100 yard paper target selections and MINI 14

[lionking]

This a duel purpose thread, about paper target styles and also my MINI 14.

I catalog all my targets, photo them and also save them physically, I have just about every target session I ever did going back 10 years plus.

I lazed around the house today and was looking at my photos of my MINI 14 and looking at the last time I shot it in 2009 with SR1 targets and the target I did 2 years prior with a orange square target. I saw again how dismal my groups were with the SR1 targets and how the group were better with the square Hoppes target. Not a stellar group but was tighter except for the one flyer. All I have used for the last 10 years is SR1 because I thought that was more of a "official" target.

The square target was done prone with a bag rest, the SR1 targets were done sitting with a front table rest. I have since adjust the elevation after the day with the square target shooting high @ 100 yds

I believe I used Winchester budget white box 5.56mm one the square target. After getting a AR the Mini hasn't got loving too much but now I have a itch to try it again using both kinds of targets maybe that day with the SR1 was just a off day. Maybe I might do better with the square target again. Maybe instead of Federal ammo I should try Winchester again.

I got that MINI 14 back in 1991 for $300 new at a gun show. It is actually fun to shoot as far as feel , no not as accurate as AR but I'm thinking maybe it's time to bust it out again and try using both style targets and different ammo. If only that top cover wasn't such a pain to pop off for take down cleaning.

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[Bfh_auto]

I prefer round targets if I have a round front sight or red dot. I adjust my distance to match the size of the target.
If I have a square front sight or a scope, I prefer the rectangular targets.

 

[WestKentucky]

I like whatever is cheap. I shoot for small groups usually and don't get in a hurry to burn ammo if they are the same price I buy both. I like the squares for sighting in because it gives me a good frame of reference. I like the round targets for long courses of fire. I especially like round targets for handgun, but that's a moot point here.

Here lately I have been practicing quick second shots. I'm not claiming greatness by any stretch, but I can hit with my guns well, I'm just not the quickest for second aimed shot. For this purpose i like round better. I try to make it as much like hunting as possible. Critters don't have targets painted on them, but I always all just behind the front shoulder on all critters I intend to recover. I hit heads or square on the shoulders on nuisance shots. A big black blob is plenty of a reference point for that type shooting.

 

[illinoisburt]

...
If only that top cover wasn't such a pain to pop off for take down cleaning.

Not sure I understand. Simply drop the trigger group and the gun comes out of the stock. Remove the recoil spring and guide, op rod slides back and up to disengage bolt. Turn op rod sideway to remove. Bolt angles up an out. Rotate upper guard sideway 1/4 turn and pull. Honestly it takes longer to type than to do it, though it isnt often you need to completely strip as they just dont get that dirty.

 

[FL-NC]

For zeroing, I will use a bulls eye target. For drills and exercises, I use 3x5 index cards, 5x8 cards, or paper plates, depending on the drill and distance, and what level of speed/accuracy I am looking for.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I make my own 1,2 and 3 inch squares for distances out to 300 yards use 22 x 28 inch heavy construction paper and red and black markers.

 

[Varminterror]

Why do you care to use a “more official” target? It doesn’t sound like you’re doing any competition with this rifle since it’s on the same barrel since the 90’s and since you have room to keep every target you’ve shot for the last 10yrs (or maybe you live in an abandoned aircraft hanger?). So who cares what target you use?

With open sights with a rear aperture and front post like the Mini, I generally do better on a Circle or a diamond and appropriately sized to my front sight. I have never liked shooting at the repair center target pasters without the full size backing target. The target page is too small for the target size. And being off center on the page robs you of needed reference points in your target picture. So honestly, I would guess your issue is less about the shape of the target, and more about the size and position of the target on the page.

 

[kwg020]

I like your choice of the round bullseye targets. I do add a bright orange stick on bullseye to the center to make it easier to see at anything over 50 yards. I think this may improve your accuracy as it's easier to define the center. I like to use a silver magic marker on my front sight to make the blade easier to see against the black of the bullseye. I also think an Accu strut on your Mini will cut your groups in half.
kwg

 

[lionking]

Why do you care to use a “more official” target? It doesn’t sound like you’re doing any competition with this rifle since it’s on the same barrel since the 90’s and since you have room to keep every target you’ve shot for the last 10yrs (or maybe you live in an abandoned aircraft hanger?). So who cares what target you use?

With open sights with a rear aperture and front post like the Mini, I generally do better on a Circle or a diamond and appropriately sized to my front sight. I have never liked shooting at the repair center target pasters without the full size backing target. The target page is too small for the target size. And being off center on the page robs you of needed reference points in your target picture. So honestly, I would guess your issue is less about the shape of the target, and more about the size and position of the target on the page.

Let me rephrase that, I keep all targets when I am testing, testing ammo or sighting in , or if best target if I have a good day. I haven't kept every target for normal days shooting. As far as why the SR1, I wanted to standardize, and since the SR targets are used commonly in competition I chose them to see how I stack up in comparison.

Overall I prefer the black circle which I usually use a 6 o' clock hold on the circle for sighting reference. But after 10 years of using it I'm thinking of experimenting again with some different targets and was wondering what others use or prefer when they shoot.

Given my MINI has that thick...thick front sight maybe in it's case I will try a different target. Newer MINI have new front sights that are M1 carbine/Garand/ M14 style front sight which Ruger should have done from the get go in my opinion.