Frustrated...

[markiver54]

Checked that everything was still tight when I got home. My set up is much like Evans. Same BBS 20" with Talley mount from henry. Only difference is my scope which is a Weaver 1-3 x 20. Ammo I started wth is what they had left over. Ironically, last group was a fresh box of exact same Federal ammo that I had picked up. Can't remember what I paid. Funny thing is, the graphics on my newer box were different. Looked like what they used were a lot older. There was also an old price tag on theirs, $35.00 ,kinda high don't ya think?

[markiver54]

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."

Actually those were the last ones.

[RanchRoper]

Not the worst target I've seen and I have lots like it.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Go shoot and have fun.

[markiver54]

Not the worst target I've seen and I have lots like it.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Go shoot and have fun.

Thanks RR...you always have a calming effect...

[North Country Gal]

All good points, so far. Do check your scope mounts. The odds of a bad scope, though, are very small.

Very much agree that as part of your scope sight in procedure, you need to start at 25 yards and move out from there, be it 50, 100 or 200. 25 yards is the place to iron out the lion's share of sight in issues. Fine tune, later, at the more distant ranges.

Also, be very careful of how you rest any lever gun as far as contact points. The two piece wood stocks on lever guns can be very sensitive as far as pressure points, especially the forearm. I know others like using sled type rests with lever guns, but I never rest a lever gun (or other two piece stock guns) way out on the forearm. That's doable with bolt gun stocks and free floated barrels, but it can play the devil with a lever gun.

I rest lever guns/my single shots under the receiver, as far back from the forearm as I can get, sometimes pushing the trigger guard up snug against the bag. I then use my left (off) hand to stabilize the forearm just enough to prevent it from jumping too much off the bag. This may or may not work for you, but the point is to work with the gun and see how it likes to be rested. That's a big part of bench technique and not to be taken for granted. Guns can be very individualistic in this regard. One size does not fit all types of guns as far as how they need to be rested.

Lastly, keep in mind, that guns very typically shoot to different POIs when you rest them, differently. This is especially true when going from a rest to shooting without a rest. Do check this if you plan to do a lot of offhand shooting. If you find a good way to rest your gun at the bench, be religious about doing it, consistently. Take your time to get the gun the way you want it before shooting. Consistency is the biggest part of shooting nice groups.

[markiver54]

Thanks very much NCG for taking the time to post such valuable information and suggestions. I will keep all of this in mind the next time I get to shoot.

[Henry88]

A three power scope isn't much @ 50yds. I'm sure that target looks pretty small.

I don't target shoot the Henry H001 from a rest as well as I do the Marlins. It could have everything to do with what NCG was talking about.

I do know that the slightest variation in my grip, choice of rest, pressure on my shoulder, etc effect POI, much like an airgun.

It can drive you crazy, or become a very fun challenge, choice is yours

[markiver54]

A three power scope isn't much @ 50yds. I'm sure that target looks pretty small.

I don't target shoot the Henry H001 from a rest as well as I do the Marlins. It could have everything to do with what NCG was talking about.

I do know that the slightest variation in my grip, choice of rest, pressure on my shoulder, etc effect POI, much like an airgun.

It can drive you crazy, or become a very fun challenge, choice is yours

Yes, you are probably right. Hindsight tells me I should have gone with at least a 4 power. Target WAS rather small. Original scope I purchased ( which I never did return ) is a Nikon Buckmaster II. 3-9 x 40. Just decided it looked too large on my rifle and possibly over kill.
Will give the little guy a couple more chances before making that decision. Maybe even go back to iron. Was blasting the heck out of 2 litre bottles at about 40 yards last fall at the cabin with original semi buck horn. Gonna try to get to the local 25 yrd indoor range tomorrow and start all over. Range is closed today or I would be there!

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[markiver54]

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Well, I went to the 25 yard indoor range today. Only went through 4 full mag tubes and stayed with the same target. Only adjusted my elevation turret. First time 10 clicks down, next 4 clicks down and then 4 more down which are the lowest ones. I left it at that for the day. Tried to employ some techniques that you folks mentioned. I'm kinda happy for now with the results. I do think once I get more used to my trigger, I can do a lot better...anyway...just wanted to share.

[Rifletom]

It will only get better I'm sure. I have the same scope on my Henry BB brass .357 and love it. It's accuracy level seems to be 50-75 yard window. That keeps me happy. Now it's on to the .45 Colt.

[North Country Gal]

Looks like your on your way, there, mark. Good for you.

As for the 3x versus 4x, I wouldn't sweat it. That extra 1x won't be significant. Have used 2.5x fixed scopes for 50 yard work, even 100 yard work. Just depends on your application and, especially, your target size. Yeah, if your goal is shooting the smallest possible group from a rest, more magnification is a plus.

On the other hand, if you will be shooting offhand and want to keep things small and compact on the gun for the sake of carry and will be shooting deer size targets out to 100 yards, that 3x scope will work. After all, a lot of folks are using iron sights and no magnification for deer at these distances. Look what RR does with those large bullseyes at 100 yards with those old ladder sights! Think of these low power scopes as substitutes for the same size targets at the same distances you would use iron sights. Thats where they shine. They're especially good for us iron sight shooters with the old eyes syndrome. Don't think of them so much as range extenders. That's what higher mag scopes are all about.

[markiver54]

Looks like your on your way, there, mark. Good for you.

As for the 3x versus 4x, I wouldn't sweat it. That extra 1x won't be significant. Have used 2.5x fixed scopes for 50 yard work, even 100 yard work. Just depends on your application and, especially, your target size. Yeah, if your goal is shooting the smallest possible group from a rest, more magnification is a plus.

On the other hand, if you will be shooting offhand and want to keep things small and compact on the gun for the sake of carry and will be shooting deer size targets out to 100 yards, that 3x scope will work. After all, a lot of folks are using iron sights and no magnification for deer at these distances. Look what RR does with those large bullseyes at 100 yards with those old ladder sights! Think of these low power scopes as substitutes for the same size targets at the same distances you would use iron sights. Thats where they shine. They're especially good for us iron sight shooters with the old eyes syndrome. Don't telhink of them so much as range extenders. That's what higher mag scopes are all about.

Thank you sooo! much NCG. I payed special attention to bringing the rifle rest right up to the trigger guard and think that helped quite a bit! Last Sunday when I shot, that rest was way out in contact with the barrel and fore stock.
Never before, even though I have shot quite a bit in my life, have I been more attentive to how I go about it. Had never given much thought re: trigger pull either. Felt today like, I need to find that perfect point when detonation happens.

Thanks for your re-assurance to possibly adapt better to the scope as well...It looks very crisp to do it's job. Now I just have to do mine.

[BigAl52]

Looks good there Mark just keep after it you will get some more smile time Im sure.

[markiver54]

If I still hunted larger game, such as deer, ( which I don't any more ) even what I'm seeing at 25 yards would probably be a kill shot...maybe a short walk added, but hope to dial in better and try more off hand...who knows, maybe I'd do even better if I moved a bit. " re; " Butch Cassidy and SUNDANCE " style...