First trip to the rifle range

Coyote WT · March 18, 2011, 09:33 PM

Well. I was able to take my new Mosin Nagant to the rifle range today. It's the first time I've fired a rifle since I ETS'd from the Army back in '84. I sent 30 rounds of 148 grain down range.

I set up at 100 yards and, not knowing what to expect with the back sight, moved it a couple notches up the scale. The first few rounds were so far off paper that I couldn't see any dirt kick up so I asked the shooter next to me to spot. I was shooting high. I moved the rear sight back to its starting position and started to dial in.

I ended up with 4 shots off target, 9 in the white and 17 in the black. I had no real shot group to speak of, something I attribute to being for all intents and purposes a beginner. Once I start retraining my breathing and trigger pull I'm confident I can get consistent enough to have something that looks more like a shot group and less like a shotgun pattern. (I'll add a picture)

Of the 30 shots I had about half a dozen rounds where the bolt didn't eject smoothly. I didn't notice any rhyme or reason to when it stuck. Again it could be that I just need more practice to retrain my muscle memory in working the bolt but I've seen some reviews that do point out occasional bolt inconsistencies.

I am going to end up looking for some kind of padding. Years ago I injured my shoulder pulling a bow that was way out of my weight range and, as fate would have it, the butt sits right on that spot.

I have abut 10 rounds of the 148 grain left and then start on a box of Winchester 180 grain. I'm interested to see what, if any, difference there will be.

I'm looking forward to going back. I had a great time and really am pretty proud of myself.

Mike38 · March 18, 2011, 09:52 PM

27 years without heating up a barrel? I have a hard time going 27 days without.

Have fun…. Be safe.

March 18, 2011, 09:33 PM	#1
Coyote WT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Location: Woodinville WA (north of Seattle) Posts: 147	First trip to the rifle range Well. I was able to take my new Mosin Nagant to the rifle range today. It's the first time I've fired a rifle since I ETS'd from the Army back in '84. I sent 30 rounds of 148 grain down range. I set up at 100 yards and, not knowing what to expect with the back sight, moved it a couple notches up the scale. The first few rounds were so far off paper that I couldn't see any dirt kick up so I asked the shooter next to me to spot. I was shooting high. I moved the rear sight back to its starting position and started to dial in. I ended up with 4 shots off target, 9 in the white and 17 in the black. I had no real shot group to speak of, something I attribute to being for all intents and purposes a beginner. Once I start retraining my breathing and trigger pull I'm confident I can get consistent enough to have something that looks more like a shot group and less like a shotgun pattern. (I'll add a picture) Of the 30 shots I had about half a dozen rounds where the bolt didn't eject smoothly. I didn't notice any rhyme or reason to when it stuck. Again it could be that I just need more practice to retrain my muscle memory in working the bolt but I've seen some reviews that do point out occasional bolt inconsistencies. I am going to end up looking for some kind of padding. Years ago I injured my shoulder pulling a bow that was way out of my weight range and, as fate would have it, the butt sits right on that spot. I have abut 10 rounds of the 148 grain left and then start on a box of Winchester 180 grain. I'm interested to see what, if any, difference there will be. I'm looking forward to going back. I had a great time and really am pretty proud of myself. Last edited by Coyote WT; March 19, 2011 at 02:25 PM. Reason: correct information

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March 18, 2011, 09:52 PM	#2
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,753	27 years without heating up a barrel? I have a hard time going 27 days without. Have fun…. Be safe.