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Benchrest Winchesters ?

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25-20

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November 10, 2015 - 4:02 pm

This is a Pic of the Bench in my backyard built by myself and friends 20 years ago (basic plans from Precision Shooting magazine ) with a Re-finished but otherwise original as made in 1902 , Mod 94 , in my favorite Cal 32-40 in little used condition. Set trigger about 2 Ounces is similar pull weight to what B/R shooters use. The ‘plain’ triggers are about 6 Pound weight which is safety over kill. Well I guess not in lawyer land

,Would any Sane individual expect to achieve Benchrest accuracy from Deer rifles over 100 years old ?. No , but I know there are a couple like minded shooters here who are also curious about what they are ultimately capable of. This is a response to Brad recently asking about other shooters set ups , and realize that not many Collectors , hunters and shooters will be interested , however somehow I feel compelled to throw in my 2 cents worth

I was infatuated as a child with Winchesters when almost every Canadian household had a Surplus Military 303 British rifle bought for $10 and used for Deer Hunting. Somehow these never interested me, but a neighbors Mod 92 in 44 sure did.. Also the “Rifleman ” TV series didnt hurt. I started buying and shooting Old Winchester rifles as a teenager in the 70’s. I got interested in accuracy in my 20’s and became a Benchrest shooter.It was very interesting to me especially at 300 Meters at my local Gun club. Also wind effect on a travelling bullet infatuated me. Wind reading with ‘Wind Flag ‘ setups is certainly the deciding factor in winning matches , especially at the longer distances , as most competitors have ultimate equivalent equipment.

Any way over 15 years ago now, the full circle Winchester bug started biting me harder than ever. I never really lost the bug and my B/R buddies were shaking their heads at me at gunshows. I havent shot modern guns since including my B/R rifles.

I like the Octagon rifle configuration for best group stability and increased sight radius, and have added Target aperture sights to several rifles, the front taking the Lyman 17A circular inserts that encircle the appropriate for yardage round black bullseye in traditional target shooting preference (original sights are labeled and stored waiting for someone to return them to the rifles someday) The heavier the gun, ( especially the barrel ) the better for bag stability . I prefer a very light hold almost full recoil, but as mentioned by Hunters in posts here , barrel jump would be a factor in lighter guns and cartridges above 32-40 recoil that you have to hang on to tighter. The front rest was made by me and altho crude looking , is very heavy , steady , and effective but lacking good adjustability of expensive modern B/R front rest set ups. My left hand on shimming blocks under rear bag is used for fine adjustment

(finally could post a Pic . Thanks for help Bob and Wincacher)

Phil

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Wincacher

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November 10, 2015 - 5:16 pm

Nice to have a set-up like that in your own back yard. Makes it really easy to fire a few shots to check a new adjustment or load. I thought I was doing OK with a 20 mile drive (one way), mostly on primitive back roads, to get to the Del Norte Gun Club to do my B/R shooting.

"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

Kirk Durston

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November 10, 2015 - 11:04 pm

That is a nice benchrest outfit. I have a similar, though home-made front rest. For the rear, I use my closed right fist. I like to get 5-shot groups of 3″ or less at 100 yards. If I can get 2″ or less, I am very happy. Of course, these are all groups fired out of vintage Winchesters, usually around 100 years old, and using tang peep sights.

FromTheWoods

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November 11, 2015 - 12:12 am

Whoa! Phil, that is one gorgeous rifle! Those close-coupled triggers are hard to find, and yours is such a beauty!

How nice for you to step outside and shoot on your own place.

Brad Dunbar

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November 11, 2015 - 12:32 am

Phil
That looks like a really stable set up you have there, very neat. Is that from the same plans you sent me a few years back? I like those sights on your rifle too.
Brad

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Brad Dunbar

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25-20

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November 29, 2015 - 11:09 pm

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Thanks for comments guys. It is very easy to learn about loading when able to try loads and go back to loading bench in a minute. I live close to a good club , but when I go I have to pack up everything , and would also have to take all loading set-up to the range like most guys do. Peace and calm is also better for me than a sometimes hectic range , especially when the Boys are out with their 50 BMGS etc

Yes Brad those are the plans , Sights on 1894 are Lee Shaver

This is one rifle that still has to live up to potential. This Mod 1885 1908 3rd model Schuetzen 32-40 , Being in high condition and having a like new bore with heavy #4 barrel , and reading the exploits of Pope and contemporarys, back in the day, I expected consistent modern B/R rifle accuracy from it. (still do, just now recovering from Cataract surgery , and just ordered glasses and a couple new lenses for my Knoblock shooting glasses with Astigmatism correction)

Does well with RCBS 32-170 GC and 13.5 4227 or 19 4198, Has shown potential especially at 300 M, the odd great group ,just not every time , and so far not any better than my best 1894 32-40

Phil

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