To the range

[flyer338 0]

I took my JSAR to the range for the first time today. Tomorrow there is a vintage semi-automatic rifle match and I am going to participate. I also took my Garand to the range for the first time in 30 years.

In order to zero at 100 yards, I had the rear sight in the notch between 3 and 5. I am shooting Privi Partisan ammunition loaded for the Garand with a 150 grain bullet. Three shot groups at 100 yard were about one inch; that surprised me some what. In addition to having a better trigger than my Garand, it is also more accurate. I thought that with the barrel movement, that would not be the case. I suspect that the longer sight radius may be an advantage for the JSAR. 

I will report back tomorrow after I win the match.

 

[Rarecat 0]

Good luck and take some pics for us!

[camstuff 0]

Let us know “what we all won” at the range with your groupings!  

[flyer338 0]

I learned a lot today about shooting a JSAR. The targets were steel plates of various sizes at ranges between 150 and 400 yards. The targets were south of the firing line, which meant I was looking into sun. Not good. In the future I will make sure I have a hat with a wide brim.

I think I understand why the Marines may have filed a V-notch in the rear sight and removed he protective ears on the front sight. With the sun in my no longer young eyes, I found it difficult to pick up the target through the small aperature. It reqired care to make sure I was using the front sight blade blade instead of one of the protective ears.

On the plus side the JSAR's trigger is the best of any of the semi-automatic rifles I own. When the light is behind one, or at least not shining into one's eyes, the small aperature is an asset - otherwise a good hat is necessary (I normally do not wear a hat).

I noticed that most, but not all, of fired cases had an indentation similar to a rimfire firing pin mark on the case head. I will post a picture of the case head soon. I wonder what is causing that?

All in, it was a good day, and I will have another try next month.

[dash 0]

That mark is from the ejector. Should probably replace the recoil spring.

[flyer338 0]

I replaced the recoil spring; the spring that came with the rifle measured 10.5" and the new spring measured 12".

From a mechanical standpoint, what do you think is happening? I plan to reload the cases.

[eb in oregon 0]

I'm really confused by your difficulties as the M1 Garand has the same front sight ears (as do most all other service rifles) and a National Match sight has a .052 diameter hole in it. I think that pretty close to the rear sight of a JSAR. Practice makes perfect.

[flyer338 0]

Prior to last Friday, I had never fired a JSAR, I had not fired my Garand in about 30 years, and my M1A has not been fired in 15 years - you could say that I am out of practice.

However, much of what I used to know is coming back, and I am motivated to do better.

I did catch on to loading the JSAR using stripper clips. I really like shooting the JSAR; the recoil is quite mild. I have some new Lake City match cases, some 176 grain match bullets, as well as some IMR 4895. I will be assembling some ammo very soon.

[eb in oregon 0]

2 hours ago, flyer338 said:

Prior to last Friday, I had never fired a JSAR, I had not fired my Garand in about 30 years, and my M1A has not been fired in 15 years - you could say that I am out of practice.

However, much of what I used to know is coming back, and I am motivated to do better.

I did catch on to loading the JSAR using stripper clips. I really like shooting the JSAR; the recoil is quite mild. I have some new Lake City match cases, some 176 grain match bullets, as well as some IMR 4895. I will be assembling some ammo very soon.

Though not having my JSAR for all that long I like shooting it also. As well as the Garand.

[flyer338 0]

I am cautious about admitting the heresy of liking the Garand on this forum. However, when my DCM Garand arrived at the post office about 1981, it was one of fewer than a half-dozen rifles I owned. I quickly concluded that should I be limited to one rifle, this would be the one.

Today, with ten times as many long arms in my collection, the question is not so easily answered. I do know that I am going to be shooting a lot more.

[eb in oregon 0]

9 minutes ago, flyer338 said:

I am cautious about admitting the heresy of liking the Garand on this forum. However, when my DCM Garand arrived at the post office about 1981, it was one of fewer than a half-dozen rifles I owned. I quickly concluded that should I be limited to one rifle, this would be the one.

Today, with ten times as many long arms in my collection, the question is not so easily answered. I do know that I am going to be shooting a lot more.

Anyone limiting themselves to a single firearm is engaging in self defeating practice. If everyone liked the same thing there would only be one rifle. Me? I like choices, enjoy the differences between designs, and shooting them. I don't really have a "go too" rifle as they all have advantages and disadvantages, but I lean toward the Yugoslavian M76 as I do like the telescopic sight and the detachable box magazines. And 8x57 is a mighty fine cartridge. Every bit as good as the 30.06. The JSAR's I like as I think the design not only unique, but practical. It's also increasingly rare, a nice attribute in the event of re-sale. And I find it just plain attractive. But it'll never be a bayonet fighting rifle regardless that tent peg that attaches to the muzzle.

[Ed Johnson 0]

The tent peg was the only way to meet the requirement for acceptance because the recoil operation of the JSAR was affected by weight. I know that bayonets were used in WWI on bolt-action rifles and trench warfare, which is why that was the requirement. I do not know of them being actually used in WWII but will yield to someone who knows for sure that they were.