New Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Tactical MRAD FFP Riflescope Review – Out of The Box

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Ed Hale

The $494 dollar Vortex Venom did not disappoint me Out of the Box! It boasts an excellent light gathering 34mm tube. I purchased medium Vortex rings too which worked very well.

I “bore-sighted” my CZ457 MTR 22lr rifle and Venom scope.today at 50 yards easily and set my elevation for 50 yard zero with Wolf Match Extra bullets.

Once complete, I set elevation’s and tested for 100 and 150 yards. I was impressed again with clarity of the crosshairs and overall brightness for the price of this competition type scope.

Below, my last 150 yard Wolf Match Extra group for the day. It is a 2 inch group with a little wind. If I discount the flyer, the group is 1.25 inches. The Wolf Match lot has an SD of 7 and a faster bullet at 1135 fps.

I had a great day today largely because of very little wind, say 5 mph crosswind and my CZ shot well. I am ready…

A day later, I shot a 0.71 inch 5 shot group at 100 yds with SK Match Ammo. Nice! I settled on SK Match for competition. Average velocity 1091 fps SD 5.4

Good Shooting!

Competition 22LR Bullet Chrono Tests for SK, Wolf Match Extra, Eley Match

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Ed Hale

I purchase bricks of ammo and test by Lot #. Using my Garmin chronograph, I test 5 shot groups at 50 yards for speed (MIN MAX AVG) Extreme Spread and of course Standard Deviation.

Product

SK Match Lot 004

Min Max Avg ES SD

1081 1096.7 1091 16.7 5.4

SK Match Lot 002

Min Max Avg ES SD

1077.2 1104.2 1089.2 27 10.8

As you can see there is some ES/SD variation of SK Lots.

Wolf Match Extra Lot 135

Min Max Avg ES SD

1135.9 1156.8 1146.2 20.9 7.3

Eley Match Lot 143

Min Max Avg ES SD

1125.2 1137.2 1130.1 12 4.2

Serious Competitive Shooters like low SD’s like the SK Lot 004 of 5.4 and Eley at 4.2. Ammo cost goes up dramatically with low SD’s.

Good Shooting!

My CZ 457 Varmint MTR Upgraded With A Timney Trigger

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Ed Hale

Honestly, If you want to win 22LR Matches, then you will need to upgrade components of your rifle. As good as the stock trigger may be, it can’t be set where serious competitors go.

The CZ 457 Timney comes from the factory set at one pound, and can be adjusted. Trigger pull is a key part of ultimate accuracy and Timney folks are expert. Over the years, I have literally replaced almost all of my rifle triggers with a Timney. They are world class! Retail cost is $192.00. A Bargain!

Good Shooting!

22 Rifle Scope : MRAD vs MOA

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Ed Hale

I am afraid the 22 rifle bug has bit me.

The remedy is to shoot often with friendly competition. I am in week 2 of the disease and spending cash like a silly kid in a candy store. I am buying another slightly better tactical scope in mill radians known as MRAD. For target shooters, MRAD, or “MIL” for short, once learned, is more helpful in point of aim detail among many target shooters. It is divided finer than MOA. If you already know MOA, you do not have to learn MIL. I am going to see what changes in ease of mental calculations. Stay Posted…

I spent most of my life as a hunter and used MOA (Minute of Angle). So “MIL” is new to me. Calculation differences below.

Calculating in MRAD
100 yards (91,4 m)	1/10 MIL= 0.36″ = 0.91 cm
100 yards (91,4 m)	1 MIL= 3.6″ = 9.14 cm
200 yards (182,8 m)	1/10 MIL= 0.72″ = 1.82 cm
200 yards (182,8 m)	1 MIL= 7.2″ = 18.28 cm
300 yards (274,3 m)	1/10 MIL= 1.08″ = 2.74 cm
300 yards (274,3 m)	1 MIL= 10.8″ = 27.43 cm

Calculating in MOA
100 yards (91,4 m)	1/4 MOA = 0.26″ = 0,66 cm
100 yards (91,4 m)	1 MOA = 1.05″ = 2,67 cm
200 yards (182,8 m)	1/4 MOA = 2.1″ = 1,33 cm
200 yards (182,8 m)	1 MOA = 2.1″ = 5,33 cm
300 yards (274,3 m)	1/4 MOA = 0.79″ = 2,00 cm
300 yards (274,3 m)	1 MOA = 3.15″ = 8,00 cm

Good Shooting!

Day 2 Ownership of CZ 457 Varmint MTR and SK Match 100/150 yds Groups

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Ed Hale

If you read my last article, you know the CZ 457 Varmint MTR is brand new to me from Midway.

I equipped it with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6 – 24x50mm first focal plane EBR-2C (MOA).

Sorry no rifle pics of my setup yet.

At 24x, I shot my first two groups at 100 and 150 yards on Day 2 with SK Match ammo (No Wind).

SK Rifle Match 22LR Ammo 40 Grain Round Nose

I used a black magic marker to create aspirin size dot targets. Yes, I will compete in aspirin shoots.

100 Yard first ever groups below at 1.17 inches left and 0.73 inches right. Average is 0.95 inches.

150 yard first ever group below at 1.2 inches if I discount the lower left flyer. I could not shoot more groups as it was starting to rain. I was also guessing how much to turn up the turret.

What did I conclude from this test?

First and foremost, my CZ 457 Varmint MTR is a real shooter with the Vortex Diamondback Tactical Scope!

Secondly, the SK Match ammo performed outstandingly well.

Am I pleased? You could say I’m “Shut The Front Door” Pleased!

Much more to come…

Good Shooting!

A CZ 22LR Rifle Build for Fun and Competition – UPDATE UPDATE

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Ed Hale

I consider myself a pretty good rifle shot but have rarely competed. I am bored from the winter and hope to get outside and shoot. My club holds Aspirin shoots and I will endeavor to give it a try. Accordingly, I purchased a cost effective competitive CZ 457 Varmint MTR Match Target Rifle with a 20 inch bull barrel based on my research.

CZ 457 Varmint MTR Bolt Action Rifle 22 Long Rifle 20.5" Blued Barrel Blued Frame Walnut Fixed Stock

Specifications

Product Name CZ 457 Varmint MTR

SKU02345

Firearm Type Rifle

Purpose Hunting/Target

MSRP$899.00

Chambering.22 LR

Twist Rate1:16 in

Magazine Capacity 5 (can get 10 later)

Magazine Type Detachable

Weight 7.5 lbs

Stock Circassian Walnut, Target-Style

Length Of Pull13.75 in

Sights No Sights, Integrated 11mm Dovetail

Heavy Contour Barrel Cold Hammer Forged 1:16 Twist

Barrel Length 20.5 in

Trigger Mech Fully Adjustable

Safety Two-Position, Push-To-Fire

I will receive the rifle. While waiting I have ordered a Vortex Scope/Rings and Picatinny Rail.

UPDATE Additionally, I researched some CZ accessories and ammo. Also for testing, Timney will send a competition trigger to see if better than stock trigger.

In the coming weeks, I will write about this build and see what it can do at the range.

AT THE RANGE

March 14, 2025

Weather was sunny and a cool 47 degrees. Cross Wind was 5-10mph. I fired the first bench groups of SK Match 22LR ammo at 50 yards. Stock trigger was a crisp 3 lb. 5 oz. Upper left best group was .25 inch worst group lower left .75 inches. I noticed that the trigger was firmer than I liked ending in visible lateral dispersion.

Accordingly, I will need to determine the best weight for me. Time will tell…

My research shows that experienced 22lr bench shooters like a lighter trigger.

If I get bit by this competition bug, I may be owning more of these kinds of .22LR tack driving rifles.

IT’S GREAT FUN!

Good Shooting!

Frozen Crossbow Vanes A Problem? UPDATE

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Ed Hale

Todays arrow vanes are supposed to be soft and supple. Right? Recently, I was setting up my 10 Point Turbo S1 crossbow and new Oracle X scope in below freezing snow and cold weather because I was tired of cabin fever. You too!

My crossbow arrows, set up with Swhacker 231 practice heads were not grouping as well as I’d like in this freezing weather.

What could be the problem, I thought? My new Oracle X scope needs electronics to run but the stats say my scope should be fine down to minus 15F. Could limbs and cams be affected? Maybe. But, the very next few days, temperature’s were in the high 40’s and mid 50’s. Accordingly, my fears melted away as groups tightened to my expectations even out to 45 yards. Very nice indeed!

I did not set up an experiment to prove my theory. However, I was shooting a 3.5 inch helical fletch, longer than usual thus it made sense that if the plastic helical fletch was rock hard from the freezing cold, it could have difficulty in the narrow launch ramp and bump during the spin. I switched arrows with a 1 degree offset and a shorter 3 inch vanes. With temp’s in the 50’sF they flew great, almost identical to my longer warmer helical vanes with practice swhackers. Thus, I believe my frozen helical vane issue was temperature driven. Perhaps switching to the 1 degree offset and shorter vanes is the way to go? Time and many arrows will tell.

UPDATE

Today, March 9th Temperatures were a balmy 35 to 37ºF. I have field points which I have weighted to mimic my Swhacker 231 heads. In addition, I shot both 3 inch 1 degree offset vanes and 3.5 inch helical vanes at 20 yards and at 35 yards with my 10 Point Crossbow/w Oracle X Laser rangefinding scope. The results were that both vane types and offsets at this temperature shot exactly the same even at 35 yards in image below.

The takeaway here is that really cold vanes below 32F can affect crossbow arrows during launch.

Secondly, that the helical fletch is not necessary with Swhackers as there is very little blade to plane. However may add steering value with traditional broadheads.

Good Shooting!

Hard Time Pulling Crossbow Arrows? UPDATE

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Ed Hale

Many crossbow archers are experiencing a very tough time pulling arrows from some of today’s broadhead targets. I recently purchased a Morrell Yellow Jacket yj-380 target and it stopped my arrows well but had a really hard time pulling my crossbow arrows.

Accordingly, I have purchased the 10 Point Arrow Puller below and it comes with different grip diameters.

It works great for some layered foam targets but less so for the Yellow Jacket. I really struggled, even sitting on the target! The yellow jacket really grips your arrow.

UPDATE

The Magnum Grip on Amazon below is excellent but costs more. Works great on crossbow arrows and you can twist field point arrows to break the foam grip.

I have found several arrow lubricants that aid in pulling arrows. Most lubes cost around 15 bucks. You can find them on Amazon. But I’m using some recommended shoe shine polish at $6.70 dollars on Amazon. Others use Ivory soap on a few inches of the arrow tip to keep the cost down. I will try that too.

I will update what I find works. The key is, don’t get arrow lube on your hands or you will find it almost impossible to pull your arrows.

This polish has a brush you can use to apply to the first few inches of your arrow.

I have two 3D Targets coming, A bear and a deer. We will see how my crossbow bolts pull from them with some lubricant.

Good Shooting and Easier Arrow Pulling!

Burris Oracle X Crossbow Scope Review

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Ed Hale

I bought this Burris Oracle X scope hoping to extend the fun and accuracy I can have in my backyard and in big game hunting. Cost: $644 on Amazon. This is definitely not a toy.

The warranty includes lifetime fix or replacement, no questions asked whether new or used. Wow!

The video below is excellent!

I own a very accurate 10 Point Turbo S1 Crossbow below (before adding the new scope) .

The scope can be setup for 2 different arrow weights, aka target and broadhead hunting setups. When I am in summer mode, I can setup to target shoot out to 75 to 100 yards for fun. In fall, I can setup for max 50 yards in the deer woods with heavier broadhead tipped arrows.

Things I will need to setup the scope:

A very steady rest. I have a great adjustable clamp type Death Grip tripod. It works! You can use a bench rest too.

I needed to purchase a 10 Point raised cheek comb to have better eye alignment.

Get a torque wrench for clamping the scope to the picatinny or weaver base, and torque to 40 to 70 in-lbs. I own a Wheeler Fat Wrench. Test for eye relief distance before torquing down screws.

A few Extra Lithium Batteries. CR123 or CR123A work. I like Duracell but the scope does come with a battery.

My practice priority is for the hunting setup with my 125g Swhacker 231 practice broadheads. I get close with field points at 20 yards then switch to the practice Swhacker heads and make minor adjustments.

The most important thing, Oracle says, is to shoot accurately at the get-go for 20 yards. I mean within 1/4 inch of center if possible.

Read the short Instruction Manual. Takes 10 minutes.

Next, I began the electronic truing at hunting yardages of 35 yards. The software allows for two arrow types and gives you a max of four truing points. Set Range (SR) 1 to SR 4. I began with just SR 1. It was dead on at the 35 yard target. It was for my first and only 35 yard shot today as I have a family gathering. More soon for SR 2 at 50 yards. Then, go hunt!!

Wow! I like this laser rangefinding scope!!

Good Shooting!

Archery – A Way To Focus Your Mind

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Ed Hale

Archery is great fun for young and old. Most backyards have enough room to shoot at targets or even balloons. We all need to get outside and away from cell phones, etc.

Interestingly, archery is a way to focus and merge your inner thoughts and outer self. It is a mental game of focus. Your reward is hitting the bullseye. Oriental’s used Zen archery to extend the arrow in one’s mind to become one with the bullseye at the moment of launching the arrow.

Some people shoot at a target, others shoot/focus at the bullseye on the target. In riflery, we aim small and miss small, a similar concept.

To accomplish this requires correct conscious awareness of breathing, body stance and form. A merged focus on the inner and outer self.

Success, an inner positive feeling can be achieved by focusing your outer self.

In the case of bow hunters, 3D Animal foam target archery is a way to walk an archery course with other like minded folks and focus on, distance to target, how to stand with bushes and branches around your feet, and recall breathing and focus to launch your arrow. I did this for many years with my son.

Today, I shoot my bows in my backyard achieving focus and success.

Perhaps you can have backyard success as well.

Good Shooting!