Good day at the range!

[yhtomit]

(OK, it's always a good day when I get to go to the range; happens less than I'd like.)

However, today I headed out in the afternoon for some plinking, to the local tax-funded range, bringing with me my S&W 625 (and not enough ammo for that most fun of guns), my Browning BDM (9mm), and my Ruger 22/45.

I keep a crate handy (targets, tape, insect repellant, a hat, etc), so when it was clear that the weather was fine, and major household needs taken care of (I'm home this weekend somewhat unexpectedly; my mom broke her wrist and needed some things done around the house), I headed out for Carlisle, PA.

More people than usual at the range, but all friendly, casual, interested in swapping a few shots from various guns. No one (save me) was collecting brass, either, so I got a few handfuls, even if not the bonanza of some visits.

Best of all, there were a few kids (I'd guess 6-10 years old), hanging out and watching their dads shoot, but mostly tossing rocks into the trash bins. As their dads were packing up, I saw a .22 rifle which, it turned out, belonged to one of the kids (just bought by the dad).

I offered (both kid and dad) my 22/45; kid was eager, I think dad was too. We both supervised, made sure range rules were emphasized (happily, he was the only one shooting at the time -- the other few of us were all gathered around him, giving tips, ready to pounce if the barrel swings around with too much eagerness, etc.)

He shot -- put a pretty good group on the target at 15 yards -- and afterward beamed. "That's the first time I've ever shot a handgun!" All was smiles.

Tomorrow, back to the glares of modern city life instead, but today was good.

timothy

 

[meinbruder]

Re--Good day at the range!

Actually, I just had a good day at the range myself. My club just hosted an open shoot and one member invited everyone at work, I thought we left the rendezvous point with five cars and eight arrived. Only one newbie, with a very devoted Dad to keep an eye on her, so I got to shoot more than coach for once.

The bunch of us arrived at the forest location to find it deserted, much to my surprise; my guardian angle must have been sitting on my shoulder yesterday. Once a sunshade was set up along with tables and chairs the serious task of sending lead down range ensured. I did have a problem with some factory .22lr ammo and spent some annoying time isolating a bad batch of ammo from a noted manufacturer, I suppose a letter of complaint is in order.

I seem to be breaking a thirty-year-old habit; I picked up a few pieces of brass and promptly tossed it aside; for the first time in my life I didn’t bring home any empties. I’m feeling a bit guilty about that. Overall, a very good day, I hope to see a few more in the future.
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