Maryland THR Shoot After Action Report

[PAshooter]

Boy was I bummed this morning when the board was down... really wanted to check back in with everybody. Just finished blowing 7" of snow off my 400' driveway and figured I'd take a break... and happily the board's back up

Chaim: I'll be happy to bring the CZ83 along again any time we get together. The time sort of got away from us - and communication in the range was difficult - there were a few guns that other folks had I would have liked to try as well (like your Winchester). But P95 had so many neat toys down at our end of the range that it was tough to pull myself away!

Chris: I meant to ask what those red dots were you had attached to your revolving artillery pieces. I don't have any experience with such sights, but with these old eyes of mine I'm starting to think along those lines. I really liked the ones you had... have any recommendations?

Well - guess I should try and get to work. We've got ice coming later this evening and tonight. Oh boy!

 

[DorGunR]

Norton the next time you and Spot77 plan a shoot at On Target, please give me a heads up. On Target is only about three miles from my house and I would love to meet you guys and pop a few rounds with you.

 

[P95Carry]

Dale -

I meant to ask what those red dots were you had attached to your revolving artillery pieces

They both have the Millet red dots ... which seem to be to be about the least expensive ones that will cope with hand cannon abuse! Well ''cheap'' ... hardly, at around $100 but they do the job and certainly for me assist greatly. Seems worth giving revo's like those something half ways decent .. and they make great hunting handguns in that configuration.

The Raging Lunatic ...... which we didn't actually fire up yesterday .. has a scope and whilst that works ... cross-hair aquisition in long eye relief scopes is not always that easy - so red dots seem better to me.

I have been throwing real cheapo red dots on other things too ...... and by and large those work but tend to have odd shaped dots ... not so much round as a ''splodge''!

Don't envy you 400' of clearing ..... geez ..... bad enough here with a fraction of that. I sure felt relieved to get home ...... another hour or two later and I think I'd have had REAL problems. Just hope we don't get hit too hard by icing ... now THAT is scary.

Take care all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh BTW ... this ''On Target'' ..... can someone give me an addy so I can MapQuest it?? Never know ... I might make it down there too one day.

 

[PAshooter]

Chris:

If the link doesn't work their address is:

On Target
2618 Annapolis Rd
Severn, MD 21144

http://maps.yahoo.com/pmaps?name=&e...zip=21144&country=US&BFClick=&BFKey=&resize=s

BTW - thanks for the red dot info. I'll definitely have to look into those...

 

[JeepDriver]

After shooting JeepDriver's .357 (sorry, don't know my SW models and frame sizes), I may have to consider trading in my Taurus .38spl on a full sized .357

That was my 686.

Smith L frames are one of the cheaper used guns around. Usually around $350+/- depending on condition.

Jeepdriver, you get the "Kickass Shooter of the Day" award. Please share some of your secrets.

Many, many rounds through that 228.

 

[Norton]

Anapex,

I'm not sure how much convincing my wife needs re:1911. A couple of the guys that she works with are serious competition shooters and they've got her hooked. Besides, she gets to shoot .22s at work for free


DorGunr,

We'll keep you posted....I'm socked in for a couple of weeks because of teaching some new classes this semester and I have a few gigs to do. At least the gig money can fund a few more range trips

 

[P95Carry]

Thx Dale ...... hmmm ...... guess it would not be that much longer to get to ..... will keep a note of that. Not sure I can make these long trips too often but ....... always good to meet up with folks.

Meant to say ..... as others have commented .. I think Continental is way expensive .. and whilst facilities are fine ... that is one very expensive way to shoot. Can't afford that too often!

Other huge downside ..... have to say I feel the ''naked'' syndrome once travelling in MD ....... my empty rig sat on my belt all the time I was in MD ... and being to used to it being filled .... actually feel quite ''uncomfortable'' ..... not paranoia I hasten to add! Bit like having to be obliged to remove my wrist watch for part of a day!!

 

[Sheslinger]

Cslinger and I are both pretty upset that we could not make it. We WILL be in town the weekend of Feb 20-22 for my Mom's birthday. Saturday will probably be the birthday party (not sure yet, might be free after all), and we would have to leave on Sunday. How late is On Target open on Fridays and would anyone be able to meet there? Couple of you mentioned having memberships there, so it shouldn't be too bad monetarily.

By the way, what are the fees at Continental? Norton, I think you said it was rather unpleasant when you saw the bill. Here, it is per day, ranges from $12 to $15, and I know that in MD it is either per hour or per half an hour but how bad?

Glad you guys had fun. Our parents told us this morning that it should be 6-10 inches there. We are enjoying nice 65-degree day here.

Sheslinger

 

[Trumpet]

Well,
If we do it at the Hap Baker range, it's $10 for all day. Plus we can shoot rifles too.

Rich

 

[Spot77]

I don't know the actual charges at Continental; after I got the bill I lost my eyesight, and passed out.

Norton and I were there from 2:00 to 4:30 sharing ONE lane and our bill was a few cents shy of $80, which included 3 targets and one 12 ounce can of Coke.


I'd like to hit Hap Baker again after it warms up. Even when the temperature is decent, it's FREEZING on that concrete pad and under the roof with no sunlight.

 

[JeepDriver]

By the way, what are the fees at Continental? Norton, I think you said it was rather unpleasant when you saw the bill. Here, it is per day, ranges from $12 to $15, and I know that in MD it is either per hour or per half an hour but how bad?

Continental is $8 per half hour for "Daily Members"

$6 per half or $10 per hour for "Annual Members" ($75 per year)

Or free for "Congressional Members" which is $225 per year. With that you get 10% off any purchase (including safes) and 3 untra sonic gun cleanings.

LEO's only pay $125 a year for a Congressional Membership, but loose the 10% off and gun cleanings.



I'm a Congressional Member, my bill for Sunday was $5.40 for Targets. It's definately the cheapest way for me since I live and work in the area and shoot thee atleast once a week if not more.

If it's ever decided to do it again at Continental, I can have 1 or 2 guest on my membership that reduces you range time to the $6 per half or $10 per hour rate. That should save some of you some money.

 

[P95Carry]

Spot .... just dug out my receipt ..... I had thought sharing a lane was condusive to sharing costs .. seems otherwise!! I had sorta ''steeled'' myself to a bill for $20 plus, with shared time and targets). I mean .. effectively our position on lane #1 was me, mdshooter and quite a bit of time too, slimjim. So it could have been cut three ways. if I'd known I'd have had a whole lane to myself when they were available and got a lot more shooting time.

Anyways the breakdown was - for me ...

Walk-In Range Lane use - 1/2 Hr Item # 404 ............ 4.0 8.0000 32.00

MD State User Fee Item # 410 .................................4.0 0.8000 3.20

Official NRA Orange Bullseye Item # 202 ................... 10.0 0.4500 4.50


That lil lot left very little change out of $40!!!!

Bit traumatic eh!

 

[greyhound]

progress is on the handgun lanes at the Hap Baker range in Carroll County

Really! Hot dog, I didn't know that!

Its $10 a day there (for out of Carroll County residents, I think its $5 for in county, I may be wrong).

Continental Arms is $16/hour, $8/half hour, with additional fees for sharing lanes. In my experience, they are real generous as to what constitutes an hour (to the good). I love it there.

edit: oops I see I am late on the Continental Arms fees! Sainted GF is always threatening to get us a membership as an birthday or Xmas gift...

 

[Norton]

RE: Continental Rates....

Best I can figure, it was $8 per half hour for first person, with $4 per half hour for second person. Then there was a MD State User Fee (what the heck is that?? ) of $4 for first person and $2 for second person....

Based on 5 half hour increments:

$8 X 5 = $40
$4 X 5 + $20

$60.00 for range time + $6 "user fee" + $3 targets + $1 Coke + Taxes = $77 give or take.


OTOH....Hap Baker is $10/day or $60/year unlimited time unless it's busy.

The indoor place in Upper Marlboro is $15 for the entire day.

I'm up for On Target just about any weekend.....sheslinger, I think they are open till 9pm on Fridays though I don't know if want to be hanging around there on a Friday night at closing time

Might be good for my wife to hang out with some female shooters since it's usually just me and a bunch of guys.....

 

[anapex]

Whew! After seeing what you guys paid at continental I'm kinda glad our sitter canceled on us!

Norton and Sheslinger: Let me or my wife know a time and we'll try to meet up with ya

 

[Trumpet]

Greyhound,
Yep. Last time I shot there (early October) they had started breaking ground on the new ranges. Jim said that he thought they were supposed to be done by march. I guess they're supposed to be sorta like Continental's, just not electric. Sorta like a clothesline I guess. Either way, it'll be nice. No hot brass raining on me when I'm shooting prone rifle, and more reasonable "defense distance" pistol shooting!

Rich

 

[RobG]

Advantages to knowing the staff well - sheesh - at least ya'll didn't rent anything.

On Target is fairly close to where I live. Counter staff _can_ be a little goofy at times, but where don't you find that.

To bring us back to the last shoot:

Had a good time at the shoot.

JeepDriver - Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet. Perhaps another time, especially from what I hear of your skills.

Spot & Norton - The Bersa was a fun little gun. Don't be too upset about the USP, I bought a CZ75B after the last shoot and don't want any more temptation for a fine/pricey 9mm.

Chaim - Your lever gun was a softer shooter than I expected. They are neat guns, pity I can't quite bring myself to get one. Thanks again for taking the lead on organizing us lolligaggers.

SlimJim - Glad you were able to make it and your abounding enthusiasm. Did this shoot give you any ideas for the future (besides one of everything)? Positive or Negative?

mdshooter - pleasure to shoot with you again, sir.

P95 - thanks again for letting me try the CZ, Sistema, Ruger, and Smith; the hammer bite from the Sistema smarts. I was really thinking about getting the CZ and 1911, along with a Yugo M48A once I get my C&R. Now they're definite must haves. Thanks a lot, pal:.

Ah, LeadPumper - as always, never enough time or money to have all the fun we want to, eh?

FYI: the loads I was using for my 870 were 2 3/4" 4 dram magnum 00. A little warm. I wanted to test my configuration and see if there were any problems - guess I got a little more umpf than I planned. The more the merrier. I might have to replace the shell latches and ejector spring, but after 40 years of use, I'd not be surprised.

I'd love to get together for rifles in March. Top ranges that come to mind are Westminster and Elk Neck - Westminster being better due to proximity. I would suggest several rain dates, though.

Oh, Norton - get the 1911 first - always take care of the wife.

 

[greyhound]

Trumpet-

thanks for the update. Much as I love Continental, simple economics means if I can shoot ALL my guns at one place for $10 I will go more often. I'll never abandon Continental though, esp. in the cold months (though I always seem to get the lane with the heater blowing right on my neck. I feel like I am melting!).

+ $6 "user fee"

I always get an .80 cent user fee. Even that, I think, started fairly recently.
Probably to pay for testing the legally owned Bushmasters during the DC sniper case.

 

[Norton]

Solomon Short......I know what you mean by the temptation part of shooting someone else's guns. Those exellent 1911s have ruined me, I'm afraid.

If we are off school again any more this week, I may take my significant other over to On Target for a little time with a rental .45 to see how much she likes/dislikes the caliber. Her quals were done on the Beretta 92 so the 1911 is just a bit more to handle. If she likes it, I'll let her pick out "her" 1911

If I can resist the temptation till the weather gets a bit warmer and I can start going to the rifle range more, I'll probably get an M1....then when the weather gets cold again and I go indoors I'll get another handgun.

BTW....LeadPumper, that KelTec was an interesting piece of equipment. Lot's of fun but on the small side for me. Wish I weren't so blasted huge sometimes.....

 

[Slimjim]

Well, i decided to wait until june to get a revolver, my dad said hell buy me a new one for my birthday instead of me and grandpa going halfs on one, sence the one i wanted sold on sat. Anyway, i do believe ill get a taurus or S&W, i havent decided which yet.

 

[Trumpet]

Norton,
Whatever you do, make sure when you get an M1, get it from the CMP. They are a wonderful organization.

Rich

 

[PAshooter]

Must say I agree with others who were taken aback when it came time to settle up our accounts at Continental. I'd never shot there before... and of course didn't check the rates upon going in... so don't blame the establishment for the expensive surprise. It's a really nice place, and if I was closer (and thus could make it more often) the membership options would be worthwhile. That said, I'd be quite happy to drive the extra distance (for me) to On Target for future pistol shoots.

When the weather improves I'm definitely up for a rifle shoot at Hap Baker. I've been to Elk Neck which is a nice facility as well - it's close to where I work and thus perfectly situated for a "blow off work early" summertime weekday excursion.

Ditto the recommendations for a CMP Garand. I bought my April 1944 Springfield not from them, but from a gentleman who had... along with so many others he found himself in need of a little "herd thinning." It's a beautiful rifle... and very special (and moving) to me to own such a piece of history... plus they're a hoot to shoot. Wife got me the Band of Brothers DVD set last Christmas - that was it - had to find one of my own.

Bang - bang - bang - bang - bang - bang - bang - bang --- ping!

You gotta love it

 

[Norton]

If I decide to go the CMP route I'll have to go ahead and get a membership at a CMP affiliate club....right? Maybe that will be the incentive to get off of my butt and go down down to 12th precinct in Harwood and join up.

If I don't go for the CMP.....does anyone have any experience with the newly made Springfields or Fulton Armorys?

 

[PAshooter]

Norton:

Just my $0.02 - whether or not you join a club and qualify to buy directly from CMP I'd still look for an "original" instead of a new commercial M1. If you look around (GunBroker, classifieds here, etc.) you'll see them for sale quite often - bought mine from an ad posted on this board.

For me the "history" makes the rifle much more "valuable" than any newly manufactured copy could ever be. Mine was made 2 months before D-Day... can't help but wonder where it's been, who's carried it, stuff like that. Whatever its story, I feel connected with the guys who used M1s to save the world every time I pick it up.

YMMV

 

[Norton]

mdshooter,

Since my grandad is a WW2 vet (801st tank destroyer battalion, I think) and was in the Battle of the Bulge, I know what you mean as far as the historical connection goes.

I guess if I wanted to follow along with what he was issued, I'd need to get a carbine, huh?

What kind of condition are the CMP Garands in? I'm not much of a tinkerer, if you know what I mean....though I resurrected my SKS with no problems

Do you shoot your Garand? If I get one I really want it to be a "daily driver" and not a safe queen......hmmmm....maybe what I REALLY need is a CMP as a keeper and a newly made one for the range