Solunar Theory

Hunter Education

4-shot Scope Zero

From our friend, Mr. Larry Potterfield at Midway USA

Bore sight the rifle

1. center the bore of the rifle to the target at 25 yards
2. adjust the scope starting with the windage screws on the scope base
3. adjust the adjustment turrets on the scope until the cross hairs are centered on the target
4. fire one shot at 25 yards to confirm that you're on the paper and near the center of the target

Fine tune the zero

1. fire your second shot at the target at 100 yards
2. after the shot, place the cross hairs back on the bulls eye
3. hold the gun securely in a rest without moving it and windage screws to place the vertical wire over the bullet hole
4. use the scope's windage and elevation turrets to place the cross hairs directly over the bullet hole
5. fire the third shot at the bulls eye and your rifle should be perfectly zeroed
6. fire the fourth shot to confirm
   

Preparing for the 2009 Flintlock Season

I'm thinking about buying a Thompson Center Firestorm with a SS barrel. I've found one for about $449 NIB. Not a great deal, but not too bad either.

First, I wanted to contact the PA Gaming Commission to make sure that this type of flintlock would be acceptable for use during PA's Hunting Seasons. I was told on the phone that this model would be OK for use during the flintlock season. I didn't want to spend the money only to find out they didn't allow the use of synthetic stocks or something else.

I read a GunWeek Review on the Firestorm and a forum post on HuntingPA about the Firestorm that sounded pretty good and a friend mentioned that he was looking at one of these models as well. I only wish it came with a nice wooden stock and brass accents like the Hawken.

From the research I've done this week, I think I'll go with one. Happy Birthday to me!

UPDATE: I just picked up the Firestorm and it looks great. My wallet isn't so happy about the fact that flintlocks require a whole range of dedicated accessories and cleaning tools, but I think it's cool. It's a modern flintlock, but to me it's still a great tribute.