1873 .45 Colt Chrono Drivel . . .

¶ . . . Here is the chrono account of the first outing with my '73, for you number crunchers. The one thing of particular puzzlement to me was the high velocities on "the virgin string." Error on my part or just an anomaly? Go figure! Weather was partly cloudy, cold (for here!!) about 50 degrees . . .

. . . First up: Hornady Cowboy Loads, 255 grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point.The claimed muzzle velocity, from the box, is 725 FPS:

                  S1                     S2                     S3
High:    962.7              902.8                909.4
Low :    911.1                877.0                 887.5
Avg. :    943.0              889.6                898.5
E.S. :       51.58               25.83                 21.86
S.D. :       14.49              7.0                    7.28
Total:    10 Shots          10 Shots           10 Shots

Shot#       S1                     S2                     S3
01:          934.0              898.9                903.1
02:          938.5              884.1                889.9
03:          955.2              885.8                895.7
04:          932.4              890.1                907.1
05:          948.4              887.3                909.4
06:          950.9              902.8                887.5
07:          962.7              877.0                893.5
08:          947.0              890.4                901.9
09:          911.1              890.1                900.2
10:          950.3              889.2                894.2

. . . Next, Winchester Cowboy Loads, 250 grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point. Claimed muzzle velocity for these (Winchester website) is 750 FPS:

                  S1                     S2                     S3
High:    903.0              908.5                  899.6
Low :    878.7              880.9                  880.2
Avg. :   892.1               895.8                891.6
E.S. :       24.31              27.57                 19.42
S.D. :       7.81               10.86                    5.91 (!!!!)
Total:    10 Shots          10 Shots           10 Shots

Shot#       S1                     S2                     S3
01:          888.2              901.5                887.2
02:          889.2              907.1                890.9
03:          903.0              890.1                898.0
04:          893.3              881.0                890.6
05:          889.7              908.5                893.5
06:          890.5              880.9                880.2
07:          878.7              899.6                898.8
08:          902.4              903.2                899.6
09:          886.1              902.2                887.2
10:          900.1              883.7                890.1

. . . Hope that's scientific enough!! It took me longer to write this than it did to shoot it!! For a real look at someone who doesn't know what they are doing, look at "View Source" for this entry to see the convoluted way I laid this out!!

The "Current Read" . . .

¶ . . . Not American History or firepower prose, but it's caught my attention. I've always been intrigued by mysterious medieval topics, secret societies; things like the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Destiny, alchemy, and such. The programs run by The History Channel on these subjects are always real entertaining. Being a Roman Catholic myself I naturally think the "carnal" suppositions about Jesus Christ are bunk, but this not being a "theo-blog", that's all I'll say about that. I guess one might say the book could be historical fiction, as there are many interesting factoids written into and mentioned in the story . . .
¶ . . . The recent appearance of a Gospel by "alleged" uber-traitor Judas Iscariot has also piqued my interest, but one kind of wonders about something "found" in the desert near the Nile after many centuries . . . National Geographic Channel to run a program on this subject tonight . . .

I'll Get One Of These . . .

¶ . . . I forget where I saw this link, but after I read it I decided to go for it!! It describes the process of obtaining an 03 Federal Firearm License, Collector of Curios & Relics, and what it is good for. I just wanted to say I had one and get the dealer discounts from Brownells and Midway. Well, it was pretty simple. I requested the paper work from the ATF via the Internet and then sent the completed forms back and one copy to the Chief of Police and I received it. It took about six weeks from the time I dropped the forms in the mailbox. They send a bunch of stuff, like a big book of states regulations and the best of all, a booklet listing eligible weapons. All of the '73 Peacemaker commemoratives listed are like a history of the United States. If you think, "You never know when I'll come across a cheap Luger," or what have you, check it out. The money you might save on your first parts order will cover the $30 fee right off the bat . . .
. . . Yeah, the Nebelwerfer is in the C & R booklet!! Might make a nice lawn ornament . . . !!

  GET SOME!!

Shooting Report . . .

¶ . . . That is semi-Geek-style in length (Jerry The Geek for the uninitiated!!) Fellow Gunblogger Marc might well be happy I'm posting up a Range Report of the first outing with my '73. He so shames me, as do the rest of you guys, with your frequent posts . . .
. . . The week before I went out I had to get some Shooting Swag, the front rest in the foto from last post was one piece. Here's more:

. . . The new front rest and its rear bag mate . . .

. . . and some Shoot N C's . . .




   . . . and of course, some ammo! I got some Hornady and Winchester Cowboy Loads . . . Man, this stuff costs! I'll be ordering-up some Dillon dies right quick!!

Some new ammo boxes were in order, also . . .

             

. . . Some new gun care products were also on the shopping list . . .

. . . All this before I even fired a shot out of my new rifle. I gotta say, a big part of the fun (And makes all the overtime worth it!! Not like I've been digging trenches or anything!!) of gun ownership is purchasing all the neat goodies "in support of your mission." Like we all didn't already know that . . .!!

. . . Had to reorganize a range box/chest:


¶ . . . Well, as I wrote previously, I made it to the range to try my rifle and chrono the Cowboy Loads, research if you will (Those nuts and bolts in a later post.). This in preparation to "roll my own." My first order of business was to sight in and see how well it may be sighted right out of the box. Mind now, I only had time to shoot 30 rounds of each load and my camera crapped out,preventing me from showing target fotos (How convenient!!) The Uberti '73 has a drift-adjustable front sight, locked down with a slotted set screw. Even from the rests, with my abilities all guns shoot better than I can!! However, the windage at 25 and 50 yards seemed OK, with both the Hornady and Winchester loads. At 25 yards, both loads shot 2-3" high, rear sight at lowest graduation. At 50 yards, they were about 2-3" low, but moving the sight up to the next graduation brought it up into my "aim-point." Keep in mind, my group size is about fist-sized around the "aim-point." This is all not very scientific and the most important thing I learned is I need more practice. I think Brian Enos says you should be able to shoot as good as the gun, but I ain't there yet!!
. . . The trigger on the '73 feels a little heavy, but we'll see about that later and get the opinions of some that are versed in the matter. The recoil is quite light, a pleasure to shoot, but the lever is quite rough on my right hand. I put some gloves on after I shot the first tube. I also found out I cannot just nonchalantly stroke the action to chamber a new round; the bullet will hang up on the breach unless I work it with "authority." Don't know if this is because the gun is new . . . or I didn't lube it up before I shot it!! I wonder if a short-stroke kit is one of the hot mods . . .
. . . I'm real happy with it so far. I still need to take it out to 100 yards, but my time got short before I could trek on over to the rifle range area at the club. I was planning on heading up tomorrow to do just that, but it looks like rain. I want to be able to shoot a silhouette match this month up at Angeles. I went up there as a spectator a couple of weeks ago to check it out. Here's a look at that range:



. . . You might be able to just make out the silhouettes. The top berm is 200 meters (yards?) . . .
. . . Some better fotos should be in the offing: I just bought a new camera (another "promised" posting!!). So if I'm rained-out on the range tomorrow, I'll cruise around trying it out . . .
. . . H/T's to all the frequent posters.

Finally Got To The Range . . .

¶ . . . for some trigger time with my new '73, but I only got off two photos before my lame-ass can't-hold-hold-a-charge battery crapped out!! I got this one off as I set up to chrono and sight in my Para for this week's SWPL Match (Which I'll miss again!! This pesky job!!):


. . . and one of the '73 before it got off its first shot:


. . . Range Report forthcoming when I get another chance to write more, hopefully inviting some more of your comments/advice; I already have some observations to inquire about. I'll say this, it sure is nice and seems to shoot pretty straight right out of the box, but I need to take the Marine out with me to fire it, as he and the gun can shoot better than I can!! I also need him to shoot the camera for some better fotos! Sorry to keep you guys waiting. . .
. . . A new 10/22 is on its way! The Ten-Day is just about up on that one!!

¶ . . . I'm grateful for the "pesky job"; it makes trigger time possible!!

"Stick To Cowboy Loads . . . "

¶ . . . Seems to be the order for reloading ammo for my Uberti '73.  Cowboy Blob  and  Marc at Ninth Stage  were on the spot with rapid replies to my requests for some advice, as I was hoping to be able to push the loads to reach out to the far silhouettes. No hot-shots for me!! Cowboy Loads it will be!!
. . . Here's a good quote from C.B. on the Uberti guns: "I've heard that some Italians who make them are really surprised that Americans shoot the guns!!"

YEEOW!!

It's Mine . . . !!

¶ . . . a brand new '73!! Unfortunately, I'm so tied up at work, I can't cut loose for some trigger time!! Today would have been a good day, too, as there is hardly a soul up at the range on Mondays. When I get a chance, I'll post a photo or two of some corny pose . . . !

. . . The wife had to sleep elsewhere last night!!

Not Very Impressive . . .

¶ . . . I must not be hanging out with enough of the right kind of people!!

Average Grunt You are 75% of a gun nut!

You've been trained in the art of the rifle. When you're handed a firearm, you can generally use it competently. The local firing range knows you on a first-name basis.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 63% on knowledge

Link: The Gun Nut Test written by slayer1am on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

. . . A good quiz, though, as it appears to test how well-versed one might be in the craft. Recommended for all Gunbloggers!!

A Witch Hunt . . . ?

¶ . . . Or so perceived. I'll work straight through my off days, a first for me here, so I don't know when I'll get the first trigger time with my new rifle. I'll be taking delivery of it up tomorrow; looks like I'll just get to fondle it for a while!! Oh well, the money's good . . .

. . . Plus-point: Vacation time coming up next week!!

Paid My Dues . . .

¶ . . . For my 2006 membership in my gun club . . . gotta be sure my access card is functioning so I can get some immediate trigger time when I get my rifle!!

Five To Go . . .

¶ . . . Until I take delivery of my '73!! Talk about "looking forward"!!

. . . I haven't left the job with the sun still shining in three weeks, but I should be able to get at least one more firearm out of all the overtime. No complaints, I do like my work, a lot! We've just had some major modifications on our machines and the things I've learned have been a big bonus, too. It has, however, cut into my trigger time; I did want to shoot  Mr. Completely's e-Postal #5 and I've missed two matches . . .

. . . It's all bully!!

The Ten-Day Clock . . .

¶ . . . Commenced ticking today! I purchased my Uberti 1873 this afternoon. However, it's coming through Walker '47 in City of Orange. They got right on the phone to check availability and set me up right on the spot. I'm a sucker for service expediency, gets me every time! What a cool store! Spent some time talking to the good folks there, as Cowboy-style weapons are new to me, and a great time it was. Lots of neat apparel there, too, for those of a Frontier bent.

Aberdeen Proving Ground . . .

¶ . . . As promised! Sorry for the delay, but the demands of the job, blah, blah, blah . . .

. . . The day after my Gettysburg trip I made the run up to Aberdeen Proving Ground, long on my "To See" agenda. The APG is a rather large and quite nice base, and security measures were in effect, serpentine at the entrance and I.D. check. On the parkway near the entrance you are immediately treated to a show of armor.


The acreage surrounding the museum is home to many pieces of armor, from WW I through the Vietnam era. I'll keep the blethering to a minimum and just post a few pics.     Here's a Panzer assortment:


    A couple of PzkpfwIV's:



    I was awed by the size of the Panthers: they're enormous!! I was up at Camp Pendleton's School Of Infantry Friday and there are a couple of captured modern Russian tanks there, a T-55 and a T-62, from the '91 Gulf War and they don't appear to be as large.


    Of course, there was the dreaded 88:


    Speaking of Russians, these from WWII also appeared larger than their modern counterparts:


    And here's yours truly with Anzio Annie. I just learned that "Anzio Annie" was a battery comprised of two of these rail guns, "Leopold" and "Robert"; the one below is Leopold:


    The museum itself is rather small but houses an excellent collection of machine guns, Maxims to SAW's, several .50's, etcetera. There's a gift shop where you can get the requisite Flaming Bomb swag to commemorate your visit. If you're in the area, check it out. I don't know of any other place with examples of WWII armor like this, so this in itself lends value to a visit.

Phoned It In . . .

¶ . . . to the FGR, my 1873 order; the gent was quite attentive and seemed pleased when I laid the rifle's stock number on him. He said he will check availability tomorrow (I called late in the day) . . .

¶ . . . On the same subject, what's the story on EMF (Hartford)? Are they importers or what? From the website, the guns look the same as Ubertis, but stock numbers are different.

    Talk to me . . .

Fickle, Capricious, Impulsive . . .

¶ . . . Call it what you will:
    I went shopping today for the Mossberg 590 I mentioned previously, but as I have also mentioned previously I am enamored of lever guns; that may be somewhat strange for an IPSC shooter. Anyway, I was handling the fine Uberti 1873 Rifle and I've got to have it!


I would have just bought it today, but the two in stock had the checkered sporter/pistol grip stock and, though beautiful, I prefer the straight "saddle" type. The gun stores I ended up in, owned by the same folks, were great, indeed: Fowler Gun Room in Orange and Stockade in Westminster. Therefore, the previously unnamed store, although 35 miles closer, has been 86'ed!! Verily!!
    They say they will order for me; I hope this goes well. . .

. . . I'm still gonna get that scattergun, though!!

Shotgun Shopping . . .

¶ . . . Inspired by the "Disaster Gun" postings of recent months,this past Monday I went to buy a shotgun at a local gun store. The model pictured below is what I have in mind:


    It's a Mossberg Model 590 A1, Ghost Rings and the metal trigger guard. Anyway, I gave the dude all the info, was willing to buy right then, and he tells me, "The well is dry." What? Is it some kind of rare item or something? Then he just kinda wanders away. I thought that maybe he would take my number or something to see what they could do, after all, their sign says, "Don't see it here? We'll special order it for you!!" What drivel! Unfortunately, I can't cop my stock attitude of "They're 86'ed," as we suffer from a dearth of gun stores her in So Kal (and "Turner's Outdoorsman" doesn't quite get it for me!)
    I saw some websites for some rather large-appearing gun stores in Orange County, so I think I'll just cruise on down there this Monday (Tomorrow!!).
    Wish me luck!!

Gettysburg . . .

¶ . . . Always one of my life-long goals, my second weekend in Maryland was a pilgrimage to the Arch-Memorial, in my opinion, to our Civil War Fallen, North and South. What a gorgeous place! For those that have already visited, you'll already understand the sentiment of reverance, too.
        My first stop was a quick visit to the Visitor Center and Museum (Quick, because I was going to try to make Antietam Battlefield the same day. The best laid plans . . . that didn't happen!). Magnificent! There is an excellent collection of weapons from the period and the Gift Shop is THE place for purchase of Civil War publications. Here I purchased the cassette for the two-hour Auto Tour (should have bought the three-hour one!). Two hours was more like five! Here I am with my little cassette player near the first day's action that July of 1863, McPherson Ridge.


        Up to the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and by the Lutheran Seminary, a beautiful drive southward along Seminary Ridge, where I stand pictured below.


        Warfield Ridge, on the southern end of Seminary Ridge, is where this observation tower stands, affording a killer panoramic view of the battlefield.


        Below are the two Round Tops as seen from the tower, Little Round left and Big Round right.


        I've arrived at Little Round Top which affords some hiking trails into some neat woods. I'm going to walk along the top to see the many monuments erected there.


        Here's the view from Little Round Top looking down upon the Devil's Den.


        From here at the Devil's Den I had to call my Pop with the basic "Check out where I'm at!!"


        I'm sure many are familiar with this famous photograph, taken after the battle:


        Well, I certainly was and one of my day's goals was to find the spot; fortunately it's clearly marked!


        Here I am seated there:


        The plaque explains the photograph (it was staged) and states that the body was found about forty yards to your rear, from your view of the above picture, and moved up to the wall. The soldier fell in reality around the area shown below.


        The Slaughter Pen, below and adjacent to the Devil's Den:


        Here, near The Peach Orchard, is a unique monument: a Minie ball!


        Another view of it:


        Notice here, near Plum Run, where the cannonball had punctured the barn; this today is still a private residence!


        It was stated in the tape I purchased that there are 1340 monuments that have been erected in the park. You have a better chance of visiting the 253 markers spread all over the rather large territory of Nevada than you have of finding the time to see all of Gettysburg's! They're everywhere, along with multitudes of cannons!! Many here are quite elaborate, but by far the most auspicious is the Pennsylvania Memorial.


        Nearing the end of my visit, here I am at Spangler's Spring, on the eastern side of the park and Cemetery Ridge, near Culp's Hill. These were some gorgeous woods, even in wintertime.


        I'm heading now to Cemetery Ridge, coming from Culp's Hill, below.


        Naturally, the tour ends on Cemetery Ridge (Not really: East of the main park you can visit the East Cavalry Battlefield Site!) Below is "The Copse of Trees" (I'm looking up the meaning of "copse" now!).


        Cemetery Ridge and "The Angle" . . .



        . . . and the site on Cemetery Ridge of "Pickett's Charge."


¶ . . . For some time previously, my son and my father had recommended The Killer Angels, which you can see on my "Current Read" sidebar. I stopped at a bookstore on my way back to the hotel and picked it up. It is a great, Pulitzer Prize-winning "historical fiction" account of the Gettysburg battle and reading it after having been to the sites described in the book is nothing less than fantastic. Don't pass up a chance to visit the park! It is one of the High Points of my travels, one I shall never forget.

¶ . . . STAY TUNED! Next up: ARMOR!! (Hopefully sooner than later; still working late!!)