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Post by savit260 on Nov 29, 2015 11:45:43 GMT -5
...also...real Keith bullets will not work in a .41 unless one deep seats the bullet and crimps over the forward driving band. Really the wrong bullet for a 97... Bob Yup, that's how the previous owner suggested loading them as they are too long to fit if crimped in the crimping groove. |
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Post by savit260 on Dec 11, 2015 21:00:40 GMT -5
Found some factory ammo, so I had a chance to shoot it finally today (had it two weeks tomorrow)
Ammo was HSM 210 SWC "Cowboy" ammo that the factory lists as 969fps. Nice mild shooting load.
Was loaded in nice new Starline brass, so now I've got the one missing component to load my own.
A few impressions...
I'm not ready to blame the gun or the ammo right yet as I've been up since 3 a.m. this morning and a little over caffeinated.
I found I was getting about 3 shots through the same hole off hand unsupported at 30ish feet with the other two not touching.
A couple of times the flyer was about an inch away from the others. Two groups did have all five touching but not a "one ragged hole" group.
This was NOT my best shooting by a wide margin. Normally with my better shooters, they'd all be touching at this distance.
I like the sight picture pretty well, and the sights seemed pretty much on without adjusting them.
The gun is sprung like a dump truck though. This is my biggest gripe, and will need to take a trip back to the factory for an action job when my finance allow. (would have gone with a factory action job if I could have found an FFL to transfer a new one into Mass. Used and already in the state was my only option) While the trigger is crisp, it's just too darned heavy for my tastes.
There was some minor leading near the forcing cone after 50 rounds of these factory SWC's but nothing too bad.
My gut feeling is that the gun is likely a very good shooter, and I was having a bit of an off night.
Now that I have some brass, I'll load some up for later this week and hopefully will have better results.
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Post by rjm52 on Dec 11, 2015 23:00:27 GMT -5
I've found that the 97s take more concentration to shoot well than any other centerfire big bore...but it is the price one pays for the compactness...
Bob
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Post by savit260 on Dec 12, 2015 15:31:50 GMT -5
I've found that the 97s take more concentration to shoot well than any other centerfire big bore...but it is the price one pays for the compactness... Bob I found that if I wasn't paying complete attention that I'd pull the shot a little high... which isn't the norm for me. Usually I'll pull the shot a little left if I'm snoozing. |
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Post by savit260 on Dec 24, 2015 9:48:48 GMT -5
Ran some of my own handloads through the 97 the other night and finding I'm getting better groups. (had very good results with plated 44's in the BH) The kind I've been expecting when I'm really concentrating. Could be the load, could also be that I'm getting used to the gun. Decided to go with a 220gr Rainier plated bullet and 7.3gr HP-38. Feels like a nice midrange load to me. Probably in the neighborhood of the "Police Load". I'm not much of a recoil junkie, so this load seems to do me well. Also had run a box of the HSM 230gr "Bear Load" through it last week with decent enough, but not spectacular results. Still feeling the gun out though. Accuracy was very good when I did my part, although I'm finding I need to concentrated extra hard with the heavy trigger. Any loss of concentration and the shot goes a little high out of the group shooting off hand unsupported. If I do my part, getting one ragged hole. Feeling a bit better about the gun, but still can't get a good feel for this trigger. Going to try and scrounge up a trigger pull gauge to see where we're at with this. rjm, you're absolutely correct about "more concentration" ! ... and the 41 is growing on me.   |
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Post by savit260 on Jan 8, 2016 18:52:49 GMT -5
I've spent some more time with my 97 and I'm finally starting to feel real good about it. I honestly think I was over thinking the gun. I've settled in to a more normal groove with this one now, just relaxing and shooting. Getting much better results and the one hole groups I expected have started to come into fruition. My thought is I was over gripping the gun. A more relaxed hold seems to have me where I think I should be with this now. Spent some time dry firing (against my thumb so the hammer doesn't hit the firing pin) and learning/working in the trigger. I'm not sure if the trigger is "breaking in" or I'm just getting more used to it, but it feels less heavy than before. Still maybe not as light as I'd like , but definitely better. Much happier with my groups and over all feel of the gun now. I'm really warming up to it and can finally say I'm pleased. |
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Post by jeffer on Jan 8, 2016 19:08:33 GMT -5
I'm glad you like it. It is truly a masterpiece of A packin pistol. Mine in 45 colt took several range sessions to learn to shoot it. Now it is one of my favorites. Should be back from Reeder shop Monday with new grips and the gunfighter grip.
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Post by BigBore44 on Jan 8, 2016 19:16:17 GMT -5
Sure is a nice lookin gun! I really like the black grips. Is the front sight interchangeable with other blades? I've been looking for a black set for my SBH 44. Oops, rambling   Keep up the good work with that Dandy. BigBore44 |
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 8, 2016 19:19:13 GMT -5
I was accused of being stuck in a rut, but had my 327 / 32-20 & 45 Colt FA97s built with black grips.
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Post by singleaction on Jan 8, 2016 19:59:31 GMT -5
I've found that the 97s take more concentration to shoot well than any other centerfire big bore...but it is the price one pays for the compactness... Bob I couldn't agree more. My hand tends to creep up the grip with each shot with moderate to heavy loads. Matt |
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Post by singleaction on Jan 8, 2016 20:07:42 GMT -5
I think grip panels with flattop checkering could really aid a consistent hold and not bother dish washer hands. Having leathery hands from turning wrenches regularly, I wouldn't mind checkering like on Ruger's hard plastic grip panels.
Matt
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Post by savit260 on Jan 8, 2016 22:42:51 GMT -5
lad you like it. It is truly a masterpiece of A packin pistol. Mine in 45 colt took several range sessions to learn to shoot it. Now it is one of my favorites. Should be back from Reeder shop Monday with new grips and the gunfighter grip. Please post some pics of it when it comes back. I'd love to see the Reeder grips |
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Post by jeffer on Jan 9, 2016 1:57:35 GMT -5
Should be here Monday.
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