I'm not sure anyone has done a continuing topic, or if it is allowed, but I thought I would talk about my adventures at the local public shooting range (Hi-Desert Rod and Gun Club)..
Today I went without my Daisy Avanti 753 10 meter air rifle. Instead, I took along my new acquisition, a Hammerli 850 AirMagnum CO2 rifle. This had been recommended to me before I purchased my Daisy, but at the time I thought the Daisy would be able to handle things out to 50 yards.
I started out not hitting even the cardboard backing that the target is attached to. For about the first five shots, I hadn't a clue where the pellet was going, then I finally caught a glimpse of dust pluming above the target backing. It took me another 10 shots before I finally hit the target. I adjusted the adjustable rings, instead of the scope settings, as i wanted to make sure I had plenty of play to make adjustments once I did hit the target. Another five shots, and I was hitting near center of target.
Just based on what I saw, it is quite possible the Hammerli may be able to shoot out to 50 yards..I sure hope so.
One thing I discovered is that the Hammerli does not like wadcutter pellets under 8 grams. My eyes were functioning well enough to finally see the pellet in the air to target. I could actually see the pellet curving to the right, most of the times. It may have been the slight breeze we had.
I brought out my H&N Sport Barracuda Match 10.65 pellets. Results were a lot better, mostly going straight, though occasionally I could see the pellet moving right just a very tiny bit. My feelings are the Hammerli, in the environment I am shooting in would like heavier pellets. I am going to order something a couple grains heavier, but that is all the rotary magazine will be able to handle. Anything longer would stick out the front of the magazine.
I was using my UTG scope this morning. It's not a great scope, but good for 25 yards. Next week, if I can go shooting, I will have my new scope, the Mueller 8-32/44 Tactical. Again, I will have to set it up so it is consistently hitting the 25 yard bulls eye, but once that is accomplished, I hope to try 50 yards. Hopefully I can manage to get it set up fairly close at that distance. Then the next time I shoot, I can fine tune things. It will take me that much time because it was nearly 100F when I left today at 11 AM. It's just been too hot to shoot more than a couple of hours. BTW, I will be using 8X for the 25 yards. Anything more is overkill. Not sure what I need to use for 50 yards, but will play that by ear.
My overall feel about the Hammerli is that it is a very nice rifle. Apparently it is one of the best CO2 rifles on the market. When I do properly make a shot, the pellet hits true every time. I was able to, on occasion, hit the cross markings on the target perfectly. But my problem is most of my shots are still being pulled right because of poor trigger control.
I also need to figure out a way so that I can set my cheek on the rifle butt exactly the same each time. Not being able to do that causes me to shoot high or right also. I've got some foam, duct tape, and vet ankle wrap which I hope I can build up on the comb to the point where my eye is level with the scope, and with a significant depression I can stick my cheek bone into.
I also need to figure out a way to put a blinder on my left eye, but allow it to stay open without interfering with my right eye targeting.
So many little details to work out so I can stick pellet after pellet through a dime sized hole at 25 yards. I'm getting close, but not there yet.
Today I went without my Daisy Avanti 753 10 meter air rifle. Instead, I took along my new acquisition, a Hammerli 850 AirMagnum CO2 rifle. This had been recommended to me before I purchased my Daisy, but at the time I thought the Daisy would be able to handle things out to 50 yards.
I started out not hitting even the cardboard backing that the target is attached to. For about the first five shots, I hadn't a clue where the pellet was going, then I finally caught a glimpse of dust pluming above the target backing. It took me another 10 shots before I finally hit the target. I adjusted the adjustable rings, instead of the scope settings, as i wanted to make sure I had plenty of play to make adjustments once I did hit the target. Another five shots, and I was hitting near center of target.
Just based on what I saw, it is quite possible the Hammerli may be able to shoot out to 50 yards..I sure hope so.
One thing I discovered is that the Hammerli does not like wadcutter pellets under 8 grams. My eyes were functioning well enough to finally see the pellet in the air to target. I could actually see the pellet curving to the right, most of the times. It may have been the slight breeze we had.
I brought out my H&N Sport Barracuda Match 10.65 pellets. Results were a lot better, mostly going straight, though occasionally I could see the pellet moving right just a very tiny bit. My feelings are the Hammerli, in the environment I am shooting in would like heavier pellets. I am going to order something a couple grains heavier, but that is all the rotary magazine will be able to handle. Anything longer would stick out the front of the magazine.
I was using my UTG scope this morning. It's not a great scope, but good for 25 yards. Next week, if I can go shooting, I will have my new scope, the Mueller 8-32/44 Tactical. Again, I will have to set it up so it is consistently hitting the 25 yard bulls eye, but once that is accomplished, I hope to try 50 yards. Hopefully I can manage to get it set up fairly close at that distance. Then the next time I shoot, I can fine tune things. It will take me that much time because it was nearly 100F when I left today at 11 AM. It's just been too hot to shoot more than a couple of hours. BTW, I will be using 8X for the 25 yards. Anything more is overkill. Not sure what I need to use for 50 yards, but will play that by ear.
My overall feel about the Hammerli is that it is a very nice rifle. Apparently it is one of the best CO2 rifles on the market. When I do properly make a shot, the pellet hits true every time. I was able to, on occasion, hit the cross markings on the target perfectly. But my problem is most of my shots are still being pulled right because of poor trigger control.
I also need to figure out a way so that I can set my cheek on the rifle butt exactly the same each time. Not being able to do that causes me to shoot high or right also. I've got some foam, duct tape, and vet ankle wrap which I hope I can build up on the comb to the point where my eye is level with the scope, and with a significant depression I can stick my cheek bone into.
I also need to figure out a way to put a blinder on my left eye, but allow it to stay open without interfering with my right eye targeting.
So many little details to work out so I can stick pellet after pellet through a dime sized hole at 25 yards. I'm getting close, but not there yet.