So who's familiar with Carcano accuracy? Yeah, that subject again...
I try not to give too much credence to the JFK assassination conspiracy theories but one aspect that bugs me is the 88 yard head shot with a Carcano. I have not shot one, but I have shot many other milsurps and understand from others that the Carcano isn't known for its accuracy. Allow me to explain why the Carcano thing perplexes me:
Supposedly Oswald was a decent shot but qualifying 'Marksman' does not make him a remarkable shot. Time span between the shots was a few seconds, so compare this to a rapid fire stage in competition. SR1 targets have a black bull that is roughly head size, and unlike Oswald's target they don't move. Top milsurp match shooters rarely 'clean' a target in the rapid fire stage though they will generally hold the black with their match prepped rifles. Best rifles, best ammo, best shooters, target is not moving. None of that applies to Oswald and the Carcano. What were the odds of him making the shot? 50/50?
Chapter 4
To me, the Warren Commission report partly but not completely confirms plausibility that Oswald was the lone culprit. Experts under ideal conditions were getting 3" to 5" groups but they were not centered. Did Oswald adjust the scope for a lead, or was it simply off? Sort of a crappy scope too. There are theories that he didn't use the scope, which is possible because it was side mounted and gave a clear view of the iron sights. However, to put the required accuracy in perspective- at 88 yards a head size target viewed with iron sights will look like the "." dotting an "i" relative to the front sight post. Try keeping that dot centered or maintain the slight lead perfectly while it's moving!
I know there's no topic under the sun that has been beat to death as much as this one. I'm weighing in on this now after I have had several years shooting milsurp matches with reasonable success (lots of gold, silver, and bronze trinkets) plus I have had the chance to observe some of the nation's best military match and/or high power shooters with the best possible equipment and ammo. Based on my experience and observations, I would only conclude that Oswald's shots were possible but extremely difficult and not 'easy' as the Warren Commission alludes.
Anyone disagree and assert those shots were easy? Willing to test that theory via punching holes in targets under the pressure of a few seconds timing?
I try not to give too much credence to the JFK assassination conspiracy theories but one aspect that bugs me is the 88 yard head shot with a Carcano. I have not shot one, but I have shot many other milsurps and understand from others that the Carcano isn't known for its accuracy. Allow me to explain why the Carcano thing perplexes me:
Supposedly Oswald was a decent shot but qualifying 'Marksman' does not make him a remarkable shot. Time span between the shots was a few seconds, so compare this to a rapid fire stage in competition. SR1 targets have a black bull that is roughly head size, and unlike Oswald's target they don't move. Top milsurp match shooters rarely 'clean' a target in the rapid fire stage though they will generally hold the black with their match prepped rifles. Best rifles, best ammo, best shooters, target is not moving. None of that applies to Oswald and the Carcano. What were the odds of him making the shot? 50/50?
Chapter 4
To me, the Warren Commission report partly but not completely confirms plausibility that Oswald was the lone culprit. Experts under ideal conditions were getting 3" to 5" groups but they were not centered. Did Oswald adjust the scope for a lead, or was it simply off? Sort of a crappy scope too. There are theories that he didn't use the scope, which is possible because it was side mounted and gave a clear view of the iron sights. However, to put the required accuracy in perspective- at 88 yards a head size target viewed with iron sights will look like the "." dotting an "i" relative to the front sight post. Try keeping that dot centered or maintain the slight lead perfectly while it's moving!
I know there's no topic under the sun that has been beat to death as much as this one. I'm weighing in on this now after I have had several years shooting milsurp matches with reasonable success (lots of gold, silver, and bronze trinkets) plus I have had the chance to observe some of the nation's best military match and/or high power shooters with the best possible equipment and ammo. Based on my experience and observations, I would only conclude that Oswald's shots were possible but extremely difficult and not 'easy' as the Warren Commission alludes.
Anyone disagree and assert those shots were easy? Willing to test that theory via punching holes in targets under the pressure of a few seconds timing?