10 x 40 mil dot scopes. When John was breaking them in he zeroed them at 200 yds and the only changes he made was bedding the action on the Ruger to float the barrel.

Now lets try these two rifles. We setup targets at 200 yds at daybreak when there's not much wind. I had five boxes of 308 ammo, Federal and Fiocchi between 150 and 175 gr. I started with the Savage first. I put ten rounds down range and was impressed. If you read my stuff you know I like Savage rifles. Next was the Ruger, it felt heavier when I picked it up. I put ten rounds down range with the same ammo I used in the Savage, the Ruger did a little better.

John had to go away for three days and left me with the rifles. I brought five more boxes of Federal 308 ammo. I shot early morning and late afternoon all three days. Both rifles shot great depending on bullet weight. The Savage and the Ruger shot equal using the Federal 168 gr Sierra matchking boat tail.

Now the pros and cons. I liked the Savage accutrigger, smooth bolt operation and the fast handling. I did not like the feel of the stock or the recoil pad. I also had five rounds that were hard to feed. The Ruger was the best shooting Ruger I have shot in a while, good trigger, all rounds fed good. I did not like the stock at all and don't know why it had the muzzle break. All in all both rifles performed great. One last thing, both rifles also shot great at 500 yds. I would recommend buying either one, but you know me, I would buy the Savage.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come soon.

"RUGER 77/44 MAG"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:25:00 +0000

Hello again, its been awhile since I posted anything. We have been traveling and also visiting family members that have moved to new places. Spent two months between South Dakota and Wyoming. My best friend John in Wyoming had two new rifles to try out, a Savage and a Ruger and I had a new Ruger 77/44 mag I bought in October. My Ruger is a bolt action model 77/44 mag, black synthetic stock with a 18.5" brushed stainless barrel. I made sure to give it a good cleaning.

I am off to the range with four brands of 44 mag ammo. I set up the targets at 50 yards. The first ten shots were shoot one and then clean. I took my time not letting the barrel get hot and shot for accuracy. My shots were bad 3 1/2" to 4" groups. The trigger was just too heavy. I called Midway USA and ordered a Volquarten Target sear and sear spring which gave me a 1.5 trigger pull for my 77/44 mag. After installing the sear and sear spring the action was bedded and the barrel free floated. I then changed scopes and put on a Sightron SII 3-9 x 42 HHR.

Now its back to the range. After re zeroing, it was like shooting a different rifle. At 100 yards this Ruger liked American Eagle 240gr jph and Federal 300gr Castcore hunting ammo. With either the 240gr or the 300 gr this Ruger will shoot a very descent group at 100 yards. Using the 300gr ammo I dropped a wolf at 72 yards with one shot, it never moved. So, for less than one hundred dollars parts and labor this Ruger 77/44 became a very good rifle.

More to come, about my friend John and his two new rifles.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

"HENRY RIFLES MADE IN AMERICA"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:06:00 +0000

This Henry Big Boy is model H006M, 357mag with a hardened brass receiver, 20" octagonal barrel, tubular magazine that holds ten rounds and it's drilled and tapped for a scope mount. The stock is American walnut. After I cleaned this great looking rifle, I mounted a 3-9 x 42 Sightron scope with a duplex reticle.

Well I am off to the ISRA Range with all the 357mag ammo I could round up. Setting up the targets at 50 meters, it took four shots to zero this Henry. After cleaning the rifle again, I shot a three shot group
with American Eagle 158gr ammo that measured 1.5". Well I thought with only eight rounds fired and get a group like this, it can only get better. Over the weeks it has gotten better. Even with Federal 180gr castcore hunting ammo out to 75 meters. The American Eagle shot the best at 100 meters. The action is smooth as silk on this Henry, with two hundred rounds fired and no malfunction. Fit and finish are perfect. My next rifle will be the Henry Big Boy H006 44mag. Keep up the good work Henry.

By the way, I just got rid of a Marlin rifle, because the company is owned by a group that doesn't like the American way. Be sure to do your homework before you make a purchase.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come.

"FEET PER SECOND = MILES PER HOUR"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Through my lifetime of shooting and hunting, I've heard many people say that's not a lot of velocity when talking about different calibers. Now you'll know how fast that velocity is in mph. A while ago I was reading my winter 2012 edition of Varmint Hunters magazine and I came across a great article by Robert A. Rinker and I would like to pass on some of his article to you (see chart below).

      f.p.s    mph    f.p.s    mph
   800     545         2000         1364
       900            614         2100         1432
      1,000          682         2200         1500
      1,100          750         2400         1636
      1,200          818         2600         1773
      1,300          886         2800         1909
      1,400          955         3000         2045
      1,500         1023        3200         2182
      1,600         1091        3400         2318
      1,700         1159        3600         2454
      1,800         1227        3800         2591
      1,900         1295        4000         2727

If you want to figure your own calibers, take your fps and divide by 3, then multiply your answer by 2, your result will be within 3%. If you need to be dead on multiply your fps by 0.6818 to obtain mph. You can have some fun with this, I know I did. To learn a lot more and meet some great people join the Varmint Hunters in Pierre, SD.(800-528-4868)

Be safe and always know what's behind your target.

more to come......

"CLARK CUSTOM & RUGER 77/22 MAG"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:06:00 +0000

A while ago I ordered a new Clark Custom rifle in 22Mag. This is my fourth rifle from Clark, two are Ruger 10/22, one is a Ruger 77/22Lr and this new arrival is a Ruger 77/22mag. In my opinion Clark Customs makes the most accurate and well built 22 rifles and pistols on the market today (Clark Customs 1-318-949-9884).

I now have my rifle. It has a stainless match 20" Walther Bull Barrel, trigger job with over travel stop, crisp 1.5 pull, reliability package, Clark magazine release, and black laminate stock. Fit and finish are perfect. While getting ready to clean this rifle and mount a new Sightron SII 3-9x42 HHR (Hunter Holdover Reticle) scope, I had a problem with the bolt release. The problem was the bolt release spring. I called Clark Custom and talked with two guys, one being the rifle builder, two days later I had a new spring, now that's Custom service.

Now its off to the range with three boxes of ammo, CCI maxi-mag hp+v30gr, Remington premier 33gr accutemp-v and Hornady 30gr v-max. I zeroed the rifle at 50 meters with the Hornady ammo, then cleaned the rifle. Now I was going to try the different ammo's, starting with 5 shots of the Remington ammo, I thought this is great, a small group right away. Next was 5 shots of Hornady ammo with even a smaller group. Then 5 shots of CCI ammo, which this rifle did not like. After each ammo I cleaned the barrel and the bolt face. I completed this testing three more times with the same ammo. The target I received with the rifle from Clark Custom was 1/4" group shot with Fiocchi 40gr jsp at 1910 fps. I have to get a box of Fiocchi and try it next time.

Two weeks have passed and we are back at the range. The ammo's today are the Hornady and Remington I had from before and a box of that Fiocchi 40gr jsp. After 5 shot groups and cleaning with each of three boxes of ammo, the Hornady shot best at 100 meters, followed by the Remington, but at 50 meters the Fiocchi is as good as the other two. Never had a malfunction of any kind. Thank you Clark Custom.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target

more to come.....

"SAVAGE F/TR MODEL 12 RIFLE"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:33:00 +0000

We've all heard about out of the box accuracy, but we end up getting them bedded, trigger worked on and more. Until I bought a Savage Model 12 F/TR target rifle in 308 Win, I felt the same way. Some of the features are target accutrigger, over sized bolt handle, laminated stock, 30 inch extra heavy barrel, triple pillar bedding and a small ejection port to make it more rigid. On this single shot rifle I mounted a Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40 Long Range with a Varmint Hunter Reticle.

After zeroing and barrel break in, I started to shoot for accuracy. The tolerances are so tight on this rifle, its hard to believe its a production rifle. Load a round, close the bolt slowly and fire. I used a "Dog-Gone-Good" bag and rear rest whenever I shoot. After trying different bullet weights, the rifle decided it liked Federal 175 gr Premium Gold Match Sierra Match King H.P. Shot after shot amazed me, shot groups were small and got smaller. With only 200 rounds through this rifle, I shot two three shot groups at 500 yards, both measuring less than 2 1/4 inches, not bad for a new rifle out of the box. I can hardly wait to take it prairie rat hunting this summer in Wyoming and Montana. Now with 500 more rounds shot through this F/TR my groups at 100 meters are 1/2 inch and at at 500 I'm under 2 inches. This Savage just keeps getting better.

If your a long range target shooter or a Varmint Hunter this is the rifle for you. Will this rifle out shoot a couple of my custom rifles? Yes. Thank you Savage. Your rifles are #1 with me.

Always shoot safe. Teach a young one to shoot and know whats behind your target.

M1A/M14 BY SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Lets talk Springfield Armory and what they build best. The 308 Super Match M1A/M14. The features are over sized walnut stock, Douglas premium custom heavy match barrel 22 inch long 1-10 twist, national match front and rear sights(the rear sight is hooded), two stage national match trigger. Also, its glass bedded, with a national match gas cylinder and recoil spring, rear lugged receiver and flash suppressor. Everything about this rifle is the best. Function is superb, fit and finish are great.

You know what comes next, break in. I started with many brands of 308 ammo. The M1A favored a couple of brands of ammo, but I was taking this break in very slow. Then I went to Federal gold match 168 grams. Good grouping, but I knew it could be better. I decided to try Federal gold match 175 gram sierra matchking BTHP(the best). This M1A is now as accurate as my best bolt action rifle.

Now I wanted to see how the M1A would perform on a Varmint hunt out west in Montana, with my old eyes. Isn't it funny, how only your eyes get older(ha ha). I made a phone call to A.R.M.S. Inc and ordered a #18 scope mount. Now on top of that mount sets a Leupold tactical scope with mil-dot reticle.

I had to re zero when I got to Montana. At 200 yards it was easy to pick off prairie rats. We then moved to 500 yards and I had the same results. At 472 yards(the longest shot tried with the M1A)it took 5 shots to get a hit. I think on such a small target, with a military rifle, this is great accuracy.

Thanks Springfield Armory, keep up the good work. You put a lot of bolt actions to shame that day. It was a lucky day for me too. I know the M1A is more accurate than me.

"Always Shoot Safe"and know whats behind your target

"SIG SAUER 1911 RCS NITRON"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:32:00 +0000

This 45acp 1911 RCS comes from Sig Sauer custom shop where they put it through the anti-snag treatment. It has low profile night sights, slim rosewood grips and nitron finish. The specifications are match grade 4.2 inch barrel, hammer/sear set and trigger. Single action only trigger pull is 5 lbs. The height is 4.8 inches, so you have a seven round mag, width is 1.4 inches, so this is built for concealed carry. The checking on the front strap and main spring housing is great. The slide and frame are hand fitted to insure reliability and performance which I think is excellent.

Now its off to the range. I took along 110 rounds of 45 ammo, a mix of five brands. This is a good way to clean up those boxes with just a few rounds left. My idea was just to break in this Sig 1911 and check reliability. After 50 rounds, I gave the 1911 a quick cleaning. After all the rounds were fired, this Sig performed without any malfunctions. Now its home to give this Sig a complete cleaning and lube. Next week I will shoot for accuracy.

A week has past and the weather is bad, so I'm at an indoor range close to home. Its Debs Gun Range, and you can shoot 25 and 50 feet. Deb the owner and her husband Dennis are great people. Along with my Sig 1911 I had two boxes of ammo, Fiocchi Extrema 200 gr XTP JHP and Fiocchi Dynamics 230 gr FMJ. All ammo shot high and left. The Fiocchi 200 gr shot nice groups at 25 and 50 feet, but not to point of aim. This is the only 1911 I own with fixed sights. Everything about this Sig 1911 is A-1 with one exception, fixed sights. If it had adjustable sights it would be a real track driver.

Always shoot safe and know whats behind your target.

"SAVAGE MODEL 12 LRPV 223"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:19:00 +0000

I've written about this Savage before a Model 12 LRPV in 223 with a 1-7 twist. This rifle has been a tack driver from day one with Federal Gold Medal Match 69 gr. Match King BTNP ammo. I've also used Remington 62 gr. HP Match which does not shoot well in this rifle, so with that said, if the wind is mild and I do my job, prairie rats go down.

I tried something with my Savage Model LRPV in 22-250 using Hornady Superformance Match ammo which worked great, so now with Hornady Superformance 75 gr BTHP in 223 we went to work. After some scope adjustment 1/2 inch groups were easy at 100 meters now.

The rifles are loaded in the truck and we are headed to Deadwood S.D.. Its a great town and our soon to be home and only 62 miles from Hulett Wy.

Later in the week we took a drive into Wyoming to meet our friend John at his ranch. The next morning we setup at a good prairie rat town. Even though it was a very windy day the Savage 223 with Hornady ammo did a great job. I did not get a shot past 500 yards that day, but my friend John with his Savage 6.5 Creedmore using Hornady was getting out past 600 yards.

The next three days were even windier than day one, so I didn't get to shoot past 600 yards, which is what I wanted to do with the Hornady 75 gr. ammo. I tried to get some long shots in but I think the high winds were following us. My wife and I had to get back to Deadwood, so after our goodbyes, we hit the road.

It seems to me my Savage likes the Hornady Superformance 75 gr. ammo. I'll keep you informed on further results.

Always shoot straight and know whats behind your target.

"MOSSBERG MODEL 590 PUMP"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Took a little time off to travel with the wife. Wow, can't believe how time flies when your having fun, but now I'm back to the old grind. Thanks for your patience.

This 12 gauge, 20 inch heavy-walled barrel with Parker finish also has a metal trigger guard and safety button, speed feed stock, tri-rail forend, XS Ghost Ring sight and a red glow stripe f/sight. The barrel has a cylinder bore and holds 9 shells of either 2 3/4 or 3 inch. I've used Federal 2 3/4 Barnes HP slugs, Federal 2 3/4 Fusion Sabot Slugs, and Fiocchi 2 3/4 Exacta Aero slugs. The Fiocchi slugs will shoot nice groups at 50 to 70 yards but after 70 they are not as accurate. Federal Barnes shoot best at 100 to 125 yards. I've also shot Federal Double OT buck to 50 yards with a nice cluster.

This Mossberg is very reliable, I've never had a problem in all my years of use. This shotgun is easy to clean, just remove the barrel and the action. This "590" still looks new after years of service. Mossberg, a great shotgun with a good price.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

"6.5 CREEDMOOR BY SAVAGE"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:57:00 +0000

My good friend John called me from Wyoming to say he had a new rifle to add to his collection. It was a new Savage Model 12 long range precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, Anyone that's read FIREARMSA2Z knows I think Savage makes some of the best firearms. I don't know much about the the 6.5 Creedmoor other than what I've read, mostly in Rifle Shooter Magazine.

John was telling me that after break in he was hitting prairie rats at 600 yards. John never says too much about his rifles, but he couldn't stop talking about his new Savage. During our talk, I told John I was coming up to the property, his reply, come on lets shoot this Creedmoor. On my way to meet John at his place in Wyoming, I thought about all my Savages and I have a few Model 12 Long Range Precision's, F/TR in 308 and three others, everyone a tack driver with the right ammo. Before I got to Johns place I picked up four boxes of 6.5 Creedmoor, they were all Hornady, 140gr. A-Max B.T., 120gr. match A-Max B.T., Superformance 129gr. SST, and Superformance 120gr Gilding Metal B.T..

After arriving at John's ranch, I exchanged hellos with family and friends and John and I were off to the 200 yard range at the south end of his ranch. We setup paper targets. This Savage Model 12 LRPV has a 26inch fluted chrome Molly Barrel with a 1 in 8 twist and that great target Accutrigger, all set in a fiberglass stock with aluminum bedding block. When John got the rifle he had put a Leupold Mark 4 6.5x20 front focal mil dot scope on.

John was first to shoot using his plain box of hand loads (I thought). He fired three shots at 200 yards, all touching. I said looks like you've been practicing. He then cleaned the barrel and said it was my turn. I wanted to shoot three from each box, then clean. All ammo shot great, but the 140gr. match A-Max B.T. was excellent and was what this Savage liked best.

Later I asked my friend about his hand loads, he laughed and said Hornady 140gr. A-Max B.T. factory just like you used. Looks like another great match up Savage Model 12 and Hornady ammo.

Always be safe

"SAVAGE AND HORNADY AMMO"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:40:00 +0000

My Savage(purchased April 09) is a model 12LRPV 22-250 with a left port right side bolt and a 1 in 9 twist. On top of this Savage is mounted a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm long range with a Varmint Hunters reticle.

This LRPV and I have put a lot of rounds down range using Remington 50gr Premier Accutip which shot the best of all the 22-250 ammo. Back in my home state of South Dakota and out in Wyoming this Savage and I have taken a lot of prairie rats out to 500 yards (but never past 500) and most taken at 300 to 400 yards, if I do my part and the cross wind is not too bad. This is a stock rifle, made by Savage, perfect.

I did try something different once. I took the laminate stock off my Savage model 12 F/TR in 308 and put it on the model 12 LRPV 22-250 to see if it would shoot the same. Shooting paper targets out to 200 yards the rifle performed the same but my wife said the new F/TR stock looked better.

The last couple months I've been reading about Hornady's new Super Performance Varmint ammo loaded with 50gr V-Max bullet at 4000 fps. There ad reads, increased range, less wind drift, super accuracy and more. Well I had to give this ammo a try. Down at the range, the day was sunny, 48 degrees, wind at 10-15 running left to right. The first six shot group at 100 meters could be covered with a nickel only one of the shots was a flyer(my fault). I had a cup of coffee and ran a couple of patches down the barrel and shot two more three shot groups. Each group could be completely covered with a dime. Hornady, I believe your ad. You made me a super performance fan. Can't wait to get this Savage and Hornady combo out west. Look out prairie rats.

PS. I'll try the Hornady Super Performance on my Savage LRPV 223 next.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

"WALTHER PPKS 380"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:20:00 +0000

A week ago I had a chance to break in a new Walther PPKS 380. The PPKS is stainless with a 3.3 inch barrel, 6.1 inch long, 4.3 inch in height and less than an inch wide. The sights are fixed, magazine capacity is seven rounds and it has da/sa trigger with a heavy pull. The PPKS has a longer grip than the PPK. I believe it was 2002 when Smith & Wesson began manufacturing the PPK/PPKS which also included a few upgrades. The PPKS I was breaking in had a set of Crimson Trace laser grips which I really like on a personal defense weapon.

Now its down to the range. I have three boxes of different 380 ammo, Hornaby Critical Defense 90 gr flex tip, Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 95 gr FMJ, and Federal 95 gr FMJ. I fired three full magazines of the Federal ammo with one failure to feed. I cleaned the PPKS again. Now with a target at 25 feet, I shot the Fiocchi ammo slow fire. Even with the small sights the Fiocchi shot very good. After fifty more rounds I cleaned it again. Now with a clean gun I turned on the laser grips. Setting a target at fifteen feet I fired seven rounds with only a small adjustment, to move the laser right which put my shots in the ten ring. My target was a Midway USA pistol target which has a 2 inch ten ring. I then ran a couple of patches down the barrel. I now moved my target to twenty five feet and loaded the magazines with the Hornaby ammo. The PPKS liked Hornaby the best, all shots were slow fire and in the ten ring. I decided to experiment with a target at fifty feet. I shot fifty rounds at fifty feet and even though the shots opened up, there were no malfunctions. I thought this was great for a small personal defense gun. The Walther PPKS is a very well built, fit, finish and reliability are great which makes for a good backup gun or when you can't carry your Wilson 1911.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come.

"RUGER MARK III 22 LONG RIFLE"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:41:00 +0000

I am the proud owner of many Ruger 22's both rifle and pistol, but now we're going to talk about three of my favorite Ruger Mark III 22 pistols. The oldest is a stainless competition model with 6.88 inch slabside bull barrel with checkered Cocobolo thumb rest grips. The other two are both stainless hunter models, one has a 4.5 inch fluted bull barrel and came with Crimson Trace laser-grips and the other has a 6.88 bull barrel and a set of Hogue soft rubber grips with finger grip grooves, a right hand thumb rest and on top is mounted a Tru-Glo open red dot sight with a 4 moa dot. There is one other stainless Ruger single six convertible in 22Lr and 22mag (my wife's favorite) but more about that at another time.

Every year from the first Sunday in January till the end of March I shoot big bore small bore competition at our local gun range. Its a lot of fun and great practice. We shoot strong hand, weak hand and two hands in seating, kneeling, and standing positions. We also shoot around doors using your strong and weak hand. When I shoot the small bore part, I use my Ruger competition model or the long barrel hunter model and always have a good score. All my Ruger Mark III like Skjagd 40 gr pistol match ammo. I still have two bricks left of the Federal Super match 22Lr that had the dimple in it that shoots best of all, but I use it sparingly.

Out on the farm we've used all these Rugers for varmint control and our family shooting matches. With all the rounds fired through these Rugers fit, finish, reliability and accuracy are like day one. In my book Ruger Mark III are number one and are built to last a lifetime.

If you are a new shooter or know someone who wants to start shooting, get a Ruger 22Lr. There is no recoil or big muzzle blast. It's the best way to learn trigger control, get the best sight picture and most of all learn safety. Remember you can't call a bullet back.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come.

"WILSON COMBAT"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Back in February 2008, I wrote about my new 1911 Wilson Combat Tactical Elite Model # CJTE-A-A. Wilson has an accuracy guarantee of 1 inch at 25 yards. Well three years have passed and not any malfunction. Fit, finish, function and reliability are perfect like the day I got it. This 1911 has always liked Fiocchi 230 gr fmj and 200 gr jnp. If I do my part, 1 inch groups at 25 yards will happen. Now Fiocchi has a newer 45 ammo called Extrema line with a Hornday Xtp Jnp in 200 gr and 230 gr bullet which performs even better in my Tactical Elite.

What I like to do is set five bowling pins at 50 yards, then sit at a bench, rest my forearms on a Dog-gone-good rest and knockdown pins with my glasses on and a little luck. The other thing we like to do is put a B27 police target at 50 feet and shoot two full magazines rapid fire. If my wife and I do our part all shots will be inside the nine ring.

I think Wilson company makes the best 1911's you can buy. I do own other 1911's which are great, but nothing like my Wilson.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

"FUN OUT WEST"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Just back from the great state of South Dakota our second home, seventeen miles from the Wyoming state line. Charlie and I made the drive in a day and a half, stopping in Mitchell S.D. for a great nights sleep. The next night we were dining in Deadwood at our favorite steakhouse Gems in the downtown area.

The next day I was to meet my friend John in Wyoming. He told me he had built a new game caller. When I got to his place there were a few hellos, then off to the barn to see his new invention. What I saw was something that looked like a pile of earth with a rabbit on its side on top of the pile. The rabbit was gutted and cleaned, then filled with something similar to bubble wrap. Also inside the rabbit was a small battery powered motor (from one of Johns grandson toys) which made it look like it was still breathing. Under this pile of earth was the remote game caller. All this only weighed about seven pounds, which made it easy to transport in a truck bed.

Before we left for the north forty we smoked up as my grandpa would call it. Just so you don't get the wrong idea, smoked up (a fire with pine,oak, etc) is the old fashion way to prepare before hunting to avoid your scent being detected. You smoke your rifle, clothes and boots. No need for scent spray. I must add though that your wife won't be thrilled when you return home, you'll probably have to leave your clothes in the barn.

We headed to the north forty to setup between the treeline and our hideout. We ranged the treeline at 100 yards. I had brought two rifles with me, a Clark Custom 77/22 and a Marlin 1894 CCS in 357mg both of which I have written about in earlier posts. Today I had the Marlin loaded with 130gr Federal personal defense hydra shok. About twenty minutes after John started his new caller, we had a coyote coming in. John told me to take him at what I thought was 60 yards. I held dead on and squeezed, he never took a step, just fell over. The Marlin with the Federal 130gr are a great short range combo. We stayed another two hours and John got two more. The next four days my wife and I used the Clark Custom. We took a lot of pictures (my wife's favorite past time) enjoyed friends and ate at Gems a lot.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.

More to come.

"MARLIN 1894CSS"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:30:00 +0000

This Marlin 1894CSS caliber 357 mag/spl is stainless steel with American black walnut stock and rubber butt pad. It has an 18 1/2 inch barrel with Ballard rifling and a 1.16 r.h. twist.

I then took the action apart for a good cleaning and lube with tetra grease. After a good barrel cleaning I resembled. I then installed a Sightron 3x9 scope using Weaver rings. This Marlin is now range ready, I'm off to the Illinois Rifle Assoc. I had seven boxes of 357 mag ammo, Fiocchi 142gr. fmjtc, American Eagle 158gr. jsp, Eldorado Starfire 150gr. jhp, Speer Golddot 158gr. gdnp, Federal 130 Hydra Shok, Hornady 158gr. xtp, and Federal 180gr. Castcore. After zeroing at 50 meters, I'de shoot two and clean ten times. All ammo shot good at 50 meters. The 180gr. Federal Castcore was the best with three shots touching.

I cleaned the Marlin and relubed, then set a target at 100 meters with six 2 inch red dots set on the target. The Hornady shot the smallest group of all the ammo. I did not have enough Federal 180gr. Castcore to shoot at 100 meters, so next week I'll bring more Federal Castcore and also bring some other 357 ammo.

A week has past and we are back at the range(it was a cold and windy day). Targets are set at 100 meters. I brought three boxes of 357 ammo with me, a new box of American Eagle 158gr. jsp, a new box of Hornady 158gr. xtp, and an old box of Federal 130gr. Hydra Shok personal defense. After testing each brand of ammo, the barrel was cleaned. First I used the Hornady, out of twelve shots all but four were inside the 2 inch red dots. Next up was the American Eagle, only one shot outside the dot and had more shots touching than with the Hornady. Now came the Federal 130gr., after twelve shots, I had one big hole 4 1/2 inches above point of aim. I did not rezero for the lighter ammo. The Marlin loved that Federal 130gr.

Everybody says Marlins are accurate and now I'll say the same. I will write more on this Marlin after more break in.

Always be safe. Know whats behind your target.

"RUGER SINGLE SIX CONVERTIBLE"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:50:00 +0000

This is a single-action revolver that shoots 22 Lr and 22 mag ammo. It has a satin stainless finish with rosewood grips and adjustable rear sights. It was a special run revolver with a 4 1/2" barrel (I called Ruger to verify this).

Well, off to the range with four boxes of ammo in 22 Lr, Sk jagd standard plus and pistol match, 22 mag CCI maxi-mag hp 30gr and Remington 30gr Accutip-v. With a target at 15 yards, I started with the 22 Lr cylinder. The adjustable sights were dead on. After 18 shots of each 22 Lr ammo, the pistol match worked best. Now I switched cylinders to 22 mag. It took some sight adjustment to rezero, again after 18 shots of 22 mag the Remington Accutip shot best. All of the above shooting was done off hand. Next I shot at 25 yards off a dog-gone-good-bag rest using the 2 ammos that shot best while standing. I shot 12 shots with each. Groups were great. The only thing I would have changed is the sights. My old eyes need a brighter sight picture. A fun gun to shoot and great for new shooters. No recoil, easy to load and single action. You just can't pull the trigger.

Always be safe. Know whats behind your target.

"CLARK CUSTOM 10/22"

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:51:00 +0000

I've written about Clark Custom before, the 77/22 I got from Clark. Also awhile back, I purchased a Walther barrel and trigger parts for an old 10/22 that I installed myself. It shoots great.

This new Ruger 10/22 that Clark Custom built is everything you could ever want in a 22Lr. Premium Walther barrel with a Clark match chamber, and recessed match crown. The trigger job includes honing of the hammer and sear, installing new trigger springs which give you a crisp 2 1/2 pound trigger pull, and also includes a over travel adjustment screw. Other features are Clarks own edm extractor, plus a modified bolt release, a weaver style scope base and a Clark custom laminated thumbhole stock. I also had a hole put in the receiver for ease of cleaning, and a new magazine release.

I did a good cleaning and installed a Sightron 3x9 scope with weaver rings. Clark sent along a test target with 1/2 inch 5 shot group fired at 50 yards using SK Jagd standard plus ammo.

Now I'm off to to the Illinois Rifle Assoc to see what I can do with this great looking 10/22. My first Friday at the range was wet with a 20mph cross wind. All I was able to accomplish that day was a good reliability check. Its a week later and we are back at the range. We all meet at 7:00 am. The weather today, 30 degrees, no wind and going to be sunny. We can't start shooting till 8:00 am so we set up targets and have coffee. I brought with 4 boxes of 22 ammo, three are made by SK Jagd, standard plus, high velocity, match rifle and the fourth is Federal. After a few shots I was dead on at 50 meters. All the ammo's shot great. The SK Jagd match rifle ammo put 7 shots in a 1/2 inch group. I then started to shoot at 100 meters. It took a few shots to re zero. At days end I had shot a total of 90 rounds. The match rifle ammo would shoot 1 inch groups at 100 meters. The few flyer's were me not the rifle or ammo. It was the perfect day to checkout a new rifle. What little wind that came up was straight at our backs.

This being my second Clark Custom rifle, all I can say is Clark's rifles fit, finish, reliability and accuracy are the best. If you want the best 22Lr call Clark. Can't wait to go jack hunting in Wyoming.

Always be safe. Know whats behind your target.

Summers over so there is more to come.

MORE SAVAGE #12 LRPV 223

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Moos) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:40:00 +0000

As I said in my last writing, we were going out west to our property with my new Savage model #12 LRPV 223. We also brought along a Savage #12 in 22-250, a Ruger 10/22 with a Walther barrel and a Clark custom trigger. I did get 50 more break in rounds through the new 223 before we headed west.

Before I tell you about the Savage, let me tell you about Jack rabbits in Wyoming. My best friend John said get your Ruger 10/22 and a lot of ammo we are going on a short road trip. We drove for ninety minutes to get to his cousins ranch where we parked. We then started walking. You just scare up the Jack's and shoot. For the first hour, I had mostly misses. They are good size, but I didn't know they were that fast. Can't wait to do this again.

The wife and I had many things to do this trip, so I only had a day and a half to try out this new Savage on some prairie rats. After re zeroing, John and I were in the field set up and ready to shoot. After a few minor scope adjustments, I had 10 hits in a row at around 150 yards. I then let the new Savage cool down and cleaned the barrel. In the meantime I switched to the Savage 22-250.

My buddy John had two rifles an older Savage in 223 and a 220 Ruger which is on its second or third barrel. Now back to the new 223 Savage. As we kept shooting farther out, I still let it cool down and cleaned after 10 shots. The new rifle was flawless. My two longest hits were 380 yards and 420 yards using Federal 69 gram match ammo. Going back the first week of September and try some longer shots.

More to come.

Always be safe and know whats behind your target.