Got to the range to work on some loads and get gun sighted in for the 50yd open sight targets. I think I settled on a great load for my .45 colt. Gun groups tighter them my eyes normally allow. Had to adjust sights to get on center and as I got it done the light was changing (7:30pm) and my eyes left me and and the groups opened way up! :( I knew it from the trouble I was having with the sight picture! Some parts of getting old are not fun! Have to get back to range in better light! Mike B.

Got to the range to work on some loads and get gun sighted in for the 50yd open sight targets. I think I settled on a great load for my .45 colt. Gun groups tighter them my eyes normally allow. Had to adjust sights to get on center and as I got it done the light was changing (7:30pm) and my eyes left me and and the groups opened way up! :( I knew it from the trouble I was having with the sight picture! Some parts of getting old are not fun! Have to get back to range in better light! Mike B.


You will probably notice when shooting for groups that you should try to shoot about the same time each day you go out. The light does affect your impact on the target. I have noticed that the past few years. My groups can impact at slightly different places on the target depending on the time of day and the sun light hitting the front bead. Not enough to make any difference if a guy was hunting, but enough, when you want to put it right in the center of the target.

I kind of like ahving the bullets land in the black rahter than in the center...can't see them real well in the balck, so it makes you less likely to be watching the group rather than the point of aim. Besides, chewing up the aiming point just doesn't do anything good for accuracy.

Good thread guys. This is the kind of stuff I need to be better on the bench. Now, what about that offhand stuff?

Good thread guys. This is the kind of stuff I need to be better on the bench. Now, what about that offhand stuff?

No one can hold rock steady off hand....everyone "weaves" a bit. The good shooters ahve a tighter wobble area and enough conrol to have the shot go in the right part of their wobble. Can get the right sight picture to hold still for a bit, but if you rush the trigger pull, will usually get a flier.

So i'll apply trigger pressure slowly (as we do at the bench) only when the sight picture is right...rather than rush the trigger pull, if it wobbles off, will hold the pressure I have and wiat for it to wobble back. Yes, you can do that even with a 10oz. trigger.

Sounds like a long time process...but it takes somthing like 3-5 seconds even when I have to do though the process a couple of times.

As you practice, the wobble area gets smaller and smaller...making your "woops" shots 8's and 9's...and of couse, if you ever get good-dood, your woops are 10's and 9's.

Other advice is to keep a log book...list everything, inclusing the weather conditions. IF shooting for score, can keep just the score...if shooting for group size, then keep BOTH the groups size and it's location on the target.