Cheating at the Range

TheWorstKind

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Cheating. That is what shooting the M&P 15-22 with a 3-9X40 scope is.

Went to the range today, and for the first time took out the 22. I had been reviewing all kinds of internet wisdom on how to sight in the A2 sights. I was a little skeptical that I could see well enough at 25 yards with my bare eyes (I have a good amount of life experience :D ). Turns out, I was right. Put a little 1" red dot target sticker into the center of the sigthing-in target - could not see it at 25 yards, either (this was an indoor range, meaning it is not real bright). Anyways, I pressed on, undeterred. First three shots (ever), way low and way right, about 1" group. Made the recommended adjustments, squeezed three more down range - good height, but off to the left. Came back on windage half the clicks, and lo and behold, the next three shots were all in the bulls eye, less than an inch grouping. AND I COULD NOT SEE THE RED DOT!!!! Must have been beginner's luck. So, iron sights are dialed in, 9 shots total. Not bad for an old Navy guy.

Next up, an el-cheapo Simmons scope goes on (traded an old vest for it). I had prepped the scope at home, and being that it sits on a 1" riser, I just had to bolt it on. And "Wow", I couldn't believe my eyes... I could see EVERYTHING now! Amazing. Used 5 shot groups to dial it in. Again, height dialed in first, then lots of tweaking to get the left to right windage, and I mean lots, and then...NIRVANA.

I shot a total of six 25 round magazines today (CCI AR Tactical, 375 rounds, which I found three boxes of last week at one of the local Walmarts, $24.99). No issues, and it was a blast eating up those little 1" red stick-on targets.

Coming from self-defense handguns, where it is all about center body mass, I must say, precision shooting is a ton of fun. Even though I shot at only 25 yards, all the basics apply; breathing, trigger pull, etc. I was amazed at just how much my aim varied when I took a breath!

Some items on order to improve ergonomics: Command Arms butt-cheek risers, .7" and 1.25". Being that the scope sits so high, I could not use a natural butt to cheek interface. Leapers up to 12" bi-pod. I used a borrowed rifle rest today, which doesn't fit the gun (I turned it around and used just the front rest to rest the hand guard on, the stock was high against my shoulder, with the left hand holding the stock at the swivel loop against the shoulder).

Taking my Sweetie shooting tomorrow morning, again at the indoor range. Hoping to head out of town one of these weekends to hit up some of the less crowded outdoor ranges out in the Shenandoah Valley (must go before hunting season) - I am itching to see (literally) what I can do at 100 yards.
 
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Congrats on choosing a fine firearm. it is a lot of fun to shot just remember it is a fun gun not a target rifle.

Bill
 
How to really Cheat -- at any distance

MidwayUSA sells a Simmons 6.5 to 25X - 50 MM mil dot reticle scope for $125. Yes I completely agree that you get what you pay for, but I have 4 of these scopes on 22 LR or a 11# bolt action .223 Rem rifles and couldn't be happier.

Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Adjustable

I use a 50 yard zero, 2nd dot for 100 yards, top of post for 150 yards, and have successfully shot praire dogs at 150 yards with 22 LR. I usually shot at 20X for best clarity. Just remember a $125 Simmons ain't no $500+ Leupold :) but you sure are having fun! :D:eek::rolleyes:
 
Took my wife to the indoor range yesterday. We discussed the range's safety rules, she took the written test for the range and passed, and then we went over the operation of the mighty fine S&W M&P 15-22. Once we were comfortable, we went out on the firing line, and we set up to shoot from a bench and gun rest, 25 yards. She went first. Fellers, the look she gave me after the first shot was priceless - she was grinning, saying "I did good!" :) She squeezed off four more, then we brought the target back, and the center of the bulls eye was gone. She's a quick learner, and this little rifle is simply terrific.

Well, we continued to torture some targets, then she had the bright idea of standing up to shoot. Mmmmmm.... I'm new to rifles, so I knew what lay ahead. Shooting from a rest is one thing, standing up, well.... We went from cloud 9, "oh yeah, we are world champs" to, "OMG, this is HARD!" instantly. :o Needless to say, I have lots of practicing to do, but at 6 cents a bullet, let me at it!

Saving up all kinds of empty bottles/things that will make good plinking targets. Really looking forward to doing that.
 
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Coming from self-defense handguns, where it is all about center body mass, I must say, precision shooting is a ton of fun. Even though I shot at only 25 yards, all the basics apply; breathing, trigger pull, etc. I was amazed at just how much my aim varied when I took a breath!

I used to shoot at 50 feet with an old 20 power Tasco Japan. With a good weld I can see my pulse in the crosshairs and have to shoot between heartbeats. This was with my Anschutz target .22. Yes I really enjoy precision shooting too. I think it is quite rewarding.

I've never had luck getting my 15-22 to shoot that well, so it's just balloons and clay pigeons and fun stuff like that.

Try different ammo and see which your gun prefers. For some reason, not all guns like the same ammo, and my target gun was most accurate with the cheap CCI standard velocity. Yours may like something else. You'll know when you find the right ammo because you won't get fliers anymore.

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Very interested in that scope, as well as others. I will see what my current scope will do for my eyes at 100 yards, then go from there. If I get a wild hair up my butt, I just might follow Engineer1911's lead and get a X25, or something crazy like that. I'm actually hoping my current Simmons will do the trick. I already have the itch to look at a bigger caliber rifle, something like the Savage 111 with the Accu-Trigger in .270 Win - it can be had with a Nikon 3-9X40 with a BDC reticle for less than 500 bucks someplaces!
 
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