1917 WIN question

[Patrick Chadwick]

Where is your POA. Dead center? Then try using the 6 o'clock hold. But then immediately at 100 yards, for the reason given below

If you are already using the 6 o'clock hold: What is the diameter of the black on the target you are using. Are you using the same black size for 50 and 100 yards? If you use a 6 o'clock hold on a target at 50 yards to zero the sights, and then run the target out to 100 yards, the POI will probably be HIGHER for the simple reason that at 50 the bullet has to rise from the level of the bore (below the sight line) to the center of the target, which is above the sight line. In other words, it is on a rising path all the way, never reaching an apogee. Now, when you move that target out to 100, your 6 o'clock sight line is actually HIGHER than before, because the target, now being at twice the distance, subtends only half the angle at the sight. In other words, your 6 o'clock POA has moved up by that amount. Add in the rising path effect (that depends on the muzzle velocity as well) and you may well have a POI at 100 that is HIGHER than at 50.

BTW, this effect can be very pronounced if you use a rifle with a scope fitted - because the scope is even higher above the bore line than the iron sights.

What can you learn from this: that if your regular shooting is going to be at 100 or above, don't waste time zeroing the sights at 50. Go straight to 100.

However, all this explanation may be insufficient to explain an observed excess height of 1 ft. So take a close look at the foresight blade. Maybe a previous owner filed it down to suit a particular type of ammo? If you need a higher blade, and have difficulty finding one for an M1917 or P14, don't forget that you can use Enfield blades!



Patrick