To say this has taken a while to get going would be an understatement!
After stalking for what must have been about 15 years, I had decided back in 2021 that I wanted to see how my .308 would shoot with the iron sights that I had not yet even looked through, let alone fired at a target using them. After setting up a circle about an inch wide, then going back to about 75 yards, I immediately decided to make the target a bit bigger and close the distance because there was no way I could even see that! So a 2 inch circle and 60 yards of range was fairly comfortable for me. Took a few shots, adjusted the rear sight and finally I thought I had a pretty solid 3 shot group. (For those who don’t know, you can only see the pin on the foresight through the rear sight).
Roll on covid, a child, health issues and everything else, the rifle sat in the cabinet for 5 years until last month. Took it out, checked that the zero was still good and made my way out to see what was about.
One thing that I noticed was the weight. Wow! Carrying a rifle with no bipod, no moderator and no scope was like it wasn’t there. The recoil is like being punched in the shoulder but with only an hour and a half of daylight left I would hopefully only worry about that later.
I stalked down the track of the farm which is high with gorse on each side besides a bit at the start, which opens onto a field with rushes, and a bit at the end which is near some houses. As I made my way down I was following a doe that had no idea I was within 20 yds for a good part of the walk. I reached the bottom and there was a small buck there in the trees but right in front of the houses. Where it opens, there is a field of cattle that knew I was there and as they do, decided to come over for a look. Although the buck hadn’t spotted me, he got really edgy with the cattle coming towards him and what was nearly my chance, ended up in the buck legging it over the wall. Nevermind, but with light dropping quickly, I made my way back up the track to the first opening overlooking the rushes.
As I stood there having a wee scan, something came out at the far side of the field. Another small buck but this one wasn’t out for a feed and started heading in my direction. I got set up on the sticks and pointed the rifle in the only grassy bit that would let me see the roe as it came past. It all happened very quickly as it made its way into the open. At 45 yds, I barked, the buck stopped and I made sure I was pointing the rifle in the correct place before firing. As quick as that, he dropped and the countryside was quiet after the enormous boom that I’d just let off.
Just a little one but in terms of memories I am unlikely to forget him as the first open sights buck for me.
After stalking for what must have been about 15 years, I had decided back in 2021 that I wanted to see how my .308 would shoot with the iron sights that I had not yet even looked through, let alone fired at a target using them. After setting up a circle about an inch wide, then going back to about 75 yards, I immediately decided to make the target a bit bigger and close the distance because there was no way I could even see that! So a 2 inch circle and 60 yards of range was fairly comfortable for me. Took a few shots, adjusted the rear sight and finally I thought I had a pretty solid 3 shot group. (For those who don’t know, you can only see the pin on the foresight through the rear sight).
Roll on covid, a child, health issues and everything else, the rifle sat in the cabinet for 5 years until last month. Took it out, checked that the zero was still good and made my way out to see what was about.
One thing that I noticed was the weight. Wow! Carrying a rifle with no bipod, no moderator and no scope was like it wasn’t there. The recoil is like being punched in the shoulder but with only an hour and a half of daylight left I would hopefully only worry about that later.
I stalked down the track of the farm which is high with gorse on each side besides a bit at the start, which opens onto a field with rushes, and a bit at the end which is near some houses. As I made my way down I was following a doe that had no idea I was within 20 yds for a good part of the walk. I reached the bottom and there was a small buck there in the trees but right in front of the houses. Where it opens, there is a field of cattle that knew I was there and as they do, decided to come over for a look. Although the buck hadn’t spotted me, he got really edgy with the cattle coming towards him and what was nearly my chance, ended up in the buck legging it over the wall. Nevermind, but with light dropping quickly, I made my way back up the track to the first opening overlooking the rushes.
As I stood there having a wee scan, something came out at the far side of the field. Another small buck but this one wasn’t out for a feed and started heading in my direction. I got set up on the sticks and pointed the rifle in the only grassy bit that would let me see the roe as it came past. It all happened very quickly as it made its way into the open. At 45 yds, I barked, the buck stopped and I made sure I was pointing the rifle in the correct place before firing. As quick as that, he dropped and the countryside was quiet after the enormous boom that I’d just let off.
Just a little one but in terms of memories I am unlikely to forget him as the first open sights buck for me.
