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Start Ammo Testing and 50 Yard Sight-In – September 24, 2005
Back out to the range, to test several different brands of .22 ammo. I haven't been keeping score over the last couple of sessions, and there have been enough problems to keep me from getting in a real groove, but all-in-all I am very pleased with how things are going. The targets have been tightening up as the problems get solved, and I get a real sense that the ergonomic advantages of this pistol are going to make a difference in my match scores. IIRC, my best Rapid Fire match score was a 197, with a PB single target of 99. I have strung together a series of 98's and 99's with this gun informally; I see the light at the end of the Marksman tunnel!
When I arrive at the range, it is immediately apparent that it is National Nimrod Day. Every spot is already taken, but I didn’t want to stick around once I got an idea what was going on. Some twenty-something dipstick was doing two handed (one pistol per) rapid fire ammo dumps at 25 yards shooting at a rifle sight-in target. Or, should I say, shooting in the direction of a rifle sight in target. Where is a Ranger when you really need one, I ponder out loud? When we finally get Captain Dipstick's attention, he is baffled at the prospect of the range going safe to allow other shooters to check their targets, or maybe put up a fresh one.
So, I tip-toe over to the 50 Yard range. I would prefer to get in another session at the 25 yard line to really get straightened out there, but what can you do. After getting set up, I decide to use up the last of the 711B to sight in as well as I can before doing any ammo testing - I'm really not equipped to do any serious 50 yard accuracy testing (Optima sight, no rest to speak of). After a few magazines, I'm dialed in and things are going just peachy. The light is a little funny, making it difficult to scope the black, but that can make for some pleasant surprises if things are going to plan! My technique is a bit inconsistent, but I haven't shot Slow Fire in years now, so no surprises there. I'm holding the 8 ring or thereabouts, certainly nothing to crow about, but right where I expected to be after a considerable layoff.
Did I mention that I have a SLAP tear in my shooting shoulder, as well as severely calcified tendonitis and adhesive capsulitis? Hey Doc, it only hurts when I do this ... I'm scheduled for a little arthroscopy in two weeks, which could put a damper on my big comeback, but I'll stick to the program until it becomes impossible.
After an hour or so, the Nimrods run out of ammo, or go deaf; in any case, my favorite table at the 25 yard line is open, and I clean up and move over lickety-split. I've only got time to shoot another 50 or 60 rounds, but I want to do some preliminary ammo testing before I leave. A quick sampling of what I have that is already opened provides the test ammo - R50, Eley Pistol Xtra, CCI Pistol Match, and Federal UM1.
First up, R50 - This is the last ten rounds I have from the last big comeback attempt, but that is another story. R50 was Don Nygords recommendation, and it doesn't disappoint in this abbreviated test run. Quick impression, very shootable and the 99-5X shot with this ammo is the highlight of the day.
Eley Pistol Xtra - I had a measly nine rounds to test, and managed a dud anyway! Not a big confidence builder, but I have a few more boxes to give it a fair shake next time around. Shooting impression - no great shakes. The group sucked, but that is more likely the result of "dud rhythm" than anything else.
CCI Pistol Match - went through almost a full box, and I got a great impression from this ammo, very similar feel to the R50. Maybe it is the black lube? Another couple of 99's made me look forward to giving the last three boxes of this a try.
Fed UM1 - Last, but certainly not least! Easily the prettiest ammo of the bunch. This also shot very well. I can't remember if it was the Fed or the CCI, but one was extremely smokey, could be unpleasant indoors.
I'll be continuing the ammo testing next time around. I can't see why I wouldn't settle on one of R50, CCI, or Federal UM1, but time will tell. Local availability will be a major factor if I need a tie-breaker.
SURGERY SUCKS—SEPTEMBER 2005 TO MAY 2006 I had an arthroscopic procedure performed on my right shoulder. Rehab has been a Vincent Price flick, complete with Zombies (me), pissed off Werewolves (also me), and blood-sucking Vampires (physical therapists, doctors, pharmacists and etc.). I have finally regained enough range of motion to entertain thoughts of shooting a pistol again. Unfortunately, my strength is gone and I am starting from way less than ground zero.
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