A target of opportunity today

[abcollector]

I had been getting the itch to at least put some rounds down range but with work and the weather it didn't happen until today. So early this afternoon I decided to mossy on down to a place I sometimes shoot at targets. Nothing fancy just kind of an out of the way place and unfortunately not too remote. Walking along with a cardboard target under one arm and the rifle hung from the shoulder of the other arm, I was enjoying the sun on my back. Kinda lost in thought I happened to look up ahead and off to the left on a rock pile I suddenly spot a ground squirrel enjoying some sun himself. Now if you know ground squirrels their destructive little devils and can get outta hand in no time, so it's nice to be able to handle the situation on the spot. Anyway, I was kind of surprised that he was still up on the rock so I set the cardboard target down on the ground be side me and assumed the sitting position. I clearly see him in the scope but I just can't hold still. Weaving all over the place. Finally after about three to four minutes and not being able to stop weaving, I tell myself I have to get into the prone position because if I don't and I shot I would have missed and then educated a rodent. So I kind of just roll forward and get into the prone and the squirrel is still there! Usually around here if they think they see movement they're gone. I was much steadier in the prone and draw a bead on him and squeeze the trigger. I'm instantly rewarded with the solid whalop! sound and smile to myself. I paced it off after I go up to the rock pile and it was 73 yards. Not too shabby.

edit for picture

[20cows]

Good hit!

[Andrew]

Nice shot! He looks fatter than a regular tree squill, is that normal?

[rjohns94]

nice shooting. tell us about the rifle set up, looks nice

[mescalero1]

Andrew,
ground squirrels and tree squirrels are different critters, yes he looks normal to me.

[abcollector]

Thanks for the comments. Rifle is a CZ 452 22LR Varmint model. Scope is a Leupold 2x7x33 Ammunition was the new Winchester Lead Free solid. I haven't shot much of it (expensive) but there was virtually no excessive damage. Bullet entered just forward of the left hip and exited just behind the right shoulder. There appeared to be a tiny bit of kidney pieces on top of the rock but the squirrel was very much intact.

Actually this rat appeared to be a little more plump than average for around here but then again everything is green and he had probably been dining well.

[jdad]

If you want to change the trigger to near match grade, in 10 minutes.....

http://cz452.com/springkit.html

Using the largest spring and smallest shim my 452 American has a 2.2 pound trigger, for silhouette.

[deerwhacker444]

Nice harvest, can you eat ground squirrels?

[mescalero1]

In N.M. they often are carriors of plague.

[El Chivo]

dude, where did you get 22lr lead free, and is it on the approved list yet?

[kimwcook]

Sorry guys, as a general rule I don't eat rodents. I would if I had to, but things haven't gotten that bad yet.