First blood with the Center-Grip 308 Winchester XP-100

Ernie Bishop

The center-grip 308 Winchester XP-100 drew first blood Friday afternoon. It was a hurried double kneeling short shot at around 50-60 yards, Using BogGear’s tripod and PSR top/Holland’s small field bag.  I was doing the sneaky sneak on my way to place where I was going to sit for the rest of the day (no artificial blind of any kind, just nature).  

The doe was either just coming out of cover or was just inside cover (trees and shrubs). We seemed to discover each other at about the same time.  I was in the open though.  

Even though I had the XP-100 in my hand and my Bog-Gear (legs extended) in the other, I could not get set up quickly enough to make a shot. She turned around and walked back into cover, and then threw up her flag and waved it a few times going away for me and to the left. Now, I need to get about another hundred yards so I can try to get set up on a two-track that’s going to be going to my right and wait there, hoping that she will cross and give me a shot opportunity. As I was walking faster to get to that spot to set up, I look to my right and there she was or a different one, I’m not quite sure, just inside cover - basically broadside. 

Given the spookiness of these deer here this year, I didn’t think I was going to get a shot opportunity, but you don’t know unless you try, so I kneeled, spread the legs on the tripod and centered up as quick as I could and took the shot.  

I didn't range distance before or check afterwards.  

Dropped on the spot...The 168 grain Hornady A-Max (Hornady TAP) performed admirably.  

We (Dan’s family) plan on having smoked backstrap this evening.  

We were in the foothills of the Big Horn mountains, outside of Story, Wyoming. Yes, we have whitetail here.  

The two different ways that I hunt this place, is doing the slow sneaky sneak, which has given some good results, but it also ends up with the just wasn’t able get it done before they move into cover (which happened more than one time on Thursday and Friday morning).  The other way, is to put yourself in a place to where you have a reasonable view, of where you can tell they have crossed, in semi-open areas. I usually am sitting with my back against a tree.  

You cannot bait with a corn feeder either. It snowed lightly about half of the time of the two days, and you can tell by the terrain, that it is not flat. Where I was doing my stand hunting, it was more flat there than a lot of the other different places. Temperatures ranged from teens to low 30’s. Dan tagged out to using his S&W 357 Magnum R.A.A.P.

Good times with a good friend.
 I shot her just behind the shoulder, and because of the way she was positioned it exited on the offside shoulder  

The last two pictures are the exit.  

Zee

Well done!

CHIRO1989

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

Jayhawker

Nicely done...thanks for the tale

Diver43

Nice one

Ernie Bishop

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

CHIRO1989

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Thanks, although I don't know why they make hunting knives in camo, they should all have some orange or red on them so they don't disappear in the grass, obviously it is a keeper.

Ernie Bishop

CHIRO1989 said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Thanks, although I don't know why they make hunting knives in camo, they should all have some orange or red on them so they don't disappear in the grass, obviously it is a keeper.

There has been a few times, where I’ve had to look a little hard to find it. One of those times was yesterday 🤣

bullsi1911

Well done!  Congrats on the deer and a successful stalk!

bellcat

What a great hunt with a cool firearm! Congratulations!

Ernie Bishop

bullsi1911 said:

Well done!  Congrats on the deer and a successful stalk!

Thank you.

Ernie Bishop

bellcat said:

What a great hunt with a cool firearm! Congratulations!

I think it is pretty cool too-Thanks!

I am enjoying this one.

orchidman

Very cool! Great looking rig and beautiful country Ernie. I would love to be able to hunt in terrain like that.

GunNut

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ernie Bishop

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ask Zee again...He may not talk you out of it this time

Ernie Bishop

orchidman said:

Very cool! Great looking rig and beautiful country Ernie. I would love to be able to hunt in terrain like that.

This place is under 2 hours from Gillette.  Maybe you can come to the states in the future and hunt here.

Zee

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ask Zee again...He may not talk you out of it this time

Specialty Pistols don’t match his particular style and application. 

I’m willing to bet you lunch it would be another “here today, gone tomorrow” for him. 

Not that that is a bad thing......but, unless he wants to check a box, he’s likely better off looking for a classic or collectible or something else on his list. 

But, I’m willing to be wrong. Don’t think I am. 

GunNut

Zee said:

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ask Zee again...He may not talk you out of it this time

Specialty Pistols don’t match his particular style and application. 

I’m willing to bet you lunch it would be another “here today, gone tomorrow” for him. 

Not that that is a bad thing......but, unless he wants to check a box, he’s likely better off looking for a classic or collectible or something else on his list. 

But, I’m willing to be wrong. Don’t think I am. 

Not trying to stroke your ego, you know me better than that, but you’ve never steered me wrong that I can recall.  I don’t listen much to a lot of folks but you usually make me think past my sheer gun lust.  And when I don’t listening listen I seem to end up with your voice in my head later on going “Told’ya” 🤣

Ernie Bishop

GunNut said:

Zee said:

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ask Zee again...He may not talk you out of it this time

Specialty Pistols don’t match his particular style and application. 

I’m willing to bet you lunch it would be another “here today, gone tomorrow” for him. 

Not that that is a bad thing......but, unless he wants to check a box, he’s likely better off looking for a classic or collectible or something else on his list. 

But, I’m willing to be wrong. Don’t think I am. 

Not trying to stroke your ego, you know me better than that, but you’ve never steered me wrong that I can recall.  I don’t listen much to a lot of folks but you usually make me think past my sheer gun lust.  And when I don’t listening listen I seem to end up with your voice in my head later on going “Told’ya” 🤣

Lunch it is...What is the time frame for him to have it, before you buy me lunch?!?

First, he has to actually get one, before the time begins...

GunNut

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Zee said:

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

CHIRO1989 said:

That worked out well! What knife are you using, I could not read what it said on the blade other than USA?

A 4 ounce Gerber 600 that I have had for some time. 

Those old “Portland” Gerber are becoming scarce and desirable with prices rising on eBay.  They are excellent blades.

Well done with the XP!  Every time you post a picture of one I want one and the Zee talks me out of it... 🤣

Ask Zee again...He may not talk you out of it this time

Specialty Pistols don’t match his particular style and application. 

I’m willing to bet you lunch it would be another “here today, gone tomorrow” for him. 

Not that that is a bad thing......but, unless he wants to check a box, he’s likely better off looking for a classic or collectible or something else on his list. 

But, I’m willing to be wrong. Don’t think I am. 

Not trying to stroke your ego, you know me better than that, but you’ve never steered me wrong that I can recall.  I don’t listen much to a lot of folks but you usually make me think past my sheer gun lust.  And when I don’t listening listen I seem to end up with your voice in my head later on going “Told’ya” 🤣

Lunch it is...What is the time frame for him to have it, before you buy me lunch?!?

First, he has to actually get one, before the time begins...

Now your both just messing with me... 🤬

Ernie Bishop

Come shoot with me at WYSHOT this summer, and you can use one of loaner XP's.  You will probably shoot further on steel than you ever have before, and with a specialty pistol to boot. The other part of WYSHOT is prairie dog shooting.  By the time you are done, you will have a much better idea of what you like. Summary of the shoot. https://sebrests-usa.com/wy-shot/

GunNut

Ernie Bishop said:

Come shoot with me at WYSHOT this summer, and you can use one of loaner XP's.  You will probably shoot further on steel than you ever have before, and with a specialty pistol to boot. The other part of WYSHOT is prairie dog shooting.  By the time you are done, you will have a much better idea of what you like. Summary of the shoot. https://sebrests-usa.com/wy-shot/

If there is ANY way I can accomplish this I will.  Thanks for the invite!

Ernie Bishop

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

Come shoot with me at WYSHOT this summer, and you can use one of loaner XP's.  You will probably shoot further on steel than you ever have before, and with a specialty pistol to boot. The other part of WYSHOT is prairie dog shooting.  By the time you are done, you will have a much better idea of what you like. Summary of the shoot. https://sebrests-usa.com/wy-shot/

If there is ANY way I can accomplish this I will.  Thanks for the invite!

Great!  This is a serious invite.  The specialty pistol I have in mind for you to use, took third in the overall and first in the junior division. A father and son used the same SP.  6 Creed HSP

GunNut

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

Ernie Bishop said:

Come shoot with me at WYSHOT this summer, and you can use one of loaner XP's.  You will probably shoot further on steel than you ever have before, and with a specialty pistol to boot. The other part of WYSHOT is prairie dog shooting.  By the time you are done, you will have a much better idea of what you like. Summary of the shoot. https://sebrests-usa.com/wy-shot/

If there is ANY way I can accomplish this I will.  Thanks for the invite!

Great!  This is a serious invite.  The specialty pistol I have in mind for you to use, took third in the overall and first in the junior division. A father and son used the same SP.  6 Creed HSP

That is a great offer and I will give it serious consideration for sure.  I have never been to WY and I can't think of a better reason to make this happen than to meet you and get to shoot with you!!!  Thanks!

Ernie Bishop

It shoots both of the Hornady factory ammo great. With a 103 grain ELDX the muzzle velocity is 2791 fps.  

With the factory match in the 108 grain ELDM the muzzle velocity is 2704 fps. 

The father-son team use the 103 grain  on day one, and switched to the 108 grain on day two, and the drops were  almost the same ironically.  

GunNut

That is a gorgeous gun!  What distances do you normally shoot at this event?  I can guarantee you whatever it is it’ll be my first time attempting it.  Not a lot of open land in my haunts for me to really stretch my legs.  I remember asking Zee a few years ago about buying something for LR like a Lapua or such and I had to wait for him to get back off the floor after he finished laughing at me... I think he mentioned something about me running a Formula 1 race car on my driveway...  he’s kind’a mean that way  🤣🤣🤣

Zee

Ernie Bishop

GunNut said:

That is a gorgeous gun!  What distances do you normally shoot at this event?  I can guarantee you whatever it is it’ll be my first time attempting it.  Not a lot of open land in my haunts for me to really stretch my legs.  I remember asking Zee a few years ago about buying something for LR like a Lapua or such and I had to wait for him to get back off the floor after he finished laughing at me... I think he mentioned something about me running a Formula 1 race car on my driveway...  he’s kind’a mean that way  🤣🤣🤣

You never have to guess what our friend is thinking...The gift of the knuckle-dragger

We have 5" and 10" steel primarily, with some 12' and little bigger when the distance gets further out there.  Bonus targets are over 1000 yards.

We have had many a first time shooter to both specialty pistols and distance, do things they couldn't imagine. 

Come to learn, meet people, shoot cool rigs, have fun, and try to remember your fundamentals at the same time

Most shooting will be from the prone position. 

Most of the time off of a bi-pod, but maybe off of a backpack, or off of a log...

You will have people spotting for you and giving you correction. 

Most of my scopes are MOA, but if you are hard wired for MIL's, I can put that scope on there as well. 

Regardless, you will have a good FFP reticle and a zero stop, and physical drop chart. 

The Sightron S-III will not be on there, unless you want to use that scope. 

The distances and target sizes are on everyone's score sheet, so you do not have to worry about ranging targets.

If you are serious, you will need to let me know so I can reserve that HSP for your use.

With the factory 108 ELD-M Match with a 100 yards zero is it 30 MOA to a grand with a 6.5 MOA for a 10mph Full Value Wind.

500 yards is 9.75 MOA and 2.75 for wind

The 103 ELD-X takes 28.5 for drop and 6.5 for wind at a grand, and at 500 9.25 drop and 2.75 for wind.

If you want a little advantage in drop go with the 103 ELD-X

GunNut

Ernie Bishop said:

GunNut said:

That is a gorgeous gun!  What distances do you normally shoot at this event?  I can guarantee you whatever it is it’ll be my first time attempting it.  Not a lot of open land in my haunts for me to really stretch my legs.  I remember asking Zee a few years ago about buying something for LR like a Lapua or such and I had to wait for him to get back off the floor after he finished laughing at me... I think he mentioned something about me running a Formula 1 race car on my driveway...  he’s kind’a mean that way  🤣🤣🤣

You never have to guess what our friend is thinking...The gift of the knuckle-dragger

Yeah, let's go with gift...