May 20th 1860

[RanchRoper]

Been a couple of weeks since my last report so it was good to be at the range today. The 1860 Henry.
Warmed up with 12 rounds at 25 yds. I always shoot off hand standing. Factory iron sights. This is a very accurate rifle once you get on to it. I was pretty ok with my 25 yds off hand work today.
I have been waiting not so patiently for a less windy day to play on the 100 yd range. Wind was about 25 mph today so I gave it a go. This is only the 2nd or maybe 3rd time at 100 yds. This is with the ladder sight up but on the low notch. Windage wasn't bad but elevation was off. The 12 inch black square is miniscule at 100 yds and that 24 inch barrel is tough to steady. But I got 15 out of 24 in the black and the rest on paper, some just barely. Shot winchester 250 gr LFN. 45 colt. Awesome historic frontier rifle!

[North Country Gal]

I love what you're doing with that fine rifle and how you are doing it, i.e., keeping that iron sight and "standing on your feet as you shoot" tradition. Grand old cartridge with the 45 Colt, to boot. You'd be right at home with the best in that era. That is some fine, fine work.

[RanchRoper]

Very kind words. Thanks!

[CT_Shooter]

You're a Natural marksman, RR. Thanks for sharing your targets with us.

[RanchRoper]

I had higher expectations for the 100 yd work but the wind is such a hard read. I have to get a little binocular set so I can check as I shoot. But thanks for the vote of confidence!

[RetiredSeabee]

Looking good!
I was expecting a history lesson from the title.

[RanchRoper]

Shooting one of these beauties is like a history lesson...It is a very accurate shooter if you do your part right and squeeze that trigger when all the stars line up. The recoil is next to nothing as that massive barrel/tube 1 piece steel sucks up most of it. The sights are very cool to use and the front blade is easy to pick up fast. The crescent stock fits the shoulder well, and the angle of the stock seems very comfortable to me. Plus the barrel warms your hand on a cold day....

[Jdl447]

Awesome Dude
Should say Awesome Cowboy

[JEBar]

no surprise, you are bringing those stars in line .... nicely done indeed

[tx gunrunner]

I'm impressed you with factory ammo . I have trouble with blade brass ft sight and ladder sight that is why I use brass or white dot ft sight and tang sights on my lever guns . Glad to see your not benching that gun and you are testing you and the gun with 10 + rds in a group and not showing us the lucky 5 rds out of 100 like the gun mags do .

P.S. remember NO hot loads in 1860 , 1866 or 1873 original or reproduction guns .

[RanchRoper]

Haha...thanks! I feel an obligation to show it like it is. Good or bad it's all me!

[steelersfan97]

Do you ever have trouble holding that rifle as the barrel heats up?

[PT7]

Cannot add much more to the "all of the above," RR. I think what comment most clearly describes your shooting skills is from CT when he said you are a "natural." I've thought that before when reading several of your range reports and seeing your excellent targets....just never voiced it. And that 1860 Henry is a beauty.

If that wind ever settles down, your bull should end up mincemeat! Good job and report.

[RanchRoper]

Do you ever have trouble holding that rifle as the barrel heats up?

So far no. But I can see how if you cranked off a dozen rounds rapid fire that barrel would go super nova. Might want welders gloves.

[RanchRoper]

Cannot add much more to the "all of the above," RR. I think what comment most clearly describes your shooting skills is from CT when he said you are a "natural." I've thought that before when reading several of your range reports and seeing your excellent targets....just never voiced it. And that 1860 Henry is a beauty.

If that wind ever settles down, your bull should end up mincemeat! Good job and report.

Thanks all! It was a fun day at the range!!

[steelersfan97]

Nice shooting indeed. I know the .357 barrel can get pretty warm.

[RanchRoper]

I'm impressed you with factory ammo . I have trouble with blade brass ft sight and ladder sight that is why I use brass or white dot ft sight and tang sights on my lever guns . Glad to see your not benching that gun and you are testing you and the gun with 10 + rds in a group and not showing us the lucky 5 rds out of 100 like the gun mags do .

P.S. remember NO hot loads in 1860 , 1866 or 1873 original or reproduction guns .

You bet. Toggle link. It's burned into memory. But thanks for the reminder!

[BigAl52]

Ok Now I still waitng for those targets while shooting off the horse.

[tx gunrunner]

Ok Now I still waitng for those targets while shooting off the horse.

Here a video of him practicing shooting off his horse buffalo chip .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPJOo5eL8Cs

[RanchRoper]

Takes years to train those horses.