Am I doing it wrong?

[CZfool68]

Since my CZ didn't go bang today I spent some time with my Henry Small Game Rifle in 22 mag. It has a 20" barrel, a Skinner peep sight rear and brass bead front. Tried to get it sighted in at 50 yards, but the entire bead covers about an 8" area at 50. At 100 it is obviously worse. Tried to use the rounded top portion to create a 6 o'clock hold, but couldn't really pin things down like that. I know with iron sights and a 22 mag lever action I am not shooting tiny groups, but shouldn't I expect 2" or so off a rest at 100 yards? And how do you do that when the front sight blocks the entire target? My first thought is to replace the brass bead with a post, but there are too many brass beads out there for them tomwork this poorly. Where am I going wrong?

I was able to hit steel at 100 yards pretty consistently, but that was probably a 4 or 6 inch plate. Not exactly pinpoint. Maybe I should have gone to that Appleseed event.

 

[41magnum]

but there are too many brass beads out there for them tomwork this poorly.

I don't understand this ^^^^, can you explain?

I'd probably put a post on it. But you best measure the height with calipers to get an equal.

you could also measure the diameter of the bead and get one MUCH smaller. It should not cover the entire target.

2" groups are expectable with a scope, but maybe not with open sights. The peep should help you though....I love peeps and globes. But, don't know if globes are available for Henrys.
Measuring the dovetail would decide, when compared to whats available now days.

I'd ask the guys on the henryownersforum and 1 at greybeards actually! Google is your friend.

 

[Bunsen]

Expecting 2 MOA out of a 22WMR is certainly reasonable. Unfortunately due to significant less demand for 22WMR ammo with respect to 22LR the selection of "Target Loads" is virtually nill. Lot to lot consistency of the ammo also tends to have a higher variance compared to 22LR ammo offerings.

The rule of thumb I use when trying to shoot iron sights is 6 MOA target size @100yds. If I am recalling correctly the NRA Highpower rules specify a roughly 6 MOA aiming black that scales up/down dependent on distance.

Using irons effectively to shoot groups is all about having the correct target, sight post, and aperture size to facilitate the most repeatable aiming point. It's a good bit of science along with some trial and error determining the correct size for each component.

 

[Friday]

I had front sight pains with a Savage 64 that sits near my back door.
A 22lr for varmints that should not be that close to the house, so I wanted fast sights. I put a peep sight on the rear, that was the easy part. Stock front sight blade was too low, so off I go to Brownells.

Anyways..I ended up with a front sight, gold bead type, from Marble Arms. You'll need a micrometer. I needed to know the size of the dovetail bottom, the height of the stock sight and how much more I wanted to go, and in your case..what size bead. They had bead sizes from tiny to xlarge, gold, black, brass, white, and FO. Marble Arms had a ton of choices, some of the bead sizes were no bigger than the head of a pin, real tiny. The bead ones were around $11 and the FO were $15. If you wanna stay with the peep & post I don't know what else you could do.

A note-if you get a FO front, be real careful as they're delicate. You almost need a sight pusher, they don't like to be struck with a brass punch and plastic hammer driving it home. Don't ask me how I discovered that.
My new bead fits inside of the tiny peep circle, and doesn't obstruct views. Shoots the C out of a Campbells soup can at 25 yards all day. The Savage is not my favorite and I was about ready to move it, but a new front sight turned it into a good shooter and something I can live with.

 

[CZfool68]

Expecting 2 MOA out of a 22WMR is certainly reasonable. Unfortunately due to significant less demand for 22WMR ammo with respect to 22LR the selection of "Target Loads" is virtually nill. Lot to lot consistency of the ammo also tends to have a higher variance compared to 22LR ammo offerings.

The rule of thumb I use when trying to shoot iron sights is 6 MOA target size @100yds. If I am recalling correctly the NRA Highpower rules specify a roughly 6 MOA aiming black that scales up/down dependent on distance.

Using irons effectively to shoot groups is all about having the correct target, sight post, and aperture size to facilitate the most repeatable aiming point. It's a good bit of science along with some trial and error determining the correct size for each component.

Using a typical rimfire target with the center section being black, I think that is the X and 9, and the remainder being white the bead covers the entire black section. I probably shot 3-4" at 50 once I got the sights set up. It could be I just sucked today. That is a distinct possibility. I didn't use a rear rest either. I think I'll go again next time and use as stable rest as I can and try it all again before deciding what to do. I am leaning towards adding a front post sight though.

Ammo could be an issue as well. I shot a box of Winchester which with 22lr I have not been impressed with so maybe their 22mag might not be the best either. I have a good stash of CCI so I'll try that next time as well. I don't expect timy groups. Just looking to make it effective at 100 yards if it needs to be used for a coyote or something. This is usually my deck rifle when I am in the mountains. 2" at 50 yards and 4" at 100 would probably be fine. Guess I just need to work at it a little with irons. Seems like I have shot my AR BUIS better than this, but that is a different rifle and round.

 

[CZfool68]

I had front sight pains with a Savage 64 that sits near my back door.
A 22lr for varmints that should not be that close to the house, so I wanted fast sights. I put a peep sight on the rear, that was the easy part. Stock front sight blade was too low, so off I go to Brownells.

Anyways..I ended up with a front sight, gold bead type, from Marble Arms. You'll need a micrometer. I needed to know the size of the dovetail bottom, the height of the stock sight and how much more I wanted to go, and in your case..what size bead. They had bead sizes from tiny to xlarge, gold, black, brass, white, and FO. Marble Arms had a ton of choices, some of the bead sizes were no bigger than the head of a pin, real tiny. The bead ones were around $11 and the FO were $15. If you wanna stay with the peep & post I don't know what else you could do.

A note-if you get a FO front, be real careful as they're delicate. You almost need a sight pusher, they don't like to be struck with a brass punch and plastic hammer driving it home. Don't ask me how I discovered that.
My new bead fits inside of the tiny peep circle, and doesn't obstruct views. Shoots the C out of a Campbells soup can at 25 yards all day. The Savage is not my favorite and I was about ready to move it, but a new front sight turned it into a good shooter and something I can live with.

The peep is a Skinner and teir site has lots of good information so I should be able to find the right replacement if I go that route. I don't want to scope this rifle if I can help it. My eyes are still good so I should be able to get some reasonable performance out of it eventually.

 

[Bunsen]

Using a typical rimfire target with the center section being black, I think that is the X and 9, and the remainder being white the bead covers the entire black section. I probably shot 3-4" at 50 once I got the sights set up. It could be I just sucked today. That is a distinct possibility. I didn't use a rear rest either. I think I'll go again next time and use as stable rest as I can and try it all again before deciding what to do. I am leaning towards adding a front post sight though.

Ammo could be an issue as well. I shot a box of Winchester which with 22lr I have not been impressed with so maybe their 22mag might not be the best either. I have a good stash of CCI so I'll try that next time as well. I don't expect timy groups. Just looking to make it effective at 100 yards if it needs to be used for a coyote or something. This is usually my deck rifle when I am in the mountains. 2" at 50 yards and 4" at 100 would probably be fine. Guess I just need to work at it a little with irons. Seems like I have shot my AR BUIS better than this, but that is a different rifle and round.

Winchester rimfire is not very consistent in my experience. I much prefer Lapua/SK Jagd or RWS but being European they do not offer any loadings in 22WMR. That leaves strictly American manufacturers, and my top choice is always CCI. CCI make Hornady's rimfire ammo FYI. In 22 WMR I've found the 30gr V-max to be the most accurate and consistent. I can get 1.25"-1.5" out of my 452 Varmint in 22WMR.

With proper shot placement a 30gr V-Max it will kill yotes, but a 40gr JHP or Gamepoint may be a better choice if you desire dead right there for recovery.

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=1&loadNo=0022

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/products.aspx