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Yukon 58
Range Day
These aren't just wall hangers. We
take 'em out to the range and enjoy them. This one has already
been on a Wild Russian Boar Hunt. And, the smoked ham goes great
with turnips and fresh red beets ... ;?)
Many folks tell me they come to the
site to relax and share the stories. Get yourself a fresh cup
of coffee and take the phone off the hook for ten minutes ...
let's look over yesterday's range session.
This Yukon 58 was built for me. I'm
a big guy and build my personal rifles to my taste and stature.
This one did a fine job on my hunting trip. When I disclosed it
on the site here, I heard from a good customer who was waiting
for a Predator 57. He liked this one alot. Make a story short
- I offered it to him to fill his order. He accepted. During this
time period, I'd been contacted by Forbes Magazine. They'd written
an article on airguns and wanted to photograph some of mine if
possible. I had access to this rifle and my Hoss 45 pistol.
Everything worked out just fine, but
this all takes time. So, the rifle is back and now needs to go
to the owner. I proof everything before shipping. After hunting
with this rifle, I'd taken it all down and examined the interior
parts. It's a prototype. All systems are examined, studied, and
documented to make sure my designs are solid and last well.
While it was down, I could not resist
doing some relief carving on the frame. It seemed to "need"
to be there.
Time to ship. However; the rifle has
been taken down and re-assembled. It's been crated and shipped
a couple of times. No way I was gonna ship it off to the customer
without a final proof session.
So; I gathered up all the "stuff"
you need for a range day. Dug out some slugs - wanted to cast
some fresh ones but just simply didn't have the time. These had
been picked through once - but weren't too bad.
The scope had been calibrated for the
hunt last Fall. Taken off after the hunt, it had been sitting
on a shelf in the office - still mounted in it's rings. It went
into the case. At the range, I clamped on the scope with it's
quick disconnect rings, and set the focus and distance for 50
yards. Posted a target. Now for the slugs ...
I make all manner of custom slug designs
for my rifles. This one is NOT one of mine. It's cast from a standard
58 caliber mold manufactured by Lee. Molds are something that
are an enjoyable part of the shooting experience for some. Trying
new designs, etc. This one works pretty well @ 466 grains. The
Yukon 58 can handle alot of lead. For comparison, standing beside
it is a standard 10.5 grain pellet for a 17 caliber airgun.
The first three slugs @ 50 yards. Fresh
out of the case. Hadn't been shot in months. No warm-ups.
Didn't even need to click the scope.
Just used a slight adjustment to my hold using the mil-dots in
the scopes' reticle. That's three shots...
It is too! Look at the lead smears
around the left hole. ;?)
And again. Another group. That's also
three ....
Check the double lead smear of the
left hole.
Guess which one I dug out of the dirt
berm ... ;?) They get there right now and pack a heck of a punch.
Once you get tuned in to your rifle
and make small adjustments in your technique, accuracy results
like this are to be expected from any Barnes rifle. I don't get
to shoot as much as most would think. And, every time I sit down
at the bench, it's with a new rifle I've never shot before (nor
has anyone else for that matter). The point is; while these groups
are fine, practice and consistency will improve them.
Hope you enjoyed riding along to the
range. I need another one of these Yukon for myself. That Boar
is mighty tasty ... ;?)