Two years ago 42769vette invited lovemywoods and Que out to Liberty, IN to stretch out their rifles to 700+ yards on his family farm. They returned with big grins and I was VERY jealous. You can read about their time here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ar-long-distance-shooting-42769vette-que.html
Last year we were invited back and I, along with OneBadV8 and lovemywoods, made the journey east to spend the day shooting at distances we don't shoot regularly. It was 25 degrees and VERY windy but we stuck it out and still had a great time. Of course we all agreed that if we did it again we'd hold out for warmer weather. The catch was that it had to be before April when the crops are planted and we lose the "range". You can read about that experience here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...oting-out-730-yards-42769vette-pics-vids.html
This year we picked March 10th for our annual trip. As luck would have it, it turned out to be an unseasonably WARM day at the tail end of winter. We were all very thankful.
Our motley crew was the same as last year-- lovemywoods, OneBadV8, 42769vette, and myself. The 3 of us met in Franklin and carpooled with lovemywoods out to Liberty. We arrived around 11am and were warmly greeted by 42769vette. His wife, a saint, had prepared us a hearty lunch of her homemade chili, coffee cake, and brownies. We also got to see 42769vette's new A&A Optics workshop. The shop is coming along nicely, and should provide some much-needed space for his growing operations. He stocks many different models of Vortex scopes, along with related accessories. His reloading setup has also moved into the shop.
After stuffing ourselves and catching up for a couple hours we decided to head over to the family farm and throw some lead downrange. Here is what we brought to play with:
42769vette
--Savage 10-FSPR, .308, AI 1.5 stock, Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP/MIL
--Seekins/Loki AR, 5.56, Geissele trigger, Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR
lovemywoods
--Remington 700 BDL, .223, Vortex Viper 6.5x20-44
OneBadV8
--Savage 110BA, .300wm, Falcon Menace 5.5-25x50 FFP
--LMT MRP AR, 5.56, ACOG
esrice
--Noveske/Spike's MK18 10.5" SBR, 5.56, Aimpoint H1 (and Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR for fun)
We kicked things off by shooting up near the barn. From there we engaged Bobcat Steel AR500 steel targets at varying distances.
The purpose here was to function test our gear, and to zero or confirm zeros on our rifles. Sharing was encouraged and we all shot each other's guns eventually. We ran 2 spotting scopes and easily helped each other make our hits.
One cool piece of redneck engineering came courtesy of 42769vette. While shooting recently he was having issues with his titanium YHM .30cal suppressor giving off mirage when hot. This completely distorted his sight picture and left him unable to finish shooting. Aware of the purpose-built sleeves but needing a quick and inexpensive alternative, he turned to a local fireplace store to help him solve his problem. For $5 they sold him a sheet of 2-part material normally used to insulate hot pipes. He cut a small section off, wrapped it around the suppressor, and applied a few wraps of duct tape. Viola!
Crazy part is, it worked great! Even after shooting the AR suppressed we could remove the suppressor bare handed and hold it. It was warm, but never hot. Mirage was completely eliminated and we had no problems shooting throughout the day.
We decided to write "Match Tactical" on it, realizing that we increased its value 1000% by doing so.
We also caught a sneak peak of 42769vette's newest toy, a nice big trailer he can use for gunshows. It still had the fresh 'new trailer' smell!
After everything was dialed in we left the barn and headed for the fields.
Out in the field we had access to a single full-size IPSC torso target made of AR500 steel from Bobcat Steel set at 728 yards. For those like me who aren't used to shooting at longer distances, this is a LONG way away. It's far enough that seeing the target with the naked eye was somewhat difficult.
All the rifles came back out and we had fun trying each one at the new distance. 42769vette was instrumental here, as his ability to share his knowlege and experience with long distance shooting was greatly appreciated. Many lessons were taught, including reading the wind, the differences in using MILs or MOA, matching a scope to the job, and the differences between a $200 scope and a $2,000 scope. As before, I walked away feeling like I not only had fun, but I learned a few things and gained some valuable experience.
For me personally, the best part of the day came from a challenge from 42769vette. We were joking around about my Noveske MK18 10.5" SBR hitting at 700 yards. He bet that he could get me hitting consistently in fewer than 10 rounds. I sarcastially told him he was crazy, because we all know that SBRs can't hit after 200 yards. But of course I was up to the challenge.
First we ripped off my Aimpoint H1 and Magpul AFG and replaced them with a Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR and Harris bipod. The gun looked hilarious! We actually had to remove the scope's sunshade because it extended way past the barrel.
I settled in behind the gun and we got down to business.
With two spotters they both couldn't see my first shot. Nor my second. 42769vette dialed a few adjustments on the scope, hoping I'd hit low and he could see the dirt puff. On the 3rd shot I did, and he was able to make another adjustment. After the 4th shot he shouted "Ah ha!" and started dialing the scope all over the place! 5th shot hit dirt right next to the target. Small adjustment. 6th shot I was told my elevation was great, but to hold left. 7th shot was closer. 8th shot was closer. 9th shot . . . . BANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *ding*! "OH ****" was my reaction!
I then dialed the last adjustment in the scope and went on to make several more hits with relative ease. Hold crosshair on center . . . . . *ding*! 42769vette did the same.
I'll include 3 videos of the actual hits below this post.
Tired and hungry we all packed up and headed back to the house for Round 2 of chili and desserts. We spent the final hour of daylight and several more into the night relaxing in the shop and talking about INGO, guns, optics, business, and family. Thanking our gracious hosts we headed back toward Franklin and then went our separate ways back to our homes.
It had been too long since I had pulled a trigger and it was days like yesterday that reminded me of why I love INGO so much. What a wonderful place to have brought so many quality people into my life. I am blessed, humbled, and thankful for the opportunities that INGO has provided for me over the past 6 years.
If you're in the market for a rifle optic I would STRONGLY encourage you to talk to Alan (42769vette) of A&A Optics. He's not a salesman and he'll point you in the right direction toward the right optic-- even if he doesn't carry it. He's more like a Rifleman who happens to sell optics. The education you'll receive will far outweigh the cost of any scope you purchase.
You can PM him here on INGO directly, or email him at alan@aaoptics.com. Or just give him a call at (765) 580-0986. I know he'll anwer because he was taking calls while we were out shooting!
I'll also mention that he's a big fan of the Appleseed Project and he's hosting an Appleseed at his farm this coming April 19th, 2014. I'm sure he'll be along shortly to share the details for those interested.
With some recent family- and work-related stress it was theraputic to have a day like yesterday. As the weather continues to improve and temps continue to rise I'd encourage you to get out and throw some lead downrange. And if you can, snap a few pics and share your time with the rest of us here on INGO!
Last year we were invited back and I, along with OneBadV8 and lovemywoods, made the journey east to spend the day shooting at distances we don't shoot regularly. It was 25 degrees and VERY windy but we stuck it out and still had a great time. Of course we all agreed that if we did it again we'd hold out for warmer weather. The catch was that it had to be before April when the crops are planted and we lose the "range". You can read about that experience here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...oting-out-730-yards-42769vette-pics-vids.html
This year we picked March 10th for our annual trip. As luck would have it, it turned out to be an unseasonably WARM day at the tail end of winter. We were all very thankful.
Our motley crew was the same as last year-- lovemywoods, OneBadV8, 42769vette, and myself. The 3 of us met in Franklin and carpooled with lovemywoods out to Liberty. We arrived around 11am and were warmly greeted by 42769vette. His wife, a saint, had prepared us a hearty lunch of her homemade chili, coffee cake, and brownies. We also got to see 42769vette's new A&A Optics workshop. The shop is coming along nicely, and should provide some much-needed space for his growing operations. He stocks many different models of Vortex scopes, along with related accessories. His reloading setup has also moved into the shop.
After stuffing ourselves and catching up for a couple hours we decided to head over to the family farm and throw some lead downrange. Here is what we brought to play with:
42769vette
--Savage 10-FSPR, .308, AI 1.5 stock, Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP/MIL
--Seekins/Loki AR, 5.56, Geissele trigger, Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR
lovemywoods
--Remington 700 BDL, .223, Vortex Viper 6.5x20-44
OneBadV8
--Savage 110BA, .300wm, Falcon Menace 5.5-25x50 FFP
--LMT MRP AR, 5.56, ACOG
esrice
--Noveske/Spike's MK18 10.5" SBR, 5.56, Aimpoint H1 (and Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR for fun)
We kicked things off by shooting up near the barn. From there we engaged Bobcat Steel AR500 steel targets at varying distances.
The purpose here was to function test our gear, and to zero or confirm zeros on our rifles. Sharing was encouraged and we all shot each other's guns eventually. We ran 2 spotting scopes and easily helped each other make our hits.
One cool piece of redneck engineering came courtesy of 42769vette. While shooting recently he was having issues with his titanium YHM .30cal suppressor giving off mirage when hot. This completely distorted his sight picture and left him unable to finish shooting. Aware of the purpose-built sleeves but needing a quick and inexpensive alternative, he turned to a local fireplace store to help him solve his problem. For $5 they sold him a sheet of 2-part material normally used to insulate hot pipes. He cut a small section off, wrapped it around the suppressor, and applied a few wraps of duct tape. Viola!
Crazy part is, it worked great! Even after shooting the AR suppressed we could remove the suppressor bare handed and hold it. It was warm, but never hot. Mirage was completely eliminated and we had no problems shooting throughout the day.
We decided to write "Match Tactical" on it, realizing that we increased its value 1000% by doing so.
We also caught a sneak peak of 42769vette's newest toy, a nice big trailer he can use for gunshows. It still had the fresh 'new trailer' smell!
After everything was dialed in we left the barn and headed for the fields.
Out in the field we had access to a single full-size IPSC torso target made of AR500 steel from Bobcat Steel set at 728 yards. For those like me who aren't used to shooting at longer distances, this is a LONG way away. It's far enough that seeing the target with the naked eye was somewhat difficult.
All the rifles came back out and we had fun trying each one at the new distance. 42769vette was instrumental here, as his ability to share his knowlege and experience with long distance shooting was greatly appreciated. Many lessons were taught, including reading the wind, the differences in using MILs or MOA, matching a scope to the job, and the differences between a $200 scope and a $2,000 scope. As before, I walked away feeling like I not only had fun, but I learned a few things and gained some valuable experience.
For me personally, the best part of the day came from a challenge from 42769vette. We were joking around about my Noveske MK18 10.5" SBR hitting at 700 yards. He bet that he could get me hitting consistently in fewer than 10 rounds. I sarcastially told him he was crazy, because we all know that SBRs can't hit after 200 yards. But of course I was up to the challenge.
First we ripped off my Aimpoint H1 and Magpul AFG and replaced them with a Vortex Viper HSLR 4-16x50 FFP/XLR and Harris bipod. The gun looked hilarious! We actually had to remove the scope's sunshade because it extended way past the barrel.
I settled in behind the gun and we got down to business.
With two spotters they both couldn't see my first shot. Nor my second. 42769vette dialed a few adjustments on the scope, hoping I'd hit low and he could see the dirt puff. On the 3rd shot I did, and he was able to make another adjustment. After the 4th shot he shouted "Ah ha!" and started dialing the scope all over the place! 5th shot hit dirt right next to the target. Small adjustment. 6th shot I was told my elevation was great, but to hold left. 7th shot was closer. 8th shot was closer. 9th shot . . . . BANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *ding*! "OH ****" was my reaction!
I then dialed the last adjustment in the scope and went on to make several more hits with relative ease. Hold crosshair on center . . . . . *ding*! 42769vette did the same.
I'll include 3 videos of the actual hits below this post.
Tired and hungry we all packed up and headed back to the house for Round 2 of chili and desserts. We spent the final hour of daylight and several more into the night relaxing in the shop and talking about INGO, guns, optics, business, and family. Thanking our gracious hosts we headed back toward Franklin and then went our separate ways back to our homes.
It had been too long since I had pulled a trigger and it was days like yesterday that reminded me of why I love INGO so much. What a wonderful place to have brought so many quality people into my life. I am blessed, humbled, and thankful for the opportunities that INGO has provided for me over the past 6 years.
If you're in the market for a rifle optic I would STRONGLY encourage you to talk to Alan (42769vette) of A&A Optics. He's not a salesman and he'll point you in the right direction toward the right optic-- even if he doesn't carry it. He's more like a Rifleman who happens to sell optics. The education you'll receive will far outweigh the cost of any scope you purchase.
You can PM him here on INGO directly, or email him at alan@aaoptics.com. Or just give him a call at (765) 580-0986. I know he'll anwer because he was taking calls while we were out shooting!
I'll also mention that he's a big fan of the Appleseed Project and he's hosting an Appleseed at his farm this coming April 19th, 2014. I'm sure he'll be along shortly to share the details for those interested.
With some recent family- and work-related stress it was theraputic to have a day like yesterday. As the weather continues to improve and temps continue to rise I'd encourage you to get out and throw some lead downrange. And if you can, snap a few pics and share your time with the rest of us here on INGO!
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" Im not sure what he mumbled under his breath, but I really didn't have to hear it to get the jest of what he was saying.
