Things I learned Again at the Range

[SharpsDressedMan]

Fired my Scout rifle and Ak-47 at the range today, 50 yards, mostly standing. Trying to improve my speed and hunting potential. My targets were the blue 1/2 size B-27 type. LESSON #1: Hold the AK magazines front edge UP, so that the previously loaded round being pushed down by the next to be loaded falls to the back (bottom) of the mag, so that it doesn't shift tip forward. If held the wrong way, my mags allow the lower round to become "loose" in the mag, and shift far enough forward to snag on the front of the mag opening, making it tough to insert the next round. Simply holding the mag back downward solved the problem, letting gravity align the rounds. LESSON #2: Store your rifles muzzle down, so that oils, etc, gravitate towards the muzzle. While shooting, my AK repeatedly dumped oil on my glasses, having been stored muzzle up for so long. I kept wiping the oil residue from the rear of the action, etc, but more kept appearing. I do not drench my guns, so this really surprised me. Recoil was just enough to shake the traces of lube out of the gun. I'm sure WATER during a rain would also add to the problems of an eyeglass wearer from the AK or any such weapon during firing in the rain. I "solved" this problem in the Army, to an extent, by blowing out the water on the rear sight of the M16, or using a dry cloth kept up in my helmet to dry my glasses and/or the rear sight. On a sunny, dry day in July, I didn't expect to get my glasses dumped on. Anyone ELSE have some "range tips" to share?

 

[Flash!]

today at the range I learned a bit more about blackpowder shooting.... a guy there was cleaning his barrel with water every few shots and after every shot used a tube to blow moisture into the barrel. He said it was to keep the black powder from getting hard thereby preventing build up in the barrel of the black powder to improve accuracy.

 

[dakotasin]

today i learned my daughter and i could have a very low pressure target session w/ centerfires and each have a ball doing it. (7 rum for me, 300 wsm for her)

i also learned i should be taking her out at least every week... she really enjoyed it.

 

[MJR007]

My girl tonight with her uncut .22 stock (first time). Can vegies beware... Range time should be fun.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u54/MJR007/Katie22001.jpg

Have some fun.

Michael

 

[Floppy_D]

A set of screwdrivers and any weapon-specific takedown tools are a good idea.

Extra foamies and a cheap set of glasses, so you always have at least one set.

Leave one mag for every gun you take to the range in your range bag, at all times. This saves the frustration of driving an hour and a half to a good outdoor range to realize that you left all the mags at home, and having to explain to your brother-in-law that he gets to fire an AK as a single shot, because you're a dope.

A 22 is a great way to start any range session... nothing better than low noise and low recoil to hone your zen.

Go more often.

Bring friends when you do.

 

[nefarmboy]

Michael,

How old is your daughter? I've got 3 two year old girls and have been wondering when I can start teaching them. I can remember my step-dad and I teaching my little brother when he was 5. BB guns at 4 maybe?