MyGOSpace Articles

Field Shooting: Kneeling Supported   -  3/7/2012

By: Richard Mann

Of all the field shooting positions, the kneeling supported position is the one most often done incorrectly. It is a very useful position, swift to assume and, if done correctly it offers a very stable shooting platform. This is a useful position when calling coyotes if you are behind a adequate support or maybe if you are using shooting sticks where there is high grass you have to be able to see over.

The .45/70 Government: Effective within Its Limitations   -  1/9/2012

By: Richard Mann

Let me say this up front, I like the 45-70. With proper loads it is suitable for anything on the planet. I currently own one .45-70 Marlin 1895 SBL fitted with an XS Lever Rail which includes a ghost ring rear and post front sight. There is also a variable powered Leupold Scout Scope attached in quick release rings. I really like this rifle but I also understand that the .45-70 is not a do everything rifle.

Nikon Spot-On:Stupid Simple Ballistic Software   -  12/25/2011

By Richard Mann

The best way to learn the trajectory of your bullet is to shoot at long range. That's not an easy option for many shooters so we rely on ballistic reticles, drop charts or ballistic software to help us reach out and get hits. External ballistics - the flight of the bullet between barrel and target - is just a physics problem. Yes, it's a complicated physics problem but there's always a mathematical solution. Nikon has simplified this math problem so anyone can work it.

The .30 Remington AR: Overlooked and Underrated   -  12/20/2011

By Richard Mann

I was exited from the get go about the .30 Remington AR because it finally established the AR 15 as a true big game rifle. Sure, there are AR 10s out there but have you picked one up? They're heavy! All the virtues of the AR 15; like its serviceability, accuracy, reliability and most notably, its lightweight, are what make it even more special when chambered for the .30 Remington AR.

Squirrel Rifles: At Every Price Point   -  12/12/2011

By Richard Mann

I was five years old sitting beside my father with a .410 shotgun in my lap watching squirrels running a muck for nuts. And, I was out of ammunition. I don't remember how many times I fired but my shoulder was sore. On the way back to camp I asked if I could use the .22 rifle next time. Dad said, "I reckon so." I did and never looked back. No more shotgunning squirrels for me!

Are You Missing Shots?   -  12/5/2011

Maybe It's Your Trigger.

By Richard Mann

There are three main points of interface between you and your rifle; the stock on your shoulder and in your hands, your eye and its view through the scope or sights and your finger and the trigger. All three are important. If you cannot hold a rifle comfortably, you cannot shoot it well. If you cannot see your target you cannot hit it. And, if your finger and the trigger do not get along, you'll miss.

Scout / Hunting Rifle Workout   -  11/28/2011

Shoot Better
By: Richard Mann

The Scout Rifle, as conceived by Gunsite founder Jeff Cooper, was supposed to be a short, light, handy rifle, with sufficient power and range to accomplish any reasonable task in the hands of a skillful rifleman. To me, a Scout rifle is sort of a cross between a battle rifle and a hunting rifle; a rifle that would excel in both applications - a multi-purpose rifle.

Loading Lever Actions   -  11/22/2011

Smooth & Easy Like
By Richard Mann

The lever-action rifle is America's most iconic firearm and possibly the most popular deer rifle in the world. Funny thing; a lot of folks don't know how to load one. The lever-action is such a popular rifle and has been around so long, you'd think they'd be teaching the proper manual of arms for this rifle in junior high schools.

The .223 Remington   -  11/17/2011

Versatile and Dependable
By: Richard Mann

An experienced gun writer once asked me what I thought was the best hunting bullet. I responded that it was, without question, the .224 caliber, 60 grain Nosler Partition. He gave me a dumbfounded look and I continued, explaining that it is an engineering marvel to create a partitioned bullet that small but still capable of providing results so effective and consistent.

Bushnell Elite 6500 1.25 - 8 X 32mm   -  11/10/2011

A Riflescope for an AR Hunting Rifle By Richard Mann

I enjoy hunting with AR style rifles but have found most riflescopes with standard eye relief can make it difficult to access and operate the charging handle. The long eye relief was initially what attracted me to the Bushnell Elite 6500 1.25 - 8 X 32 mm riflescope.

Shoot Like a Man: Standing, Off-Hand   -  11/1/2011

By Richard Mann

Shooting from the standing, off-hand position is the least stable of all but there are some tricks to it. Stand with your body bladed at about a 35 to 45 degree angle to the target. Your support-side foot should be pointed toward the target and your strong-side foot should be at a 90 degree angle to your body or at about a 45 degree angle to the target. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart.

.22 Magnum Ammunition: Choose Wisely   -  10/20/2011

By Richard Mann

A lot of hunters don't realize that the terminal performance of .22 Magnum ammunition varies greatly from load to load. Maybe even more so than ammunition for most big game cartridges. The key to employing the .22 Magnum successfully is selecting ammunition best suited to the game you're hunting. With differently constructed bullets weighing between 28 and 40 grains, and velocities varying as much as 15%, your choice is critical.

Deer Hunter Drill - Practice Makes Perfect   -  10/10/2011

Deer Hunter Drill:Practice Makes Perfect
By Richard Mann

When I was 15 I was walking down an old logging road with my rifle slung over my shoulder - feeling for all the world like Jack O'Connor. (I might have even have been wearing a cowboy hat.) Thick laurel bordered the road and visibly was limited. I hadn't gone far when the largest whitetail buck I'd ever seen bounded out, stopped and looked me right in the eye. I struggled to find my breath and to bring my rifle to bear but was too slow doing both and he was gone. Forever.