DamonHP

I have a LaRue OBR 7.62 that always puts the first shot low: 2" at 100, 6" at 300 yards is common. This happens when I rack the bolt with the charging handle to put the first round in, whether the rifle is hot or cold. After that shot, the rest are usually .5 MOA or better. I'm assuming the bolt stays slightly out of battery for the first shot, then does better with the following rounds. Has anyone seen this? Does anyone know what I can do to have the first shot work accurately?

Those Fiocchi won't cycle in my Mark 1 either, but funny thing was I went to a shotgun match this weekend and another guy had a Mark 1 and they cycled great in his gun! I said, "WTF?" He said his gun loves them. Well mine doesn't. He said try cleaning the gas system. Maybe it's something particular to our guns. I don't know. Let me know if you find a solution. I have 250 of these Fiocchi slugs. BTW, I shot 3 of the Federal (Ranger maybe? I forget) low-recoil slugs through it that I borrowed and they ran fine.

My front sight on my PRO 9 would drift to the left after 100 rounds or so. It was frustrating. I put a ton of red loctite on it and it stopped moving. I presume the front slot is out of spec by .0005 and leaves just enough room for the recoil to walk it left. I have not sent it back to S&W, but they would undoubtedly exchange it.

I bought 13# and 15# springs with extra captured guide rods for my PRO 9. My double-tap groups moved side-by-side with the 13# spring, whereas with the quite heavy 16# spring, the second shot was quite a bit low on doubles. The 13# runs fine with factory ammo (115 gr at 1200 fps), never a problem. The 15# spring was not very different from the 16# spring that comes with the gun.

Mine does this every time. I use Arrendondo mag extensions and have 22 rounds in each mag (unless I'm at an IDPA match). I'm used to it, expect it, but am ready to hit the slide release if it doesn't happen. It won't harm your weapon.

You can't make yourself a cool cucumber by "wrestling this monster." Being so close to victory causes nervousness in everyone the first few times they taste it, whether racing a car, playing tennis, or shooting a match. Once you've been there a few times, you'll be able to keep a clear head and use simple techniques to optimize your state of mind. Soon you will be that cool-headed guy who makes the other guys nervous.

First, move SLOWLY. You can't walk like you do on the street. You have to walk heel to toe like a ninja; your knees must stay bent and your hips lowered; the hips must remain at the same height relative to the ground throughout the strides. When walking backwards, walk toe to heel. You should be able to stay focused on your front sight and pull the trigger at any point in your stride if you are moving smoothly enough. There is a great video on YouTube from the Arm Marksmanship Unit on this subject. Practice in your house with a safed gun. Good luck.

She's not the only one to do something like this: I've seen a really great and experienced shooter recon'ing the stages before a match, but instead of air-gunning his plan, he actually drew his unloaded pistol and rehearsed it. The SO was his friend and asked where he wanted to watch the match from. He took it well.

ORPCI is hosting their Fall 3-gun (2-gun optional) event this weekend on 10/29/2011 in Lewisberg, KY at the Owensboro Rifle and Pistol Club range. This unusual format makes it possible to leave your shotgun at home (why you would want to I don't know). Shooters will see six stages, but the three stages with shotgun components will have an optional configuration that substitutes pistol for the shotty. The round counts are as follows (assuming you shoot your shotgun): Rifle 97, Pistol 68, Birdshot 29, and Slugs 6. Stage information can be found at the ORCPI website. It should be fun! PS: be sure to bring your shotgun.