Range Report: Silhouette at Seven

[PT7]

I'm getting more "hooked" on shooting this O/U derringer! Last week I shot it using my .357 Magnum barrel. Yesterday I went back to the indoor range and spent some good (and long) time shooting with my 3" - .22LR barrel.

My goal was to get a better handle on the fixed sights, and also smooth out my reloading. The first range time using the .22LR, I had difficulty loading and ejecting shells using the manual ejector. Yesterday I definitely improved for both goals.

I shot 115 rounds from 5 yards and 7 yards, with CCI 40gr SV-LRN, Federal 40gr Auto Match, and Remington 40gr Golden Bullets, HV-PLRN.  Based on my POIs, the derringer liked the CCI ammo best.

Take a glance at my three targets:  two 6" orange round, and a standard 7"x11" head silhouette.  Shot at the silhouette last (30 rounds, mostly CCI), and I liked my POI results.  Only four early-on rounds outside of the silhouette...the 4th is hard to see at the very top of head.  The paper target is somewhat torn from the target hanger. This last target is where I got a pretty good handle on my sight radius.

It was a very fun/enjoyable shoot yesterday. Next time I head out with the derringer I will use a new barrel I ordered a while ago.  Bond Arms is shipping it to me this week.  Ever since I had my first BA derringer almost four years ago, I've wondered what the .45LC/.410 would be like to shoot?  Well, I should know before long....that's the new barrel coming my way.  I doubt if I'll shoot many .45LC rounds....it's spendy ammo.  I think I'll probably start with HSM 200gr cowboy ammo...wonder what will the recoil will feel like? For the shotgun ammo, I picked up a box (5 rounds) of .410 - 000 buck yesterday.  It is a 3-pellet shot, so it will be interesting to see the pattern spread on those.  Can't get much closer to a single-shot handgun! A fun-fun gun.

I haven't forgotten about my Henry SGC. Just prefer shooting outdoors. But after shooting the .22LR rounds yesterday, I think I'll take the rifle to the indoor range next week. I'm limited to 25 yards, but to again shoot my Henry will be great...it's been a while now. Too long to wait for warmer spring weather to get outside to the MDC ranges!! Have a great day, Everyone!

[RanchRoper]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

[CT_Shooter]

That is a "fun gun", PT7. And, it's so versatile. Thanks for another great report. You are definitely getting better with that derringer! Good shooting. I'm looking forward to your review of the new 45LC/.410 barrel.

[Sir Henry]

The Bond in .410 is a handful. Never tried it with 45LC. If I remember right you have the newer trigger. Bet that makes it more funs at the range.

[North Country Gal]

Great range report, PT. Enjoyed it.

Have never shot a derringer, but on a gun like that, I would start out with 45 Colt cowboy loads. Those are as mild as it gets in 45 Colt. Recoil goes up, from there. Accuracy of a 45 Colt in a gun also chambered for the 410 is compromised by that long bullet jump to contact the rifling. Doubt this will be a factor at those derringer ranges, though. Very much so, however, in my Contender 45 Colt/410 barrel out at 25 yards.

[Sir Henry]

Great range report, PT. Enjoyed it.

Have never shot a derringer, but on a gun like that, I would start out with 45 Colt cowboy loads. Those are as mild as it gets in 45 Colt. Recoil goes up, from there. Accuracy of a 45 Colt in a gun also chambered for the 410 is compromised by that long bullet jump to contact the rifling. Doubt this will be a factor at those derringer ranges, though. Very much so, however, in my Contender 45 Colt/410 barrel out at 25 yards.

What we have found something you haven't shot? This is a first.

[North Country Gal]

If I haven't shot it, think of it as only temporary.

[PT7]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

Appreciate the comment, RR. But your "shot standing up and it was windy" reports have all the same ingredients. You only don't get as darn wordy as I do! I think that is the main difference.

As an example, next time tell us what your goals are, either with your Henry or Cimarron. Then just get a little wordy, share what you're thinking as you shoot toward the goal....what was good, bad, or ugly about it. Of course, your ammo, the wind, the distance, all play with how you get to that goal....or miss! (Bad word, huh?!?).

Whenever I've read your range reports, I wonder if you're considering a primary use for your firearms when you're out on the range....and that's having your gun in the wide-open country for protection. I don't have the possibility of a angry or hungry critter coming my way like you might. So how does your shooting impact your thinking for that scenario? Do you practice "just in case?" All of these are just some of my questions; for everyone, not only you. The whys and wherefores are always interesting in my book.

My range reports are pretty dull compared to what you have in Alberta as a cowboy, and also if compared to some of the hunting/harvesting reports, which other Henry Folk have posted. Still, my fun is what it is, and just try to share those times here!

[PT7]

That is a "fun gun", PT7. And, it's so versatile. Thanks for another great report. You are definitely getting better with that derringer! Good shooting. I'm looking forward to your review of the new 45LC/.410 barrel.

Thanks, CT! I'm actually a little surprised how much I like this hand-held O/U.

SH kind of brings a caution my way on the derringer recoil. So if my wrists/hands are okay after running some .45LC and .410 ammo downrange, I'll for sure type up a range report. I do doubt if I'll send 115 rounds out though.

[PT7]

The Bond in .410 is a handful. Never tried it with 45LC. If I remember right you have the newer trigger. Bet that makes it more funs at the range.

Yup, SH, I have the re-designed trigger and hammer on my derringer. But again, I don't even notice the trigger while shooting this one. It is quite easy for me to do. However, I do remember the old-style trigger, even as I've read TGS's comments about the BA derringers he shot. That old trigger was a bear-and-a-half to pull and fire. I'm sure pulling so "wildly" to get it to shoot caused me to miss many, many shots with my first gun. No complaints any longer!

And thanks for the notice that the Bond will be "a handful"....looking forward to it.

[DWD445]

Looks good, again PT.
I bet you do save on ammo w/that !!

[PT7]

Great range report, PT. Enjoyed it.

Have never shot a derringer, but on a gun like that, I would start out with 45 Colt cowboy loads. Those are as mild as it gets in 45 Colt. Recoil goes up, from there. Accuracy of a 45 Colt in a gun also chambered for the 410 is compromised by that long bullet jump to contact the rifling. Doubt this will be a factor at those derringer ranges, though. Very much so, however, in my Contender 45 Colt/410 barrel out at 25 yards.

Appreciate the suggestion on the .45LC cowboy loads. Did my HSM ammo look like a go to you from you experience with the ammo?
And as you mentioned about accuracy. It looks like I have some "learnin' to do" about shooting these largely different ammo types through the same barrel. This will just add to the fun!

When I stopped at wally-world yesterday, I saw a box on the shelf of Winchester .45LC 255gr HP ammo. It was the highest priced .45LC they had, and the 255gr seemed to be asking for "recoil trouble" whenever I first try this caliber. I've seen the HSM listed at 200gr, so I'll be looking for the smaller rounds to start this adventure.

I look forward to the time, NCG, when you get/shoot a derringer. It will be most interesting to get your impressions, and also any pointers you might want to share about shooting one. Have a good day!

[Sir Henry]

If I haven't shot it, think of it as only temporary.

The day isn't over yet.

[Sir Henry]

The Bond in .410 is a handful. Never tried it with 45LC. If I remember right you have the newer trigger. Bet that makes it more funs at the range.

Yup, SH, I have the re-designed trigger and hammer on my derringer. But again, I don't even notice the trigger while shooting this one. It is quite easy for me to do. However, I do remember the old-style trigger, even as I've read TGS's comments about the BA derringers he shot. That old trigger was a bear-and-a-half to pull and fire. I'm sure pulling so "wildly" to get it to shoot caused me to miss many, many shots with my first gun. No complaints any longer!

And thanks for the notice that the Bond will be "a handful"....looking forward to it.

I'm thinking the recoil won't be so bad with the new redesigned trigger. The way you held the pistol to pull the trigger is completely different now.

[North Country Gal]

PT, those Winchester 255 grain loads are basically what I call standard modern 45 Colt loads safe to shoot in modern Colt revolvers and their clones. Very manageable in my Ruger Blackhawk, but I'd be a bit nervous with them in a small gun like yours as far as recoil, but never know till you try. Sure the gun can handle them, though. As for the HSM ammo, just be careful as to which load you buy. I use the 325 grain +P Ruger only HSM bear loads in the Blackhawk and even in that gun, they will rattle your teeth. Big no no in your gun.

[RanchRoper]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

Whenever I've read your range reports, I wonder if you're considering a primary use for your firearms when you're out on the range....and that's having your gun in the wide-open country for protection. I don't have the possibility of a angry or hungry critter coming my way like you might. So how does your shooting impact your thinking for that scenario?

I imagine my whole life would flash before my eyes as I try to center that big 'ol Griz in the sights. Thoughts like "Why did I buy that '72 Chevy Vega? If I hadn't drank so much in my 20's and 30's I wouldn't have to drink that crappy near-beer now. Why did my dad and I argue about my long hair when it just fell out anyway? I should have eaten more broccoli and less Oreos." Stuff like that. Then I'd empty the magazine and run like hell if I was still able.

[PT7]

You've said it quite well, and given us good insight as to what you'd do with your Henry and that "big 'ol Griz."
Now that's a great what-if-it-happens-Range-Report that would hold the interest of Henry Folk, I'm sure.

BTW, I asked myself the very same Q years ago,
"Why did I buy that Chevy Vega?" Mine was definitely not the crème de la crème of cars.

[Sir Henry]

Good looking targets PT. Your range reports are always nicely detailed, unlike my "shot standing up and it was windy" reports.

Whenever I've read your range reports, I wonder if you're considering a primary use for your firearms when you're out on the range....and that's having your gun in the wide-open country for protection. I don't have the possibility of a angry or hungry critter coming my way like you might. So how does your shooting impact your thinking for that scenario?

I imagine my whole life would flash before my eyes as I try to center that big 'ol Griz in the sights. Thoughts like "Why did I buy that '72 Chevy Vega? If I hadn't drank so much in my 20's and 30's I wouldn't have to drink that crappy near-beer now. Why did my dad and I argue about my long hair when it just fell out anyway? I should have eaten more broccoli and less Oreos." Stuff like that. Then I'd empty the magazine and run like hell if I was still able.

The bear would have the disadvantage if he was chasing me cause he would be slipping in my.....................

[RanchRoper]

You've said it quite well, and given us good insight as to what you'd do with your Henry and that "big 'ol Griz."
Now that's a great what-if-it-happens-Range-Report that would hold the interest of Henry Folk, I'm sure.

BTW, I asked myself the very same Q years ago,
"Why did I buy that Chevy Vega?" Mine was definitely not the crème de la crème of cars.

yup, quite a car.

Anyhow, didn't intend to hijack your thread. Apologies. Your derringer looks like a TON of fun to shoot.