One day I was shooting at the 50 yard targets from the bench with my 91/30 Mosin Nagant. Between shots I was chatting with the range officer and one of the other shooters walked back to his car and grabbed a pistol rug. He came back with a Model 29 Smith and began bragging about his 8 inch Dirty Harry gun. He swaggered up to the 50 yard firing line and proceeded to blast away at the target while the range officer looked through his spotting scope and said, "miss, miss, hit, hit, miss, etc...) When he finished I drew my FEG Hipower from my holster and seated at the bench I fired a quick magazine or rounds at my target. The range officer didn't say a word so I asked him, "Did I hit anything?" He replied, "oh yeah" We all took a look through the spotting scopes and I had shot a nice thirteen shot group right around the bullseye! Apparantly Dirty Harry didn't like it too much because he put his 44 in its rug, zipped it up, and stomped back to his truck. He left without even saying goodbye! Boy a hurt ego is a terrible thing.
Funny Range Experience.
- Thread starter jon_in_wv
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Jim March
Member
When will people learn that you can't go out and purchase credibility?
I mean seriously. We had a guy on the revolver forum just recently asking which gun would impress people at the range more. Huh? I dunno about y'all but I'm impressed by SKILL. And in any world, guns or otherwise, skill can't be purchased.
There was a guy well known in the local "autocross" car circles (basically racing in parking lots, low speeds and serious corners) who was getting eaten alive by cheap Mazda Miatas and such. Daddy had bought him a Lamborghini Diablo and he couldn't drive the dang thing out of a wet paper bag. I've seen videos of this clown in action, it's just...ludicrous.
20 years ago I used to street race motorcycles in the Santa Cruz mountains. This was...lesse, yeah, '86 to '88 or so. I was up against the early GSXRs and similar "rice rockets" in a '79 Yamaha 650 twin I'd tweaked myself...super light rims, fork brake, re-sprung both ends, heavier fork oil, full race carbs, open pipe and flattracker bars. It otherwise looked like crap but people learned I'd chase anything on the road and generally keep up despite being way down on power
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It goes on and on. You either take what you do seriously or you don't...you don't spend your way there in any field.
I mean seriously. We had a guy on the revolver forum just recently asking which gun would impress people at the range more. Huh? I dunno about y'all but I'm impressed by SKILL. And in any world, guns or otherwise, skill can't be purchased.
There was a guy well known in the local "autocross" car circles (basically racing in parking lots, low speeds and serious corners) who was getting eaten alive by cheap Mazda Miatas and such. Daddy had bought him a Lamborghini Diablo and he couldn't drive the dang thing out of a wet paper bag. I've seen videos of this clown in action, it's just...ludicrous.
20 years ago I used to street race motorcycles in the Santa Cruz mountains. This was...lesse, yeah, '86 to '88 or so. I was up against the early GSXRs and similar "rice rockets" in a '79 Yamaha 650 twin I'd tweaked myself...super light rims, fork brake, re-sprung both ends, heavier fork oil, full race carbs, open pipe and flattracker bars. It otherwise looked like crap but people learned I'd chase anything on the road and generally keep up despite being way down on power
.It goes on and on. You either take what you do seriously or you don't...you don't spend your way there in any field.
Devonai
Member
Some people can't be helped, but it sounds like you didn't try. You couldn't have humiliated him any more if you'd offered to help him tighten up his groups.
Even if he says no, he might remember you the next time he comes to the range, and he might be in a better mood. Or maybe he'll ask someone else for some pointers.
After all, he might project his dislike of you onto your hi-cap pistol and vote for the next politician who wants to bring back the 10-round limit. You never know.
Even if he says no, he might remember you the next time he comes to the range, and he might be in a better mood. Or maybe he'll ask someone else for some pointers.
After all, he might project his dislike of you onto your hi-cap pistol and vote for the next politician who wants to bring back the 10-round limit. You never know.
Mauserguy
Member
Frankly, we shooters, as a group, have a huge problem with getting people involved in the sport. As such, I think we shouldn't try to humiliate people. If the guy wants to brag a bit and feel good about participating, then let him. We need more shooters, not shamed fence sitters.
Mauserguy
Mauserguy
I wasn't trying to embarrass him. In fact I had just bought my HP and I had never shot it at that distance before. I had no idea it was that accurate nor did I expect him to get a hurt ego about it. The Range Officer did tell me that the guy in question was a blowhard and he was tickled by the whole event.
I am in WV though and I'm still learning how to act with these people. They don't have a sense of humor about a lot of things and its really hard to offer any advice on the range because all of the shooters seem to know EVERYTHING. I am as curtious as I know how to be and I offer all the help I can when I'm asked to. I've learned not to offend by OFFERING advice though.
Cacique500
Member
You can always offer to let him shoot your pistol (and try his if he offers it). I think Jim is spot on though regarding 'skill'.
Even if you practice a lot, somebody, somewhere, will always be a better shot than you. When I go to the range I try to do some serious practicing but I also like to plink and generally have fun doing it. If you go with the attitude that you're the biggest baddest shot in the land you're going to be disappointed.
I really look forward to a busy range day - and usually get to shoot a lot of other peoples 'exotic' firearms (and they shoot mine...I've got some nice toys too )
Even if you practice a lot, somebody, somewhere, will always be a better shot than you. When I go to the range I try to do some serious practicing but I also like to plink and generally have fun doing it. If you go with the attitude that you're the biggest baddest shot in the land you're going to be disappointed.
I really look forward to a busy range day - and usually get to shoot a lot of other peoples 'exotic' firearms (and they shoot mine...I've got some nice toys too
)XLMiguel
Member
Practice makes Perfect
It's the same all over, doesn't matter the sport, you only become skilled in onway - practice! Afterall, a fool with a tool is still a fool.
I've had similar experiences as Jim March in autocross/solo - guys with expensive, powerfull sportscars getting eaten alive by guys in ratty 'beaters' that they'd practiced with to near death and tuned with BST (blood, sweat, tears).
When I lived in Chicago, I crewed on a Lighning (19' one design sailboat). we were fortunate enough to have the N. American champion in our club. Twice each season we had a race where everyone put their boat's number in a bucket and they were drawn at random, and that's the boat you raced that day. Didn't matter which boat 'the champ' drew, he smoked everyone; and it didn't matter who got is highly tuned, high-tech,full of sponsored equipment and new kevlar sails, they still couldn't catch him. BTW, 'the champ' was out sailing most anytime, regardsless of the weather.
It ain't the gun- - it's the gunner. Clearly, a good gun in skilled hands can make a difference, but it won't help you until your hands are skill. Though it might be neighborly or sportsman-like to offer to share some tips or work with the guy, if he doesn't want to learn, that's his problem. You can't 'educate' anyone, only provide an opportunity to learn and educate themselves.
So thus endeth the sermon, best regards,
Mikee, who is still seeking skill.
It's the same all over, doesn't matter the sport, you only become skilled in onway - practice! Afterall, a fool with a tool is still a fool.
I've had similar experiences as Jim March in autocross/solo - guys with expensive, powerfull sportscars getting eaten alive by guys in ratty 'beaters' that they'd practiced with to near death and tuned with BST (blood, sweat, tears).
When I lived in Chicago, I crewed on a Lighning (19' one design sailboat). we were fortunate enough to have the N. American champion in our club. Twice each season we had a race where everyone put their boat's number in a bucket and they were drawn at random, and that's the boat you raced that day. Didn't matter which boat 'the champ' drew, he smoked everyone; and it didn't matter who got is highly tuned, high-tech,full of sponsored equipment and new kevlar sails, they still couldn't catch him. BTW, 'the champ' was out sailing most anytime, regardsless of the weather.
It ain't the gun- - it's the gunner. Clearly, a good gun in skilled hands can make a difference, but it won't help you until your hands are skill. Though it might be neighborly or sportsman-like to offer to share some tips or work with the guy, if he doesn't want to learn, that's his problem. You can't 'educate' anyone, only provide an opportunity to learn and educate themselves.
So thus endeth the sermon, best regards,
Mikee, who is still seeking skill.
larry_minn
Member
Practice does make a BIG difference. I had not done any firearms practice for months. Time and meds (that made me decide not to play with firearms/drive while taking). (other then pest control with .22 rifle)
Anyway levels are way down so I grab Glock and 4" gong. Set it up at 15yds to warm up.
Moved up to 10yds. was at 50%. By third mag 70% then I quit. Glad nobody was around.
Anyway levels are way down so I grab Glock and 4" gong. Set it up at 15yds to warm up.
Moved up to 10yds.
was at 50%. By third mag 70% then I quit. Glad nobody was around.I love watching people blow throw boxes and boxes of ammo, and why well because they have a problem that afflicts all males, our pride! It is not in our genetic make up to ask for help most of the time. Plus, most of us feel we have an inner self like Dirty Harry or one of John Wayne's characters.
Case in point, on the 4th of July this year. I was out shooting with a few THR members - Halvey and Janitor. Janitor and I went to shoot handgun. We went to a bay where a man and a gal were shooting. We asked for a cease fire and we posted targets. Well, I like watching people shoot! Not to belittle, mind you but I might learn something. Plus it is a safety thing! So, I notice that the gal is shooting a 1911, and well she had her left hand across the backstrap. Being the person I am I envisioned trauma! BTDT, not pretty to see a slide rip open the web of the hand!
So, I was beside myself in how to perhaps intercede. I noticed that they were shooting 45ACP. I thought get the RIMZ out and offer to let them shoot the 625, the ultimate 45ACP! The husband goes first, and then I say let your wife go and shoot it. He then pointed to my targets, and he said may be you ought show here. Well, that opened the gate. I then got a chance to do some helping out. And, I was saddened only by the fact that I ran out of 9mm for the Geelock! After showing her how to grip the 19, and a few passes up close we move progressively back, she was shooting groups! I mean groups! She was trying to get a jump on firearms practice as she heads off to the Skills portion of her LE training in the fall! I fell good that I found a way to help, and it was productive as evidenced by the results on the target! Old saying! Brothers and fathers should not teach sisters and daughters how to drive. And, I think the same can be said for sig. others teaching sig others how to shoot!
I am fairly gifted at shooting, I am a shooter. I do not talk about it, I prove it! So many of the keyboard commandos are all about talking trash! Well, practice makes for a better shot! Does not matter the platform!
I have a bit to learn about shooting a shot gun at clay targets, and I admit that! I have a lot to learn about reading the wind and mirage at long range, and I fully admit that, too! But, for the most part handguns just seem to shoot in my hands!
I took my original concealed carry shooting test with a 44 Mag. Then again the ND test was a joke! 10 shots at 21 feet, seven in the scoring rings? But, you would be surprised with the results of watching people shoot!
Case in point, on the 4th of July this year. I was out shooting with a few THR members - Halvey and Janitor. Janitor and I went to shoot handgun. We went to a bay where a man and a gal were shooting. We asked for a cease fire and we posted targets. Well, I like watching people shoot! Not to belittle, mind you but I might learn something. Plus it is a safety thing! So, I notice that the gal is shooting a 1911, and well she had her left hand across the backstrap. Being the person I am I envisioned trauma! BTDT, not pretty to see a slide rip open the web of the hand!
So, I was beside myself in how to perhaps intercede. I noticed that they were shooting 45ACP. I thought get the RIMZ out and offer to let them shoot the 625, the ultimate 45ACP! The husband goes first, and then I say let your wife go and shoot it. He then pointed to my targets, and he said may be you ought show here. Well, that opened the gate. I then got a chance to do some helping out. And, I was saddened only by the fact that I ran out of 9mm for the Geelock! After showing her how to grip the 19, and a few passes up close we move progressively back, she was shooting groups! I mean groups! She was trying to get a jump on firearms practice as she heads off to the Skills portion of her LE training in the fall! I fell good that I found a way to help, and it was productive as evidenced by the results on the target! Old saying! Brothers and fathers should not teach sisters and daughters how to drive. And, I think the same can be said for sig. others teaching sig others how to shoot!
I am fairly gifted at shooting, I am a shooter. I do not talk about it, I prove it! So many of the keyboard commandos are all about talking trash! Well, practice makes for a better shot! Does not matter the platform!
I have a bit to learn about shooting a shot gun at clay targets, and I admit that! I have a lot to learn about reading the wind and mirage at long range, and I fully admit that, too! But, for the most part handguns just seem to shoot in my hands!
I took my original concealed carry shooting test with a 44 Mag. Then again the ND test was a joke! 10 shots at 21 feet, seven in the scoring rings? But, you would be surprised with the results of watching people shoot!
Valkman
Member
At the Bullseye range I used to shoot at we'd have people walking in now and then, and the same story would repeat it self again. Guy and GF walk in, pick a lane. Unload Glock/Sig/Whatever from case and load to max mag capacity. Run target out to 25 yards, because that's what everyone else is shooting at.
Now the stage is set - guy goes to impress GF and unloads mag rapidly. RO starts yelling and running towards him. Guy is like "What what what?" RO yells "I know you didn't hit anything shooting like that!"
Target is brought back with no holes in it, guy is shocked because that's not how it is on TV! You get the feeling they expected to see a smiley face or something, and sometimes they'd leave right away and sometimes they'd actually work on their shooting.
Now the stage is set - guy goes to impress GF and unloads mag rapidly. RO starts yelling and running towards him. Guy is like "What what what?"
RO yells "I know you didn't hit anything shooting like that!"Target is brought back with no holes in it, guy is shocked because that's not how it is on TV! You get the feeling they expected to see a smiley face or something, and sometimes they'd leave right away and sometimes they'd actually work on their shooting.
Zundfolge
Member
I used to do a little SoloII as well (ran both an Escort GT and an MR2) ... at one competition a police officer showed up ... in uniform, in his police cruiser.
They let him run just for the S&G of it (red light and siren too).
In his Crown Vic he posted the 2nd best time of the day (only beat out by a semi pro who ran a tricked out old Mini Cooper).
I've never seen a cop shoot as well as that one could drive
Mauserguy makes a good point though ... shaming someone that doesn't really know any better doesn't help the cause (although I'll agree there are some jerks you just love to watch get their dingus knocked in the dirt).
Pilgrim
Member
I have never set out to humiliate any shooter at the range. If they are embarrassed, they do it to themselves.
On the other hand, I have been approached by shooters who aren't doing well at the range and who have seen me shooting, who ask me for some pointers and impromtu instruction. If I take on the task, I am done shooting for the day. It is not about showing off my shooting skills then, it is about finding their problems and showing them how to fix them.
I really have no guilt or remorse showing up some braggard who has more money for guns than he has shooting skills. He called the dance, he can live with the consequences. I am certainly not going to shave some points so his feelings aren't hurt.
Pilgrim
Your right, I go to the range to shoot and practice my skills. Some guys go to show off. One day I was at an indoor range shooting my Custom 1911. The guy next to me was shooting and the blast from his gun was shaking the screens! I cleared my weapon and looked around the screen to see what he was shooting. He had a VERY customizes 38 super 1911 with a lightened slide, compensator, reflex sight, etc.... He brought his target back and I could see he shot a group at 15 yards that was about a foot and a half in diameter. I couldn't resist so I loaded two mags. Sent my target down to the 15 yard line and fired 16 rounds as fast as I could. I shot about a 4 inch group in the middle of my target. He stepped back to look and just shook his head and left! I didn't want ot embarrass him but I think there was a lesson to be learned in there. I hope he got the point.
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