Hey gang,
I got the RW Safari back from AoA this past week and had a chance to put it through its paces today at the local outdoor range.
I was the only one there today, and it was very humid but not that hot. Very slight wind at 1-2 mph, with some occasional gusts a bit higher. Conditions were good and this was my first time shooting the .22 ART HP barrel with the SST. Opened up a new tin of JSB 25 RDs and fired away. I also tried front and rear bags vs. the usual Accu-Tac front bipod and rear bag for a change. I shot first three targets with bags, and then switched back to bipod and rear bag. I need to experiment with the front and rear bags, as I am used to bipod. Can't say I did any worse or better with either approach.
Considering it was my first time with the new barrel, I was
very very pleased with the results. I think Bob C said it was shooting 970 FPS on Mid power, but I did not use the FX Radar Chrono today to check. I will next outing but it didn't matter, as I know it was accurate. I had more 'X's than normal, more 10's than normal and more 9's than normal. My scores don't reflect the accuracy of the gun, as I know the ART team shot some 230+ cards and some high 220 cards.
I know for sure I did miss some wind calls, even though they were slight and you will see some of them on the 5 EBR targets I shot. At the end of the day, I shot "two" sub MOA 1" groups just to check POA and for grouping purposes; pics attached. I am confident that I can shoot better over time, but as I was a bit jazzed up and had two cups of coffee, I think that may have sped up the pace a bit more than I wanted.
No pellet sorting, sizing and no wind flags today at muzzle end or near the target. I will get some Graham wind flags in the future to help me with the wind. Will also try the Knock Outs at some point, but what a great friggin' day!
To say I am delighted and extremely happy is a massive under statement. Thanks Bob, Rob and Steve!!!
Tom