I was about 7 years old when Col. Larsen the Marlin Man did a shooting demo at J.D. Leftwitch High School, Magazine Arkansas, circa 1961. He looked like Buffalo Bill, and made a shot through a Life Saver candy and put out the flame of a candle. I’m still trying that shot even today. I added about 25 yards and a scope so far real close.
The late Michael Blackburn could consistently toss air rifle BBs in the air and pick them off with a 22 rifle, a target smaller than the bullet. Annie Oakley started it all by tossing a Dime in the air and binging it, as well as Card Splitting and shooting targets behind the back with mirrors, sometimes from contorted positions.
Now a days there are still those who can do such feats and it is still only a handful of individuals that can do it. Although I don’t claim to be one of them I have over the years been able to match some of this Fancy shooting, including the air dime shot, card splitting and my signature Smiley Face. Still the Life Saver/toothpick shot eludes me, it has to be perfect or nothing.
Personally I’m more interested in the clean hunting shot on game than the fancy shooting but it is pure fun and a way to solidify confidence in your shooting ability. So I’m going to give you a little challenge with 5 so called impossible shots in hopes you will make them possible for you. You will need a good 22 rifle. The range for Iron Sights is 15 feet. The range for a scope is 25 yards.
1. The Smiley Face: I do this from the bench with iron sights at 15 feet. Trying to get it perfect for a frame may take a while.
2. The Card Split: This can be done several ways all of which are impressive and no less easy. 15 feet off hand or the bench iron sights, and 25 yards bench with scope or iron sights, and off hand is possible.
3. Reloading 22 hulls: Talk about aim small miss small, line up a few 22 hulls and see if you can hit them standing or lengthwise that should keep you occupied for a while.
4. The Tooth Pick Shot: Splitting toothpicks from any position or range is difficult. Shooting through a Life Saver candy and splitting a toothpick, well let me know when you do and make sure you have good video.
5. Top Gun Black Death Shot: The official Black Death Target is available on the net. This is the most difficult target in the world, but it can be done. You have to use a Sporter not a Target rifle. 5 shots inside a .50 inch circle without cutting the circle at 25 or 50 yards from the bench. Forget Iron sights on that one get an 18 power scope like me. I have done it with a CZ-452 and a Henry Frontier.
First, on flying targets with a 22 make sure you have a big area for safety, that said start with an apple and work down to an aspirin and then an air rifle BB.
You are world class if you can do these shots and there are more. It all depends on will and desire and the gift of the Hawk Eye American Sharp Shooter. You know, I know a 10 year old boy, Stone Singletary that can make everyone of these shots, so I’m giving him a little home work before he goes pro…Pass it on.