bamaranger
New member
long range
Formal, iron sight long range shooting (1000 yds) is done on a white target face, 6x6 FEET square, with an aiming black approaching 4 FEET in diameter. They are that size so you can see the darn things. As noted, seeing an enemy at that distance without a magnifying optic would be no small feat. Hitting one would be even more spectacular. The '06 cartridge can no doubt deliver a fatal blow at that range, but locating the target and hitting it with iron sights in combat from improvised positions would be VERY difficult. I've read accounts of the Garand being used to make such shots, in some instances, the enemy would foolishly expose themselves intentionally across wide rivers or open spaces at static positions along the line. Eventually somebody would hit the guy, but it might take several shots, or as much as a week. Charles Askins describes such shooting in his book "Unrepentant Sinner".
Sure, iron sights can work for deer, but doing so brings limitations. Some folks enjoy hunting vintage rifles and accept the handicaps irons bring with them as part of the challenge. Some folks like the cleaner lines and lighter weight of some iron sighted rifles. But I am steadfast in believing that the right scope contributes to getting all the accuracy from a rifle that can be obtained, overcomes vision and eye problems and allows one to shoot farther, under more varied conditions for longer periods of time.
Formal, iron sight long range shooting (1000 yds) is done on a white target face, 6x6 FEET square, with an aiming black approaching 4 FEET in diameter. They are that size so you can see the darn things. As noted, seeing an enemy at that distance without a magnifying optic would be no small feat. Hitting one would be even more spectacular. The '06 cartridge can no doubt deliver a fatal blow at that range, but locating the target and hitting it with iron sights in combat from improvised positions would be VERY difficult. I've read accounts of the Garand being used to make such shots, in some instances, the enemy would foolishly expose themselves intentionally across wide rivers or open spaces at static positions along the line. Eventually somebody would hit the guy, but it might take several shots, or as much as a week. Charles Askins describes such shooting in his book "Unrepentant Sinner".
Sure, iron sights can work for deer, but doing so brings limitations. Some folks enjoy hunting vintage rifles and accept the handicaps irons bring with them as part of the challenge. Some folks like the cleaner lines and lighter weight of some iron sighted rifles. But I am steadfast in believing that the right scope contributes to getting all the accuracy from a rifle that can be obtained, overcomes vision and eye problems and allows one to shoot farther, under more varied conditions for longer periods of time.