Big Boy 45 Colt at the Range

[JEBar]

I often hear folks speaking of shooting targets at 100 yards .... until you've done so, most don't realize just how far that is; much less, how difficult it is with open sights .... the holes in your target would have taken an elk, moose, or mule deer at that range .... that ain't bad at all

[Henry88]

Every gun I shoot seems to go left. Never knew if it's me, or had something to do with the rotation of the bullet, etc. Even my Red Ryder goes left, and it isn't rifled.

so Strange...........

[RanchRoper]

100 yds is a loooonnnggg way looking through that open sight at that little paper target. That's for sure. I'll be out to the range again this week and will work on the 25 and 50 yd targets to try to get some consistency. I'm sure the low to the left shots are me not the rifle.

[RanchRoper]

I often hear folks speaking of shooting targets at 100 yards .... until you've done so, most don't realize just how far that is; much less, how difficult it is with open sights .... the holes in your target would have taken an elk, moose, or mule deer at that range .... that ain't bad at all

Thank you.

[PT7]

100 yds is a loooonnnggg way looking through that open sight at that little paper target. That's for sure. I'll be out to the range again this week and will work on the 25 and 50 yd targets to try to get some consistency. I'm sure the low to the left shots are me not the rifle.

I often hear folks speaking of shooting targets at 100 yards .... until you've done so, most don't realize just how far that is; much less, how difficult it is with open sights .... the holes in your target would have taken an elk, moose, or mule deer at that range .... that ain't bad at all

Both of you got that spot on -- 100 yards is a challenge!

At 100 yards, I've shot my .357 Big Boy at an 8"-round steel target and at paper, off hand, with the original buckhorn and now my Skinner peep sight. To be honest, I don't think you have enough letters in your description of long --> "loooonnnggg." After I shoot a 5-round group, I have to check the targets with my range finder just to see if any hits. I can't see them at that distance. BTW, I do hit the target, but noticeably less POIs than at 50 yards for sure. And your POIs look much better than mine.

For shooting at 100 yards, the most fun part for me is hearing the clang of the steel target.

Anyway, RR, for a new-to-you rifle, those targets you shot are very good. I'd take them!

[Deadwood Dutch]

That is darn good shooting. I would not want to shoot any of my rimfires or my Marlin .44 magnum with the iron sights at 100 yards. 50 yards with the factory sights is all I will try and that is with the big 100 yard target and then the sight just about covers it. One of these days I want to try my H001 at 50 yards with the factory sights. I have shot my Golden Boy at 50 yards but the H001 only at 25 yards.

[RanchRoper]

Thanks guys. It certainly is a great rifle at any range! But I think the best course of action in the back country will be to avoid the grizzlies all together...

[White Squirrel]

For shooting at 100 yards, the most fun part for me is hearing the clang of the steel target.

Agree. For me I don't bother putting up paper targets at 100 yards with iron sights, even with the Skinner peep sights. I just shoot the steel gong. At least I can tell the difference between the round thumping the dirt of the backstop or ringing the steel!

[RanchRoper]

I don't see anything like that at our range. Maybe we can get some. It would be rewarding to hear that lead ring the bell!

[PT7]

The two MO ranges, which I go, do not allow steel targets. I think it's because of the extra work to set up. You would have to be sure you have the correct steel gauge to hold up under the calibers you are using, plus the targets have to be angled to deflect bullets and not allow ricochet back at the shooters.

I shoot steel at two friends' ranges. One fellow has the targets set up and angled on 4X4 wood posts or on "swing" rods. The second range I set mine own up by inserting a brace behind the top of target and a wood target board to force ricochet angle to the ground. Works pretty well, plus I'm not usually very close to steel targets....more so use them for long-distance shooting.

But it would be cool, RR, if your range could set some steel up. It is fun!

[White Squirrel]

The range I belong to has a 36" gong with steel chains hanging from a frame at 100 yards on the rifle range. It has pretty much been destroyed by people shooting it with high power rounds. It has more holes than steel right now.

Then our "Cowboy Town" has hundreds of steel targets. Some are mounted on frames with steel chains and some are hanging from the "sheperd's hook" steel plant hangers. Either method "should" deflect the ricochet into the ground. They also only allow unjacketed lead bullets on this range in order to reduce the possibility of any fragmentation from the jackets.

My son-in-law also has access to an area that the landowner allows people to shoot on as long as they clean up when they are done. We have invested in some 12" steel plates and the sheperd's hook hangers. The documentation that came from shootsteel.com with the plates recommends a minimum distance of ten yards when using pistol caliber rounds in a handgun and a minimum of 50 yards when using pistol caliber rounds in a rifle. So far, we have had no issues.

[RanchRoper]

Cool. I want to come and shoot with you!

[RanchRoper]

Last night I made some adjustments to my sights to see if it makes difference with my tendency to shoot low. I haven't shot yet but there's a very noticeable difference in bringing the rifle up and getting on target faster. I'm very curious to see what difference it makes on the target board.

I will post some results from the range Thursday night. 25 & 50 yd. Looking forward to trying it.