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rvb

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Posts posted by rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    Haven't been dryfiring since the IN Prod/SS match, so I got back on that horse last night.

    I couldn't believe how good the session went since it had been a couple weeks. My draws/index need a little refinement to draw to the A. I hit the 2R2 in 2s par, while calling 4 As 5X in a row. That's a first for me. I've done the time before, but only calling hits on "brown."

    I think I learned something about my reloads. I've always tried the keeping the gun/head up method. But I notice in match vids and when pushing in DF I bring the gun down/in more. It's not a hige difference (the FS is probably still nearly between my eyes and the target), but I am finding this more consistent. I am dropping my head/eyes more, reloading a little lower (maybe 8"). I was able to get the burkett reloads under 0.6 consistently. (0.7 was all I could consistently hit before).

    I think I'm going to make the AtlantaCC match this Sunday. I have verbal permission, so I just need the permission slip signed/notorized. Looks like it's been since end of 2010 since I shot a local match there!

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    I am sorry I missed the matched. I was up there though, daughter had a pole vault camp and we spent the day up there.

    That's 2 matches I know that Chris L has shot this year. I don't think I've ever seen him at Ft. Wayne before. Hope he continues as he is a great barometer for me.

    We may see him back again this year. Corey talked with him, and he was impressed with the stages (especially for the price!).

    -rvb

    AR trigger manipulation

    in Rifle & Shotgun - Technique

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    Hopefully not a duplicate thread; I did a search on the site via google and nothing really came up... might make for good conversation!?

    I've been working on rifle skills in hopes of putting my toe in the 3-gun water this year. Even built a gun for it. (1-4x Vortex, 18" WOA barrel, rifle stock, trigger is SSA-E).

    I suck at shooting groups with it. Even w/ decent ammo (eg Black Hills w/ 69gr SMK) I can't get under 1.5-2" @ 100 with any consistency. I had one group w/ 4 rounds under 0.7, but a flier opened it to ~1.5". I also had one 4" group @ 300. The good groups "felt" good... good shot calls, reticle steady thoughout the shot, followthrough, etc. the bad groups, well, I can tell I'm forcing each shot, not consistently working the trigger, etc.

    I haven't bothered with a lot of load development yet because I know it's me, not the gun/ammo. I can see it when I dryfire... I cannot consistently break the shot w/o the reticle dancing.

    How do you all work the trigger? Where do you place your finger? Is there a way considered the "right" way?

    What are you doing with your thumb? are you using the grip to pull the gun to your shoulder, or letting the support hand do all that?

    When standing and shooting fast, I'm using the tip of my finger. My hand is rotated so that I can -almost- touch the safety with the side of my thumb. I can pretty consistently break the shot w/o disturbing the sights. This same grip does not translate prone. I think things like elbow position, how square I am to the gun, etc change, and I feel bound up on the trigger (to the point of making my wrist hurt), so I find myself putting the trigger almost in the first joint. I get the best prone results this way, but my trigger finger ends up touching the gun on the left side.

    Is it ok to have two largely different trigger techniques depending on position?

    I'm getting frustrated. I don't even see wasting ammo at the range until I am happy with my dryfire. Some days I think I might as well use my glock for 100yd stuff.........

    I know there are a million other variables (prone position, rests/bags, breathing, NPA, etc), but I thought this could be enlightening. At least I got to vent.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted

    yeah, 20-24x is enough.

    NO need for MOA base on most scopes out to 3-400 yds if barrel is aligned in upper right.

    I use the Vortex precision matched rings.

    I do not like the forward offset 1 pc ringmounts on a serious rifle - not enough support IMO.

    I wouldn't settle for less than a HS Viper. FFP PST would be best Viper model.

    There are some high powered scopes for benchrest that may be suitable but I haven't checked into that for some time.

    Nick

    Hi Nick,

    It seems my Dad has settled on the 6-24 PST, but the 2nd-FP model. I think I'd prefer the FFP, but for his use (doubt ever doing range estimation, or hold overs at various powers), he thinks he'd prefer the reticle stay constant. Hard to find.... Midway is quoting November for availability! I found one local, but at MSRP.... The scope has tons of adjustment range and big enough FOV, so I didn't figure I'd need an MOA base with it. I was concerned if he went w/ something higher power I would need one.

    I'm surprised on the rings comment. I thought most folks liked the 1-piece mounts for being more solid. I was planning on the JP scope mount. At a quick glance at the rings you mentioned, it looks like I would also need a riser? I'll have to see what he would prefer.

    Thank, yet again!, for the help.

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    Shot production at the Ft Wayne match this weekend.

    Some really fun stages at this match! Boxes were only used as starting positions!

    I was real happy with my shooting.... until I saw the scores. Just 88.8% of the points. 3 Ds. I also had a NS. I was really pushing this match with the movement, incl the shooting on the move. Got just a bit out of control a couple times.

    Stage 1 and 3, I shot ~93% of the points. Rest were in the mid 80%s. So what that tells me is I need to work on consistency. Stages 4 and 6 the targets were so close, I let 'er rip and gave up doing what I needed to get As..... even though I KNOW As are even more important on the close targets... knowing and doing don't always align under the buzzer....

    Screwed the classifier (03-03, Take 'em down). I got one of my Ds here, and I needed a make-up on one of the steels which forced a STANDNIG reload. So that won't count at ~74%. I know I got just a bit lazy on my focus on the missed steel... Just that tick of patience on that one shot could have turned it into a 90%+.

    In the combined results, I ended up third, just 82% of Chris L (Lim/M). Most of his 115 match-point lead was gained on stage 1, where I just simply executed poorly and awkwardly. He got 10s on me there, and I had a NS... 65 match-points lost on stage 1!!

    I hadn't hardly touched my gun since the IN SS/Prod/Rev match. Need to get back on the dry-fire horse.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    OK, what about glass and ring recommendations for this application?

    Dad is buying the scope, but I would like to make some recommendations. I don't know his planned budget, but let's assume $1k total (scope+rings).

    Currently looking at vortex viper and viper HS (PST is maybe pushing budget) in the 20-24x range on the top-end. is that enough magnification? 6-20/24 seemed like a good range to me. What are bench shooters usually using? Also Burris has a x32, and nightforce has a benchrest model that's in the x42 range (but may blow the budget). Sightron may be an option. He preferes simple crosshair reticle, no mil dots or BDC.

    Assuming a MOA base needed for these high-powered scopes due to limited FOV and reticle adjustment? maybe not an issue if he doesn't plan to "reach out." I'm NOT a glass expert!

    Thanks,

    Ryan

    ps. build coming along nicely, just need to order the trigger, and the handguards should be off back-order in a couple weeks. Today is his last day of employment (begins his retirement tomorrow), so the timing almost worked out (if not for this crazy "panic" period we're in!).

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    I hate loser thieves. Had to cancel CC due to fraudulent charges; new one is a couple days out.... Wouldn't you know it small pistol primers came off backorder..... Just have to pay for them. Argh.

    -rvb

    CB45 Range Diary

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    I picked RVB's brain a little bit, then Iliff's brain about stage breakdown. ... I overcomplicated this match ....

    That's the biggest mistake I see people make with stage breakdown is they over-complicate things, especially in the lower-capacity divisions. Revo shooters are usually the exception since they are used to standing reloads and they do what they canto get the easier shots vs forcing makeup shots.

    When I have my stage designer hat on, I always have the over-gamer in mind.... Suddenly you see people "looking" for other targets to shoot, even if they are long/hard or require a precise set-up, even if they can be shot up close later. I LOVE it when a shooter starts telling me they gamed my stage, how I bet I wish I had seen what they see before the match started, etc.... And I'm doing all I can not to laugh thinking "enjoy your extra time and make-up shots/misses!"

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    Only got 3 stages on video.... Busy adding scores, shuffling sheets, etc since I was part of the staff...

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    Came in 2nd in production in the IN SS/Prod/Rev match this weekend (1st/4 Masters).

    Shot ~92% of Alex G, which made me happy since both times I shot against him last year I was in the low 80s against him.

    Points could have been better, only shot 88% of the points. 6 Ds, 2 mikes. Both mikes were on wide open targets. On the other hand, I was very happy with the agression which I attacked the stages, and especially the strides I've made this spring in generally running the Glock... Trigger control, sight tracking, indexing, etc.

    Stage 5 (where I started), I called a very high C/D. For some reason I looked for the hole to confirm my call... The inner voice started screaming, then I bobbled the reload I needed after that shot... Maybe a 2sec loss.

    Stage 6, a complete mental breakdown. A very simple stage that was basically shoot some targets on the left side of a barricade, reload, then targets on the right. I lost track of how many times I went back and forth, turning a 9s stage into a 12.5s stage. I finished 17th on this stage, my next worst finish was 5th.

    Extra shots on steel cost me a couple seconds on stage 3.

    Some weaknesses were highlighted (glock trigger control is only 90% subconscious, a little more patience setting up on the 1st target in a position would have eliminated many Cs, need to get steel down 1 for 1), but over all I saw great improvements over last year.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    I think those are 1x8 twist IIRC.

    ...

    Good barrels usually aren't hard to make shoot well.

    I rarely if ever have the time to ladder test different loads. I just pick something and load up about 20rds.

    I Can't remember the last time a good bullet and powder consistently loaded didn't shoot 1/2 moa or better @100.

    You can PM me if you want.

    Nick

    Yup. 1/8 twist.

    Thanks for the tips... I may take you up on the PM offer if we have any trouble finding a load that shoots well..... once we can track down some powder/bullets to try out, that is.

    Thanks again, all, for the help.

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    Shot a 0.09s split tonight. Never seen < 0.11s before. I don't think it counts as skill.... It kinda surprised me, and didn't go where I wanted. Thinking it was more like a bump fire. Last shot in a 7yd bill drill. 1.67 for the drill. 5 A, 1 D.... IIRC splits were .18, .18, .13, .13, then the .09 (the D).

    -rvb

    Two guns blown up in five weeks...suggestions?

    in 9mm/38 Caliber

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    heck I even measured the powder every 10th round just to make sure.

    This may have been where you went wrong. The less you mess with it, taking brass in and out and whatnot, the better off you'll be.

    I was going to post something similar. A "process" is very important. Stopping the process for any reason invites disaster.

    I look in the case, set the bullet, pull the handle. Those 3 things always have to happen together and in that order.* -IF- I stop for ANY reason (primer jam, for instance), I make sure I know where I'm at in the overall process, make sure each station is ready, make sure their is no powder in the case under the powder funnel, then start with those 3 most-important steps.... paying particular attention for the next few rounds after starting back up.

    *If you listen closely while I reload, you could probably hear me muttering "look.. set.. pull" over and over again as I do it.... haha. So far, no problems, and I too load titegroup under 147s with a 550B. been my load since I started loading in 2005.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted

    just got off the phone w/ Lilja. They won't do any profiles other than their 24" bull, 20" AR740, and 16" HBAR. So no 20" HBAR direct from them.

    They gave me the name of a smith who could do the finish work, and I could always contact someone like Compass Lake if I wanted to stay with a full HBAR profile.

    Part of me thinks I've over-thinking this... the AR740 is essentially an HBAR profile, just the mid section turned down from ~0.850" to ~0.750. That's still a tenth thicker than a JP in this section, as a for-instance.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted · Edited by rvb

    Patrick,

    My original plan for the gun was a 20" "HBAR" style barrel. I didn't really want to go down the 24" bull-barrel route, because I'm sure the gun will be shot at least some from the shoulder... so there's a little bit of a trade-off there and that rules out their AR24 bull barrel. The AR740 is the closest in their standard line-up to what I'm looking for.

    I mentioned their M4 profile.... I think it is almost exactly what I'm looking for, if they will do it in 20" w/ rifle gas for me....

    M4: .975" diameter for 2" then a radius down to .850" diameter to the .750" diameter gas block section. From the gas block to the muzzle the diameter is .725".

    There's also the non-technical considerations... If their standard 20" profile is available w/ a few weeks turn around, that means I can get the completed gun to him around the time of his retirement... if a custom profile takes a year w/ the current environment, well that would suck. Bottom line, I need to get on the phone w/ Lilja....

    I'm still open to suggestions!

    Thanks for your input,

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    Wow, that's some very fast shooting, last stage of the vid. Watching things like this help me understand what is possible. Thanks for posting.

    Tar

    You're welcome! Thanks for reading. Just don't get caught up in trying to "go fast" above all else. Go as fast as YOU are able while seeing what you need to see to ensure good hits. On that classifier, the targets are only a couple yards away and wide open, so you can really "go for it."

    -rvb

    rvb

    in Range Diary

    Posted

    So nice of you not to mention you won our "most A's" bet.

    Good job on that by the way!!

    Oh, and I shot more A's than Chris! :)

    But I was shooting production... I HAVE to! ;) haha...

    But then, you won the match, so.... yea... I guess I have some work to do! Good shootin'!!

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted

    I think I'm going with the Lilja. That name keeps coming up (and I hadn't heard of them prior to this thread; glad I asked!)

    From this page (http://riflebarrels.com/products/ar.htm), I'm leaning towards their "AR740" offering.

    If they will take custom orders, I'd like to get their M4 profile, just in a 20" w/ rifle gas....

    I think I'll do those Seekins HGs, too. Those look great for the application.

    I need to get some input from Dad on what kind of trigger he wants. I'm planning JP if he wants single-stage, or Geisselle if he wants 2-stage (what I'd use).

    Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.

    -rvb

    Barrel recommendation - accuracy

    in Rifle - Technical

    Posted

    I can't comment on any of the above barrels but I can comment on barrels made from Broughten "5c" and Lilja "3-Groove" blanks.

    Lilja is now selling complete barrels bout same price as Krieger.

    There's at least a half dozen barrel blank makers here in WI and they all have good reps.

    Broughten, Brux, Criterion, Krieger, Obermeyer, Schneider, Mike Rock, etc, etc

    Some have completed AR barrels and some you'd have to get made from blanks.

    The last barrels I made are from Broughten=17" 1x12, 18" 1x8, 20" 1x8, and 24" 1x8 == all 5C rifling.

    The 17" 1x12 makes one small hole @ 100yds but with 50 grn bullets.

    The 18" and 20" make a larger hole @ 100yds.

    The 24" 1x8 is crazy accurate shooting @600yds w/75 A-Max single feed length running 3000 FPS.

    It might help that they are in my high strength upper receiver design.

    Any good match finished/lapped blank should shoot better than most "mass produced" AR barrels but you are going to pay for it.

    Make sure not to get a twist rate more than what you actually need and note that it can vary slighty by manufacture what twist rate is "claimed vs actual".

    It's best to check w/maker for sure but.....Generally..... 1x8 80 grain max 1x10 70 grain max 1x12 60 grain max bullet weight.

    Nick

    Nick, that's a lot of great information. I thought I had too many options before!

    -rvb

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