Using open sights for HFT...

[Mrs. H]

Okay... today was D-Day!
A UKAHFT spec course at our local club; Shepreth.

I think its safe to say I was the only one there using open sights.
Conditions were pretty good; nice bright wintery sun but a bit brisk with a very cold wind; at least no rain though. Targets painted blue and white at distances of 8-45 yards and kill zones of 15mm-40mm.

So, the score.......





I managed 32 ex 60, which I have to say I was more than happy with
I had 6 knockdowns and 4 donuts, the latter largely due to the wind at the longer distances taking me far further off the plate than I had anticipated.

If anyones been considering having a go with open sights but not quite had the nerve I would thoroughly recommend it!! The sense of satisfaction at hitting the plates was incredible, and as for the knockdowns... woooohooooo! Especially the one out at 45yards that my two co-shooters only plated!

Can't wait to try this again now.... maybe with something a bit older.... Lincoln Jefferies perhaps, or the Haenel 6E

[Phil Russell]

Can't wait to try this again now.... maybe with something a bit older.... Lincoln Jefferies perhaps, or the Haenel 6E

The Haenel VIE was a wreck when Batfink got it at auction. The end of the spring had broken near the trigger block and the short (about 1") end fell out after a bit of wiggling but the other end had wound its way into the trigger block and took some shifting. Then the block had to soak in releasing fluid (with intermittent heating) for about 3 days before the thread gave and I was able to undo it. The leather piston washer was in pieces. A new spring, piston washer (aren't old handbags wonderful?) and a bit of tlc and new bolts where needed and the rifle is now fine.
So I would not put it past Batfink to give it an outing ...
Maybe there should be a 'veteran' class ( rifles, not shooters ... but then why not both?).
Cheers, Phil

[Amac]

Well Anne. It appears to me that you enjoyed yourself thoroughly,which after all,is what matters the most ! I fancy a similar outing with my soon to be purchased FWB 124 and open sights myself. I also think its a great idea to have a proper vintage class. Reckon its just the administration of yet another category that would sink it probably. Still, i will be using my own open sighter on our outdoor range at every opportunity. Wish I could have seen yours and the faces of the two shooters when you dropped the 45 yarder! Quality.
Andy.

[Herpquest]

'' by lying in a puddle somewhere with total strangers on an HFT course''

Anne, I bet you haven't laughed as much since your wedding night! Eric