Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
The New Year has begun, and THR has been up for three years now. Maybe an update is in order...
First, I occasionally cruise the Net looking for shotgun sites. Outside of TFL, there's really nothing comparable.
I'm pleased to say that this is the best source for real world info on shotguns.
Some of the other sites have good stuff, but it's mixed in with lots of posturing and Alpha Male headbutting. Some forums resemble kindergarten sandboxes in their interactions.
I believe we have the best signal to noise ratio on the Net. The regulars here comprise a think tank with centuries of accumulated experience. Whether one has a query about a classic field gun, a clays competition tool or the baddest EBG, one can get some valuable input within hours, sometimes mere minutes.
Or, a query about technique, fit, form, loads, or why should one carry jerky at all times in the field gets prompt attention from folks who have BTDT.
All I have to say on this is, Thanks! My mod duties are quite light and usually pleasant and you are responsible......
On a personal note.....
A year ago I devoted some time to outlining some personal shooting goals and committed myself to working on them. Unlike most resolutions, I managed to stay on these through out the year.
I wanted to get better at shooting crossers, and also dropping targets. I did, through practice and more practice.
I also wanted to improve my mount. By shooting everything low gun, including trap, this has happened. Also, dry mounting at home with an 870 KNOWN TO BE EMPTY has helped. So have flashlight drills, flurries and plenty of BA/UU/R. I shot about 6K of rounds last year and it shows.
I also instructed perhaps 40 people, both High Roaders and those met by accident. Doing this not only gives me warm fuzzies, it helps to kill off those bad habits nigh 50 years of self taught shotgunning have forged. Often I get more out of a lesson than the "Student".
And, it's truly amazing how many fine human beings I've encountered near shotguns. Something about these tools and the purposes to which we put them must be uplifting.
Some lessons this past year has proved true....
Shotgunning is a Martial Art. It can build character, for we must learn to control ourselves before we can control the shot.
Whether a shotgun has Western Field writ on it or Westley Richards, we have to put the muzzle in the right place to hit.
As much fun as it is to talk about our gear, the software is more important.
Shotgunning is Loud Zen. And sometimes it's therapy.
Happy New Year....
First, I occasionally cruise the Net looking for shotgun sites. Outside of TFL, there's really nothing comparable.
I'm pleased to say that this is the best source for real world info on shotguns.
Some of the other sites have good stuff, but it's mixed in with lots of posturing and Alpha Male headbutting. Some forums resemble kindergarten sandboxes in their interactions.
I believe we have the best signal to noise ratio on the Net. The regulars here comprise a think tank with centuries of accumulated experience. Whether one has a query about a classic field gun, a clays competition tool or the baddest EBG, one can get some valuable input within hours, sometimes mere minutes.
Or, a query about technique, fit, form, loads, or why should one carry jerky at all times in the field gets prompt attention from folks who have BTDT.
All I have to say on this is, Thanks! My mod duties are quite light and usually pleasant and you are responsible......
On a personal note.....
A year ago I devoted some time to outlining some personal shooting goals and committed myself to working on them. Unlike most resolutions, I managed to stay on these through out the year.
I wanted to get better at shooting crossers, and also dropping targets. I did, through practice and more practice.
I also wanted to improve my mount. By shooting everything low gun, including trap, this has happened. Also, dry mounting at home with an 870 KNOWN TO BE EMPTY has helped. So have flashlight drills, flurries and plenty of BA/UU/R. I shot about 6K of rounds last year and it shows.
I also instructed perhaps 40 people, both High Roaders and those met by accident. Doing this not only gives me warm fuzzies, it helps to kill off those bad habits nigh 50 years of self taught shotgunning have forged. Often I get more out of a lesson than the "Student".
And, it's truly amazing how many fine human beings I've encountered near shotguns. Something about these tools and the purposes to which we put them must be uplifting.
Some lessons this past year has proved true....
Shotgunning is a Martial Art. It can build character, for we must learn to control ourselves before we can control the shot.
Whether a shotgun has Western Field writ on it or Westley Richards, we have to put the muzzle in the right place to hit.
As much fun as it is to talk about our gear, the software is more important.
Shotgunning is Loud Zen. And sometimes it's therapy.
Happy New Year....
. I got 18 mixed birds with 82 rounds. Course I was using my Browning BPS 10ga with 1 5/8oz of #4 steel copper plated in BPS drivers thru a modified choke.
