I brought my 686+ with me to the range today. This is only my second time I have shot it.
The first time I had a 4X32 Simmons scope mounted on it. I had some reloads that I was
shooting that day with H110 and 158gr JHP's. To say that I was shooting terrible that day
would have much too kind. I decided to take the scope off and put the factory white
outline rear sight back on and give it a go. Just for the heck of it I loaded up 50 rounds
with 17.0 grains of Lil' Gun and a 158gr JHP. The 25 yard pistol range is closed all this
weekend for repairs so I shot on the rifle range at 50 yards off the bench. I see now
part of the reason I was shooting so terrible last time The H110/158 JHP loads were
producing larger than shotgun sized groups at 50 yards. I was lucky to get 2 rounds
out of 7 to even hit the target, let alone get some kind of group. I decided to try
the rounds that I loaded with Lil' Gun. What a difference! I don't have a chronograph,
but they had more felt recoil than the 16 grains of H110 loads that I had.
They were way more accurate too! I am going to try dropping it down 1/2 a grain next
time and see what happens. The only down side that I can see with the Lil' Gun is it is
real sooty. After 50 rounds my 686 was looking like a chimney sweep's gun! No unburned
powder though. The thing that is really cool though is the fact that I use Lil' gun in my 22 Hornet
also. Two birds with one stone! All in all it was a pretty good day considering it was the first
time I have shot the 686 with the iron sights. I know it is only going to get better.
Robert
