Open sights at 300 meter with "Vergueiro" 8x57 rifle

Last Sunday, September 4th, 2011, at the Carregueira military shooting range, I made my first trial shoots for the Portuguese Shooting Federation rifle discipline of  "Ordenança", where only "vintage" (pre-1960) military rifles, with open sights / iron sights, that were used as standard issue by the Portuguese Armed Forces, are allowed to compete.

The target used is the standard precision rifle ISSF 300 meter target (the 10 points circle is 10 centimeters / approx. 4 inches width, and all folllowing score rings add the same distance - up to the final 1 point ring score). Current match rules are set for 40 shoots prone at 300 meter distance (approx. 328 yards).

ISSF Rifle Precision Target for 300 meters

My rifle is a true portuguese "vintage" classic - a DWM - Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken - "Vergueiro" 1904 model, with the official royal signs of King D. Carlos I, originally chambered for 6 x 58 and  military re-chambered for the 8 x 57 around World War II. This particular rifle is more then 100 years old and all original (stock included). Ammo used was 8 x 57 198 grains FMJ by FNM / INDEP, by the now extinct "Fábrica Nacional de Munições" (National Ammunition Factory, Portugal). Manufacturer’s declared velocity (at 15 meters) is 735 mps (approximately 2411 fps).

FNM 8x57mm IS , 7,92 Mauser, 198 Grains, FMJ,  - Made In Portugal
"Fábrica Nacional de Munições" (INDEP)

FNM 8x57mm IS cases - please note the "TARGET" marking 

The Vergueiro m/1904 in 8x57 - right side view

The Vergueiro m/1904 in 8x57 - left side view

Detail on the distinctive "straight" bold handle of the Vergueiro"
and, on the chamber top, the King D. Carlos I royal sign

Detail on the adjustable "ruler" for elevation
- with FNM 198 grains 8x57, position 4 for 300 meters

On 5 consecutive shoots I scored an average of 6,4 / 10 ... with a 4 point "flyer" to be blamed on a trigger "jerk" by the shooter. The series were: 9, 7, 6, 6 and 4 (total of 32 / 50). Not bad for a first trial - specially if compared with the last National, held 2008, were scores averaged around 6 to 7 points.

5 consecutive impacts - 300 meter  target, average 6,4 / 10

Scores from the 2008 Nationals
 - individual series of 10 shoots, average around 6 to 7 points