HP NM CoF with a rimfire....

[MrBorland]

I wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the Competition sub-forum, but since one wouldn't technically be competing, and the spirit of the endeavor is mainly for the challenge, I thought I'd put it here...

Anyhow, I tried shooting the 100Y reduced National Match HighPower Rifle CoF with a rimfire sporter rifle and thought I'd pass it on. I loved shooting Service Rifle, but convinced my shooting days were behind me, I sold off my reloading gear at some point. I'm finding time here and there to get to the range again (but not the time to reload, even if I had the stuff), so I've been mainly shooting rimfire. I didn't want to go down the rimfire rabbit hole, so I've been working on 3-position skills with the CZ452 Sporters I've already got.

Despite the rising popularity of rimfire games, there doesn't seem to be a rimfire class in HP rifle shooting, though, and I was curious how my rimfire sporter (CZ452 Scout in a Klinsky stock) and I would fare at the 100Y NM CoF, so I bought some SR-21 and MR-1 targets (the 100 yard reduced targets for the 300 yard Prone Rapid and 600 Prone Slow National Match stages) and headed to the range. I've got the rifle set up for CMP Rimfire Sporter matches - I've yet to shoot a match, but my practice scores tell me it wouldn't be altogether nuts to give this NM CoF a practice whack. After sighting in for 100 yards, I shot a pair of prone rapid (SR-21) targets, and four Prone slow (MR-21) targets. I need to order some SR-1 targets to shoot the Standing Slow and Sitting Rapid stages, but today's results are listed below. For a first whack, I'm encouraged. I used a shooting glove, but no shooting jacket. Scope was set to 4.5x. Winds were a breezy 10mph crosswind. At some point, I'll break out the shooting jacket (especially for the standing), but even at this point, I'm encouraged - encouraged, at least, to keep practicing. As you can see, going from the SR-21 to the smaller MR-31, makes the consequence of a loose shot quite a bit more painful. Also, between a tight service rifle sling, a very light rifle (6.5lbs) and no shooting coat, the pulse effect was quite significant. At some point, I'll bring my shooting coat to help that.

A couple local venues host HP matches, and one of them hosts (or hosted) a reduced 100Y reduced match. If it's still running, I might ask if I can pay the entry fee, then shoot the match for fun.

Anyway, just thought I'd pass this on. Scores for my first shot at this are below.

Prone Rapid (SR-21 target):
97-2x
95-3x

Prone Slow (MR-31 target):
97-4x
90-0x
90-1x
94-1x

CZ452 Scout, Klinsky Hunter stock, Weaver 3-9-32 AO scope set to 4.5x:

 

[MrBorland]

In the FWIW department, I got out to the range to take another whack at this. This time, I brought along my shooting jacket & glove. I could use a scope with easy-to-adjust turrets, but once zero'd (or nearly so), things seemed to go ok. I need to order some SR-1 targets to see how the standing and sitting rapid stages go. Looking promising so far, though.

Prone Rapid (SR-21 target); 98-5x


Prone Slow (MR-31 target); 99-3x

 

[Varminterror]

Great shooting! And yeah, looks like you could put a few more matches downrange and feel good about the results!

But - it’s gonna make my brain claw through my head if I don’t ask… Was it a wisp of L—>R wind, or do you maybe have a minute left in your zero? Or too much trigger hand?

 

[MrBorland]

Great shooting! And yeah, looks like you could put a few more matches downrange and feel good about the results!

But - it’s gonna make my brain claw through my head if I don’t ask… Was it a wisp of L—>R wind, or do you maybe have a minute left in your zero? Or too much trigger hand?

Thanks.

As far as the hits, it was pretty typical weather, which is to say not a perfectly calm day, and prevailing breezes could've pushed a bit to the right (paying attention to and reading the wind is something to work on). Trigger control could've certainly played a role as well. In this particular case, I'm tending to blame it on my zero, though: For some reason, it seemed like I was futzing with my zero much more than usual, and these were the last targets of the day, so I was happy I at least got that close. Of course, if shooting for official score, one doesn't get a "futzing allowance", so while it's an ok-but-not-great general purpose rimfire scope, I'm thinking of getting something more suitable. Right now, I'm ogling White Oak's Service Rifle scope, which I could repurpose if I ever bust out my actual Service Rifle again.


Disclosure: I just noticed I indicated on the targets I used Eley Target ammo (yellow box). I did have some Eley Target in my range bag, but these targets were shot with Eley Team (baby blue box), which is a higher-grade ammo.

 

[Armored farmer]

I'm equally impressed with your shooting skills and your handwriting.

 

[Varminterror]

I'm tending to blame it on my zero

I was just seeing that little bit of left favor in the groups, which can either be REALLY easy to fix and improve your score - IF it's just a little extra Left in the zero - or it can be a bit more complex to focus more on compensating for slight wind (which for 22LR, "slight wind" is still pretty substantial) - OR that little left favor can be some super frustrating to fix if it's some technique which has to be ironed out. Really good shooting, just needs a little more "over there" instead of "over here," and it would score even better.