Range Report - POA and POI changes for 50 yard Zero
Range Report: Marlin Mountie, 20" barrel, 1965 Vintage, sighting comparison at various ranges with Federal Value Pack (bulk) ammo, stock iron sights.
21' (7 yards) Point of Impact (POI) ~3/8" below Point of Aim (POA)
25' POI = just below POA
45' (15 yards) POI = ~1/2" above POA
75' (25 yards) POI= ~3/4" above POA
150' (50 yards) POI=POA
This essentially gives me a "Point Blank Zero" beyond 50 yards. More than enough for Grouse - which are the primary field targets for the Marlin. Hold at the base of the neck for shots out to 50 yards and there is a good chance Grouse will be on the menu.
Grouse are the hunting equivalent of fishing for bluegills. Easy but fun, AND tasty. They think they are invisible and will hold very still until you nearly step on them. They seldom fly more than a stone's throw away so if you are paying attention you can see where they land and stalk within easy range. They are gregarious too so if you flush one, he usually has buddies with him. Here in Washington the limit is three and it is not unusual to find a limit or more hanging out together. If you flush one, listen for his buddies. Binoculars will help a lot and once you spot them you don't need to be overly stealthy. Just walk to a spot, not directly at them, to where you'll get an easy and SAFE (not skylined) shot and harvest dinner.
I keep the breasts - no knife required, but it makes it a little easier - (youtube has some how to vids) and the rest - not much- feeds coyotes. I save some feathers to tie some flies. Anyway you would cook a chicken breast works great for Grouse. From easy Ramen and boiled Grouse to Grouse fajitas you'll dine like kings with minimal effort. Lower neck shooting leaves a perfect breast. Even if you center punch them (not so with most centerfire firearms) with your 22 there is minimal damage to the delicious breast meat.
Also, my POI is typically sightly higher when I'm shooting offhand than it is when I'm sitting or using a front rest. Compare your groups so when it the opportunity to put meat in the pot comes along you'll manage it cleanly and efficiently.