Les Baer 1.5" accuracy Ransom Rest Test
I tested my heavyweight monolith w 1.5" accuracy guarantee this week. I purchased the gun through CJ last year. Right around 12 months as promised I received the call to send funds and FFL. John shipped it quick during the holidays. I added a few options:
Heavy weight mono
No FCS
Keep both roll marks (still wondering if I should have went naked slide)
3.5 trigger
1.5" accuracy guarantee at 50 yards
Anyone knows 50 yards is pretty far. I've been shooting bullseye in a few leagues and have competed in a few State matches. I would consider myself slightly above average. There are some really good shooters and I found this can be a humbling sport. I really enjoy testing the equipment, ammo and myself. This leads me to today and wanting to test what I have.
There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on how exactly Les Baer confirms the 1.5" except for the cardboard cut out he sends with the pistol. Internet folklore says they use Federal American Eagle 230 grain hard ball and Les tests all the guns free hand himself. I always found this hard to believe. Even Les won't guarantee his hard ball guns with the 1.5".
Anyone that shoots 50 yards one handed unsupported knows you can't hold that tight unless your a freak.
First off I want to say I'm very happy with my purchase. Gun was exactly what I envisioned it would be. I actually was really happy with the stock grips on this one. They have more character than the other two Baers I own.
So on with the test. I fairly new to the ransom rest. I know that using it correctly can be a variable in the test itself. I am by no means a pro.
Here was my procedure in a nutshell.
Placed gun in rest.
Made sure was lined up in grip panels correctly.
All knobs adjusted and tightened for vertical/horizontal adjustments.
Tightened frame knobs in A B and C sequence so that frame was really snug but did not put magazine in a bind.
Fired 15 rounds to settle gun in rest.
Each time after firing I tried to be consistent with firm but not overly forceful with returning rest to the down position.
I first tested my Premier II I use for Bullseye. It has a ultra dot mounted on the slide. It has the standard 3" guarantee. This gun will shoot 2.5-3" all day. I did notice this time and previously when carefully manipulating the trigger arm the dot would slightly rise. I tried to use the same motion/force and rhythm with each shot. I would get fairly accurate results. I then toyed with putting slight pressure with my left hand down on the rest while using my right hand to manipulate the firing lever. I was getting really tight and consistent groups.
Now I loaded up the mono.
Each target received 5 shots
Following the same procedures as before. This was my best target with the Federal Amercan Eagle 230.
One shot was low left and slightly off target. I can't say I was surprised but I did expect a little better.
Next I brought out my reloads I've been using for competition. Loaded on a dillion 550.
200 grain oregan trail laser cast SWC
4.2 WST
.470 taper crimp
1.235 COAL
Federal match LP primers
Once fire federal cases media tumbled with no brass prep.
This was my best target.
Right at or just under 2" measured center of holes at furthest distance with tape. I Didn't have calipers on me. I'll post the official measure later.
I have some federal match 185's that I know shoot wonderful. I didn't bring any this time but will next.
I also have 5,000 Nosler 185 projectiles and
8lbs VV N310 that want to work up. I hear this is the Marine Corp load. Although I can find exact info on it. Powder ranges from 4.2-4.8 and can't find overall length etc...
If anyone has any specifics on the Marine Corp load it would be greatly appreciated.
Also any recommendations on improving ransom rest techniques? I think the best addition would be a hydraulic trigger do-hicky that would attach to the front trigger guard. It seems any slight movement is magnified at this distance.
I have also toyed with changing primers to tweak an already accurate load. Anyone ever see a difference in pistols like in rifles.
Thanks for reading. I will try to keep this updated.
I tested my heavyweight monolith w 1.5" accuracy guarantee this week. I purchased the gun through CJ last year. Right around 12 months as promised I received the call to send funds and FFL. John shipped it quick during the holidays. I added a few options:
Heavy weight mono
No FCS
Keep both roll marks (still wondering if I should have went naked slide)
3.5 trigger
1.5" accuracy guarantee at 50 yards
Anyone knows 50 yards is pretty far. I've been shooting bullseye in a few leagues and have competed in a few State matches. I would consider myself slightly above average. There are some really good shooters and I found this can be a humbling sport. I really enjoy testing the equipment, ammo and myself. This leads me to today and wanting to test what I have.
There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on how exactly Les Baer confirms the 1.5" except for the cardboard cut out he sends with the pistol. Internet folklore says they use Federal American Eagle 230 grain hard ball and Les tests all the guns free hand himself. I always found this hard to believe. Even Les won't guarantee his hard ball guns with the 1.5".
Anyone that shoots 50 yards one handed unsupported knows you can't hold that tight unless your a freak.
First off I want to say I'm very happy with my purchase. Gun was exactly what I envisioned it would be. I actually was really happy with the stock grips on this one. They have more character than the other two Baers I own.
So on with the test. I fairly new to the ransom rest. I know that using it correctly can be a variable in the test itself. I am by no means a pro.
Here was my procedure in a nutshell.
Placed gun in rest.
Made sure was lined up in grip panels correctly.
All knobs adjusted and tightened for vertical/horizontal adjustments.
Tightened frame knobs in A B and C sequence so that frame was really snug but did not put magazine in a bind.
Fired 15 rounds to settle gun in rest.
Each time after firing I tried to be consistent with firm but not overly forceful with returning rest to the down position.
I first tested my Premier II I use for Bullseye. It has a ultra dot mounted on the slide. It has the standard 3" guarantee. This gun will shoot 2.5-3" all day. I did notice this time and previously when carefully manipulating the trigger arm the dot would slightly rise. I tried to use the same motion/force and rhythm with each shot. I would get fairly accurate results. I then toyed with putting slight pressure with my left hand down on the rest while using my right hand to manipulate the firing lever. I was getting really tight and consistent groups.
Now I loaded up the mono.
Each target received 5 shots
Following the same procedures as before. This was my best target with the Federal Amercan Eagle 230.
One shot was low left and slightly off target. I can't say I was surprised but I did expect a little better.
Next I brought out my reloads I've been using for competition. Loaded on a dillion 550.
200 grain oregan trail laser cast SWC
4.2 WST
.470 taper crimp
1.235 COAL
Federal match LP primers
Once fire federal cases media tumbled with no brass prep.
This was my best target.
Right at or just under 2" measured center of holes at furthest distance with tape. I Didn't have calipers on me. I'll post the official measure later.
I have some federal match 185's that I know shoot wonderful. I didn't bring any this time but will next.
I also have 5,000 Nosler 185 projectiles and
8lbs VV N310 that want to work up. I hear this is the Marine Corp load. Although I can find exact info on it. Powder ranges from 4.2-4.8 and can't find overall length etc...
If anyone has any specifics on the Marine Corp load it would be greatly appreciated.
Also any recommendations on improving ransom rest techniques? I think the best addition would be a hydraulic trigger do-hicky that would attach to the front trigger guard. It seems any slight movement is magnified at this distance.
I have also toyed with changing primers to tweak an already accurate load. Anyone ever see a difference in pistols like in rifles.
Thanks for reading. I will try to keep this updated.