Preliminary range report - both owner and rifle survived

I finally managed to take my 1914 No.1 Mk.III to the rifle range today. I didn't do as well as I hoped, but did better than I thought I would. allowing for not shooting anything in 20 years, using the iron sights, cheap ammunition (Hotshot 174 grain FMJ BT), my non-dominant eye, sharp strong gusting side winds and just resting the barrel on a sandbag while standing, I managed to get almost every round (20 of them) into a 7 inch square at 100 yards - the target looked so lonely and forlorn out there. The rifle was tending to aim left a little bit, so I will correct that when I practice and get tighter groupings. I am not sure if this is reasonable for a first time given my circumstances, but I can only get better (sure as heck can't get any worse!).

I will post a full report in the right section of the forum, with pictures, after a bit more practice.

OK, I have just been looking at the range reports, and I suck! :p

Did I mention that it was overcast?? At least I scared the bloody target a few times. Perhaps I should go with my prior threat of running at the target and bashing it into submission with the rifle butt? LOL.

Fixed bayonets, and a charge in proper order, is considered perfectly appropriate when the target refuses to yield acceptable groups :)

Using a 95 yr. old rifle w/ less than high quality ammo firing from a standing position in gusting wind after a 20 year layoff from shooting, 20 rds. into a composite group of 7 inches from a rifle that new likely would not have put 20 rds. into 3 inches from a benchrest... you've got no reason to be ashamed. Shoot the rifle and enjoy it! By comparison hopefully we will all be as long lived and capable. If you have time, etc., possibly consider posting some pictures. Sincerely. BruceV.

spinecracker, It's a practice, practice, practice type of past time. First trip to the range with a 'new' rifle is usually a learning process, even for an avid shooter. You did fine.

Brad

I still like the idea of running at the target, wailing like a banshee...but I might get thrown off the range :P

Will do, Bruce. I will practice a little bit more over the next few months, then do a proper range report. Next time, I will pick a sunny, non-windy day, use better ammo and shoot left-handed from the prone position using a proper rifle rest (I am left eye dominant, and the 7 inch grouping was shot right-handed - I am just glad I hit the target!). I want to remove as much operator error to see how well she shhots (in the traditions of "Full Metal Jacket", I have named my rifle Victoria).

Anyone know of good resources online for improving rifle shooting skills?

Been shooting L-E's left handed since about 1980, its ONE of the things I like about 'em. Reach over, grab bolt shank w/ thumb and operate briskly! Brass will often sail 5-10 feet. Cock on close is an advantage here.

For real speed, though, it must be operated RH, grab bolt w/ thumb and "trigger" finger but don't left go! Fire w/ the middle finger as the bolt closes( but only w/closure otherwise it might misfire ,a helpful safety feature!). W/ practice its pretty amazing. Did it for the folks fixing to deploy late 2001/ early 2002 to Afganistan during CQC matches, got a bit of attention!

Hot Shot ammo is pretty darn good, (PRVI made?) from what I've shot. OT, but the fellow who did the semi-auto Brens in Georgia used it to test all his units.

jmoore, how many RPM did you get up to?

Spinecracker, if you've got a No1 MkIII, and not a III*, you should have a windage adjustment. You can use that to correct your left drift until you purchase or otherwise get the use of a foresight adjusting tool. 1 click = 1 inch per 100 yards.

It was one of the Mk.IIIs that were changed over to the Mk.III* configuration in the 20's, so the windage adjustment went bye bye then lol.

The rifle eventually got sold to pay for my 1944 Long Branch. Unlike some rich people around here, I can't afford to have a collection :P