[Sven]

THR Northern California Summit 2003
Saturday, September 27th, 2003

We're having a SF Bay Area shoot at beautiful Los Altos Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, September 27th, 2003, 9AM to 5PM.

LOS ALTOS ROD AND GUN CLUB (http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/)
14750 SKYLINE BOULEVARD
LOS GATOS, CA 95033
(408) 867-3106

Driving down Skyline Boulevard (Route 35) is one of the most breathtaking experiences available in the Bay Area... having a range at the top of this mountain ridge is a bonus!

Map and Driving Directions (http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/driving_directions.html)
Range Info and Rules (http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/rangerul.html)


http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/Graphics/main/thumb/Panorama1.jpg

Click for High-res image with legend. (http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/Graphics/main/full/Legend.jpg)

Range features:

-7 to 25 yard handgun range
-40 yd Tin Can Range (water filled jugs ok to 1 gallon)
-25 and 50 yard rifle
-shotgun patterning board
-100 yard rifle range
-electric and manually operated trap
-black powder ok
-soda machines, bottled water, snacks (chips, cookies, ice cream bars), coffee, hot chocolate, and tea.
-picnic area - chicken is coming, bring stuff

Previous attendees include (please help me add to this list): Crimper-D, Hand_Rifle_Guy, Atek3, QuarterBoreGunner, MadKiwi, LabRat, Jeff, Calvin, 45R,

...some scenes:
http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_04_19/scene_still.jpg


http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_04_19/jugs_still.jpg

Shooting jugs of water (with a bit of tempra paint mixed in) with rifles. (Click image for Movie) (http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_04_19/jugs.mpg) . Read more about the last last SF Bay Area Shoot, April (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17013). Click the link to the thread and you'll see more fun movies and photos of the gang.

http://www.travelnotes.de/california/silicon/pm/tpm01.jpg (http://www.travelnotes.de/california/silicon/pm/ppm01.jpg)

Previous get-togethers:

Bay Area Shoot, June 7, 2003 (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22636)

Bay Area Shoot, April 19, 2003 (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17013)

-sven

[Combat-wombat]

Okay! It looks as if I'll be able to make it, I'm about 95% sure. I'll look forward to seeing y'all there, and I can bring a couple boxes of ammo if anyone is short of it. I'm thinking I'll bring a couple boxes of .357 sig for HRG's Glock 32. H_R_G: BRING YOUR GLOCK 32!!!

Also, I'm REALLY hoping I can shoot someone's AR.

As for me, my Buckmark is off to Browning so they can spend a ridiculously long time to repair it, so I'll only have my S&W M19 snubbie.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Ok- I just got back from Richmond Rod & Gun; got the barrel on the Tikka settled down (mental note- if you started the rifle on moly; STICK WITH MOLY. I tried regular jacketed and man what hassle. I wasn't getting groups, I was getting patterns. So back to moly.)

So the Tikka is on board.

ARs? Check.
M1A? Why not. Have to re-mount the scope; or just pull it off.
Rem LTR? Ok.

How about a .44?

I'll bring a Ruger MkII for new shooters and probably a .38 wheel gun.

Anything else?

[Combat-wombat]

Oh, I GOTTA shoot the M1A too!

[winstonsmith]

Oh, I GOTTA shoot the M1A too!

Don't be so greedy.:neener:

I'm the newbie who hasnt shot a gun before. MINE! NO MINE!

[Telperion]

Seems HRG's G32 got real popular quick... now I'll have the chance to compare Glock vs SIG on 357.

Other things to bring:
10/22 with fiber optic sights
Burgers for the Q

[Frohickey]

Okay, whats the expectation on bring along firearms for people to shoot? Do you have to supply the ammo too?

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Okay, whats the expectation on bring along firearms for people to shoot? Do you have to supply the ammo too?

Not for my ARs and the M1A; I've got about 1200 rounds of .223 and another 600 or so of .308. I won't even make you clean them. ;)

I have to pick up some more 22-250 though, and some more .22. I have plenty of match wadcutter .38 for the new shooters to try, if they like.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

AhA! Back from Eureka, and digging up ghost-towns. I was going to bump this, or it's equivalent, thread. Good to see that we have the scattered kitties well in hand.

And forwhy is my Block so fascinating? I mean, it's got a target disconnector and it's brand new, but it's just a Glock. It has no shiny bluing or polished wood! (Carefull. This gun might convert you to the Dark Side. It's that much fun. ;)) Anyhow, it's a-coming.


The current list, in case anyone fergot:

Rifles:

Remington M-81 auto, .300 Savage.
MAS M-36 boltgun, 7.62 NATO.
Mannlicher-stocked Mexican Mauser, 7.62 NATO.
Steyr-Mannlicher M-95 straight-pull carbine, 8x56R.


Handguns, and my home-made pistol rest, so far:

AMT/IAI Automag III, .30 Carbine.
Glock 32, 357 Sig.
Steyr-Hahn M-1912, 9mm Steyr/Largo.
Springfield Armory Single Shot conversion kit on a Springfield Armory Mil-spec 1911, .308 Winchester. Bring your gloves if you want to shoot it. Be told.
Astra 600, 9x19, to shoot against Sven's CZ-75.
Shansei Arsenal Broomhandle Mauser, .45 ACP.
ADC Model 1 derringer, .45 ACP, cuz it's small.
ADC Model 8 derringer, known as The Monster, 7.62 x 39, gloves again.


That's 12, in 9 calibers. So much for 5. And I may yet throw in a bonus or two.

I don't have but a few rounds of .308, and the rifles prefer Milsurp. I'm hoping someone can spare me a handful of that cheap stuff. I have most of a box of commercial stuff for the Springfield Hand Rifle, (Which cannot abide hard machine-gun primers.) which ought to be plenty. It's a bruiser.

Decided to leave the shotgun home, trying to simplify things. Like 12 is simple.


Frohickey, Winstonsmith, I reiterate:

I WILL need help getting all of this stuff run at least once over the course of the day, even if I don't shoot it myself! If you have any curiosity about what's on that list, track me down, and I'll hand it to you. With ammo. (Unless it's the A-m-3, or the G-32. Other folks are providing ammo for those, so you might have to ask them too.)

Hopeless, me...

P.S. Remember to start stocking up jugs/2-litres/what-have-you for the plinking range NOW. Raid the recyling bin! Also important, a hat and SUNSCREEN!

P.P.S. Possible bonus guns now include the Trapdoor Springfield .45-70, and the Colt 1903 .32 ACP. I need some reasons to leave 'em home...too many guns! 11 calibers! Aaagh!

:p :evil: ;)

[RangerGrant]

Well, the good news is I'm off on the 27th. But I'm supposed to shoot a night match (IDPA) in Turlock that night. Will have to see how I can work this out. I'd like to do both, I just don't know if my middle-aged butt can deal with that much driving in one day. I'll be a definite maybe!:confused:

best, RG

[Skunkabilly]

Would anyone have a place for me to stay?

[10SOPT]

Hello all,
Im new to the board and saw that you are all gonna meet at Los Altos
shooting center. Is this an open invite? Im from Sacramento, but have never seen a range as beautiful. So lemmie know, I'd enjoy meeting new freinds and gaining more knowledge.
Thanks

[XxAR10xX]

Too bad it's not one weekend earlier. I'm gonna be up there on the 20th. My Ar10 and Ak wanted to do a roadtrip too.. :(

[Sven]

RangerGrant:

I'm "Shooter 18" at that same night shoot in Turlock... will be leaving at 5PM and driving out to the Central Coast. Perhaps we can carpool. PM.

10SOPT:

This is an open invitation for any HighRoad members or friends to join us. The only requirements are that you behave safely and in a manner that would make Oleg proud to have "TheHighRoad" associated with this event. Fee is $10 for the day, payable to the range upon entry.

-s

[10SOPT]

Thanks a lot Sven,
No problem on the SAFETY issues, I know of no other way to handle or operate a firearm. I shoot quite often at Sac Valley Center and have never had or been exposed to a negligent incedent. However I am very much open minded, and If while in your company I should operate my firearms in any manner that makes you or any of the members uncomfortable, please let me know. I just want to have a good time and be safe. Thanks again.:D

[RangerGrant]

Sven,

You have mail. Sounds like we can work something out.
Prepare to meet "The Three Bears":what:

best, RG

[Calvin]

By the way Sven, as of August 1st, the range fee is now $12.00. Worth every penny though.

[winstonsmith]

May I bring a friend? My parents don't want to come with other than to sign any necessary paperwork... and they don't trust me downt here w/o a buddy.

And how long are we going to be there?

[tex_n_cal]

Ahem. You guys know you did this the 2nd weekend of D7 deer season, ya know:neener:

If I get a deer or get tired by then, I might try to make it...coming from the Central Valley. Don't know if my Korean girlfriend will attend.

Hmmm...

10mm Delta Elite
9mm LW Commander
.38 Super/9x23 SA 1911
XP100R .22-250
.500-450 #1 Express
.375 H&H #1
.22-250#1 (yes THAT one)
.300 Win mag #1 (THAT one too)
.30-40 Krag

choices, choices, choices

[QuarterBoreGunner]

winstonsmith- We're usually there at least three or four hours. Sven is hardcore and usually seems to be there when they open; I'm usually there about 10:30 or so. It's an easy drive from the city. Bring your friend; what Sven said applies.

How are you going to set up the whole 'parental permission' thing?

[Snake Eyes]

Man, I'd sure love to come to one of your Cali get-togethers. We can't seem to get a group in Arizona. My wife works in NoCal and has family in SoCal, so the travel is no big deal.

I just can't afford the felony convictions for bringing my guns into California.

:( :(

[Skunkabilly]

You may be able to bring them in out of state for competitive events. Not sure if you need paperwork blessings from the DOJ though.

[45R]

And how long are we going to be there?


Probably a very very very very long time. We will probably shoot until Svens ammo can is empty. :)


Hey Sven did you ever empty out that last can?

I'll try and get out there with the 10/22. I've gotten pretty much most of the bugs ironed out and the 1911 is nice and broken in. :)

QBG- I might actually get a chance to shoot one of your toys this time. :)

[madkiwi]

Pretty sure Labrat and I will make it.

We have a borrowed Kimber Custom Eclipse that we are supposed to be trying out, with an eye towards buying it from a friend. Might be something to bring.

We are/are not trying to make a BBQ lunch get together out of it this time?

madkiwi

[Sven]

45R: Got a whole new can of carbine ammo - hope I get my MilTech carbine in time to break it in (deep sigh). Don't want to exercise my Winchester too much... she deserves rest and relaxation. ;)

[45R]

Sweeeeeeet!!! Your welcome to shoot my M1A if "mini me" wants to relax and enjoy the nice Bay Area weather. :)

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I'll bring extra 20 rounder GI mags for the M1As... I've got a bunch of CAVIM .308 to burn up plus about 500 rounds or so of English Radway Green 7.62mm NATO.

This is sounding like it will be a pretty big gathering.

Way cool.

[Skunkabilly]

How much is a night in a motel up yonder?

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

$50-$100+, depending on how rich you feel. Go to the library and root up phone books for San Jose, (South Bay.) Palo Alto, (Mid-Peninsula.) and San Mateo, (North Peninsula without S.F.) and poke around in the yellow pages. Maybe check Saratoga and Campbell also. That'd put you about an hour-ish drive to the range. LAR&CG is right next the intersection of Highways 9 and 35 if you want to plan your location accordingly.

Or you could stay in Santa Cruz, on the OTHER side of the hill. A lovely bastion of liberal hippie iconism with a swell beach and boardwalk. (Maybe you shouldn't go there. You're one of those Impressionable Young College Students, right? Santa Cruz has a high concentration of predatory tree-hugging eco-liberals who regard you as entitled prey. ;) )

[45R]

Skunk-
try www.priceline.com My girlfriend has never paid more than 40 bucks for a 3-4 star hotel. :) Wait till the date is closer to the shoot before you try.

HTH

45R

[Sven]

I've SERIOUSLY got the carbine ammo thing taken care of, HRG.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

That means the A-m-3 should be very popular-IF you can get it away from me! ;)

Can't wait. Itchy trigger finger in desperate need of Range Therapy. Many restless firearms antsy for excercise. Many arguments amongst 'em over who goes/who stays to guard the homestead.


What, don't your guns argue over who got shot last? Some of mine get downright SHRILL about it, squalling about favoritism and entitlement. it's worse than a pack of disenfranchised liberals after a lost election. They'd be good candidates for a Jerry Springer show, except they'd probably start shooting instead of flinging furniture around.

You know, you'd think a one-hundred-year-old gun would appreciate a little pampering and less use. Don't you believe it. They get all cranky and whine about "uneducated young whipper-snappers" and "age-ism". I have to shoot them just to shut them up. If I try to ignore them, they raise an ungodly ruckus in the safe, and foment discontent and rebellion. Unruly guns have a tendency to be less accurate.

H_R_G, doing his part to keep his collection well-gruntled. Can't have the more independent-minded pieces getting ideas above their station, otherwise they might start BELIEVING that liberal garbage about how guns "go off by themselves" and "encourage/create violence".

Truly, there can be no such thing as too much imagination. :cool: :D :neener:

[Combat-wombat]

Just got done explaining to my dad who knows very little about guns about picking up the .357 sig for the shoot and how no, it will not work in our revolver because it is a pistol round, not .357 magnum... whatever.

Anyway, my dad is managing a local political campaign so he is very busy. If he has some important meeting that weekend, I will not be able to come. However, there's a good chance he won't, so I think I will be able to come. So I will most likely see y'all there.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

BUMP!

Keeping this warm, so that everyone knows it's coming. Also re-upping for some brand-spanking-new Bay Area members who probably haven't seen this thread. To those, I say: "Come with us, and welcome!".

:):D:)

P.S. Ummm, ok, I'm being a bit of a thickwit, seeing as the date on the title is no longer valid. Enh. Purpose and reasons still are. Gitalong, leetle kitties! Hyaah!

[Sven]

P.S. Ummm, ok, I'm being a bit of a thickwit, seeing as the date on the title is no longer valid. Enh. Purpose and reasons still are. Gitalong, leetle kitties! Hyaah!

???

Date is unchanged. 9/27/2003

You looking at the same post I am?

-s

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

August is ninth if I say it is! So there!

Eh? Whassat? Oh...


I'll just say "Oops!", and get out. Not "uh-uh-uh", just "Oops!", and get out.---paraphrased from Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock in The Producers.


Being unemployed can give one such a personal bias on the importance of things like dates and calenders. Realistically, this is not an achievement.

'Still a good bump, though, right?

:o :p ;)


On a gun-related tidbit, I shall bring along the CZ-50 instead of the Colt 1903, just fer yucks.

And speaking of CZ's, I wonder if I can lay hands on a CZ-52 firing pin over at Targetmasters. Mine seems to have lost it's tip.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Maybe it's all that recoil shakin' things loose...

[Combat-wombat]

Just keeping this warm...

[Sven]

Warm? This thread is red hot!

So, officially, who is in?

Me!

[Frohickey]

I'm in... if work doesn't send me overseas. :D

[Combat-wombat]

It'll probably be mid next week before I'll know for sure if I'm coming.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

If I have to work the Cattle Baron's Ball, I'll bethca I can't come. :(

Being desperate for work can surely put a damper on things. I'll keep you posted.


QBG: It's not recoil shaking things loose. That's all in the hand, anyhow. Interferes with...well, this is a family forum. ;)

The truth is simpler. I'm just not quite right in the head. Earthly concerns are all so...down to earth.

:eek: :cool: :D

[Calvin]

I'll be there. Where else would I be?Between Keith and myself we should have about 100 water jugs to shoot up.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Hooray! The Cattle Baron's Ball is THIS weekend, so I get to play NEXT weekend.

Coolness. I'm THERE.

I might even have some cash to buy some .308 milsurp ammo in the meantime. Yesss!

Saving up the jugs. Bring a handful!

[Telperion]

I'm still in. I think I'll come early this time.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Mmmm. Wifey was waiting for a date for oral surgery (which gives me the jibblies... shoot me, run me over, blow me up... just don't mess with my teeth) and the magic day is Thursday before the shoot. My darling mother-in-law is going to be staying with us that week to look after her darling daughter...rats

Ok bottom line is I may have to miss the range day and stay with the family to prove what a good husband I am.

Then again, her mom will be there so I'm not *really* needed.

All I can say is I'm really going to try and make it. And early like pipsqueak said.

[Buckskinner]

Would've liked to see Skunk's for sale M1a...

DT

[madkiwi]

If this is still happening, Labrat and I will be there.

Going to see someone about a motorcycle first, then coming to Los Gatos. Maybe with the new bike? We'll see...

Madkiwi

[winstonsmith]

Love to come, absolutely love to. However it falls on Rosh Hashana, the jewish new year. Can't make it, sorry guys.

[tex_n_cal]

bummer for me too, D7 deer season is already open, and I'll be busy with that activity this weekend. Keep me in the loop for future gatherings, though!

[labrat]

Yup... what madkiwi said...

What fun... I might have a motorcycle to bring along to the shoot.

Oh, and did he mention we might bring my friend's Kimber Custom Eclipse?

See y'all there.... (who says I never post...lol! :D)

-labrat

[sandy4570]

Glad to meet all the THR member again , I have year pass so I alway there every Saturday but it get lonely sometime. Everyone is welcome to try my K-31 rifle.

[45R]

I wont be able to make this one afterall. GF has family coming into town for a Equine Show. Not super big on the Equines but love the family. :)

[Crimper-D]

How'd I miss this thread for this long??? :banghead:
Already have a trunk full of .22's - I'll see if I can make room for the M1 and a can of 30-06. If I can make it, I'll see y'all there.:cool:

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Oooooooookay then.

Looks like I'm in. Wifey's jaw is wired shut so she can't really say 'no'; (maxillo-facial surgery last yesterday...) but she can glare at me real good. The darling mother-in-law is here to take care of her darling baby so that leaves me free to attend the gathering of the guns.

I'm in for the M1A; plenty of mil-surp .308 to pop.
Two ARs I suppose; about 1k of PMC .223 to work through.
A couple of .22s to play with.
A random assortment of handguns.

Are we still up for the BBQ? If so I can bring teriyaki chicken- but we'll need a volunteer for briquets and lighter fluid.

Can I get an 'Amen'?

[Combat-wombat]

Okay! I can go. Yes, we'd be glad to bring briquets and lighter fluid for the BBQ. How many briquets do we need? Also, are you sure you have enough food? We can bring whatever, side dishes, meat, etc.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I can bring enough chicken for about six people; figure a medium size bag of briquets. Any extra food or side dishes are a good thing.

I'll bring paper plates and plastic knifey/spoony things.

Oh yeah anyone up for an old pre-ban Romanian side-folder AK?

I'll lug that along too.

[Combat-wombat]

Okay. About how many people do we expect to be there?

[Sven]

I'll be there... probably from 9:30AM - 2:30PM ... RangerGrant and I have to haul our behinds into the Central Valley by dinnertime for an IDPA night shoot.

Looking forward to it!

[atek3]

anyone going to be driving through berkeley that could be conned into giving me a ride? I'm only bringing 3 guns. My XD, my ruger mkII, and my rifle.
gimme a ring or PM me 510-551-4254. My internet connection is superspotty but I will check it later tonight.

Thanks,
atek3

[RangerGrant]

I'll be there later in the morning. After the week I've had I'm going to sleep in a little.

Sven, this will be a good time to work the kinks out of our "flashlight" technique:D .

best, RG

[Combat-wombat]

We've got a nice steak and some potato salad for the BBQ (not to mention the briquets and lighter fluid). We're set, except for the ammo. I think I'll need directions to a good gun store with good prices on ammo up there. We're leaving early in the morning, and our local one won't be open. Remember, I don't think Wally World or K-Mart will carry .357 sig, so I need a real gun store that will.

[Telperion]

I'll bring some burgers, if someone can bring hamburger buns. Do they have a separate barbeque area? There's not much room around the firing line and probably not a good idea to cook there anyway because of lead exposure and traffic.

I'll try to be there soon after opening, and if I don't spot anyone I'll set up on the 50 yd range with my 10/22. I have an OD green sunhat, but with the weather here I don't how much use it will see tomorrow.

Combat, if you can't find any 357 SIG, I've got you covered...

[QuarterBoreGunner]

There's a seperate picnic/bbq area just opposite the check in shack; picnic tables and a bbq all ready to go.

I'm going to be in my classic flouro-blue Hawaii shootin' shirt; trust me- you can't miss it. Don't be shy.

Also I'll bring along something a little more in-yer-face to let people know where we are... can't say any more it would spoil the fun!

See you on the range.

[atek3]

Ride? Anyone? Ride?

thanks,
atek3

[Combat-wombat]

Yeah, but we also need .38 Special.

[Frohickey]

I'll get 2 packages of burger buns, a bottle of ketchup and mustard.
I'll see if I have any 38specials around.

[4v50 Gary]

for the stay-at-home or had-to-work types. PICs too please.:)

[Combat-wombat]

Wow! I had a great time. The three hour drive was well worth it.

Nice to meet y'all, and thanks to everyone for letting me try out their guns and ammo.

[Telperion]

Indeed, pictures, pictures!

Another fine day at the range; good weather and great company. It was fun to see everyone from last time again, and nice to meet Combat-wombat, HRG, and Frohickey.

Sorry I didn't shoot HRG's G32... after shooting all day and getting food in my tummy, didn't quite feel up to it. We'll try for it next time :) Hope everyone had a safe trip home.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Combat-wombat, you are NOT off the hook. I need a little corroboration, here. (Nudge nudge.)

Pipsqueak hands me a box of(Not cheap!) ammo, and apologizes for not shooting it in my gun. You people are going to make me loonier than I already AM!

But bear in mind I say this with a BIG smile!


Hokay, real range report the first, some three hours in the writing:

Dangitall, my as-bragged-ultra-reliable Automag III failed. (Hey, for the first time. Well, second. It doesn't like PMC ammo either, so I can't get the range brand.) Apparently it has no tolerance for Lake City hard-primered M-2 rounds. It repeatedly misfired, requiring thumb-cocks and repeat strikes about 40% of the time. HOWEVER, as ever, the impressive muzzleblast and fireballs were a big crowd-pleaser, drawing many questions of "WhatinSamHeck's THAT thing?!", which is always a bonus. Sven liked it, when it felt like working, and we tried to get a pic of the fireballs that show in full sunlight. Results of this remain to be seen, but consensus is we didn't get it. Accuracy in general seemed to be ok, with some successful hits on various jugs at the 40-yard range. Combat-wombat broadened his horizons on the unreliable cuss, and expressed satisfaction at how it shot, although the misfire thing threw him a bit, an understandable stance in the context of "Is it hangfiring, and you want me to thumb-cock it?" I shall leave the rest to him, and he better chime in, I'm itching for more input on what people think of this gun. (Gotta stock up on ammo it LIKES for next time.)

I brought along the G-32, and Pipsqueak was generous enough to spot me a box of ammo. I was hoping he would join us to shoot it, but everyone but the Combat-wombat bugged out after lunch, so he was the only one who got to shoot it! I didn't even shoot it, as I brought that gun fer other folks to enjoy today. Next time, Pipsqueak, you won't get off so easy, as I'm itching to try that Sig 229 and find out what the hullabaloo is all about. The ammo was Speer Lawman "lead-free" sintered-copper powder training ammo, with 100-grain bullets. They fed and functioned flawlessly, and were mighty loud under the tin roof.

The Astra 600 was boring. It worked great, like it always does. I harrassed a milk jug at 40 yards with it, but didn't get to shoot it against Sven's CZ-75, as he had to leave for that IDPA thing. Just as well, as that gives me an excuse for bringing it out again next time, and accurate reliable guns are always fun. Combat-wombat tried out this gun also, and I'm curious about a compare/contrast of this gun with the .32 ACP calibered CZ-50 he also shot, as they're both blow-back actions.

The CZ-50 was choking, apparently having issues with the bullet profile of the PMC fmj's I brought along. It kept jamming them into the feedramp. Combat-wombat got a bunch of practical training on clearance drills as he fought with the cantankerous little gun. I don't get it, this ammo runs beautifully in my 1903 Colt, and the CZ has run fine on other cheap fmj reloads, so I guess it was just being ammo-sensitive, an odd occurence with ball. Despite it's misfunctioning, the Wombat decided he liked it, and now wants one. He repeatedly compared (Favorably.) it to the Walther PP series guns, an understandable link as the CZ could be said to be a staight-up rip-off of those pistols. I just wish it had worked a bit better. Accuracy when I shot it seemed adequate, but it took a few rounds for me to get dialed on it. This is about the third time it's gone to the range since I got it, so I need to shoot it some more.

It was not my day with the Steyr-Hahn 1912. I could NOT figure out where that gun wanted to shoot. It functioned wondefully, but I couldn't hit the side of a barn from the inside with it today. Hmmph. I've done better with it in the past, so I guess I just failed to make the right sacrifices this morning, or something.

The Shansei .45 Broomhandle Mauser was working better and better. It stayed on the paper, shot reasonable, hand-sized (Albeit a few inches left.)groups at about 15 yards, and didn't misfeed very much. (The misfeed thing is it's biggest issue. It's improving.) NOTE: this gun has TERRIBLE ergonomics. It's big, heavy, and impressive looking, but that Broomhandle grip is the pits. Your hand rides up the back of it until the gun starts jamming squared-off edges into your knuckles. No blood, but uncomfortable. It was surprisingly loud, and kicked smartly for such a heavy monstrosity. One needs to really hang on to the grip to keep it from migrating and getting uncomfortable, but otherwise it was it's usual easy-shooting self.

The Monster was, well, The Monster. It HATES Wolf ammo, which is all I have to feed it right now, as they require fired cases to be driven out with a brass rod. It hurt to shoot, as usual I suppose, but I'm starting to get a better handel on WHERE it shoots in relation to its goofy sights. Thanks to Frohickey for spotting me while I fired it, uh, six times. (It's tiring.) For some reason I couldn't get HIM to shoot it...;) (For that matter, no-one but me shot it this time. That's why it's The Monster: it's scary.)

Now the Springfield Armory S.A.S.S. was a different story. I brought my 1911 frame and the .308 barrel, and it performed admirably. As I shot it AFTER I shot the monster, I think I put all of 4 rounds through it, but it neatly drilled a 1-litre water jug dead center at 40 yards in one shot with iron sights, proving to myself that I hadn't completely lost my touch. Additionally, I actually conned both Frohickey AND Quarter-Bore-Gunner into shooting once each. That got me some raised eyebrows, as the .308 Hand Rifle actually kicks WORSE than The Monster, but it hurts less. What it really tries to do is conk you in the forehead with the barrel, but it hasn't succeeded yet on anybody. But it does surprise you when you actually have to SHOVE on the thing after it fires to keep it from doing so!

I also brought out the .358 barrel, but no ammo. (On purpose.) THAT beast is a thumper, and willfully attempts to sink the front sight into your forehead. I'll bring ammo next time, but THIS gun is not for the faint of wrist!

Lessee, rifles.

Surprise of the Day (For me, at any rate.) goes to my why-do-you-own-that-it's-French! MAS M-36 boltgun, which is a .308 conversion. This is a handy little nicely-balanced carbine-sized rifle with an oddly-kinked bolt handle and a BEEFY slab-sided receiver. It has a built-in reversible cruciform knitting-needle of a bayonet, an above-average mag capacity, (Meaning more than 5, but I don't know how many, exactly.) a hinged magazine floorplate, (Nice!) EXCELLENT balance, an EXCELLENT fast aperture sight, remarkably simple construction even with a 2-piece stock, (You can strip the bolt into four pieces, body, firing pin, cocking piece and mainspring, very easily with no tools, and it re-assembles just as simply.) AND NO SAFETY! :what: (Those wacky French! I guess they like to be dangerous. This is not the first French service rifle to be issued with no safety.) It has an after-market add-on trigger-block safety that Navy Arms installed when they converted it to .308 to meet import restrictions. This is one of the last bolt-action service rifles designed by a major military power, and it is highly refined. The bolt is rear-locking, but it is a massive 3/4" in diameter or so, so this gun does not suffer from the bolt-compression issues that restrict operating pressures in Lee-Enfields and shorten brass life. Bolt operation is quick and slick even though my gun has little use on it, making the agressive Parkerizing pretty rough on the contact surfaces. The oddly-kinked bolt handle, mandated by the rear lock-up, actually made for very easy operation, even though the ergonomics feel a little "funny" when you first shoulder the rifle. To me, the length of pull seemed surprisingly short, (I haven't measured it, but it seems that way compared to other rifles I have.) but that didn't interfere with operation in any way. My particular gun has about 1" of freebore, (Barrel with no rifling.) I think as a result of it's conversion. This may have been to lower initial peak pressure, as .308 runs a bit hotter than 7.5 French ammo. I've read that this can make for innacuracy, but this wasn't immediately obvious from the 10 rounds I put through this gun at the plinking range. Freebore can also make for reduced recoil, which might have accounted for why such a light carbine in a full-house cartridge seemed so reasonable to shoot. I dunno, I was just happy that the first rounds I put through this gun shot RIGHT to where it looked, it didn't clobber my shoulder, and the gun ran very nicely. Considering that I got this gun in brand-new condition for a whopping $130 out the door, I'm pretty impressed. I would qualify it as a Best Buy, it's light enough to hunt with WITHOUT sporterization, and it would make an equally good SHTF rifle as an Enfield does. Particularly if someone makes an after-market scope mount for it, although the aperture sight makes that a debateable neccessity. The bayonet set-up is slick as ice, and I would heartily reccomend to any one to buy on of these rifles. They're like a CZ-52, mucho under-rated. (It is worth noting that I was approached at the range by a gentleman wondering about windage adjustment on the gun. He said he owned one, also a conversion, that wouldn't print on paper at 50 yards. I couldn't offer him any advice, and I suppose he ran into a lousy comversion. It happens, but with an out-the-door price of under $150, you can afford to take a chance on one of these. I've mostly heard good stories about these, and there a VERY handy little rifle, and an excellent prospect for a truck gun.)

Next was the Steyr-Mannlicher M-95 straight-pull carbine. This is another $100 Special, a Budapest-built arsenal-refinished Nazi re-work of the original straight-pull rifle of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Chambered for the 8mm x 56R, I ran this gun on Nazi-stamped 1938-vintage ammo. This is 219-grain FMJ's at a respectable velocity I can't remember this second, and That Little Bastard Rifle purpled my shoulder despite making sure I was correctly braced, with the buttstock riding on a nice pad of muscle. Make no mistake, that thing walloped me. Rapped my knuckle on the back of the triggerguard, no less, just like a heavy-Magnum revolver! I knew it would, as I've heard that in lots of places, but the reality is indeed harsh. The Nazi's did a job making these little guns into viable arms shooting a full-power round, but I see why they were rear-echelon support arms, beyond the logistical neccessities. They're fine to carry around, light and handy, with good balance and a slick action, but God forbid you ever have to SHOOT the thing a lot. Mine worked fine, with easy bolt operation, decisive ejection, and shooting right to the point of aim of the relatively primitive sights. It spit the clip out of the bottom of the action with a delightful cling! It's the big, open ejection port for these clips on the bottom of these guns that's one of the reasons they were never very popular with militaries: it's a great place to fill your rifle with mud. (Silly story: Combat-wombat got on Dad's case about the clip/magazine distinction, so I got out a Mannlicher-style magazine of 8 x 56R and caught him with it. It LOOKS like a stripper clip, but it's an en-block clip like a Garand's, and the gun can't function as a repeater without it. ;) )

The .300 Savage-chambered Reminton M-81 autoloader distinguished itself admirably, functioning through the 5 rounds of 150-grain ammo I ran through it beautifully. Shot right where it's Redfield peepsight looked, perfect performance. It started to back the stock screw out, but that's my fault. Note to self: Tighten the stock screw BEFORE you re-assemble the rifle. The bolt-return spring has to be compressed otherwise before you can get the screw started straight, and that is uneccessary gruntwork that I got wrong, causing my screw to migrate under firing.

Disappointment of the Day: The Mannlicher-stocked Mexican Mauser stuck a round in the chamber hard enough to rip the rim off. I had to get a range guy to assist me in driving the case out. It only stuck once, but I was unwilling to chance another stuck case at the range, so I put the rifle up. Every OTHER type of different ammo I tested in in it chambered fine, but I still didn't want to struggle with any guns today. I need to take a closer look at this gun's extractor to determine what the issue is. Additionaly, it didn't shoot where the scope looked. Worst of all, this gun is VERY pretty, as sweet a little Mannlicher-look-alike as any you might see for a couple of thousand dollars, lacking only a butterknife bolt handle. I was hoping too show it off, and No One Even Noticed. I am mortified and embarassed. No-one has any taste anymore. (It's probably for the best, as the dang thing choked in a most untimely manner.)


Ultimate Prize of the Day for me came by way of Combat-wombat, who had this very nice 2 1/2" S&W M-19. I've never shot an M-19 before, so when he offered to let me try it out, I was thrilled. He brought along some .38 Special SWC's and I loaded up a cylinder-full, aligned the sights on a 7-yard target, and sqeezed off a VERY smooth DA shot without trying over-hard to hit the target's center.

The first shot clipped the 10-ring. Lucky shot, thinks I. Lot I knew.

Six casual DA shots later I had about a 2" group, all neatly clustered around the X. That was about the best shooting I did ALL DAY! In the context of being a bit casual about the timing and sight alignment, in addition to shooting DA, now I understand what all you people who swear by M-19's have been getting at all this time! I really need to get one of these as soon as I can! That gun amazed me! Fit, smoothness, accuracy, THAT'S what it all adds up to. The whole is greater than the sum of it's parts, definitely!


On the whole, this shoot was very successful. (Well, I needed more help with shooting my stuff. I guess my guns aren't black and evil enough. :( I need to show up before noon, I suppose.) The scary-looking overcast faded away on the drive up, the sun came out and made for a perfect day, I even brought home a little sunburn. The range fee went up to $12, which was a surprise, but is still well worth it to maintain such an excellent range as LAR&GC. The BBQ went off great, ( I got fed, and all I had to offer was guns and ammo, which I couldn't get anyone to shoot. :o What, am I ugly?) I hope that's a regular feature of these shoots. Even if it's cold (but not raining.) A BBQ lunch would be a big hit for the social part of these get-togethers. That's a hint that we should keep this up, BTW. This is most fun.

Here's an observation for you: HighRiders are TOO generous. I owe Pipsqueak a favor and some gun time, as he handed off a box of .357 Sig without giving me a chance at equal time and ammo. (I brought that Glock up to the range specifically for other people to shoot, because I really like to share my toys. Combat-wombat was the sole beneficiary. I need to do better.) I asked if anyone had some Milsurp .308 to beg a handful of, and (I'm not sure who to credit here.) got handed 3 BOXES of new Cavim, whereupon everyone up and splits so I can't share the rifles I borrowed ammo to shoot, Sven puts all of ONE magazine of .30 Carbine through the cantankerous-acting A-m-3, tells me to finish the box, and hands me another one! I still have ALL that .308, and a whole box of .30 Carbine. If I borrow ammo, I'm supposed to RETURN the extra, not TAKE THE STUFF HOME! :o:o:o

I'm not actually complaining! My thanks to all for their extraordinary generosity! I'll be bringing that ammo back up to the range to spread around next time, plus hopefully I'll have something new/unique/different for YOU to shoot, so long as you give me the chance, and don't make me FORCE you to shoot something odd that I bring up.

Just about everyone asked about or congratulated me on the return of my stolen car, and I thank everyone for their well-wishes. I wish I had some way to spread that good luck around to share it with the wonderful folks that spend time on this board.

HighRiders are we, the standard of behavior against which to compare the world. Or not, really; it might get terribly depressing to think about. Why can't the rest of the world act like this?


Hooo-boy, now THAT'S a range report! All we need is a few more partiscipants, and some of those neato digi-pics the rest of the more computer-equipped folks are so good at.

[Sven]

Thanks to all and sorry I couldn't stay that long. Very happy to see new and familiar faces, young to old!

http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_09_27/some_of_us.jpg

Just edited down the movies/pictures. Here are links to ZIP files with differently formatted movies:

DIVX AVI - 5.82 MB - best quality
http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_09_27/thr_2003_07_27_divx.zip

MPEG - 4.03 MB
http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_09_27/thr_2003_07_27_mpeg.zip

Production notes: I was tempted to add heavy metal music to the soundtrack (Slayer, specifically), especially for the 'blowing stuff up' part, but I held back. Maybe I'll do a re-mix. ;) Other thoughts: get a real video camera with high speed capabilities and get more videos of guns firing and 'external ballistics research experiments'. Maybe we could find a way to do a night shoot (see pictures here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42178)

Many more folks were present - we later estimated a turnout of 15 people:

QuarterBoreGunner, Calvin, Combat-Wombat (+1), labrat, madwiki, RangerGrant, pipsqueak, Hand_Rifle_Guy, MattC, Frohickey, sandy4570... Give a holler if you were there and I missed you:

What a great bunch of people! Thanks again - looking forward to the next one. -s

[RangerGrant]

Hi All,

I too, had a great time. As those that were there know, I left at 3pm for Turlock's IDPA nightshoot (Sven, left earlier for same reason). I "survived" the night shoot, but stage 4 was ugly. How ugly you ask? lets just say I didn't miss all the targets, and leave it at that:uhoh: . I put 278 miles on my old Honda, arriving home at 1:30am.

Enjoyed meeting all of you, and am looking forward to doing this again.

best, RG

[Calvin]

Thanks all had a good time shooting with you .Next shoot I hope to have more time for socializing. Sven any way to down load the video in some other format for those of us who are Zip challanged?

[Sven]

http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_09_27/thr_2003_07_27_divx.avi

Try Windows Media player, available at www.download.com or Windows Update. DIVX gives me the best quality.

[Calvin]

Thanks Sven I downloaded the DIVX, works like a champ. Way cool video. Thanks.

[Gary H]

Sven:

Thanks for the video...

[Sven]

No problem. Will shoot more footage next time.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Hey all- first day back at work from a week off. I'll post some pictures of the range day later this afternoon.


Good shoot all around.

[Sven]

*cough* Pictures? *cough*

[Combat-wombat]

How are those pictures comin' out, QuarterBore?

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Poke. Hey.

Poke poke.

You awake there, QBG? I seem to remember a pic of a .303/.45-70 that needs posting.


And you, Mr. Wombat. Where's that range report, hmmm? Compare/contrast 2 different blowback actions? What do YOU think of that M-19 of yours? There's a test at the end of the week, you know...

;)

[rickinvegas]

Production notes: I was tempted to add heavy metal music to the soundtrack (Slayer, specifically), especially for the 'blowing stuff up' part, but I held back. Maybe I'll do a re-mix. Other thoughts: get a real video camera with high speed capabilities and get more videos of guns firing and 'external ballistics research experiments'. Maybe we could find a way to do a night shoot

Love the video, looks like you guys had a good time. Too bad none of us Las Vegans can come and play with our toys. We did have a half a dozen Californians come for last months shoot. We love visitors.....3rd Saturday of every month!

We like to do videos too. I look forward to your remix. Here is some video from our July shoot.

Las Vegas July DBS Shoot Video (http://www.area51guns.com/julydbs.wmv)

[Sven]

Agreed: no fair asking for pictures when one hasn't submitted a report yet... be it text, photographic or movies.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Ok, no excuses, just havn't got around to it yet- but I will absolutely post pictures when I get off work today.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

"I bent my wookie"

Ok actually I broke the hinge on my laptop.

There. That's my excuse for the lag in posting pictures. That and the fact that they are clearly illustrative of my lack of skills in photography.

Here, in all their glory, are a few members of the THR NorCal Mob.

Combat-Wombat and my dinky Bushmaster AR- I think I should have told him the stock extends.
http://www.swedcom.com/test_images/cmbt_wmbt1.jpg

Madkiwi and Labrat taking a Kimber Eclipse II for a test drive.
http://www.swedcom.com/test_images/mklr.jpg

Pipsqueak bustin' caps with the Kimber CDP Compact.
http://www.swedcom.com/test_images/pipsqk2.jpg

Combat-Wombat again; also with the Kimber CDP Compact.
http://www.swedcom.com/test_images/cmbt_wmbt2.jpg

And Pipsqueak repelling the combined efforts of the 2-liter water bottle and the pint jugs, with the Bushy.
http://www.swedcom.com/test_images/pipsqk1.jpg

Frohicky, Ranger-Grant and Sven- my deepest apologies; none of the shots of you came out worth beans. I'm still learning how to take a decent picture of a relatively dark subject against the bright range.

Or maybe I should stick to guns.


Hand_Rifle_Guy: I have your shots of the 'kaboom'- PM me with a good address and I'll mail them to you.

[Combat-wombat]

Okay, thanks, QuarterBore.

I don't have enough time to post a range report right now, but I'll try to get it.

[RangerGrant]

QuarterBore,

No problem. I'm just glad you didn't say "You broke my camera!":D

best, RG

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Combat-wombat, you don't work for me, I don't pay your allowance, nor do I maintain a roof over your head. In short, you certainly don't have to answer to me in any serious way. So if I whine at you like a squeaky liberal Edjacayshun Reprogrammer, you can go ahead and give me a stern lecture about how it's attitudes like mine that are destroying the Youth of America by brainwashing them into sluggardly layabouts who complain their handout's too small.

Or whatever other politically incorrect rant that comes to mind. It's SAAAH-casm, old son. I try really hard not too take myself too seriously, so don't YOU start.

One LEETLE request, though. Next THR Shoot, when I hold up a gun and a box of ammo and say "Wanna shoot this?", just smile and say "Sure!" We'll get along famously then, dontchyer think? :D

QBG, the e-mail addy in my profile's working. That do for your purposes? Shirly you don't mean Snail Mail?

Need more range reports on this thread. Maybe "2-litres vs. milkjugs, how to get the best splatters", or some such.

;)