To the range tomorrow - going to start at 25 yards and see what load groups best. Not going longer, as I found my right eye vision has deteriorated sufficiently that I can't clearly make out the target for precision shooting. It will be two weeks until I get my new glasses, so this will be my first time out and aimed just for fun. Will shoot to see what load gives me the tightest group, and will cross my fingers that the sights are spot on. Concerned a bit, because it appears the rear sight is soldered to the barrel (EEEK!), but like I said will say a prayer and cross my fingers.
The 15" LOP was a wonderful surprise. I didn't realize the rifles had that huge LOP - which is perfect for me, since I measure out closer to 16". It holds really well for me, and the lower weight (shorter barrel, bigger hole) than in my scratch-built full stock is nice for this old man. It will never supplant my first rifle, a full stock plains rifle, but this is going to be a lot of fun.
We spent a lot of years as sutlers, many of those I might have gone shooting once or twice - my rifle was a decoration, hardly ever dirtied it. I will never again be the shot I was in the '90s, but I am having fun regaining some consistency. If this half-stock shoots center, I might well be putting in for ML tags for elk next year. I truly had forgotten how much I love to shoot muzzle loaders, and how "right" it feels for me. Funny how much peace that brings to this old soul.
David
NM