First range session with NSW Early English

Due to a rifle that has taken up all my shooting time, I didn’t get around to shooting my North Star West Early English trade gun until yesterday after work. It was intended to be strictly a short session to get an idea of what kind of shot pattern I was getting at normal “squirrel” ranges. The first pattern wasn’t too bad, but it was a little low to the right. I decided that a round ball might give a better idea of where to hold so the next several shots were round ball. The first few were, like the shot pattern, a little low to the right. Then, as I started getting used to the gun the shots moved on center but still low. The groups were good enough to get me excited, so after this mornings unproductive hunt I took the gun to the range and did some off-hand work with round balls.
It took a few targets to learn the way to hold on target. Once I got there I shot this target at 25 yards. I think the nine ring is 4 7/8 inches.

That little oops in the eight ring was shot #1. The next five are the ones in the black.

The next target wasn't quite as good.

Once again, the first shot failed to hit black. Still...the first time at the range with my smoothbore gave be better results off-hand than I was getting with the rifle benched after several sessions.
To get these results I'm seeing the entire top of the barrel and putting the top of the front sight dead center. I can see the front sight SO much better than I can with a rifle. I think I'm gonna like this smoothbore shooting.

 

[majg1234]

good shooting.... continue to fool with it,you'll fall in love with it

 

[Le Grand]

Not much to complain about... Good shootin'!

 

[Dausener]

Looks pretty darn good! :thumbsup: How about a picture of the gun?

 

[scotsman]

very cool shooting. I have the same gun and after much trial and error, shoot it similarly to you. I filed my front site down some and see the same amount of barrel as you.This allows me to use a 6 o'clock hold.I'm very happy with my gun

 

Looks pretty darn good! :thumbsup: How about a picture of the gun?

http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/270256/

The string includes a discussion about inletting around the sideplate. Sometime afterwards, I realized the poster was refering to a shadow that looks like sloppy inletting.It isn't, it is, as I have said, a shadow. What I thought he was refering to at the time was a TINY chip near the back that has been glued back in. It didn't bother me then. It bothers me a WHOLE lot less now. I can really see this gun getting more use than the rifle.
I plan to attend my first off-hand match since I have returned to the game next Sunday at the Blue River Longrifles in Morristown, IN. If I have the final tweaking of the rifle done by then I'll take it. If I don't, I'll be taking the smoothbore. I might take the smoothbore anyway.

 

I've used the six o'clock hold all my life, and with anything that uses a rear sight I still do.
With this gun though, being able to put the top of the front sight "right on the spot" is a real boon to sixty year old eyes that have trouble seeing a front sight through the notch of a rear sight. The way the gun fits me, the sighting picture is so natural that I should have no trouble getting my head/cheek in the same position every time.
It looks like there is going to have to be a casting session this week because I'm just about out of the supply of .600 balls I cast before the gun arrived.

 

[matt denison]

Five inside the ten ring is pretty good shooting considering you were shooting off hand. 'specially on your first time out with that gun. :hatsoff: You make the rest of us look bad :grin:

I also use the tip of the sight at 25 yds. then move the sight up as the range increases. After a few practice sessions you'll get the hang of it. I'm pleased that your are happy with your gun. !!

 

[Renegade Dan]

Very nice group Randy! :thumbsup: I just got my first smoothie 3 weeks ago. A Little tough gettin used to no rear sight, but I'm really liking my smoothbore too.

 

[bpollock_sr]

I had the exact same gun and loved it. Even got to the point where I could hit a 2' by 3' target 3 out of 5 shots at 100 yds. but in a fit of stupidity ,and being stricken by poverty. I sold it. NEVER AGAIN. If I am ever blessed with that opertunity again they can have my left arm first.