Thursday, September 18, 2025

Range Time

 Near Woodsworth, LA on Robinson Bridge Road, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries owns and operates a public shooting range.  Archery, pistol and rifle ranges, along with a shotgun range.  Use of the range is perfectly free, except they charge a modest amount at the shotgun range to defray the cost of clay targets. The ranges are open Thursday-Sunday from 8-5.

I went out this morning and took the Ruger 10/22 that I bought last year. I had never shot it and decided to get a little trigger time The Ruger 10/22 is the Barbie-doll of rimfire rifles. It is easily customized, with aftermarket support everywhere. 

I was concerned because I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration and have lost the center focus in both eyes.  I have not fired a scoped rifle in over five years, and I didn't know how rusty I might be.  Turns out, fairly rusty.  The Burris scope I have mounted has 1/4 minute clicks and that translates into a lot of clicks to move the reticule an inch at 25 yards.  Sixteen to be exact., so I snuck up on the bull, clicking and shooting, clicking and shooting. I finally got it zeroed at 25 yards, after about 30 shots, firing 5 shot groups.  It grouped fairly well, about 1/2 inch at 25 which is probably more an indictment of my eyesight than an indictment of the barrel.

Two immediate thoughts come to mind.  First, I need a cheek riser.  I had trouble getting aligned with the scope.  Second, that rifle needs a better trigger.  Luckily, stocks and triggers are readily available for that rifle. Right now, it is minute-of-possum.  If I get a varmint in the back yard, it is in trouble.

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