336W Open Sights Accuracy

[Pistol Ranch]

The attached picture shows a 100 yard target that I shot, this A.M.
The rifle used was a new, out-of-the-box, Marlin 336W, 30-30 from the Del Rio,Texas Wal-Mart. I used the factory installed sights.
The rifle was shooting high and right as received, so I drifted the sight to the left and dropped the sight 2 notches on the elevator. Shots marked 1,2 &3 were the last three shots on the target, I called the shot marked #2 to the right when it occured.
Extreme spread of the last 3 shots is 4-3/4". I plan on using the rifle, as is, to make my deer hunting a little more challenging.
In your experience, is the accuracy achieved acceptable for shots to 150 yards??

P.R.

 

[littlelefty]

no experience with 150 yards and open sights, but I have an opinion based on your post...
I would not hesitate to use those open sites at 100 yards, given that spread. 150 would probably be pushing it, assuming that the spread will, well spread 1/2 again as much, plus have some drop to it. By then you might be pushing the limits of a vital organ shot on deer sized game.

Disclaimer - I am conservative in my shot selections.

 

[CraigC]

What was the shooting position, off the bench, offhand or a field position?

A skilled rifleman should be able to shoot fairly close to the capability of the rifle with iron sights off the bench. Many won't believe this but optics shouldn't make but a 10-20% improvement at absolute most. Although this is largely based on the eyesight of the shooter, bench technique and iron sight proficiency are also critical. I've shot quite a few sub-MOA 100yd groups with buckhorn sights. Based on the target above, I would not feel comfortable shooting at deer beyond 100yds, if that.

I would strongly suggest investing in a good receiver sight like the Williams Foolproof. Your rifle is already drilled & tapped for it. It will make it much easier to shoot your rifle accurately.

 

[CountryUgly]

Being a redneck from the backwoods of the Dirty South I'll say this " That be a dead deer right there boy". Now the competitive long range rifle shooter in me wants to have a hissy fit at the thought of that grouping being anywhere close to acceptable The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

 

[Abel]

To 100 yards, you are all set. The only way to tell if you are ready for 150 is to try her at that range.

 

[_N4Z_]

I have a stock 336W which shoots about the same, any of the rem/fed/win factory hunting loads. Handloads will take anywhere from 1 to 2 inches off of the group sizes.