Question About Shooting From Bright to Low Light

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hi Folks,

The target below was shot about one hour ago, at 6pm.



Now, at about 25 or 30 yards my range goes into the woods with a particularly thick canopy.

I had bright light shining on me and my rifle but was shooting into twilight. Target was about 80 yards out.

I was shooting prone, off a log. Just verifying zero after moving a pressure point on the barrel. No rear rest.

I measured both the best group, throwing out what I figure were fliers, and the whole group.

I was shooting for a bit of orange I could see. I figure it was the bottom of the target.

Is there a better way to shoot into twilight from a bright spot with open sights? I know I'm better than this as I usually do this maximum at 20 yards further.

Thanks,

Josh

 

[ball3006]

It is called practice................................chris3

 

[gunnysmith]

Iron sights?
Sun left to right or right to left?
Sun front to rear,rear to front?
Not enough information.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

During long sessions at the range with iron sights I've watched my groups move around the target as the bright sun moved through the sky. Best I can figure - it appears the very slight glint of sunshine reflecting off the front sight changed the way I "saw" the front sight. The glint off the sight gradually shifted from left to right as the day progressed and my groups gradually shifted from right to left.

Perhaps the sun is reflecting off your sights, and you haven't noticed, and it's affecting your marksmanship?

I bought a can of Birchwood Casey Sight Black to spray on my front sight to eliminate the glint.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hi folks.

This is what I'm looking at:


A regular, 1x shot from my standard shooting spot (elevated concrete)


Zoomed 3.6x optical. Didn't want to use the digital zoom as clarity would have been affected.

You can also see the dry creek. It's usually not dry. We're well-watered and usually within digging distance of the water table right there. Not this year though!

As you can see, I've been doing some work on the range as I have plenty of woods on both sides, but only 100% cleared to 50 yards. Early spring, late fall, and winter I can take full advantage of the range.

Thanks,

Josh

 

[gunnysmith]

If you're using iron sights, one has a tendency to try and close the gap on the shiny side of the front sight, moving group placing or point of impact.
If a scope use a sunshade and see if the problem goes away.
Try using a non- reflective black paint on a fairly heavy paper and wrap it around the front of the scope, hold it with a rubberband or tape.
Assure it is far enough forward to remove all glare from the lens.

 

[hardluk1]

If standard rear sight is mounted up on the barrel can you install a rear mounted reciever site and gold bead or globe front. That will help sight control for open sightes. Then the target you use at 6 to 6 1/2" to me would be to large to maybe hold a solid aiming point. More like 1 1/2" black or green on white target . If the contrast is clear and simple you should be able to shoot little groups.

If you useing a scope ,Do as posted above. Last try a different ammo to. Get a box of something of good match quality to atleast take ammo out of the loop.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

Thanks folks.

I tried sunglasses, Berkley fishing sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB . I would like a hat, but none of my earmuffs are for use with a hat, and I'm out of my earplugs.

Also tried a different target:



I really should get glasses again, too... From that, I could only see a bit of fuzzy green. Normal sight could have seen the black center and then some.

The load was Sierra instead of Hornady 150grn soft point, over 45 grains of Varget.

Most say that they find the Hornady to be more precise, but it seems my rifle likes Sierra. I'm basing this on several different range sessions.

Still, I really need to get out to the gunshop's range. Just don't like to spend money to burn money, you know?

Regards,

Josh