Old Man Solution to Happy Shooting

[K22]

As we age, most of us are experiencing declining eyesight, loss of eye / hand co-ordination, and general declining physical conditions making shooting off hand with open sights a real challenge. I am nowhere near as good as I once was. For example, shooting in the 90's on an NRA B16 Target at 25 yards was my normal performance level. Fast forward to my late seventies, now I struggle to stay in the mid 80's.

If you are an old fart like me, you still enjoy recreational target shooting with your favorite pistol, mine being my S&W revolvers. Being a traditionalist, there is just something distasteful to me about putting an optic and a fine S&W revolver for just recreational shooting. Still, it is even more distasteful seeing the target with shots spread outside the 5.3" bull.

We had a few days of good weather last week, so I venture to the pistol range with my old S&W Model 19, 4" loaded with my favorite recreational load, 125 XTP's and 231 in a 38 case, i.e., a 38+P load. Fortunately, we have two pistol ranges, one a standard NRA competition range with 25- & 50-yards fixed target frames and a "Defensive" range where you can move the target frame from 7 yards to 25 yards.

I partially solved the eyesight issue by purchasing B16 targets with an orange bull which enables me to somewhat resolve the front sight since I am an Elmer Keith advocate of center hold. The black on orange contrast helps. I solved the performance issue by moving the target to 15 yards instead of 25 yards.

The results were - HAPPY SHOOTER! I had all my shoots within the 5.3" bull off hand and most in well within the 8-ring. It was pleasing to see. I had fun. Bottom line: get a bigger target or move it closer! After all it's about staying active and having fun as our prostates enlarge, our joints deteriorate, and are eyeballs go south.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

You made a very good point, know your good limit and adjust what ever it takes to make it a fun day at the range with your weapon of choice.

 

[powderbrake]

I am an old fart as well, and I agree that putting a optic on a nice S&W revolver is a sacrilege. The same goes for semi autos as well, I understand their use in competition, but they are still ugly.

I never used +P loads for recreational shooting, I stuck to the same loads for my S&W revolvers and Model 52, 2.9 g Bullseye over a 148 g HBWC. Congrats on getting back into the bull.

I have had eye right eye problems, so I have the shoot two handed using my left eye, which just doesn't score as well as I used to, but any time I am shooting, I am a happy shooter.

 

[K22]

I am an old fart as well, and I agree that putting a optic on a nice S&W revolver is a sacrilege. The same goes for semi autos as well, I understand their use in competition, but they are still ugly.

I never used +P loads for recreational shooting, I stuck to the same loads for my S&W revolvers and Model 52, 2.9 g Bullseye over a 148 g HBWC. Congrats on getting back into the bull.

I have had eye right eye problems, so I have the shoot two handed using my left eye, which just doesn't score as well as I used to, but any time I am shooting, I am a happy shooter.

The 148 g HBWC is the absolute most accurate bullet I ever shot out of a 38 Special. It's the bullet I used when I compete in NRA Bullseye many years ago.

I use a two hand hold also. Just getting out to the range and enjoying a fine day, doing some shooting, and meeting fellow shooters is always a good day. Even better when I moved the target to 15 yards. I like to see all those shots in the bull.

 

[Kittitas George]

I'm a certified geezer (84) along with my eyeballs. I agree 'red dots' work, but are UGLY, especially on a S&W revolver. My cure for the sight problems for my 5" 686 are a HIVIZ bright green on the front and a XS wide shallow V, on the rear. Some call this a "dot the i site'. It is easier to see than the factory sites. On my 4" 617 I have a HIVIZ bright green on the front and the recommended (medium height) black 'V' from Brownell's, on the rear. The green dot fills the 'V'. I put a thin strip of white electrician's tape under the 'V', so it is now a 'dot the i' site. It has improved my site picture. I will try the higher 'V' on a 28-2 5", I may need to carefully file it a little wider, value issues stop me from changing the front site, it has bright orange rocket paint on it. Hopefully it will 'show up' well in the black 'V', again with the white tape. I shoot off a steady rest, at short range due to lack of skill and ability to walk very far, BUT, I do find enjoyment. The range, a sandwich, coffee and stop to visit at the fly shop is a very good day.