Got it done at 1,260 yards

[blvette75]

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This past week I had the privilege to fulfill a dream I've wanted to do for 30 years, Marco Polo and a Pamir Ibex in Tajikistan.

I chose to deal directly through the land/lease holder and can't say enough good things about Murgab Hunting Company, Zafar, Nurlan, Bek, their guides and their Hot Springs Camp.

For all those who've done it, a truly incredible experience right ? I practiced at the 1,000 yard range out to a mile all summer and didn't see a single shot under 700 yards while in Tajikistan. My sheep shot was not one I wanted, but with great gear and no wind I made a 1,260 yard shot, into the sun, at 15,500' and a 30 degree angle. The Murgab gents said it's the longest shot they've ever had in their 42 years of being in operation. Anybody know differently ?

It was the largest sheep we had seen by far, we jumped out and I had under a minute to get set up. First shot ranged at 1,100 yards, bang ! Wasn't sure, later found out a hit, not lethal. Second shot, I had thirty seconds to get my breathing right, zoomed in, and pieoyow, broke down like a lawn chair on the spot. I'd rather be lucky than good any day

Ibex shot was 725 yards, same tough shot. No time to get ready, 35 degree angle. In both cases, the guides of Murgab were amazing to find such huge animals, but then to also hike the mountain to bring them down. 57" sheep, around 425 pounds, no ground shrinkage.

6.5mm Sherman Short Magnum, 125 grain solid copper, badlands bulldozer bullets, exit wounds on both, zero degrees F.

Rifle built custom by Matt Kranz. Custom carbon stock and barrel, just over 4.6lbs without glass, baton light. Leupold VX-6HD 4x24x56 lit reticle. Huge props to Matt !

Place I trained was with Dan and Forest Newberry at BangSteel long range shooting in SW, Va. also huge props to them for making my dope chart at 14,000'

Congrats on a great hunting trip! Thanks for all of the information you shared.

 

[del2les]

That's what this forum is all about. Great Job!

 

[milestown]

What great trophies. I didn't know they grew them that big.
You made memories for a life time.
Great shooting.

Hal

 

[257WHBY13]

Bad A#S!! Just Bad A#S!!!! Congratulations!

 

[the blur]

15,000' is pretty high. I zero'ed at sea level, and by the time I hiked to 10'000' I was completely off.
Did you have to re-zero at 15,000' ? How did you verify point of impact when you arrived after traveling?

 

[Sealesniper]

Very, Very impressive and beautiful vistas. Getting the trophies you did is just an added bonus to such an awesome opportunity to experience the land, culture and adventure.

 

[NDF]

Well earned smile in your impressive pics of trophies of a lifetime, let alone the trip itself, very jealous of your good fortune. I don't know if the smiles wore off yet but when you get the time break it down for us with all the details. Congratulations on those two shots "Mr Quigley" I'd say that smile is well earned!

 

[hawk-i]

Awesome, thanks for sharing.

 

[Outdrmn]

So stoked you were able to live out your dream hunt, what an amazing experience and incredible accomplishment!

 

[Calvin45]

Nice! I'd like to hear more specs on the 4.6 lb rifle???

Agreed! Heck I don't think I'd be able to shoot that worth a hoot! Too shaky…unless I just quit drinking coffee, but then I turn into someone no guide would be willing to take hunting

 

[Ross1147]

I'd love to believe the store and pictures here, but when looking at the rifle I notice a gold ring on the scope? Lord knows there's no way you constantly practiced dialing that over the summer without at least 10 failures so not sure these shots were possible. Please photo shop the gold ring off the scope before posting another picture!

In all seriousness congrats on the kills and shots! Amazing story!

Ryan

 

[Calvin45]

Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures and great story.

Very interesting in all regards.

Also cool to hear about your great experience with the guides and locals, now I gotta look up where Tajikistan is

 

[akmtnhnt]

You've got to send that story to George at Badlands.

 

[akmtnhnt]

View attachment 523277View attachment 523278View attachment 523279

This past week I had the privilege to fulfill a dream I've wanted to do for 30 years, Marco Polo and a Pamir Ibex in Tajikistan.

I chose to deal directly through the land/lease holder and can't say enough good things about Murgab Hunting Company, Zafar, Nurlan, Bek, their guides and their Hot Springs Camp.

For all those who've done it, a truly incredible experience right ? I practiced at the 1,000 yard range out to a mile all summer and didn't see a single shot under 700 yards while in Tajikistan. My sheep shot was not one I wanted, but with great gear and no wind I made a 1,260 yard shot, into the sun, at 15,500' and a 30 degree angle. The Murgab gents said it's the longest shot they've ever had in their 42 years of being in operation. Anybody know differently ?

It was the largest sheep we had seen by far, we jumped out and I had under a minute to get set up. First shot ranged at 1,100 yards, bang ! Wasn't sure, later found out a hit, not lethal. Second shot, I had thirty seconds to get my breathing right, zoomed in, and pieoyow, broke down like a lawn chair on the spot. I'd rather be lucky than good any day

Ibex shot was 725 yards, same tough shot. No time to get ready, 35 degree angle. In both cases, the guides of Murgab were amazing to find such huge animals, but then to also hike the mountain to bring them down. 57" sheep, around 425 pounds, no ground shrinkage.

6.5mm Sherman Short Magnum, 125 grain solid copper, badlands bulldozer bullets, exit wounds on both, zero degrees F.

Rifle built custom by Matt Kranz. Custom carbon stock and barrel, just over 4.6lbs without glass, baton light. Leupold VX-6HD 4x24x56 lit reticle. Huge props to Matt !

Place I trained was with Dan and Forest Newberry at BangSteel long range shooting in SW, Va. also huge props to them for making my dope chart at 14,000'

I had to run that through a ballistics calculator out of pure curiosity. I've never punched in 15,500ft before for elevation, er well.. a pressure of 14.42inHg. ~2060fps impact velocity, only 5.8mils. That'll do. That's some thin air.