Range report, Investarms hawken .54 and CVA Bobcat .50

[pastorb]

Went to the range today to shoot two old rifles that hadn't seen much action in about 15 years. One is a .54 Investarm "Hawken" that was my first muzzleloader I ever purchased in 1985. The second was a really cheap CVA I bought for like 59 bucks brand new in the late 90's, just as a beater and short light gun for my son to use when he was small.  Have not shot either one in at least 15 years, I moved on to "better" more expensive rifles, and they were forgotten in a closet.  So to make a long story short went to the range, shot a bunch and brought my chrono along just for the heck of it. I was amazed by the results!

ALL LOADS PYRODEX P, .015 prelubed linen patches, GROUPS AT 50 YARDS

CVA .50, 26" barrel, wood stock, Bobcat I believe. 1:48 twist

60 grain  .490 PRB,   1550 fps,    1" group

60 grain  240 grain PA Hunter,  1460 fps, ragged hole.

60 grain,  275 grain Maxi Hunter, 1350 fps, under 1"

Investarms Hawken .54, 28" barrel, 1:48 twist

60 grain, .530 prb,  1360 fps, 2" group

90 grain, .530 prb, 1590 fps, 1.5" group

100 grain, .530 prb, 1730 fps, 1.5" group

60 grain, 425 grain hornady great plains bullet, 1100 fps, 3 shots-one hole!

90 grain, 425 grain hornady great plains bullet, 1340 fps, 3 shots in same hole!!! NO KIDDING!! (KICKED LIKE A MULE)

I could not believe what these "cheap rifles" were doing, all this was witnessed by several other shooters.  I had an offer to by the Hawken on the spot! My $1000+ Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawken does not shoot as well, neither does my TVM semi-custom long rifle! Both these rifles (the cheap ones) are stock with zero modifications. I am going to give them away to a couple of young men in my church to hunt with, even though now I am regretting that decision! Hope some find this interesting.

[Patocazador]

Giving the rifles is a good way to get young people interested in something besides computer games and music videos.   

However, they also need a mentor to teach and demonstrate safe techniques. Will you be mentoring also?
It's a good idea for the mentor to have control over the rifles until the youngsters demonstrate that they are mature enough to be safe at all times.

[Hanshi]

I agree with Patocazador, keep possession of the rifles until the kids are formally schooled in their care and use.

[Red Badger]

Giving the rifles is a good way to get young people interested in something besides computer games and music videos.   

However, they also need a mentor to teach and demonstrate safe techniques. Will you be mentoring also?
It's a good idea for the mentor to have control over the rifles until the youngsters demonstrate that they are mature enough to be safe at all times.

Yupp!

[William]

I definitely found this interesting!