First time "seriously" shooting .22

[P.B.Walsh]

First time out today trying to shoot my Savage for accuracy. In the past, I have just plinked with it at clays, shotgun hulls, dirt rocks, etc. So today I went out shooting actual bullseye targets. After about 150 rounds of trying to figure out where I was hitting, I put up an official 50 yard NRA smallbore target at 25 yards. I shot a 10 round string into a 1.03" group, with .53" without my stupid flyer messing it up. I attribute the flyer from me shooting during a heartbeat, slightly pulling one left. Overall not bad for my first time.



And I was lucky enough to shoot an M1 Grand for the first time! A man allowed me the use of one whole en-bloc clip and I payed him five dollars for it. I went away with a huge smile and couldn't believe how soft shooting it was!

One last thing, can anyone recommend a decent shooting mat under $50? Used a blanket today and it was not the best.

Thanks ya'll,
P.B.Walsh

 

[back40]

nice job. those flyers will get ya, but could've been the ammo too. what ammo were you using? midway has a decent mat in your price range, but i just use a surplus wool blanket.

 

[Field Tester]

Heavy Blankets, Yoga Mats, Army Surplus, get creative!

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I aprreciate the feedback, just saw Midway's mat, might get it. The ammo was bulk Federal Champion. Those have been the most consistent from what I can tell thus far. I have 50 rounds of Federal Match, but am leery of shooting the small bit because my skill level is not "match" grade.

Federal bulk has been good so far, they do it right with ammunition!

 

[cat_IT_guy]

I have been using a foam camping pad (intended to go under sleeping bag) that I already had. Works for me, and didnt have to buy anything extra. I suspect I bought it for $10-$15 at wally world.

 

[MattShlock]

That's very nice, nice gun, and all confidence building. Glad you shot the Garand too. Mats can be layers of stuff including carpet -- I find decent elbow pads are helpful too. Damn rocks always find a way to put pressure on all the wrong spots.

Walsh, how old are you if I may ask?

 

[redneck2]

Rim fires can be touchier about ammo than center fire rifles. Even getting $15/box match grade stuff doesn't necessarily mean good groups. My CZ 453 likes Wolf Match best with plain cheapie Blaser second, better than some European match stuff.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I am 19 going on 20 this coming October. I am going to order the Midway Shooting Mat. Now I just wish I could find another bulk pack of Federal Champion! Speaking of high priced ammo, The Tuscaloosa Gander Mountain had Ely Tenex for $30!!! I could not believe it!

 

[fpgt72]

Rim fires can be touchier about ammo than center fire rifles. Even getting $15/box match grade stuff doesn't necessarily mean good groups. My CZ 453 likes Wolf Match best with plain cheapie Blaser second, better than some European match stuff.

All .22's are kinda picky....I have an old Mauser bolt rifle that shoots best with sub sonic rounds....put standard in it and the rifle will shoot all over the paper. As to the mat if you have not ordered already they make this multi colored rubber mat that locks together....it is made for kids to play on....I have real bad elbows and I use that and the thick midway mat and a elbow pad on my left arm....only way I can shoot prone.