In a different thread, we got into a bit of a discussion about shooting off hand. I am the first to admit that I am not that good at it. One reason I hunt from blinds, tree stands and places where I have something to lean into or on. Enough said.

To put my money where my mouth is, I used 3x5 index cards. On these cards I drew an X. I taped them to a target and using a range finder, set them at exactly 25 yards according to my range finder.

• Rifle: .50 caliber Lyman Trade Rifle 1-48 twist
• Powder: Goex 3f 70 grains Goex 4f used at the primer
• Projectile: home cast roundball .490 diameter 177 grains (give or take) and a .018 100% cotton Pillow Tick patch with moose milk.
• Sights: Open and primitive style
• Distance: 25 yards
• Weather: in the 60's and very windy, but sunny. Blue sky. The wind was going left to right.

Prior to testing, I swabbed the barrel with an alcohol patch and then a dry one. I wiped the pan, frizzen, and flint off. This would be the last time I swabbed the rifle for the entire test. To be fair to the test, I decided to shoot one shot at the bottom of the targets to check the sights, my skills, and the ignition times.



And so the first part of the test would start. I flipped a coin and the bench rest won. So I started on the bench rest.



My free shot at the bottom confirmed the sights were dead on. Ignition was a little slow. I checked the flint and it was loose. The Thomas Fuller English flint was tightened. I then shot three more. As for the group I really could not ask for more.



I actually did shoot one shot at the bottom of that card but missed the card by quite a bit. I could tell I was unsteady. Ignition was fine, so I changed the stance I was using and also the placement of my hands of the stock. I brought the off hand up, closer to the trigger guard. This seemed to steady the rifle much more for me. I then fired three more. For me, I was pleased with that. I had done this test before and missed the card. So hitting it three times was a treat.

Observations... running out of powder in the can. Down to the last dregs. Also running out of powder in the pan flask, so I am putting much less in the pan. Ignition does not seem to suffer. I am not sure what the bottom of the can is going to mean to accuracy of the loads.

I then decided that since I normally shoot off shooting sticks when I hunt, or a rope sling, I got out the shooting sticks and the bucket I normally sit on. A new card was placed.



I aimed the first shot at the bottom of the card and noticed I was moving some. So I needed to concentrate better. Shots 2&3 were good for me. Why #4 did what it did, I have no idea. Although that was the last of the powder out of the can. In fact it was just under the 70 grain load. More like a 65 grain load of powder. Also the amount in the pan was what was in the flask and what I could shake out of the 3f can as well.

Over all I know my off hand shooting is bad. That is one reason I seldom if ever any more shoot that. Going back to the deer target post... one reason I said, I would take only a high percentage shot. As I know my skills off hand could be better.

If you have a chance try this test. It is a lot of fun and a real eye opener for some.