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To explain -
I'm a purist who grew up with open sights on almost everything, but I now have old eyes that really struggle switching focus from sights to target. I still WANT sights on my sporters but I don't use them. I now live in a scoped world.
I recently took a few serious shots using open sights on two new to me springers, a Hungarian LG 457 and an RWS 94.
I immediately noticed two things when I shot:
1. Both rifles have good, precise iron sight pictures, especially the LG 457. Definitely better than the clunky, chunky sights on modern rifles. My Diana 460 is a good example of chunky sights.
2. I think I have discovered that the added scope weight above the bore axis is detrimental to good shooting. Or at least it can be.
I'll use the RWS 94 as an example - it's very light (7 lbs) and very powerful (19-20 fl/lbs) yet it felt nearly dead calm and well rested while I was shooting it. And it grouped extremely well.
I've been aware of the effect for quite a while, but I don't think I fully appreciated it.
I think I'm finally realizing the degree to which the tendency for the rifle to "fall over" (especially when using a light hold as so many springers prefer) is not only initiated by but driven by recoil. Including whatever torque force the rifle is experiencing during the firing cycle. And they may not be happening in the same direction, which could be helpful by canceling some or all of the movement, or just make things worse.
I'm thinking that going back to sights would be a good idea, particularly for some rifles and shooters. Sadly, I'm not one of them really. Though I may choose not to scope the LG 457 in favor of sights.
Considering that even a very lightweight scope and mount setup likely runs around one pound, I'm not sure there's anything to be done about it. At least small, light scopes can be mounted low, which can only help.
Just food for thought before you buy a 25 or 30 oz 6-24×50 scope for a springer. You might want to find something lighter that mounts lower.
Personally, I wish there were 12oz side focus 6-18x40s around. With mil dot/hash reticles.
Alas....
I'm a purist who grew up with open sights on almost everything, but I now have old eyes that really struggle switching focus from sights to target. I still WANT sights on my sporters but I don't use them. I now live in a scoped world.
I recently took a few serious shots using open sights on two new to me springers, a Hungarian LG 457 and an RWS 94.
I immediately noticed two things when I shot:
1. Both rifles have good, precise iron sight pictures, especially the LG 457. Definitely better than the clunky, chunky sights on modern rifles. My Diana 460 is a good example of chunky sights.
2. I think I have discovered that the added scope weight above the bore axis is detrimental to good shooting. Or at least it can be.
I'll use the RWS 94 as an example - it's very light (7 lbs) and very powerful (19-20 fl/lbs) yet it felt nearly dead calm and well rested while I was shooting it. And it grouped extremely well.
I've been aware of the effect for quite a while, but I don't think I fully appreciated it.
I think I'm finally realizing the degree to which the tendency for the rifle to "fall over" (especially when using a light hold as so many springers prefer) is not only initiated by but driven by recoil. Including whatever torque force the rifle is experiencing during the firing cycle. And they may not be happening in the same direction, which could be helpful by canceling some or all of the movement, or just make things worse.
I'm thinking that going back to sights would be a good idea, particularly for some rifles and shooters. Sadly, I'm not one of them really. Though I may choose not to scope the LG 457 in favor of sights.
Considering that even a very lightweight scope and mount setup likely runs around one pound, I'm not sure there's anything to be done about it. At least small, light scopes can be mounted low, which can only help.
Just food for thought before you buy a 25 or 30 oz 6-24×50 scope for a springer. You might want to find something lighter that mounts lower.
Personally, I wish there were 12oz side focus 6-18x40s around. With mil dot/hash reticles.
Alas....
My dad has a Diana 350 with open sights, my brothers is scoped. I enjoy shooting them both (not so much the loading though!
)....i should try this a bit at say 30Y for comparison....The scope adds some weight and I assume that can often help at times. My TX is hefty and with its medium weight, unassuming, 4x12x40 airmax, and 13fpe it still recoils more than I think it should...oddly the recoil does seem to twist the stock in my hand sometimes....like its tourquing.
