Just About Ready
 

Up until last year we could only use iron sights on our muzzle loaders during muzzle loader seasons. Suddenly we were allowed to use non-magnified optics. Right away, i installed a Nikon 1X scope, but much to my surprise the eye relief was too long. Never considered the possibility. So, the scope mounted up too far back. The solution was to move the scope forward in the rings, and move the rings forward on the base. However the eyepiece bell then was too low to clear the base. So i ground the back end of the base to clear the scope. The scope just so barely cleared the base, and the rifle/scope killed 3 deer.

An early season is fast approaching this year, so i got the rifle out, when i looked, the fit of the scope to the base sure looked tight. This led me to remove the scope, and grind the base some more, then reinstall the scope.











This morning i set out to check the aim of the newly reinstalled scope. The load was 270g Deep Curl, 90g Blackhorn, green crush rib sabot, W209 primer. Target ended up being 99 yard away. Much to my surprise, there was no hole in the target after the first shot. My thought was the bullet might hit as far as 2 or 3 inches away. Now i am thinking the scope wasn't just real close to the base, it was actually touching it. Instead of moving closer, i guessed the bullet flew over the target, and the scope was dialed down 6 moa; a second shot taken. It pleased me when i saw a bullet hole high on the target. Another shot was taken for verification; then the elevation was dialed down. Three more shots were taken, and they looked reasonable, so i came home. Tomorrow or the next day, i will shoot the rifle again for further verification, before taking the rifle hunting.

Nice shooting and very clever on that base. I have to remember that.

Good looking practical rig you got there. Ought to serve you well.

Several years ago Arkansas went to the rule of 3pts on one side for a legal buck. That year they started allowing magified scopes on muzzloaders. I for one liked the change.

To me, aiming with a 1X scope is kinda sorta like aiming through a straw.

good idea on the base
 

I had to grind the base on my CVA Accura too so the scope would clear. Ron, If that base is alum and although it won't rust, you can give it a light shot of black spray paint just so it doesn't oxidize.