Mark Ouellette
02-28-2016, 04:53 PM
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
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