Zastava .22 rifle range test

[ford8nr]

So I got my new rifle, cleaned it, broke the trigger screw, repaired the trigger screw and got it to the range. Below are a 50yd scoped target with 5 brands of ammo and a 25 yard target with the factory iron sights. All shot off a bench with front and rear bags.

 

[ford8nr]

Since then I received my new (used) Williams WGRS receiver mounted peep sight. Took a LOT more filing to make fit due to the rounded top of the receiver. Fits great now and REALLY makes the irons sights better for mid aged eyes.






Now just to test the peep and sight it in. I already ordered a .050 rear aperture

 

[chicharrones]

Nice.

I have to use the .050" aperture on my Zastava to be able to get the front sight in focus. Works pretty good that way.

 

[ford8nr]

I can focus with the supplied .125 aperture, but a .050 would be a lot cleaner. I'll try the .125 one this week, new one comes next Monday.

 

[chicharrones]

I used to be able to use other apertures more easily, but old eyes have taken over.

 

[ford8nr]

So I got the .050 aperture mounted and got to the range to sight it in. Once centered on target I shot 2 groups off a front bag, one 10 and one 5 shot. Using the original front bead sight and a centered hold at 25 yds the bead covered the 4" bullseye. Thinking I need a flat blade front sight for a 6 o'clock hold. I made the mistake of looking 1/2 way through the 10 shot string and I think I sub consciously changed my point of aim.

 

[Clint M]

What a change that peep sight made. I don't have to ask if you're happy, looks like you put on a match grade barrel instead of a peep sight. I love peep sights as well though I have never tried the type that you are using, now I'm thinking of trying one.

 

[chicharrones]

. . . looks like you put on a match grade barrel instead of a peep sight.

That's the best part of a Zastava rimfire, the barrel (and chamber). The whole rifle hides a really fantastic sporter barrel.

 

[Danny Creasy]

Nice set-up, ford8nr!

I have the Remington Model Five marked version of that same rifle. It is a shooter, indeed!

 

[chicharrones]

Thinking I need a flat blade front sight for a 6 o'clock hold. I made the mistake of looking 1/2 way through the 10 shot string and I think I sub consciously changed my point of aim.

I'm thinking the same thing on my Zastavas. That little bead is hard to find some times. Whether the stock bead or an aftermarket bead.

If you get an American sized front dovetail mounted sight, you're going to have to do more file work. The Zastava front dovetail is smaller than the typical American 3/8".

 

[Clint M]

I have never owned one, I have fondled a stamped remington years ago when they first come out. I thought it a fine built rifle which would make a good hunting rifle, the accuracy seems to be there that's for sure !! I'm a little more into heavier paper punchers, still I need a good hunting rifle. I finally just broke slap down from all the CZ talk and purchased one in FS..been happy, but the OP really got a lot of bang for his buck, still amazed at the decrease in group size.

Not trying to change the subject, but I have noticed the Zastava centerfires, and the neat micro mauser action I like it. The barrels looks to be hammer forged outside finished with the forging flats finished into a high luster blue, well I assume that's the way they were made.

 

[ford8nr]

I'm a little more into heavier paper punchers, still I need a good hunting rifle. I finally just broke slap down from all the CZ talk and purchased one in FS.

I also have a Kimber 82G, 10/22LVT and CZ452 Varmint for paper punching when the groups need to get real small or real fast. Love the 452 but was looking for a dedicated iron sighted rifle.

 

[ford8nr]

The Zastava front dovetail is smaller than the typical American 3/8".

In this case...smaller is better then bigger.
Easier to remove then replace metal.

 

[ford8nr]

On going testing

Got out to shoot a Siloutte match today and took Mr Z with me. I only shot the Praire Dog class (front bag and bench) due to high gusty winds 15-25mph. 4 banks of 5 targets, 25, 50, 75 and 100 yds. Missed first 2 chickens because I forgot gun was sighted high at 25. Then shot 3@25, 5@50, 4@75 and 3@100. Not bad for a first time running the course and figuring out hold over. This guns definitely a keeper. Now for a plain blade front sight.
BTW, the modified 702 Plinkster mags performed flawlessly.

 

[Casefull]

Thanks for the review ford. I was not even aware of that rifles existence. I just ordered one from Impact guns. Your fault. Ha ha.

 

[ford8nr]

Your fault, Ha-Ha

I'll accept the blame and credit. This is REALLY a fun and accurate rifle for the money.

 

[ford8nr]

Was going to order and modify a front blade then I got to thinking...why not just modify the one on the gun?
Measured the blade width at the bead = .084, filed the sides of the bead flat and removed 1/2 the diameter from the top. New blade is .054 wide. If everything is proportional the original blade covered between 4" to 4-1/2" at 25yds. The new blade should be about 2-1/2" wide and allow me to shoot with a 6 o-clock hold. I've got 4 hours of Range Duty tomorrow morning, if it's not raining I'll geive her a try.

Original front sight


Modified sight

 

[ford8nr]

New front sight test

Got out after the rain and shot with the new modified front 'post' sight. Sight is about 2" wide at 25yds. After a rear adjustment to correct for the new height and 6 o-clock hold we were in business.

Right upper is 5 shots, Right lower is 10 shots @ 25yds off a front bag.



Center bull was sighting in. Right upper was 10 offhand, right lower 5 prone without a sling.


The thin blade and 6 o-clock hold IS the answer.

 

[Danny Creasy]

Well done, both the smithin' and the shooting.