Shot at the Biltmore Estate

[kudu]

So wife and I went on vacation, basically I was the chauffeur. She has been wanting to go se the Biltmore Estate in Ashville for some time, so we drove down. I swung through Knoxville on the way down to visit with another THR member and on through the tourist trap areas of Severeville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Went to several places sight seeing, did Chimney Rock which was pretty interesting. Wife basically knew I was just taking her places she wanted to see so she got me a package of shooting instruction for shotgunners at the Biltmore. She actually should of gotten the Trapper package which was just shooting at the sporting or trap and skeet fields.

Wife dropped me off at the adventure cabin and she went to walk the gardens and other areas of the estate. First thing the instructor wanted to know was if I had any experience. I told him my wife had probably bought the wrong package as I had been a AA skeet shooter. We went back to the booking area and switched packages around for me so I was just shooting and he would be my puller on the sporting clay course. Saved a good chunk of money this way.

They supply the guns and ammo and all the eye and ear protection. Not even sure what kind of shogun it was, supposed to be an Orvis O/U. He had I/C and Mod chokes in the barrels. We started shooting. Pretty tough target presentations although all but two stations could of been shot with skeet and I/C.

We had a great time, said that there would of been nothing he could really teach me other than I picked my head up on one target that I missed. All report pair and doubles were thrown, no single target presentations. No score was kept but we figured I had about an 85 out of a 100.

Guy was great to talk with. We discussed reloading and hunting and different types of shooting, woodworking, family stuff, farming, fishing. Not going to say it was a cheap way to spend the morning, but I think it was well worth it.

The tour we later took of the mansion was very interesting, if you have any interest in architecture or history it is worth the effort to see it.

 

[1KPerDay]

Sounds like fun. I’d have to start from scratch as I’ve never shot actual skeet, and only trap once. Mostly just pasture clays, pheasants, chuckar, and grouse. I’d like to have some professional instruction as I have ZERO idea where I’m missing when I miss.

 

[rayatphonix]

Wife and I have lived in the Asheville area for 33 years now. We moved there before it took off. You couldn’t ask for a better business and neighbor than the Biltmore Estate. They treat their employees well and do many positive things for the local community. We’re lucky to have them.

 

[Artg56]

I live about an hour west of Asheville and never knew they offered this…something else for the bucket list…

 

[crestoncowboy]

So wife and I went on vacation, basically I was the chauffeur. She has been wanting to go se the Biltmore Estate in Ashville for some time, so we drove down. I swung through Knoxville on the way down to visit with another THR member and on through the tourist trap areas of Severeville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Went to several places sight seeing, did Chimney Rock which was pretty interesting. Wife basically knew I was just taking her places she wanted to see so she got me a package of shooting instruction for shotgunners at the Biltmore. She actually should of gotten the Trapper package which was just shooting at the sporting or trap and skeet fields.

Wife dropped me off at the adventure cabin and she went to walk the gardens and other areas of the estate. First thing the instructor wanted to know was if I had any experience. I told him my wife had probably bought the wrong package as I had been a AA skeet shooter. We went back to the booking area and switched packages around for me so I was just shooting and he would be my puller on the sporting clay course. Saved a good chunk of money this way.

They supply the guns and ammo and all the eye and ear protection. Not even sure what kind of shogun it was, supposed to be an Orvis O/U. He had I/C and Mod chokes in the barrels. We started shooting. Pretty tough target presentations although all but two stations could of been shot with skeet and I/C.

We had a great time, said that there would of been nothing he could really teach me other than I picked my head up on one target that I missed. All report pair and doubles were thrown, no single target presentations. No score was kept but we figured I had about an 85 out of a 100.

Guy was great to talk with. We discussed reloading and hunting and different types of shooting, woodworking, family stuff, farming, fishing. Not going to say it was a cheap way to spend the morning, but I think it was well worth it.

The tour we later took of the mansion was very interesting, if you have any interest in architecture or history it is worth the effort to see it.

We live a couple hours away. When I was taking structural systems we had a small group tour with a true expert. Maybe 10 students and all day, every nook and cranny tour. Many of the rooms aren't yet restored. Plus the servant rooms in the upper levels. Complete with operator and switchboard rooms for the guests to call for service. I'm 6 for 3 and had to pretty much crawl up there. There was no question our guides couldn't answer. Even the cost of each restoration, where the reproduction wall paper was sourced... everything. I have been there many times but I learned a ton on that trip. Like where the chess board came from (belonged to napoleon himself) . Where the painted library ceiling came from (Pisani palace in Venice, brought here in 13 pieces) . And the boilers. The Vanderbilt family was well connected. That's for sure. 125k acres. Ac and dc powered electricity and heat... before 1900. Lol. Ming dynasty fish bowls.

Most of the animals mounted there were brought in to be hunted by Vanderbilts guest. Supposedly none were shot by him. He wasn't a hunter.