44 Winchester "One Of One Thousand" Postal Match Targets

[Bryan Austin]

Since I have nothing better to do, I have decided to play with a new hobby.....no, I do not have that special rifle......just came up with a fun name for some 44-40 postal match targets.

The Stuart Brother's 500 yard Winchester 73' 1 of 1,000 rifle targets from 1876 got me to thinking what could I do for something a little different. Original Targets can be seen here: https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... 25-targets edited to be easier seen.
To be fun, I decided to make the targets smaller for 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards, and add some larger targets for longer distances later on.

Scoring is simple:

2" Bullseye = 5 points
4" Center ring = 4 points
6" Inner ring = 3 points
the outer portion = 0 points

Example target:

This target used at any range, at or less than 100 yards
Add any cheat notes you need, lets prove the cartridge, not the shooter's skills.

My 25, 50 and 100 target has crosshair cheat mark for 100 yards, zero bullseye set for 50 yards, and no cheat marks YET for 25 yards.....I use a 6x scope...most everyone else used open sights or peep sights.
10 shot groups, ALL FLIERS ARE COUNTED !!!

Note range used
Score each shot (1 thru 10) as fired, and score appropriately. no more then ten shots, and no less than ten shots. Misfires will be ignored...get another shot to make it ten!
Note any other items such as temps, winds, humidity etc.

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The target:
I have added a PNG file to my google docs for downloads here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

Download to computer
Open file to paint app (the little blue oil paint board icon)
make whatever mods you want
SAVE AS PNG file

select PRINT/Page Set-Up
select portrait
reset all four margins to 0.166 and save (this is absolute in order to print each little square as 1/4")
select alignment to center for horizontal and vertical

PRINT - check to make sure that each little square is 1/4"...if not...something did not resize correctly in the process.

If anyone wants targets, I can print and send you some for the cost of postage...BUT trying to copy a sheet on a printer will distort the measurements and they will not be scaled accurate. I am computer-stupid so this is all I know how to do.

Stuart Brothers, 1876 500 yard targets

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LINK OVERVIEW
Target Back History - https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/targets
Modern 25 to 100 yards Competition Information - https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... 25-targets
Target Download File Link - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

[ywaltzucanrknrl]

Thanks for the link Bryan.

Neat thing to do in my opinion.

Unfortunately, I don't have a 44-40 in an 1873 or any other rifle, but hope you get some interested parties that post their targets.

Wondering about the 2 misses on the T Stuart target? The rest of the shots sure were centered.

[Bryan Austin]

Wondering about the 2 misses on the T Stuart target? The rest of the shots sure were centered.

I thought I saw somewhere that they were two misfires...and he was the better shot

[ywaltzucanrknrl]

I guess they didn't have alibi's those days for rounds that don't fire. Is that what you meant by a misfire, a round that never went off?

And really that would not be unusual to not allow alibi's, as there are matches that don't allow a refire for a squib or dud, I'm just thinking of the last match shooting I did, which will allow an alibi in some cases as well as allow a spare cartridge or several if one doesn't fire as long as the match is timed and the shooter is within the time limit.

[Bryan Austin]

I guess they didn't have alibi's those days for rounds that don't fire. Is that what you meant by a misfire, a round that never went off?

And really that would not be unusual to not allow alibi's, as there are matches that don't allow a refire for a squib or dud, I'm just thinking of the last match shooting I did, which will allow an alibi in some cases as well as allow a spare cartridge or several if one doesn't fire as long as the match is timed and the shooter is within the time limit.

My understanding is that they had 15 cartridges, if one or more mis-fired (failed to go boom), then it/they were counted as a mis.

[High Desert Hunter]

Spot on at 1/4" per square. I don't have a 44-40, but I am going to try it with my Marlin 1894 in 44.

[Shasta]

I'm a little confused (and that's easy to do). Is the target shot offhand or off the bench?

Shasta

[Bryan Austin]

I'm a little confused (and that's easy to do). Is the target shot offhand or off the bench?

Shasta

Whatever tickles your fancy....you are your own competitor! However, that is something that can be added to the notes section...anything to remind you in the future of what you did.

My results when using this target will be posted here: https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... on-targets

[Bill in Oregon]

Thanks Bryan. Downloaded. Have to get out to the range with the 73!

[Griff]

Hmmm... I wonder which would be more in keeping with the spirit of the match, vs. strict adherence to its parameter: using my AWA Lightning rifle in .44-40; or, using my Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle in 45 Colt?

[Bryan Austin]

Hmmm... I wonder which would be more in keeping with the spirit of the match, vs. strict adherence to its parameter: using my AWA Lightning rifle in .44-40; or, using my Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle in 45 Colt?

LOL, 44-40 vs everything else....it's like...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsmJdqKYJVg

[Bryan Austin]

Well I was not expecting this at only 50 yards this morning. Nothing abnormal about anything but the groups. I stopped at shot #6, came home and cleaned the barrel. Maybe next time!!!

44-40 (of course)
and my typical load

1st shot was high left, I can eat that one....but then shots 5 & 6 went far low left....yuck!

win some lose some!!!

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[Bryan Austin]

Much much better results today.
25 yards

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50 yards

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100 yards

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Interesting windage....could be due to the 50 yard zero with a scope offset to the rifles left side?

[Bryan Austin]

On this target I used a 3 3/4" elevation POA. That would be the center of the crosshair marks.

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For this next target, I decided to adjust the scope and try to zero it in for 100 yards. Note the removal of the crosshair marks on the target. This should be a 3 3/4 MOA adjustment from the 50 yard zero. It was close, but no cigar! I also over adjusted the windage. I need another 40 cartridges! Back to the loading room!!!
That first high shot seems to be a recently started pattern! I can't seem find out why.

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[AJMD429]

.
This is a cool topic. Hopefully I can get a chance to participate. Not that I need an excuse to shoot leverguns, but it looks like more fun than just plinking gongs.

And yes, those sidemounted scopes can throw you off. One that I had was probably only about an inch to the left of the bore (I remember I measured it accurately, and I think it was one and one eighth inch) but I sighted in at 25 yards with it, and it was barely on the paper at 100 yards. What I wound up doing was sighting in so that the bullets hit about 1-1/8” to the right of the crosshairs at 25 yards and then I was able to get on paper at 100 yards and did the same thing by drawing a big black sharpie line up and down on the bull’s-eye to put crosshairs on, but adjusting the scope so that impacts averaged 1-1/8” to the right of that line. That way if I were to hunt with it a quick shot would probably be close enough if I am directly at the target but if I took the extra time to aim an inch to the left of what I wanted to actually hit, that was possible too.

[coyote nose]

Is this bench or offhand? Scope or no scope? Assuming benched and scoped since it is hard to see a 2" black center at 100 yards wo a scope and holding within 3 moa at 100yds to get any type of regular score is almost impossible offhand (for me its impossible). Also I cannot get the target to show up with the link you provide.
The NRA SR-1 target has a black bull 6 1/4" in diameter (contains the 9, 10, and X ring). The outer ring is 18" diameter and is worth 5 points. I just buy the "repair center" that is labeled SR-1C and it goes out to the 8 ring and some of the 7 ring. It is 10.5X10.5" and I see it for sale at a lot of gun shows. That is my standard target for testing open sighted leverguns at 100 yards. Shows up nice with my aging eyes!

You have a GREAT idea but really should consider standardizing the target with one people can buy or order anywhere. And have a few categories like optics/no optics, offhand or bench, etc. It would be a great addition to this forum to have monthly matches like that, all on the honor system of which on this forum should be easy, so many great people here .

[Bryan Austin]

Is this bench or offhand?

Probably best to go re-read my posts and the information written on each target.

You have a GREAT idea but really should consider standardizing the target with one people can buy or order anywhere.

The purpose is to prove the accuracy of the cartridge, not the shooter....but feel free to shoot any way you desire. Your best competitor is yourself.
I have no desire to standardize or sell anything, I posted a link for a free download in the very first post. for those that have an interest.

[coyote nose]

Okay thanks. My apologies, in my haste yesterday I didnt click on each target to see the data in the box in the corner. Thats good shooting!
I tried the down load in your first post and get a screen that says "Not Available, File Is In Owners Trash".

[Bryan Austin]

Thats good shooting!
I tried the down load in your first post and get a screen that says "Not Available, File Is In Owners Trash".

Thanks!!

I will edit the link and try again!

[Bryan Austin]

I edited the links but will post them again here:

Target Back History - https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/targets
Modern 25 to 100 yards Competition Information - https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... 25-targets
Target Download File Link - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

[Bryan Austin]

Okay thanks. My apologies, in my haste yesterday I didnt click on each target to see the data in the box in the corner. Thats good shooting!
I tried the down load in your first post and get a screen that says "Not Available, File Is In Owners Trash".

Oh yeah, it wasn't my intent to have to paralleling topics but I wanted to post this here as well.

Scope Dial Decals

I was able to make some decals for the dials. I HAVE NOT USED THEM YET. They are a bit small, but I do think I will be able to see them with these old eyes. The white arc should prevent me from turning the dial in the wrong direction when switching between the 25, 50 and 100 yard elevation shots. They did not slide slightly off center (lock nut is seen as well) but they will replaced when the 75, 200 and 300 yard marks are added. I think this will be fun. They will not be perfect, but will get me into scoring position without guessing.

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[Bryan Austin]

Since I was holding a 3 3/4" elevation for the 100 yard targets, the new 100 yard zero shows the MOA marks are close although the distance between the scope mounts is not what it should be.

This is for a 214gr lead bullet @ 1,350fps, measured ten feet in front of the muzzle.

If I did my math correct....BIG IF!

MOA.png

windage MOA.png

The distance between my scope mounts was somewhere over 8"...maybe 8 3/4"...I forget exactly.

[Bryan Austin]

Added a few more targets to the collection today. I pulled in the 100 yard group on two targets. 19 shots on both targets grouped 3 1/2" at 100 yards...with the cold barrel high shot...seems consistent. No further scope adjustments needed there for the zero-in range dial decals noted for 25, 50, and 100 yards.

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A further 200 yard target was shot with good results for a preliminary adjustment test. 5 shots grouped well and the 20.5" holdover will be zered in and noted on the dial decal after a few more fine tuning targets.

I LOVE BEING DIFFERENT!
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What it would have looked like on a nice 747 sized, 1878 style target!!!
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[Bryan Austin]

Here is the 300 yard target from 2022. I place it over a third class sized target with the large rings for comparison. Hopefully I can shoot some more soon but it may be few weeks.

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Same target as above, just added a few bells and whistles.

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Just for kicks, the 200 yard target beside my Curtiss JN-4D rudder for comparison.

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