What's THE greatest day you ever spent at the range?

[Solomonson]

What's THE greatest day you ever spent at the range? Does one really stand out for you? One sure does in my case.

One of my nephews is crazy about guns. From age four on he would beg me to take him shooting and I would reply with "just as soon as your mom and dad give the OK." His parents weren't anti-gun by any means -- they just felt he should wait. When he was nine he told me that while on vacation he had went shooting with his "other uncle." That sorta stung but hey, no big deal.

Soon after his parents gave him the green light to accompany me to the range. I chose a large number of pieces for the outing: my Marlin Model 100 single shot 22, Ruger 10/22, a Browning BL-22 lever action 22, an AR-15, an AK-74, an M1 Garand, a Remington 870, a Stevens SxS .410 and a Charles Daly O/U 12. The handguns included a Ruger MK3, a S&W 617, a Glock 17L, a Colt Python and a Colt M1911.

I got a call while driving to pick him up. He was afraid I had forgotten -- I was right on time. The RO on duty was a friend and treated my nephew with great respect. We set-out all the firearms on the range rack and I patiently got him going with the Marlin. We quite literally spent 7 hours doing nothing but training and blasting steel and paper. Even the shotguns got a workout. The look in his face was one of complete stimulus overload as we began casing the firearms.

On out way out he took a look through the "free bin" and grabbed a stack of American Rifleman magazines and a replica WWI Campaign Hat that fit him perfectly. He was asleep before we hit the highway. I had to wake him to ask him where he wanted to eat? He chose Taco Bell (yeah, I know) and he killed one of those 12-taco boxes -- rather impressive.

Later he confided that his "other uncle" let him shoot a .22 and a 30/30 lever a "few times" that infamous day and that was it. I'm happy to say he remains a gun addict to this very day...

 

[BSA1]

Last Sunday.

We finally got enough break in the rain for my gun club range to dry out so The Lady and I went to do some shooting. The Lady shot her new S&W M&P 9mm for the first time and it was really enjoyable watching her ability to load and chamber a round and her self-confidence shooting it accurately.

The reason it is a Great Day is my wife has medical issues with her wrists and hands and we have never been able to find a handgun she can shoot. We got close with a Colt Police Positive Special but no cigar. The M&P with the APEX trigger and Truglo Fiber Optic Sights has changed everything for her. Now she wants to go shooting every weekend!

 

[Twiki357]

I’ll go with a day in early 1966, shortly after I got home from the Army. After the Watts riots in 1965 they were pretty worried about their safety so I bought them each a S&W model 36 and we spent some time at the range teaching them how to shoot.

 

[Mn Fats]

I had a good one last Saturday. I shot 25 for 25 with my humpback after being retired for the winter. Later that day I met up with a weekend neighbor who said out loud he's the best shot in the world with any handgun. Out of the 5 of us, he was the only one who couldn't hit the pop can at 25 yards with my SBH. He said my .44 special loads were inaccurate and my Ruger had a bent barrel.
My favorite range days were with my Grandpa. I'd have to beat him in pool or cribbage or beg him all night to get those safes cracked open. At his high point he had 200+ guns. All gone now except for what was willed to his favorites.
His 1911 .22 conversion sticks out in memory.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have so many good memories of trapshooting when I was young, it is hard to choose one.
I remember cultivating soybeans all day, packing and overnight bag and our shooting gear in the car and driving all night to get to Lansing, Michigan for the Michigan state shoot. We came home with a few trophies, but I really can't recall what we had won.
Another highlight was the year that we took the camper to the Grand American at Dayton Ohio and shot the entire program for the week. Singles, handicap, and doubles. On Saturday of the singles championship I broke 100x100 on the first 100 of the 200 bird event and got my name on the winchester billboard, along with several other shooters who had 100s. I represented Illinois in the champion of champions race for the junior (18 and under) I broke 98x100. There were several 99s and 100s.

The best part wasn't the good scores or the trophies, but the experiences and the people.

 

[bannockburn]

The most memorable day at the range, and in a strange way one of the best days I have ever had at the range, was a number of years ago in the middle of winter. A buddy of mine and I both had the day off and decided it was a great idea to go shooting at an outdoor range with snow up to our knees and winds howling out of the northwest, giving us a wind chill factor of like 20°. Of course we had the range completely to ourselves and we literally had a blast shooting everything we brought (a couple of ARs, shotguns, and several handguns), til it got too cold to stay out there any longer.

Closest thing I can think of to describe it would be it was like being at an amusement park and having the whole place to yourself.

 

[drband]

I can't think of a range day that I did not totally enjoy! There's so much to be said for shutting out the cares of the world for a little while and focusing on something that you love to do!

I think my most memorable day was my first outing with my Ruger SBH .44mag. I've never shot factory loads through it and that day I was so impressed with its accuracy and the power of a magnum handgun. The satisfying Thwummmp! of every round hitting the berm 70 yds away was (and is) so impressive.

 

[Walkalong]

Sharing the hobby that you love with a newbie at the range and seeing the twinkle in their eye is always fulfilling. Even better when it is people you care about.

I still remember the first time I took my sons to the range. Yea, after 20ish years it still stands out in my memory. Same for the cousin from out of state who was retired and had never shot a gun. She was very patient and attentive to the safety talk and gun handling demonstration before shooting. She absolutely loved it, and when asked which one she wanted to shoot again, she picked the AR.

Yea, some just stick in the memory more than others. I remember a lot of those big grins form friends etc when they shot something new to them and where just "Whoa! This rocks! ".

 

[FL-NC]

When I was in the SF weapons course in 1987, 2 day light weapons familiarization range- uzi, swede k, grease gun, thompson, madsen, mp-5, l2a3, sten, G3, FAL, AK, SKS, garand and carbine, PKM, MG3, HK21, mag 58, M2HB, M1919A6, BAR, DSHK, and some others I can't remember. The first of many times I would use these things over a career.

 

[jmorris]

Would have been one of the matches that I have been to. I have met some great folks over the years.

 

[Mark 40]

The first time my wife and daughter came to the range. They had both expressed an interest. Got them both a private lesson since I preferred they learn the basic of the basics from an instructor. Then we hit the range together. They did great and still enjoy going to the range.

 

[Bartojc]

I occasionally take my daughters with me. One more often than the other because she is still home. My best day is yet to come as now my oldest will be home from college this weekend and has already asked if we can go to the range while she is home. I don't spend as much time with her since she is in college. Its something special when your grown up kids still want to spend time with you I can't wait.

-Jeff

 

[Jack B.]

Today

 

[Starter52]

All of my greatest days at the range are when I am instructing new shooters.

 

[Everready73]

I went to a "Warrior Shoot" sponsored by FN a few years ago. It was an all day event with most of their lineup. I shot a full auto PS90, Select fire SCAR 308 and 5.56, FNX45 tactical with red dot and they even had some of their non lethal PD stuff to try. The best thing they had there though was the HMP250 which is a 50cal machine gun used on our military helicopters. They had a raffle to shoot this one as the rounds are like $5 a piece. I won one of the raffles and had a big grin on my face after shooting that one. It was a very cool experience and i was able to handle some firearms i would never have had the chance to.

 

[Duster340]

This one's easy. The first time I took my twin daughters to the range. They were 9yo when Santa brought them their Red Rider BB guns. They learned safety, maintenance and shooting techniques. Both were quick studies and got pretty darn proficient. When they were 11 yo, we went to the range to shoot "real guns". Started with the old Ruger MK II 22. After teaching them the operation, safety and jam drills, and with great anticipation, they fired their first shots. To my surprise they were both shooting tight groups, dead center. After making short work of nearly a brick of 22s. They watched me fire my M&P 40. I asked if they'd like to try and they said "sure". After teaching them the operation and jam drill on the 40, they again amazed me by shooting nice tightly centered groups! Even catching the attention from a few other shooters. To say I was proud is an understatement. They proceeded to shoot most of the rounds I brought when I asked if I could test a few new hunting rounds I developed for the 44mag SBH. After a few cylinders I glance over to see one of my girls smiling. Apparently the blast and fireballs were "cool".... On a fluke. I ask if she'd like to try a shot and she says "sure". I explained the operation of the single action, cautioned her on the light trigger, told her to hold tight and focus on the target. She caps one off and nearly hits the bullseye! She then asks me if she could do it again!!!. She fired a full cylinder. Other shooters had stopped shooting to watch this small girl with a big mop of blonde hair blazing away with the 44 magnum lol! That was 5 years ago and now I'm teaching them to drive. But they still talk about that 1st visit to the range. They have since become proficient with rifles and shotguns. Thank God I reload!

I'm actually grinning ear to ear playing the day back in my head. Good stuff.

Be well folks

 

[buflow]

I have had great range days teaching new shooters, my kids and grandkids. Have won shooting meets and taken home trophy's. My trips to the range are getting fewer and longer apart, I have to say the last trip is always the best, not knowing if I have another one coming. Down to just a few guns now and they are willed to good homes.
buflow

 

[herrwalther]

I don't get to take friends or family to the range nearly as much as I would like to. So many of my outings are solo trips or they were military ones. One of my best range times was I was issued a new rifle. At the zero range, I fired a 3 round group at 25 yards, the standard way we do it. I walked to the target and only found one hole. Upon closer examination of the target I saw it had 3 distinct exit holes. Not believing it myself, I asked the RSO and a friend NCO of mine to look to see if he reached the same conclusion. At his first glance he was going to give me a good ribbing seeing one entrance hole on paper. Upon suggestion he looked at the back and had the same conclusion I did. I fired 6 more rounds in 3 round groups to confirm. None of the rounds were as tight as the first group, but very close.

To continue this good range day, some people were having problems hitting the 300 meter target if they were in the shade. So they put glow sticks on the ones hardest to see. For my qualification I was on one of these lanes. When the 300 meter target popped up for me the first time (it shows 4 times) I shot the glow stick around the neck of the target.

 

[JohnBiltz]

Probably one time in the Army we went to shoot some LAWs (Light Antitank Weapons) and for some reason there were enough for all of us to shoot 20 of them apiece. Maybe they were ageing out of inventory or we were just doing it so they could order more next year. But we had enough rockets that we could shoot 20 apiece and over 20 years I think I only fired a live LAW one other time.

 

[Hardtarget]

Not long ago I was shooting along with other club members. One of the guys had his grandsons with him. I had my M1 and when I got it out they couldn't take their eyes off it. A bit of discussion showed they had never had a chance with a Garand. We soon fixed that. There was a log piece about 25 yds out and between the two they almost cut it in half. That ping always brings out big grins! One of the more fun range trips!

Mark

 

[Alte Schule]

Since last summer my wife of 45 years has been trying to find a pistol that she is both accurate and comfortable with. She shot every thing under 9mm that I have in inventory and five or six others I rented. Glock's, S&W revolvers, Sigs, CZ's, Ruger revolvers and auto loaders, a couple of Kel TEC's and a Colt Dective Special. I bought all kinds of assorted ammo from light load SWC to +P 38 special & 9 mm.
One day about two months ago she started getting pretty accurate with one particular pistol. 1"- 2" groups at 20-25 ft in the 9 ring. She was beaming when she turned to me and told me that this was the one. Made me happy to see her smiling and confident. What was the pistol? A Bersa Thunder .380. A pistol I got several years ago as part of a trade. Just brought it along that day because I hadn't shot it in a few years. Not the pistol I would have picked but she's happy with it and so am I.

 

[Hokkmike]

I went once (only once) with my dad and two brothers. My dad had just bought us each a new hunting rifle.

 

[Mousegun]

Did some work for an extremely liberal acquaintance of mine. When he asked how much he owes me, I said, "I need two hours of your time now." He said, "OK, what for?" and when I told him we were going shooting, he nearly fainted.

Well, an hour in to the session, he was doing quite well after a full set of instruction on safety and method.

The last thing he said just before we left was, "Please don't tell my wife!"

It was a great day for sure.

 

[bangswitch]

My best range day was probably in 1991 while stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany during Desert Storm. The base commander was a real gun guy, over and above the norm for military. He arranged for anyone currently stationed there to qualify for the Schutzensnur, the Bundeswehr (German Army) marksmanship award. It can be worn by US troops on their uniform.

I missed qualifying for Bronze (lowest of Bronze, Silver, or Gold) by one point, but I had a helluva good time. As a US non-combatant (I was a USAF Flight Nurse), my trigger time was limited, but I was my squadron's liaison with the base armory and got closely acquainted with the base Combat Arms people. I hung out with them most anytime I was off duty, and got to do some really cool shooting quals. I went through the M-9 and M-16 courses, and got to shoot familiarization courses with Ma Deuce and the Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher.

Anyway, the Schutzensnur required (the qualification has changed since I did it, or the qual had been modified for us, not sure) you to shoot three German infantry weapons; The P-38 Walther, 2 rounds standing unsupported with one hand, 2 rounds kneeling unsupported with one hand, and 2 rounds from barricade, one hand.
For the infantry rifle we used the M16 and shot a single 20 round magazine, from standing and prone.
The other one was the MG-42. We fired it from prone on the bipod, and you got 15 rounds. Considering the rate of fire is greater than 1000 rpm, that's not a lot of ammo; the RO showed how to "flick" your finger off the trigger as it broke, and you could get two rounds off. This one was the hard one, I had no trouble with the Walther or M16

After the event, in which about 75 people participated, I stayed behind with the Combat Arms guys and helped "dispose" the opened crates of ammo, which was mostly 5.56, but we had a single crate with maybe 500 rounds left for the MG42. Got to rock'n'roll with M16 and MG42 for a short time.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Best day at the range... Well I can't remember a bad one. Sometimes equipment frustrations, but never a bad trip.

Probably my best day was shooting with a friend and his boys, about 16 and 13 at the time. 16yo is a bit cocky. Wants to shoot my 44mag SRH. Sure, why not. Kill that 2 liter. He shoots... Then again, and again. The bottle doesn't move. Little bro is getting impatient. I'll do it, he says. I look at my buddy/his dad for approval. How about a 44special he says. Sure. Little bro takes aim.... And promptly empties the 2liter with his first shot. He looks at big bro, "that's how it's done". Big brothers tail was stuck between his legs the rest of the afternoon. Good time.

Until my boys (almost 3 and 8mos) are old enough, that's probably the best. Hopefully my boys will improve upon that.