August 19th, 1860 "Smoke of a .45"

[RanchRoper]

Have not been to the range since late July so it was time, even though the smoke is thick around here from fires in BC, I thought I'd make some smoke of my own. My 1860 Henry in 45 Colt. Open ladder sights, shooting either off hand standing or from one knee. Ammunition today was Remington 250 gr LRNFP. It was the last box of it I had left in the cabinet, not my favorite ammo but it's ok. Shot a variety of targets today at 50 and 100 yds.

First up, 50 yards on two targets with six 5.5" bullseyes on each. The challenge was to load a full tube of 12 rounds and only 1 shot on each target so make it count. 9 of 12 in the 3" circle so not too bad I guess. Off hand standing. No wind today at all.

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Next is a dozen rounds on an 8" target at 50 yds as well, however I was just cranking the lever as quick as I could (YEOW! hot barrel). Off hand standing again. All in the 5" circle and 7 rounds in the 3" ring, pretty happy with that & 61 year old eyes...

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But the best part of the day was this one: 100 yds shooting from one knee and my remaining 26 rounds in the 8" wide by 12" high oval! Not to mention some nice ragged groups near the middle!!! Ladder sight up and on the bottom notch. My best 100 yd target to date.

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And of course this cowboy's best friend, my awesome and historic 1860 Henry rifle...getting a nice patina on that brass

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And a shot of the smoky range I had to myself today...it's actually a sunny day with no clouds but you wouldn't know it.

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Hope you enjoyed the range report! Shoot safe folks.

RR

[CT_Shooter]

Hope you enjoyed the range report! Shoot safe folks.

You are an actual sharpshooter, RR; I mean, really! Your range reports blow me away. People like me dream about targets like yours. Thanks, as always, for sharing them (and your great photographs) with us! I really appreciate it.

[PT7]

I'd put some coins on the card table that you'd about hit those targets during the night and in a fog, RR.
From target one to target last, great shooting!

And that single-shot dozen is a lot of fun, isn't it?

BTW, I think your photography might be just a tad better, too. Must be the smoke in your eyes!
PT7

[RanchRoper]

Appreciate the very kind words, I do really like my rifle...

[ESquared]

Just fantastic shooting, great photos and terrific story to explain it all, doesn't get any better on any count!

Thanks for sharing and hope the smoke clears soon!

[JEBar]

OUTSTANDING .... truly outstanding .... as usual ..

[RanchRoper]

Thanks very much!

[North Country Gal]

Excellent, excellent, excellent, RR. Not kidding at all when I say you could do exhibition shooting with that rig of yours. I think folks would pay to see it. It's a real privilege to have a shooter like you on this forum. Thank-you for posting these great reports. Keep 'em coming.

[RanchRoper]

That is a mighty fine compliment coming from you NCG, and me and my little saddle gun will certainly do our best to keep 'em coming.

Just a note to some others here on the forum; I read some frustration from some about sights, groups, etc. What I shot today was some of my very best so far. But believe me, I have shot more crappers than keepers. Might shoot some more underachievers next week. I even post them because I think the good, the bad & the ugly are all part of the fun. But I can tell you this; I love shooting my rifle. That's the pure joy of it. After working with horses and cattle all these years I learned a valuable lesson...don't sweat the small stuff.
Keep on shooting folks, and enjoy every minute of it. End of sermon.

[Mags]

...getting a nice patina on that brass

So sad brass must be shiny

Good shooting. Love the detail you went into.

[RanchRoper]

Haha....brass is aging better than me for sure.

[Shakey Jake]

Those are great looking targets especially for off hand!

[Ozarkridgerunner]

Absolutely without a doubt superb shooting RR. Your skill with your rifle is amazing. You are gifted sir ! I may be one of those folks you were preaching to you mentioned!! Kinda had a bit of a disappointing day with my Henry yesterday. It was my first time to shoot it. Had a lot of issues with elevation. Been griping too much today I know. Lot of folks would just appreciate getting to do it. I guess I had waited so long saving up to buy this gun and I don't have to tell you my source of livliehood is pretty modest at best so after spending the cash I was a bit flustered on the performance. We'll get it corrected I'm sure. Again great post and pics and great shooting. Would definitely want you on my side in a shootout!

[RanchRoper]

All good; wasn't meant for anybody in particular, and fully understand the expectation for hard earned money spent. Hope you get satisfaction on your Henry. Thanks for the kind words.