Long overdue Big Boy & 1860 Colt Range Report

[RanchRoper]

Ok, so just got home from the range. Real world conditions today for sure, at least for Alberta. The 45 Colt Big Boy was at 50 yards off hand standing, and open factory sights as usual. Pretty much the only way I shoot. 250 gr Winchester LFN, my favorite ammo. Wind speed about 115 kms according to the weather man which converts to 71 mph. 20 rounds on the target, and the wind must have been right behind the bullets, as it was not as much of a factor as I expected. I did not allow for wind on the first couple of shots, and when I saw them hit, I just kept on cranking. Likely they picked up speed going down range. My goal was to get as many big honkin' holes in the middle as possible!

The other target is the 1860 Colt cartridge conversion, 8" barrel, open top and 45 Colt as well. I shot from 15 yds, one hand and standing. It was 15 rounds but looks like a couple went into the wood and not on paper. The issue I had today was steadying my arm in the wind. Shot American Eagle 255 gr JSP.
The other challenge today was getting to and from the targets climbing up and down snowdrifts! For some reason I had the whole range to myself...

It was great to shoot again, I have not been to the range since late October.

[CT_Shooter]

Superlative shooting again, RanchRoper! Wow. A wind speed like that would drop trees in this part of the world and keep cowards like me indoors, watching through the windows for signs of trouble. Each time you post a a photo like that Big Boy target, you inspire me to try harder to do better. Thanks.

[RanchRoper]

I find if I yell "HO-CHEE-MAMA" before I shoot it seems to help.

[PT7]

Great shooting and range report. CT is right, though, about that howling wind keeping folk inside. Not a surprise that you had the range to yourself.

What size is your splash target? At 50 yards using iron sights it probably is getting a little small. I can't remember, do you shoot farther out, at say either 75 or 100 yards? At 75 I have some challenges with a 6" target...I should get a few larger ones for that long-distance shooting.

I really like the clarity of a large bullet hole as your targets show. My .357 POIs look good on a splash, but no matter what kind of target I use, the .22LR ammo consistently remains hard to see. That's the only distraction I have when shooting with iron sights.

Thanks for posting.

[RanchRoper]

Those are 8" targets. 50 yds is about the max distance that I can see them hit. I tried at 100 yds one time, but it's a crap shoot whether you got on the paper or not until you walk out there. Usually as long, sad walk back.

[PT7]

OK, I've used 8" targets at times, too, and I've had that "long, walk back" from both 75 & 100 yards at times.

Not to totally derail your good range report, but while wandering through some web shooting images this weekend, these photos reminded me you regularly ride your horse. This would be some kind of shooting to try....if the horse would only agree.

Both are of calvary soldiers getting in some of their rifle training. I could easily see one foot resting in a stirrup, but both feet on the saddle? Whoa!

training shooting1.jpg (9.02 KiB) Viewed 2120 times

[RanchRoper]

Haha.....that's something I could certainly do.....once.

ps...I wore my Howard Leight Impact Sport ear-muffs, and they are so good. The Big Boy sounds like a Red Ryder going off. Money well spent.

[North Country Gal]

Excellent offhand work! I, too, am a fan of the 45 Colt. Just got back from the range. Had a good day with the Ruger Blackhawk 45 Convertible.

[Sir Henry]

I have found high winds blow me around more than the bullet.

[RanchRoper]

This is my Cimarron revolver for anybody who hasn't seen it; and if you have well here it is again just cuz I love it!

[DWD445]

Good looking targets, RR. Especially the Henry!!
71mph winds you Sir can have. I'd be bundled up like Randy on Christmas Story I can't get up

[DWD445]

Looks like Germans on the horses, their cooperation would be quite important!!

[RanchRoper]

Thanks all for the comments. As I was shooting today, in what I would call adverse conditions, I am starting to question how "effective" or practical an 1860 original Henry would be for me as a saddle gun. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the look, the history, etc of the 1860 but my Big Boy is one hell of a handy rifle and I think I'm getting pretty darn comfortable with it. I can get on target fast, and my accuracy is improving. Even though it is not the "carbine" version, it still feels compact to me and it handles extremely well. It packs really well on my saddle, and I have confidence that I could get at it fast if necessary. Something for me to think about, as I'm not really a guy to have 2 rifles, with 1 sitting idle, and I'm starting to have minor doubts about how "handy" an 1860 would be in a real situation where I need it. Luckily it doesn't come to Canada until late spring so I have lots of time to think about it. In the meantime, gotta love that Big Boy.