Range Report

[fyimo]

I went to the range today to zero some rifles but also took the pistol range bag to shoot after getting the rifles zeroed. I took a Model 15-4, a Model 617 no dash 4 inch and a Model 17-1 4 screw with 6 inch barrel.

I always shoot my first shots from a rest at 7 yards to see where the sights are set on a new pistol and to see if any adjustment needs to be done before I start shooting off hand. I had expected the 17-1 to be the big winner here but out of the 22LR pistols the no dash 4 inch 617 was the easy winner doing one 4 shot clover leaf right over the X on the bull eye. The 17-1 shot very good but I certainly couldn't make it match the 617 4 inch and guys I know some guns like different ammo.

The pleasant surprise was the model 15-4 made in 1980. It shot just about as amazing as the 617 which wasn't what I had expected. It's a very accurate hand gun and it will definitely stay in my guns collection long after others left. In other words it’s definite keeper.

 

[Texas Star]

I've read that S&W sights their .38 and .357 guns to hit center at 15 yards with a 6 o'clock hold from offhand.

If you sit down and fire at just 7 yards, that may mislead you as to where the sights were set.

However, the info that I read may apply only to fixed-sight models.

I try to hit center at 25 yards with a six o'clock hold on the bullseye. That lets the bullets land about where they need to, to at least 50 yards.

I am not surprised that your Model 15 shot so well. I used one in the Air Force and have owned many similar guns, mostly in .357. All would chew the 10-ring out of a target at 25 yards when I was equal to the task. The gun will hit a snake in the head, if the shooter can.

But you have an excellent point about .22's being notorious for preferring one brand of ammo over another. I plan to learn why this is. It is right behind figuring out how women think on my "do" list. I just need some more time to finish that other task first. If I can understand that, sorting out the .22 ammo issue should be simple.

 

[Jeb21]

Sounds like you had a rewarding day at the range. Thanks for the report.