While doing a little shooting with a half-dozen guns this evening, I got to thinking about the reliability of single shot pistols/rifles and the setups they are in. Without a doubt, when it comes to extreme reliability, my 20" 7mm Bullberry stands at the forefront. The frame has a Bellm pin, wears a Virgin Valley wide (target) forend in laminate, and has a simple Weaver 92-A base and Weaver 4x4 split rings to hold a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 scope. Since I assembled that combo and sighted it in with its favored load, I have never had to tinker with the zero. It is ALWAYS exactly where it should be, and I've had it riding with me in the truck, hunted with it in the rain, crawled with it through rocks and mud -- and everything remains just "perfect" with it.

I am not saying that my other combos don't hold zero, but after cleaning and re-assembling them -- or sometimes after a lengthy session of hunting or abuse in the field -- there are minor shifts in POI. Granted, it wouldn't amount to enough to matter on a coyote or deer, and it is certainly not frequent, but even the minor changes get engraved across the canvas of the mind and can affect one's confidence in a rig.

I guess all the harmonics with the 7mm Bullberry combo are just right. Regardless, it gives me extreme confidence in it.

Is there a favorite combo you have? If so, I'd like to hear about it.

[ 07-22-2003, 06:29: Message edited by: Bobby Tomek ]

You have to be kidding me? I don't think you really want to know my answer to this Bobby.

But here goes it is certain XP, that doesn't have near enogh scope on it, 5X Burris. I bought this from a fellow, that I believe just didn't know what he had!

Bobby, the 6-223 XP has shot just gosh darn AWFUL well since I got it from you. If I had to run to the safe and take one gun out that I KNOW where the zero is it would be this one. I have loaded it up and loaded it down, rang a pig at my last IHMSA match with it . So tonight as a matter of fact I am loading some that have not caused me any problems with the steel critters.

The only time the XP has shown any thing different was right after the first time I used Wipe Out. It has settled back down since though.

The next one would be my 6 TCU on the Contender. It is a little more fickle than the 6-223. But it will digest everything I have tried, 55-100 grain bullets. I have a 7X burris on this one. I am planning on a 7X on the XP as soon as I can find the base I am looking for.
Jeff

Jeff-I guess that deal was good both of us. The scope I mention on the Bullberry came from you -- and it got me believing in the Elite series. Nikons are my favorite, but those Elite scopes are terrific. (I think I have seven of them now, and a couple are still waiting for me to put them on something!)

Yes, that XP did very well for me also. I am just really glad it went to someone who appreciates it and gets the most out of it.

And for those of you who do not know, Jeff is no stranger to shooting 40x40s as he is an exceptional marksman.

My 7-30 Waters has become my my most consistent performer. It is a 14" Bullberry Contender barrel and is topped by a 4X Weaver Scope. It's a sweet shooter.

Well I can tell you, It ain't the first friggin 35 remington super 14 that I got!!! Friggin barrel wouldn't shoot most of the time and that was before I found out about the forums and the answers found within. After owning contenders for 15 years in several different calibers I took the 35 Rem plunge...and got all wet! 3 different die sets, neck size, partial size, full length size and finally a trip back to Rochester NH where it was put to rest and replaced without complaint.
I do now have a reliable 35 and love it, but that first 35 barrel almost made me give up the Contender for rimless rounds. Glad that I didn't because I would have never gotten the 15 inch stainless .222 Rem Mag bullberry with hangerbar, Fred's wood and a 10X burris that is my most consistent performer.

regards,
Graycg

[ 07-22-2003, 18:43: Message edited by: graycg ]

Bret, if my memory serves me right, the gun has shot a 40x40 at every match. That being said the last 39x40 was, ah, er, operator error... I got a little ancy on the trigger,the shot went off about 1-2 seconds before the fire command. BTW Bobby it is right around 14 ounces now .

Graycg, this is my first experiance with the 35 Remington. I really think that this is a round that has recieved more than it's share of bad press. What makes me grin is, this round is not supposed to shot very well at all and the scope I threw on there is "junk" in some folks eyes, 2X rail mount TC scope. First match I shot with was a 39x40. Those last 10 really got to me as they were some full house "thumper" loads .
Also this 35 has been somewhat "customized" as it can use standard 35 Rem. ammo, but also can and do use 303 and 3040 brass. The barrel has been cut to use the rimmed cartridge.
Gotta go steaks are waiting on me.

Bobby, also tried some "Shiner Bock" this past weekend it is a fine brew.
Jeff

7-30 waters,i never have to worry about any thing just aim and shoot.I slid down snow covered mountain in colorado once bent up front ring but it still shoots great.My 223 rem barrel would be 2nd choice..

Jsh,
You are right about bad press for the 35, but only because TC let some crummy barrels get out of the factory, ask them, they will tell you! At least they did when they replaced mine. Never had problems in the XPs or other pistols out there. Frankly I love my newer 35 barrel, it is clearly my most accurate factory barrel shooting most jacketed loads under 1 inch at 100 yards, it shoots up there with my Bullberry and VVCG barrels. I like the idea of cutting the chamber for a rimmed round too. I may look at that idea, but frankly this barrel is very reliable as is....hmm...I do like the rim idea though.

thanks and regards,
Graycg

regards,
Graycg

What works for me? Younger women and older whiskey. Regards...g

Bobby,
I had a very reliable barrel once..... a 6x47AI barrel by Ingram. It shot dead nuts accurate. But I sold it to some guy in Shiner, TX.
Bill

[ 07-26-2003, 16:05: Message edited by: pahandgunhunter ]