2nd range outing w/Navy Sheriff

[paulmarcone]

I was able to get to the range for the 2nd time w/my Pietta Navy Sheriff revolver.

I used the CCI #10 caps -- they fit tighter, although I had a few misfires. The misfired chambers all fired the second time I cycled through and the hammer struck the cap. I am not sure if this a problem with the caps, the hammer or the fact that it was extremely humid this morning. Last time out I used #11 Remington caps and had no misfires, but the caps were loose.

I used 24 grains fof 3FG Goex, wonder wad and .454 Hornady ball.

All shots were from 25 yards, standing. I forgot my scope, so on some shots could not see where they were hitting. But my groups are getting better. I did change my aiming point a couple of times, which accounts for the spread. All my shots were a little high (which I understand is common for Colts). I do need more practice shooting a handgun... still kind of new to me.

I really like the way this gun feels in my hand and the 24 grain load makes plenty of smoke! Once again, after loading up the cylinder, I gave the arbor a little shot of Ballistol. No problems at all with binding. The cylinder turned smooth as silk.

 

[token tory]

I started out with a similar problem. The caps don't seem to sit down enough on the nipples & the first hammer strike "sets" them with the second igniting them.

For me the cure was either to swap for #11 sized nipples & #11 caps or to use the existing nipples with #10 caps but use the hammer under control to set them.

What I do is to carefully, with the hands behind the cylinder & the muzzle pointing in a safe direction, pull the trigger while holding the hammer. Then I slowly lower it onto the caps & push it with the thumbs (rather like using a modern hand priming tool for centerfire primers.)

This has given me a 100% ignition track record.

 

[paulmarcone]

I started out with a similar problem. The caps don't seem to sit down enough on the nipples & the first hammer strike "sets" them with the second igniting them.

For me the cure was either to swap for #11 sized nipples & #11 caps or to use the existing nipples with #10 caps but use the hammer under control to set them.

What I do is to carefully, with the hands behind the cylinder & the muzzle pointing in a safe direction, pull the trigger while holding the hammer. Then I slowly lower it onto the caps & push it with the thumbs (rather like using a modern hand priming tool for centerfire primers.)

This has given me a 100% ignition track record.

I have been using a wooden dowel to seat the caps. That usually works well. I may end of swapping out the nipples for some Tresos, but for now will try making sure the nipples are seated properly.

 

[token tory]

I tried the dowel trick, it didn't work well for me so I tried the hammer trick instead. That seems to work much better than the dowel. :thumbsup:

 

[Norinco]

What about turning down your current nipples?

 

[paulmarcone]

I tried the dowel trick, it didn't work well for me so I tried the hammer trick instead. That seems to work much better than the dowel. :thumbsup:

I will try it next time out and let you know...

 

[Maven]

"I used 24 grains of 3FG Goex, wonder wad and .454 Hornady ball."

24 grs. of FFFg is a bit stiff for a brass framed revolver. Why not drop back to 20 grs. so as to minimize the chance of it "shooting loose" and improve your accuracy as well?

 

[paulmarcone]

"I used 24 grains of 3FG Goex, wonder wad and .454 Hornady ball."

24 grs. of FFFg is a bit stiff for a brass framed revolver. Why not drop back to 20 grs. so as to minimize the chance of it "shooting loose" and improve your accuracy as well?

I will try that too, next time out. Thanks.

 

[David Teague]

Trick number 2:

Bring your target in to 10 yards, get to where you are shooting a ragged hole (or so) and move it out to fifteen, repeat, then twenty, then twenty five.

It won't happen overnight, but it will improve your shooting skills and build your confidence as a handgun shooter.

Cheers,

David

P.S. Unless your going to become a NRA 25 yard shooter just moving the target in and keeping it there is ok. Modern hangun fights (and I'm sure most period ones) happen with in 7 yards.

 

[paulmarcone]

Trick number 2:

Bring your target in to 10 yards, get to where you are shooting a ragged hole (or so) and move it out to fifteen, repeat, then twenty, then twenty five.

It won't happen overnight, but it will improve your shooting skills and build your confidence as a handgun shooter.

Cheers,

David

P.S. Unless your going to become a NRA 25 yard shooter just moving the target in and keeping it there is ok. Modern hangun fights (and I'm sure most period ones) happen with in 7 yards.

Great suggestion... unfortunately, the minimum target set-up at my range is 25 yards. I will just keep on practicing!!