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Old Gun Range Report

975 views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  sharps4590 
#1 ·
It's been 5-6 weeks since I've smelled burnt gunpowder and I was going through some serious withdrawals. I kept putting a few guns in my trunk once or twice a week but just couldn't make it to the range. Well I finally made it happen and had a great time. This trip I shot a couple old IJ 38's (dated 1911 and 1921) and my Browning Trombone (dated in the mid 30's). The Trombone had a broken striker which I fitted with a new one, what a pain, and I had a box of 38 S&W that I had loaded myself (my first attempt at this caliber) so I really wanted to try it all out. Here's a picture of the guns, I know I've posted them before but I thought some may like to see again. The Trombone has a new rear sight which I need to take an updated picture of it to share.

Product Brown Red Line Amber
Ammunition Gun Trigger Metal Gun accessory


I started off with the hammered IJ and here's how I did at 14'. Not too good but I had an awful time seeing the sights against the red/orange target.
Text Circle Diagram Coquelicot Illustration

Then I switched to the Hammerless and got better results I think for two reasons. One, the trigger is nicer on it and secondly I started choosing a spot NOT in the orange center. One I aimed at an emblem on the bottom of the target, then I made a dot on the left and last started shooting at the number "8" to the right. All are five round groups, imagine that, and for a 105 year old gun I think it did just fine.
Text Circle Diagram Coquelicot Number


Then I moved to the 22 and ran the target back as far as it would go, I believe the distance is 43'. The rifle is really accurate, much better than I'm capable of shooting. There are 20 rounds in the center of the target not counting the four or five that are high in the orange, that's after I added the yellow dot. I did have about 8 light strikes so I need to stone the striker down just a bit more. I also experimented with adding a yellow dot to the target which seemed to help. Still, my eyes kept getting fuzzy and I'd have to blink a few times to try and eat them to focus. I also pushed my shooting glasses up over my eyes which seemed to help some. Looks like newmshooting glasses are in order, maybe something that cost more than $3.50.
Red Carmine Orange Coquelicot Circle


All in all a great hour spent unwinding and enjoying a wonderful hobby.

Merry Christmas
 
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#2 ·
A good report. Sounds like you had a lot of fun even if you did not think you did all that great with the first one. They all look fine to me.

I really like that rifle and want one like it, either the Browning, Winchester, or even the Rossi version. I was over at my LGS the other day asking about the possibility of him having on and he tried to sell me a Henry. Henry is a nice rifle but just not the same!!
 
#3 ·
I really like that rifle and want one like it, either the Browning, Winchester, or even the Rossi version. I was over at my LGS the other day asking about the possibility of him having on and he tried to sell me a Henry. Henry is a nice rifle but just not the same!!
I understand what you mean George. I wish I had a whole wall full of 22's, I guess I really should be happy I have what I do. As far as what I'd call real "cool" 22's go I guess I have two. One of course is the Browning/FN Trombone and the other being a Winchester 1906. Of the two I would suggest going with a Winchester and here's why. When I got my Browning home I discovered the striker aka firing pin was broken in half. I was really lucky to find Jack's First just got a couple in as no one else I called had one, and I called a bunch of people. It was a chore getting the darn thing fitted for my rifle. I had a go myself and got it pretty close but couldn't figure out that last spot that was keeping it from functioning. I then took it to a gunsmith for help. He had it for a month and I don't think he even tried to fix it. After that I took it back and managed to get it running. Now from my outing I see I need to remove a bit more material but at least I know from where. Then there was the rear sight. After buying it, shame on me for not looking first, I discovered someone had replaced the rear sight with who knows what. The rifle is a fine gun but I'm one of those guys that really wants things to be correct. This is especially true for a $1200-1400 dollar collector. It took me six plus months of continuous searching to locate most of the rear sight assembly. I still need the correct elevator/ramp but have one for now that's working just fine. So that's what you get when you buy a rifle that was made in Belgium and only a handful were ever imported to the US. Now if this was my Winchester I'm sure I could find just about any part I could ever need without any fuss. My point to all this is just to say unless you have an insatiable itch for a Trombone I'd go with an American made 22. That is if you're wanting one of the oldies. I'm not saying the Browning isn't totally cool because it is, just be prepared and know what you may be getting in to. It may seem silly but the only reason I bought the rifle is because my father is a musician.......and guess what he plays amongst other things???????? You got it, a trombone.

Merry Christmas

Ps. If you'd like me to keep my eyes peeled for a something be sure to let me know. I find little treasures all the time.
 
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#5 ·
Great report firpo. I'm glad you got the browning up and running. i know you have had a rough time getting it in shooting shape. Keep a eye out for me for a win. 1890/90 or a 06 like yours or a model 62. All are pretty much the same type of gun. Any of those 3 would fit in my winchester .22 collection. So far i have a 61, and a 63. Of course i'll be like George next month medicare is going to taking bit out of my SS check too.
 
#6 ·
I saw I nice Winchester 1903 last week but who wants one when the ammunition is $20 for a box of 50. Although I guess if a guy wasn't wanting to shoot it much that would be fine. I'll be sure to let you know if I find any of the three you mentioned. I guess we're all having the wallet drained. I really should just stay out of gun stores for a few months but I just lack the self control.
 
#7 ·
Ha!! Firpo, I played trombone all through school then after I got out of the regular Air Force I spent 5 years in the old 571st Mo. Air Natl. Guard band playing guitar and trombone.

I don't have much trouble staying out of local gun shops, it's Guns International and Gun Broker that kill me...
 
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