First Range Day In,,, Too Long!

smokeywolf

smokeywolf

Well-Known Member
Finally got to take the boys to the range. I won't go to the range on weekends anymore. Too many "spray-n-pray" idiots. Also, guys fooling with their rifles at the firing line during cease fires.

Some of you may remember, over a year ago I think, I bought Dad's Garand back from the son of Dad's friend who had traded 3 Winchesters for it back in early to mid 1962.

While going through the shop and reorganizing, I found some lightly (but not too lightly) loaded 06 rounds; just a couple of dozen.

WOW! The Garand performed wonderfully. I loaded one initially. Fired and bolt cycled back and locked. Loaded two to make sure no slam-fire (these were standard CCI LRPs). Worked fine. Stuffed a clip of eight into her and methodically fired all eight without a hiccup. Shoved another clip of eight into her, fired a couple, then turned it over to the boys.
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We also shot a few others...
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It was a great day with my sons. Both are now in love with Grampa's Garand.
They never got a chance to meet Grampa. He passed almost 5 years before the older of the two was born.
 
yodogsandman

yodogsandman

Well-Known Member
Good job Smokeywolf! Great looking Garand, too! Your kids are lucky that Grampa taught you right!

I can't stand those guys fooling with their guns while I'm down range either! They need to be told to act better but, not with your kids there.
 
KHornet

KHornet

Well-Known Member
Super looking M1 Smoky. Great pics of the kids shooting also. I will not shoot
on weekends either, for the same reasons you guys have stated. As far as fooling
with weapons when down range, at our range they will be reminded of the infraction
quickly. Seldom have that problem here.

Paul
 
Rick

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
A proper range officer and line officers would put a stop to that nonsense in a hurry.
 
Cherokee

Cherokee

Medina, Ohio
I don't care if their kids are present, I'll correct gun handling when people are down range. If Papa will not teach him, I will.
 
smokeywolf

smokeywolf

Well-Known Member
Weren't many at the range yesterday and the guys and gals who come mid-week are usually a bit more mature and responsible.

This was also the first time for me to shoot the Garand. I remember watching Dad work on it off & on in the late 1950s, but by the time I was big enough and old enough to shoot it, he had traded it.

Both boys gained a bit more respect for what the old 2" Colt DS can do. Younger boy actually hit a ten inch steel plate at 75 yards; twice; off-hand. None of us did well shooting double action.
 
smokeywolf

smokeywolf

Well-Known Member
Although having teenagers is putting a bit of a damper on my retirement, there are great advantages in being able to spend more time with them and, when they'll accept it, imparting a little knowledge that is often only gained through years of living.

By the end of the day yesterday, both boys were rubbing their shoulders and had grins on their faces that a Marine drill sergeant could not have wiped off.
 
Pistolero

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
People don't appreciate what a pistol can actually do at longer ranges. Not that you would
choose a 2" DS for 75 yds shooting, but if it was all you had, it can do the job if the operator
can.

Good to take the boys out and let them learn about responsibility, and controlling great power
in their hands.

Well done. You are making memories that will last a long time.

Bill
 
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