Ransom Rest and .45 National Match

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Here's something my shotgun friends do not see everyday. The photo is of a Les Baer National Match 1911 in .45 ACP mounted in a Ransom Rest. The Ransom is a machine rest used to eliminate the human factor in testing the accuracy of a handgun or ammunition. The pistol is affixed in the Ransom with specific to gun grip sets. The rest is then aligned to the target. A lever is used to pull the trigger. The pistol is mechanically allowed to freely recoil albeit the same resistance being placed against the recoil on each shot. The pistol's muzzle must be pushed forward and down to reset to the firing position. All in all it is pretty cool!

Since I conceal carry at times (can't at work) I thought that I'd better practice my pistol shooting a little more than I was doing. One thing lead to another and I realized that I might as well get serious and finish off my Distinguished Pistol Shot. I need to place in the silver medal category to "go out". As of last year I had not shot handgun competition for 28 years. Back then, I could focus on the sights and still see the target. Those days have long since past. I can however focus on the front sight using my computer distance glasses!

Last July I shot the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio with service pistol much as I had done long ago with the service rifle. "Close but no cigar" was the best I could do. I need more practice! I will return this July!

A Dillon 650 press and a new backyard range are getting me closer to my goal. But, are my pistol and my reloads meeting the 3" at 50 yards groups that Les Baer promises? The 10 Ring at 50 yards is but 3 and 1/4 inches.

I am pleased to report that my handloads shot better than four brands of factory loaded match ammo. This was proved by using the Ransom Rest. The day was breezy explaining why each group is wider in windage than in elevation. Even with the gusting wind, my new pet load is under the 3" Baer accuracy guarantee for three separate 10-shot groups.

I thought you all might enjoy seeing something other than a patterning board.

Mark

[Dean Romig]

Very cool Mark.

Did you shoot for the USMC Pistol Team?

If Yes, did you know my good friend George Dombroski?
He had retired a Marine but kept shooting for the team well after his retirement.





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[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Did you shoot for the USMC Pistol Team?

If Yes, did you know my good friend George Dombroski?
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Dean,

No, I was on the Rifle Team. We all shot both weapons however in the selection matches for the teams. After I became an officer I had no time to shoot competitively. The price of success.

I know the name Dombroski. It is a.small Corps.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Mark Ouellette

I know the name Dombroski. It is a.small Corps.

Mark, I don't understand a.small Corps

Explain?


Nevermind... The "." was a typo and the USMC is a small tightly-knit group of dedicated Americans.






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[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

It was amazing how many Marines one would know and how often our paths would cross.

[Dean Romig]

Mark, that is a "darn" tight group for 50 yards with a .45





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[OH Osthaus]

thanks Mark

practice-and that means proper practice, is something I would bet most of us do not do enough of. I used to shoot in a defensive pistol legal but no longer seem to find the time

i have read of the ransom rest - and would love to see what the Sig C3 would do on one. i am sure it (the Sig) is more accurate than i will ever be

[charlie cleveland]

in the army shooting the old 45 i could have throwed it and done better than shooting it and now your shooting 50 yards in a 3 inch circle..the old 45 has come along way...charlie

[Quigley97]

Very nice group Mark. I shot in a Bulls eye League for 12 years and always enjoyed shooting the 1911 more than any other pistol. It seemed that each 1911 had it's own sweet load. Mine is 4.3grs of 231 with a 200 gr. LSWC.

[William Davis]

That Les Baer is the one to have !!

Real good way to learn to handle a pistol in CCW protection situations is find a local IDPA club. My son was shooting it with a Glock told me it was fun so gave it a try with my 1911 Figured how hard could it be ?

Real hard it turned out, but the local club went to great lengths to help new shooters. I had qualified a number of times in the service, not the same as draw and shoot under duress, matches are scored by time with seconds added for misses. IDPA puts strong emphasis on using available cover, strong hand weak hand shooting, shooting in dark rooms with a flashlight etc.

Learned far more than any of the expensive schools you can attend. At Minimal expense. Worth a visit to see what goes on. Matches they run classes for 45 Auto's 45 Revolvers. 9 MM Service Pistols, any caliber Custom Pistols, 38 Service Revolvers, and very interesting, "Back up Gun " in two classes Auto and Revolver. Barrel has to be under 3 inches.

William