Range Day: Getting the M1A Dialed In and Rediscovering the SIG
Another very good range visit — and this one was more about refining setups than testing anything new.
Another very good range visit — and this one was more about refining setups than testing anything new.
The biggest objective was getting the Springfield M1A better zeroed. On my previous trip, the rifle was fine at very short distance but was completely off the paper when I moved farther out. This time I spent some real effort correcting it, and the results were much better.
At 50 yards, I ended up under two inches low and right.
Considering the shooting position, I was very happy with that.
The range doesn't have shooting blocks or stools available, so I had to improvise with a small range bag as a rest and bend down pretty far to get properly behind the Osprey ES 1-10x28 FFP scope. It wasn't exactly a precision-rifle bench setup.
Even so, the M1A is now close enough that the next session should mostly be fine adjustment.
A Better Impression of the Osprey
I've been somewhat critical of the Osprey scope in the past, but this trip changed my opinion a little.
At roughly 50 to 60 yards and closer, it was actually very nice.
The sight picture was clear, the magnification range worked well for what I was doing, and once I got myself properly positioned behind it, the scope did its job.
I'm still not ready to call it my favorite optic, but for the M1A at moderate range, I'm starting to appreciate it more.
The SIG Came Back With a Fresh Battery
I also brought my SIG P320 back after discovering during the previous range session that the red-dot battery had died.
Fresh battery installed, everything was back to normal.
And the SIG was excellent.
The dot was easy to pick up, the gun shot extremely well, and once again I was reminded how much I like this setup.
Right now, I actually think I may shoot the SIG's red-dot setup better than my Staccato.
That's saying something.
Before I make that judgment permanent, though, I want to try the Holosun on the Staccato using just the single dot rather than the other reticle options. Sometimes a simpler sight picture makes a bigger difference than people expect.
That comparison may deserve its own range session.
Glock 43X Laser Check
The Glock 43X also came along for a quick laser verification.
At 10 yards?
Money.
The zero looked exactly where I wanted it.
The only problem was that the laser was getting dim, so it needs to be charged before the next outing. That's an easy fix and much better than discovering the zero still needed work.
Round Count
Nothing excessive this trip:
30 rounds of .308 through the M1A
80 rounds of 9mm FMJ
A couple of targets
One very enjoyable range session
Sometimes that's all you need.
The Takeaway
One thing I'm enjoying more and more about these range visits is seeing equipment evolve from "something I own" into a setup I actually understand.
The M1A is getting closer.
The Osprey surprised me.
The SIG reminded me why I like it so much.
And the 43X laser is finally where I want it.
No malfunctions, no drama, and no major surprises — just steady improvement.
That's a pretty good day at the range.
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Field Notes reflects personal experience and general product research. Firearms, ammunition and accessories should be used only in accordance with manufacturer instructions and all applicable laws. MyRangeBuddy content is not legal advice.
