Smoothbore shooting left, not happy with group

[Longhunter]

Smoothbores can be a finicky breed. It may take some time to fine what it likes. Size and amount of powder, size of ball, thickness of patch. I have one smoothie that shoots like a rifle out to fifty yards. The shadow of the tang screw is my rear sight. I just line it up with the front bead, not seeing any of the barrel and she shoots center. Guns like that are rare...I know because I've had a few smooth bores over the years.

I wouldn't put a rear sight on the gun. Be patient, and work with it, from what I see it looks like you've got a good one.

[snake eyes]

Not a smoothie guy here, but my first suggestion is to shoot several more groups to see what happens.

I am with sse and mario What I see is very good shooting,off hand at 50yds with a S/B. I also would suggest a few rounds off the bench.You might learn if it is you or the S/B.
I would sure like to see the difference.....
John

[Stormrider51]

I just have to put in another vote for bench resting the gun.  Offhand shooting is the supreme test of the shooter.  Shooting from the bench tells you what the gun is doing.  The idea is to solidly sand bag the gun under the forearm and at the butt so that you remove as much of the "you" as possible from the shot.  Snuggle into the buttstock and wiggle things around until the sight picture is dead on.  Take a couple of deep breaths and then blow out half of the third one.  Maintain the sight picture and squeeze the trigger slowly.  Let the shot happen.  I use the bench for load development and sighting in.  Only when I'm sure the gun is giving me the best it can do I work on my offhand.  Then if I'm shooting poorly I know it's me, not the gun.

John

[Longhunter]

I just have to put in another vote for bench resting the gun. Offhand shooting is the supreme test of the shooter. Shooting from the bench tells you what the gun is doing. The idea is to solidly sand bag the gun under the forearm and at the butt so that you remove as much of the "you" as possible from the shot. Snuggle into the buttstock and wiggle things around until the sight picture is dead on. Take a couple of deep breaths and then blow out half of the third one. Maintain the sight picture and squeeze the trigger slowly. Let the shot happen. I use the bench for load development and sighting in. Only when I'm sure the gun is giving me the best it can do I work on my offhand. Then if I'm shooting poorly I know it's me, not the gun.

A good explanation John of a process that many of us take for granted but don't emphasize enough .  

[pathfinder]

Good to hear from you again John,and great explanation of the process needed to sight in a gun. Proof is in the .58 we traded back and forth,darn near 1 hole group's at 50yd's off the bench,1-1/2-2" off hand!

[Stormrider51]

Thanks, guys.  Been busy moving out of the city and into the country.  Got my honey bees in their new home, set up a chicken coop, and put in a Spring garden.  Haven't been online much.

John

[sse]

set up a chicken coop, and put in a Spring garden

Great, give the chickens time to manufacture some fertilizer...!  LOL

[Longhunter]

Thanks, guys. Been busy moving out of the city and into the country. Got my honey bees in their new home, set up a chicken coop, and put in a Spring garden. Haven't been online much.

Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate....or will have anyway when everything starts producing ....livin off the land...sure beats the citified way of life..