LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
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LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
This update is concerning a range report after the modifications up to this point.
I finally had the oppurtunity to get to the range, the conditions were close to the original "virgin" range report. As I got to the range, the wind which was again sustained @ 12 mph while I was shooting at 50 yards. By the time I got to 100 yards, the wind started to get variable between 8 and 16 mph, and changing direction. I can adjust for sustained, but not to the amount of that variable wind at 100 with a .22, and the groups were all over. I had gone today, 4 degrees, no wind, which is a bit different than the original "virgin" range report, but continued anyway.
I also shot 10 round groups rather than the 5 round groups I had originally shot as the trigger finger started to get numb from the cold, and started to throw some shots. But the good thing is the pulls were able to be called, and was a malfunction of the shooter and not the equipment. I figured the 10 shot groups would give me a better feel for an average.
50 yard - Most of the groups were decent, with the high velocity federal bulk pack ammo with the most open group, which was to be expected. The circled hits were ones that I new I pulled as I lost the feeling of the trigger in the cold.
Either before or after the modifications, the rifle seems to be quite a shooter at 50 yards. The lower poundage trigger with less creep allowed be to call my pulls more accurately and gave me a sense of being in control of the shot. The work done on the grip and trigger gaurd in combination with the cheek piece allowed for a heck of alot more comfort and a feeling of "being one with the stock". Once satisfied at 50, I moved to 100 yards.
OK, it's not a tack driver, nor did I ever expect it to be. However, there was a bit of improvement over the original range report. Again the comfort level was increase substantially, and possibly the lack of wind made the groups less "stringy" with the match type ammo. I didn't have much faith in the remington subsonics, as they always opened up for me past 50 yards, no matter what rifle I used. The Federal bulk was all over also, and I stopped shooting them after 5 rounds.
I have to admit, the results was a bit of a let down as I was expecting more, but then again it is a $127.00 rifle, and the groups were about .25" smaller than the original range report. They were averaging 1.75" to 2", now 1.5" to 1.75" at 100 yards with the match ammos, and the Remington subsonics performed better along with the Federal bulk stuff, swo there was some improvement. I shot another target, with about the same results.
I then figured that's about as good as it's going to get, then thought I'd do something that I have done to other rimfires with decent results, and that's to trim up the crown a little. This isn't for the weak at heart and any gunsmith reading this would probably be cringing about now, but I took a chamfer tool used for reloading, and tried as evenly as I could to uniformly trim the end of the muzzle.
Muzzle before...
...during...
...after. It's hard to notice in the photo, but there is a silver ring around the end of the lands and grooves where the metal was removed.
Sounds insane, but it did seem to work, 100 yards after the "crown job".
Interestingly, the POI also changed to the right.
After getting home and measuring all the targets, it seemed that the groups were shrunk slightly more with the Wolf Match Extra ending at just under 1.25", and the Aguila Match at 1.5".
At this point I'm NOT very confident that the rifle will be better than a 1.25" to 1.5" rifle, but considering it is based on a $127.00 rifle with a $69.00 scope on it (bare bones), not too shabby either. Either sized grouping would be "usable" for smallbore silhoutte, as long as I do my part on a solid hold
I went to the 200 yard range, and realized quickly that the scope is going to run out of adjustment, and will probably put a 20 moa base on it if i plan on using it there. I was able to get 63 "up" 1/4" clicks out of it from my 50 yard zero before I couldn't get any more adjustment.
At this point i was running low on ammo, and did not post a target to get a group size. But I was able (to within reason) see the dirt hits on a small area of the snowy bank using my maxed out adjustment and:
1) 2 mildot holdover on 10X using the Fed. Bulk Pack, 4 mils on 14X
2) more consistant was the Wolf, using 7 mildot holdover on 10X, 5 mildot holdover on 14X
3) decent impacts with Aguila, 6 mildot holdover on 10 X, 4 mildot holdover on 14X
Even without having the advantage of a paper target to measure, the impacts where consistant enough to reason that 200 yard shooting can be obtainable. Once finished, I returned to 50 yards, with the 50 yard adjustment back to "0", and shot similar groups. So return to zero with this scope is good.
I also had a chance to do some squirrel hunting with it, and although I couldn't find one to save my life, some feedback:
1) the improved grip is not only comfortable at the bench, but in the field also.
2) the 10 round magazine has to go, it's too cumbersome and tends to get in the way both at the range and in the field.
3) the side carry option is nice, leaving your hands open to use binocs, take a drink, or whatever, while having the rifle easily at the ready.
So that's the results so far. I believe I may bed the action to see what that may produce, and hopefully be able to shoot on a day that the tempurature is less extreme not only with the beddied action, but results at 200 yards.
But if around 1.5" at 100 yards would suit your needs, this little project so far would fit the bill as a Low Budget .22 that serves as a "tactical" trainer, smallbore silhoutte hunter class rifle, and a heck of a small game shooter. The "bare bones" costing less than the originally planned $300.00, with the extras driving it up some. Mix and match to your needs.
RIFLE...............$127.00
BIPOD.................39.97
B. GROUND CHECK........5.00
SCOPE.................69.97
RINGS................. 9.47
ULTRA BLACK KRYLON.... 4.44
STUDS (2 packs)....... 9.98
CHEEKPIECE+RAIL.......42.00
SLING.................16.97
BASES(USED AS RAILS)...6.49
"CHEAP ACCESSORIES
MATERIALS"............15.00
FEELER GUAGE "SHIMS"...3.00
TAX...................20.06
= $369.35
OVERALL TIME = 34.5 HOURS
I finally had the oppurtunity to get to the range, the conditions were close to the original "virgin" range report. As I got to the range, the wind which was again sustained @ 12 mph while I was shooting at 50 yards. By the time I got to 100 yards, the wind started to get variable between 8 and 16 mph, and changing direction. I can adjust for sustained, but not to the amount of that variable wind at 100 with a .22, and the groups were all over. I had gone today, 4 degrees, no wind, which is a bit different than the original "virgin" range report, but continued anyway.
I also shot 10 round groups rather than the 5 round groups I had originally shot as the trigger finger started to get numb from the cold, and started to throw some shots. But the good thing is the pulls were able to be called, and was a malfunction of the shooter and not the equipment. I figured the 10 shot groups would give me a better feel for an average.
50 yard - Most of the groups were decent, with the high velocity federal bulk pack ammo with the most open group, which was to be expected. The circled hits were ones that I new I pulled as I lost the feeling of the trigger in the cold.
Either before or after the modifications, the rifle seems to be quite a shooter at 50 yards. The lower poundage trigger with less creep allowed be to call my pulls more accurately and gave me a sense of being in control of the shot. The work done on the grip and trigger gaurd in combination with the cheek piece allowed for a heck of alot more comfort and a feeling of "being one with the stock". Once satisfied at 50, I moved to 100 yards.
OK, it's not a tack driver, nor did I ever expect it to be. However, there was a bit of improvement over the original range report. Again the comfort level was increase substantially, and possibly the lack of wind made the groups less "stringy" with the match type ammo. I didn't have much faith in the remington subsonics, as they always opened up for me past 50 yards, no matter what rifle I used. The Federal bulk was all over also, and I stopped shooting them after 5 rounds.
I have to admit, the results was a bit of a let down as I was expecting more, but then again it is a $127.00 rifle, and the groups were about .25" smaller than the original range report. They were averaging 1.75" to 2", now 1.5" to 1.75" at 100 yards with the match ammos, and the Remington subsonics performed better along with the Federal bulk stuff, swo there was some improvement. I shot another target, with about the same results.
I then figured that's about as good as it's going to get, then thought I'd do something that I have done to other rimfires with decent results, and that's to trim up the crown a little. This isn't for the weak at heart and any gunsmith reading this would probably be cringing about now, but I took a chamfer tool used for reloading, and tried as evenly as I could to uniformly trim the end of the muzzle.
Muzzle before...
...during...
...after. It's hard to notice in the photo, but there is a silver ring around the end of the lands and grooves where the metal was removed.
Sounds insane, but it did seem to work, 100 yards after the "crown job".
Interestingly, the POI also changed to the right.
After getting home and measuring all the targets, it seemed that the groups were shrunk slightly more with the Wolf Match Extra ending at just under 1.25", and the Aguila Match at 1.5".
At this point I'm NOT very confident that the rifle will be better than a 1.25" to 1.5" rifle, but considering it is based on a $127.00 rifle with a $69.00 scope on it (bare bones), not too shabby either. Either sized grouping would be "usable" for smallbore silhoutte, as long as I do my part on a solid hold
I went to the 200 yard range, and realized quickly that the scope is going to run out of adjustment, and will probably put a 20 moa base on it if i plan on using it there. I was able to get 63 "up" 1/4" clicks out of it from my 50 yard zero before I couldn't get any more adjustment.
At this point i was running low on ammo, and did not post a target to get a group size. But I was able (to within reason) see the dirt hits on a small area of the snowy bank using my maxed out adjustment and:
1) 2 mildot holdover on 10X using the Fed. Bulk Pack, 4 mils on 14X
2) more consistant was the Wolf, using 7 mildot holdover on 10X, 5 mildot holdover on 14X
3) decent impacts with Aguila, 6 mildot holdover on 10 X, 4 mildot holdover on 14X
Even without having the advantage of a paper target to measure, the impacts where consistant enough to reason that 200 yard shooting can be obtainable. Once finished, I returned to 50 yards, with the 50 yard adjustment back to "0", and shot similar groups. So return to zero with this scope is good.
I also had a chance to do some squirrel hunting with it, and although I couldn't find one to save my life, some feedback:
1) the improved grip is not only comfortable at the bench, but in the field also.
2) the 10 round magazine has to go, it's too cumbersome and tends to get in the way both at the range and in the field.
3) the side carry option is nice, leaving your hands open to use binocs, take a drink, or whatever, while having the rifle easily at the ready.
So that's the results so far. I believe I may bed the action to see what that may produce, and hopefully be able to shoot on a day that the tempurature is less extreme not only with the beddied action, but results at 200 yards.
But if around 1.5" at 100 yards would suit your needs, this little project so far would fit the bill as a Low Budget .22 that serves as a "tactical" trainer, smallbore silhoutte hunter class rifle, and a heck of a small game shooter. The "bare bones" costing less than the originally planned $300.00, with the extras driving it up some. Mix and match to your needs.
RIFLE...............$127.00
BIPOD.................39.97
B. GROUND CHECK........5.00
SCOPE.................69.97
RINGS................. 9.47
ULTRA BLACK KRYLON.... 4.44
STUDS (2 packs)....... 9.98
CHEEKPIECE+RAIL.......42.00
SLING.................16.97
BASES(USED AS RAILS)...6.49
"CHEAP ACCESSORIES
MATERIALS"............15.00
FEELER GUAGE "SHIMS"...3.00
TAX...................20.06
= $369.35
OVERALL TIME = 34.5 HOURS
"a craftsman can't realize his full potential, without finding the potential of the tools he uses...."
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Evelio Mc Donald
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
I am not trying to be a smart ass, just trying to figure out why spend so much time in a $137.00 rifle, your total investment was $369.00 and your labor took 34.5 hours, at a minimum of $30.00 an hour, that comes up to $1035.00 for a total of about $1,400.00 ?????
I am sure you had a lot of fun doing this project, the pictures, the narration, and explanation of the whole job was grate.
Good job.
Evelio.
I am sure you had a lot of fun doing this project, the pictures, the narration, and explanation of the whole job was grate.
Good job.
Evelio.
Evelio
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BlauBear
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Evelio, sometimes it is about the journey, not the destination. But then, I play with 504's... 
"If the America people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currencies, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their prosperity" - TJ
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
if i could get 30.00 an hour doing stuff like that, i'll quit my regular job tomorrow!
the total price was really including a whole bunch of stuff that you don't need for silhoutte (or is legal), but are nice to have for hunting or paper shooting "tacticool" style. that's whay i broke it all down in the costs at the end of the posts. one could add or subtract what they may like and give an idea of the cost of doing it.
basically $127.00 rifle + $69.00 scope = 196.00 (plus a drop in trigger for $82.00) = $278.00 (or just get and accutrigger model for a little over $200.00)
the idea was also based towards a normal joe that doesn't have $1200.00 lying around for an anshutz, cooper, etc. and about the same amount for a sweet optic, or can afford a gunsmith to do such things for him, but would like to have something more user friendly without breaking the bank.
don't get me wrong, i originally was going to get a CZ 452 with nikon glass, which would be around 750.00 to 850.00 right off the top. but i got cheap, and figured i'd snap afew pictures along the way as i tinkered, and maybe come up with a few tips along the way.
i don't drink (anymore), go to bars to shoot pool (anymore), watch sports, go bowling, raise hell, chasin' women, or any of that kind of stuff (anymore), all i do is shoot anymore, so the amount of time i put into this project is more of a hobby thing for me. the 34.5 hours was spread out over a month (more or less), doesn't mean i coulndn't spread it out over a year.
thanks for the compliment though.
the total price was really including a whole bunch of stuff that you don't need for silhoutte (or is legal), but are nice to have for hunting or paper shooting "tacticool" style. that's whay i broke it all down in the costs at the end of the posts. one could add or subtract what they may like and give an idea of the cost of doing it.
basically $127.00 rifle + $69.00 scope = 196.00 (plus a drop in trigger for $82.00) = $278.00 (or just get and accutrigger model for a little over $200.00)
the idea was also based towards a normal joe that doesn't have $1200.00 lying around for an anshutz, cooper, etc. and about the same amount for a sweet optic, or can afford a gunsmith to do such things for him, but would like to have something more user friendly without breaking the bank.
don't get me wrong, i originally was going to get a CZ 452 with nikon glass, which would be around 750.00 to 850.00 right off the top. but i got cheap, and figured i'd snap afew pictures along the way as i tinkered, and maybe come up with a few tips along the way.
i don't drink (anymore), go to bars to shoot pool (anymore), watch sports, go bowling, raise hell, chasin' women, or any of that kind of stuff (anymore), all i do is shoot anymore, so the amount of time i put into this project is more of a hobby thing for me. the 34.5 hours was spread out over a month (more or less), doesn't mean i coulndn't spread it out over a year.
thanks for the compliment though.
"a craftsman can't realize his full potential, without finding the potential of the tools he uses...."
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Trent
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
When working on a hobby... time is free. 
Not bad for a $130 dollar rifle! I am impressed. Especially considering that it is the sporter tapered barrel.
Not bad for a $130 dollar rifle! I am impressed. Especially considering that it is the sporter tapered barrel.
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hambone49
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
I'm with Evelio on this one. It almost makes me miss me wish Tbone was still alive.
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BlauBear
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Some of us enjoy tinkering. Yes, it is an illness, but it does keep us out of the bars and away from skirt so spouse units indulge it.
"If the America people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currencies, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their prosperity" - TJ
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malinois
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Hobbies are great and wives should be happy...when ever my wife complains about how much I spend on my hobby I just point out that I can send my money to Evelio, midway or get a new girl friend in hialeah pooofff no more argument !! 
sometimes its more about the journey and the enjoyment derived then the cost... guess thats why we spend thousands in persuit of our sport.
sometimes its more about the journey and the enjoyment derived then the cost... guess thats why we spend thousands in persuit of our sport.-
Bob259
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
So what did you really say when you picked yourself up off the floor...malinois wrote:...when ever my wife complains about how much I spend on my hobby I just point out that I can send my money to Evelio, midway or get a new girl friend in hialeah pooofff no more argument !!
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Proud Member of the Ram Slammers US Division (Two Bob)
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Boyd L.
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
And if you add giving up smoking and chewing tobacco, I resemble that remark.TOP PREDATOR wrote:....
i don't drink (anymore), go to bars to shoot pool (anymore), watch sports, go bowling, raise hell, chasin' women, or any of that kind of stuff (anymore), all i do is shoot anymore.....
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Innocent
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Boy am I glad I don't wear a skirt...just kilts.LOL
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Guilty until proven Innocent by the press.
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BlauBear
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Are you concerned that some are less reformed than claimed?
"If the America people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currencies, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their prosperity" - TJ
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Innocent
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
Silhouette shooters are some of the most reformed individuals I've ever met. And their addictions are easy to deal with, just give them more ammo, matching vests, newer scopes, and time to play.
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Guilty until proven Innocent by the press.
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malinois
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
HaHa...Bob you know my wife well !!!....I'm glad that we can enjoy are sport no matter what we do it with...I like the fix up..now I have to fix up my old Winchester 310 with some sights so I can bring out my bargin blaster...I am not good at gunsmithing so old Evo might be getting a call soon....
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Trent
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Re: LOW BUDGET .22 SIL RIFLE/TRAINER - range report, post mods
I can't afford to send a rifle of any kind to a gunsmith. But one thing I do have is time to tinker with my hobbies. That is why I love seeing threads like this. Also, I absolutely love learning how something works and then coming up with ways to improve it. All the power to those that can afford it though. 