Now this is my version (the truthful one). ScottB will surely try to interject his version of it, but it will most likely be tainted.
The Custom Shop sent the rifle back to me with assurance that the feeding problem was fixed. It was. The rifle feeds beautifully. They lowered the cheek piece enough to keep the bolt from gouging a groove when it was full pulled back. The stock looks perfect. The front sight was changed to an improved version that wouldn't fly off after the second shot.
Now to the testing faze. ScottB contacted me a little while back about going out to the range. We had never met, so I convinced him to come up to Denton today in the drizzling rain to our range. It was a horrible day, but we had a great time. At least I did.
He brings up his Raging Bull 454 Casull and I had my Freedom Arms 454 Casull. He reloads and I don't. So he brings more 454 ammo than a human should shoot in a lifetime. We fire off several rounds (we end up running off everyone else) and he watches me break my Casull. A screw gave way and it sort of fell apart. Enough of that punishment. On to the rifles.
He brought a neat AR-15 and I brought everything else, including the Lott. Well I thought it would be a great idea just to start at the top. Out comes the Lott. I fire off the first shot as he observes. He asked me if it was like a 45-70 and I said "Sure. Well, it is the same diameter if that is what you mean." I didn't know that he doesn't shoot rifles! He butts the rifle loosely up to his bicep and it about rips him right out from under the range canopy. I was about as surprised as he was. Well almost! I took the Lott back and loaded it full with three in the belly and one in the spout to make sure they all fed properly after the recoil beatings to the rounds. I loaded another single in it and handed it back to him. He was still in a fog and fired another round. He said "The hell with that, it's your problem!"
That's when he told me that he really doesn't shoot rifles. Or it was he will never shoot rifles. One or the other. I think I ruined him. I had a great time, but I don't think he will talk to me. The Lott works perfectly.
I don't shoot rifles. Not anymore.
I also learned why all these people badmouthed the 454 as too heavy. There is a world of difference between a ported barrel raging bull with an ergonomic grip and a 19th century style single action junk gun
I enjoyed the heck out of it. I think I've gotten my groups down to 3 feet without the scope, LOL! That is the first time I've ever shot at mud instead of dirt
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When in doubt, do a nuclear strike.
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NRA Life member
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Ray Atkinson
quote:
Originally posted by SDS:
Slightly off topic, but what range(s) are you using? My friend shoots military surplus (.308, 8mm), which is now banned (NO full metal jacket) at Winchester in Irving, and Quail Creek up by Denton. So now we're going to that shallow quarry up in Sanger, but it's a long drive, and not a very safe facility (inadequate backstop) I mostly shoot HPBTs with a scope, but I'm only using FMJ M2 700gr ball in the .510-.505 Gibbs. I've got a lot of chronograph work left to do, but once that's done, we'd like a facility that permits FMJ and has good benchrest-type, covered shooting positions. I haven't tried Alpine (SE FW) or that range on 380 yet. Any thoughts?
I think you'll find the "no FMJ" rule is pretty universal around the larger metro areas.
I dislike winchester myself. My car-club buddys and I tend to meet up there because it is central and affordable, but they aren't very pistol freindly in many respects. For instance, they insisted that I sight-in my 454 at 3 yards just to be sure I could keep it on paper at 25, with open sights and proven loads
[This message has been edited by ScottB (edited 12-17-2001).]
[This message has been edited by ScottB (edited 12-17-2001).]