Henry Rifle Forums

Had a chance today to go to my brothers today where I can shoot legally outside city limits. First time trying out the new scope.
I shot from 50 yards and only put about 18-20 rounds out there. I am not really pleased with the results. I guess more practice is in order...

Don't sweat it! Shooting is a lot like other 'sports' - some days you are on and some off.
If I go out and set up my table, rest etc. and start out doing well I will continue - however if I am shooting large, open groups with no consistency I sometimes pack it in and go home. Lots of things can influence accuracy - up too late the night before shooting, too much coffee in the morning etc.
I once knew a VERY serious competitive shooter who was adamant about NO alcohol or coffee 24+ hours before a match - and this included not even a beer the day before or one cup of coffee the morning of the match.

Mistered wrote:Don't sweat it! Shooting is a lot like other 'sports' - some days you are on and some off.
If I go out and set up my table, rest etc. and start out doing well I will continue - however if I am shooting large, open groups with no consistency I sometimes pack it in and go home. Lots of things can influence accuracy - up too late the night before shooting, too much coffee in the morning etc.
I once knew a VERY serious competitive shooter who was adamant about NO alcohol or coffee 24+ hours before a match - and this included not even a beer the day before or one cup of coffee the morning of the match.

Thanks Ed...you may have hit the nail on the head..

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Um, what are you using for a bench and gun rest while shooting?

markiver54 wrote:Had a chance today to go to my brothers today where I can shoot legally outside city limits. First time trying out the new scope.
I shot from 50 yards and only put about 18-20 rounds out there. I am not really pleased with the results. I guess more practice is in order...

20190127_230231.jpg

Sorry for lack of info..was using a portable work bench and my new "legging" bag supports.. .if you remember my post on those, .just starting to wonder if I might have done better with iron sights. Hope I did'nt waste money on scope set up..

I've found that at such times I usually need not rush, rather to go back to the basics .... as in, make sure all screws holding the scope are tight .... if so, double check the scope for a group at very short range 10 to 20 yards .... if it groups, back up a bit and send a few more rounds down range .... while doing so, double check your table and setup .... somewhere along the way, I usually find out what's going on

Thanks guys...just don't get the chance to shoot much this time of year because of where I live. ALL are very good points I take and appreciate your input. Guess I should have started at 25 yards as Jim said and gone from there. My time was very limited though...not really worthy of a range outing. Was shooting Federal 357 sjsp 158 gr. 357. Looking forward to nicer weather and a lot more range time.

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uh yes I remember those now. What I don't remember is if you shared what you did to zero your scope.

markiver54 wrote:Sorry for lack of info..was using a portable work bench and my new "legging" bag supports.. .if you remember my post on those, .just starting to wonder if I might have done better with iron sights. Hope I did'nt waste money on scope set up..

Also the next time you get out shooting and if you are getting the same results let someone else shoot it to see if anything changes.

Ive seen a few scopes that have been factory refurbished, so could also be a problem.

The thing about that target to note is that you landed 4 great shots. Were those the first ones and it opened up after that, or do you remember? For me, it's typical that my best shots are my first ones. The lesson I"ve taken away from that is to slow down and make each shot "like the first one."

First check your rest setup. Looking at the target, most of rounds are vertically strung...either "heeling" (pushing forward), or dropping your shoulder on ignition. I suggest you get someone that is a known shooter to try your rifle and the ammo you were using. As previously stated, also check the scope mounts and rings. BobG

yup before you start changing anything you said it, "Practice More". Shooting is a skill like all others. I practice with a new rifle until I am comfortable with the sights, rounds etc... I usually don't don't add aftermarket sights until I get 100+ rounds down range with factory set-up. I might even suggest going back to irons if you are only shooting 50 yds and start from there.

study your aiming/shooting technique slow down and be deliberate on each of the steps, aiming, breathing squeezing.

Mark
What scope are you using? Maybe a shot of your setup also.

I made a reply to this about a 1/2 hour ago. Don't know where it went; maybe this early I didn't click submit. Anyways, make sure the rear stock is snug, not tight, snug, no moving around. Trigger technique is very helpful also, but. I'm sure you're aware of that. You'll get it sorted out.

Ok, this time it worked.

Ive seen a few scopes that have been factory refurbished, so could also be a problem.

Bad, or failed scopes can happen - I have an old Leupold that would not print with any loads.
Sent it in and it turned out to have a loose reticle - that the factory fixed.

About that 4 shot group in the center... were they shot in sequence as your first group?

Make sure to check all hardware for being tight. I shoot heavy springer air rifles and they can dish out more stress to a scope than a powder burner with recoil going both directions. Found when shots go wild something was loose.

Mags wrote:.
uh yes I remember those now. What I don't remember is if you shared what you did to zero your scope.

markiver54 wrote:Sorry for lack of info..was using a portable work bench and my new "legging" bag supports.. .if you remember my post on those, .just starting to wonder if I might have done better with iron sights. Hope I did'nt waste money on scope set up..

Before I was offered a place to shoot it myself, I took it to my favorite LGS and asked them to bore sight and zero scope.
I was no with the shooter, so I know none of the specifics . Did not get to talk to the shooter, as he was not there when I picked it up.
This is the target though:

Did you try different ammo?

markiver54 wrote:
Before I was offered a place to shoot it myself, I took it to my favorite LGS and asked them to bore sight and zero scope.
I was no with the shooter, so I know none of the specifics . Did not get to talk to the shooter, as he was not there when I picked it up.
This is the target though:

20190128_103820.jpg

Maybe I'm being too picky, but, without knowing the sequencing of those shots, that target doesn't look all that "zeroed" to me.

And, I keep going back to those 4 shots on your target...