Or Bad...20rds at 200 w/ "new" FAL

[jmoore]

Bone stock, chrome bored, semi-auto FAL.

Shot it a few rounds a few weeks ago off the bench at 100yds w/ surplus South African ammo. It shot well, a couple of inches high.

So, with no further preparation, yesterday I fired 20rds standing at 200yds, using German DAG surplus. No shooting coat, just regular old leather jacket.

Very early morning 100% cloudy, falling temps, and a bit breezy, but no giant winds, as the range is in a "hole". Makes for rapid random changes, but benchrest wasn't on the agenda. Mostly out to shoot a "new" Winchester .22! (and 5rds out of "Fat B@&#@&)" for zero check.)



Range "cold", no danger to the fellow placing targets!


Remember, this was shot standing, so don't think the rifle was responsible for this "pattern". The upper left three hits I can't explain. -Need some more trigger time to figure out what I did wrong on those!


One hole missing. Unfortunately, the range was dim enough to make hits in the black hard to see w/ the ancient Redfield spotting scope, so I don't know why!

Not hideous, zero seems good, but not for bulls-eye. Probably run the sight up to "3" for better "score".

Trigger pull was fairly inconsistant, but when it did break it didn't disturb the sight picture. Mostly it was variations in weight and "creep" or travel. Most annoying was the bolt started to fail to stay back after 8-10 rounds, probably 5-6 times. Very different feel in follow through!

Seems like it's got some potential, and performed well above expectations. Not something I'm apt to really concentrate upon, but it'll definitely see more range time. As a left handed rifle shooter, primarily, it was rather less awkward than remembered!

Oh, and the white line that "bisects" the rear peep aperature wasn't noticed at all. It's quite annoying under artificial lighting.

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[browningautorifle]

I don't understand the inconsistant trigger. It's the same trigger. Maybe do a 100% strip and clean. I carried those for 15 years and found they will usually shoot to the potential of the shooter. Unless they are worn out that is. That one doesn't look too bad. I don't think setting the sight on 300 will do much different, we used to zero at 100 with the 300 because the aperature was smaller but all that did was throw our sight markings out of whack. Try closing the gas by 2 numbers and your bolt will stay back.

[jmoore]

Yah, except on this rifle the numbers are "bass-akwards". Did that and was more distracted. Wasn't a function check.

I think the trigger is just "new'y", letting it work in before major concerns arise.

[browningautorifle]

Give 'er the first thousand and then let us know...I had one of those years ago. The black metric model with the European walnut butt. Metal handguards and the little low sights. What a work of art. Kind of made our FN C1's look like ploughs. That was just because I had seen more of them than the metric model.

[jmoore]

I'd swap for a C1! Or an L1a1 that would shoot well. I'm on my third L1a1 barrel, last two were the least accurate tubes of any rifled firearm I've ever owned except possibly my Remington Keene, which is fairly rough!

On the upside of shooting, the slightly left POI on the "Fat B." M1a was confirmed and corrected.

200yd 5 rds, prone, no sling, mag fed, FGGM 168gr. 2 1/8" or just slightly over 1 MOA.

As for the 20rds standing, max spread was 16" (~8 MOA) on 19rds. best 18rds about 13", just about the size of the aiming black. Not match winning, but it's not a match rifle. With some more practice and maybe a little tweaking of the rifle, hopefully there'll be better results to report. I consider this just a baseline introductory result.

[xa-coupe]

I'd swap for a C1! Or an L1a1 that would shoot well. I'm on my third L1a1 barrel, last two were the least accurate tubes of any rifled firearm I've ever owned except possibly my Remington Keene, which is fairly rough!

funny you say that. Prior to 1997 I was deemed safe enough to own a L1A1. I swear I would have been better off charging down the range holding by the barrel and using it as a club. It was an almost new non issue example and off a rest would be lucky to shoot 4-5 inches at 100. I tried all sorts of loads and cleaned it so much you could perform surgery on it. . I know L1A1s don't have the best reputation for accuracy but this was just stupid being easily the most inaccurate firearm I have ever owned. Last seen being bent in the middle making the world suddenly a safer place.

[jmoore]

If you think the above target is bad, today's outing w/ an HB AR15 and a M1a (both capable of very good accuracy) was abolutely wretched. Even the "hole" wasn't keeping the wind off the firing line. Blowing every which way. Cold, too, but that usually doesn't make for bad shooting.

Kept all 20 AR rounds on paper, barely. Hideous! Gave up after about 10 w/ the M1a. Just couldn't stay still! I COULD post a photo to two- if it'll encourage others to share.

[jmoore]

Oh, here's some of the fine shooting gear typically used whilst at the range which surely contributes to fine results:


Nice old A4 jacket. Complete w/ lack of reinforcements or padding.


Well broken in rubbers with 1000gms Thinsulate. The split in the top of the RH boot was ax inflicted-whilst being worn! A whole different kind of bloody adventure...
If the ground/grass is dry, then sneakers are an option.


Surprisingly servicable homemade folding scope stand.