I was playing around with some long range open sight shooting last weekend and found it to be a lot of fun. In fact it was so much fun that I just left the scoped 223 in the trailer.

Its quite challenging but gratifying when you hit the mark. I have a 300 Savage with iorn sights that I plan on trying some yote shooting with in a month or two. It should do a nice job with 125 grn BTs @ 2800 fs with a mild recoil.

After being so programmed into using a scope over the years the quick aquisition of iorn sights is easy to forget about. Very reliable too.

One thing I like about shooting iron sights is that you can see your bullet's impact. I have an M96 Swedish Mauser which I've left as issued, and you're right, it's a lot of fun to shoot over open sights. I've shot some MOA groups with that rifle (off of sandbags) at 300 meters.

Dan Newberry
green 788

I prefer to use iron sights whenever possible although as I get older it gets more difficult. My favorite rifles for shooting with open sights, besides my Marlin 39's, are a 223 Mini Mauser, a 7x57 Brno ZG-47, an FN Deluxe 30-06 with a Lyman 48 and as soon as it is finished, a Sako L-57 308 with Sako peep sight. For my Brno's, Sako and the Mini Mauser, I have scopes in either Warne or Talley quick detachable rings.

Green 788,

My brother recently aquired one of those military 6.5 Sweeds in pristine condition for $85.00. Looks like its never been used, Ive been trying to talk him out of it but hes not going for it. The slide sights and fine performance of that round should make it a real winner for LR open sight shooting.

Do open sights on handguns count?

Additionally, I really enjoy trying my luck on prairie rats with my faithful Winchester low wall in 22LR. I fitted it with a Columbia Precision tang aperture and a Lyman global up front.

If the dog stands for me, he is in certain danger out to 100-150 yards with shootin' sticks.

~Holmes

Until recently I used a Swedish Mauser as my varminting rifle. The long sight radius of the Swede was great for varminting within about 300yds and with the 85grn HP loads I use you could for SURE see 99% of the impacts. *note* Those lil 85grn HPs can really knock a yote down!

One thing I really miss about using open sights is the speed at which I could aquire, line up and shoot at a target. Im still getting used to the 'new-fangled' sighting contraption on the Savage, but I think in time Ill get used to looking through that scope.

Mudruck

Want to have fun shooting open sights out to 500 yards and get paid for it. Just fill out the forms at your local Marine Corps recruiter. Free ammo and rifle provided.