I'd like to get my soon-to-be 13yr old daughter used to shooting. I figured a 686 was a little much to start on, so I borrowed an old 4' H&R 22 from my dad. I took it out for a test run and had trouble even hitting the target from 15 yds. The 22 long rifle sub sonic I was using seemed to be going way, way high. I halfed the distance and was able to hit it, but a little high and to the left. I did notice with these that the holes were tear dropped shaped with the pointed end of the drop pointed left. I would assume that this means the bullet was tumbling. Am I using the wrong bullets, or am I just expecting too much out of the little 22? Would 22 shorts be better?

I'd like to get my soon-to-be 13yr old daughter used to shooting. I figured a 686 was a little much to start on, so I borrowed an old 4' H&R 22 from my dad. I took it out for a test run and had trouble even hitting the target from 15 yds. The 22 long rifle sub sonic I was using seemed to be going way, way high. I halfed the distance and was able to hit it, but a little high and to the left. I did notice with these that the holes were tear dropped shaped with the pointed end of the drop pointed left. I would assume that this means the bullet was tumbling. Am I using the wrong bullets, or am I just expecting too much out of the little 22? Would 22 shorts be better?

I started both of my kids out on a ruger MKII. I found the trigger control was easier for them with the semi-auto. When they tried any any of my revolvers, the trigger control was awful for them to operate well. Works with most types of ammo.

The gun you were using may need a good cleaning. Lead build up will prevent the bullets from engaging the rifling. It would be highly unusual for a .22 barrel to be shot out. I have found that light bullets such as the 29 grain short will shoot low in a revolver. I would give the barrel a good brushing with solvent over some paper and see what comes out of the bore. Bruce

You may be right. After I got it home I gave it a good working over, and it was filthy. My old dad will baby a car, but is rough on his guns.