[natedog]

Went to the range today, and I brought my Mini-14 to have the front sight pin removed so I can install the muzzlebrake, and my Winchester Model 12 to have the magazine plug removed. Unfortunately, the gunsmith wasn't in. So I shot my Marlin 795 and had loads of fun. I also managed to qualify for the BSA Rifle Merit Badge, which is quite an accomplishment at the indoor range due to crappy rests, crappy chairs (folding step ladders) and crappy target holders that run on wires and sway back and forth :rolleyes:. I had to shoot a 5 shot group that could be covered by a quarter and I did it eventually off-hand at 50 feet. Also tried shooting the Colt Officer's Model 38. The range only allows you to use leadless range reloads, which are very crappy. I shot it at 25 yards for the first time and got about a 6" group off-hand. I don't know if it was me or the ammo, so I'm going to blame it on the ammo. After I was done shooting, I went to the counter and checked out a few guns. First was the Springfield XD which I have wanted for a while for my 14th birthday (still a NO from mom and dad). The guy behind the counter (a former LEO) was pleasently surprised. He made a comment to a female employee that "This kid knows his stuff". I took the pistol from him, and dry fired it a couple times, cycled the slide, dropped mag, etc. Next I asked for the HK USP 45. He chuckled and said, "Now I know I like this guy". Fondled it for a while, all while making conversation with the guy on 9mm vs. 45, DA vs SA, the usual banter. Next took the Beretta 92FS. We talked on how it became the US pistol, how politics got in the way, NATO compatability, etc. Last was a Kimber Custom II. We talked further on manual safety vs. auto safety, mag capacity, etc. As a parting comment I asked about loading 9mm into a .40S&W mag, and he said that it was "Breaking every rule in the book". Didn't want to get into a discussion about it, so I just agreed with him. Finally, he said that if every kid had at least rudimentary gun training then there would be very few children killed by finding daddy's gun and messing around with it. That stuck with me. I left at last, content with the days fun. I left my 795 dirty so I could clean it at my merit badge appointment. Another good day at Second Amendmant Sports!

PS Sorry this post is so long and filled with pointless stuff. :o