Day at the range.

Went out to Waterloo with Ryan, Scott and Alex yesterday afternoon to do a bit of shooting. Very fun day. Bit pricy for what it was, and it didn’t really allow for anything more than a cursory appreciation for each weapon. Just a handful of rounds, in a pretty static setting. Getting a realistic appraisal of each weapon and getting better at using it would have required more time and more ammo. Since I haven’t shot in an indoor range in a LONG time, I forgot how loud it is, and also the sensation of the pressure blast. Fired a 9mm SIG P226, 9mm CZ75, AR in .223 and a Browning shotgun (can’t recall the model) in 12 gauge.

I fired so few rounds through the AR, that by the time I realized the aperture was set wide open, it was too late. But I didn’t think it was my place to start fiddling with them. Didn’t get the target for it, so I don’t really know how I did. I haven’t shot a pistol in a very long time - stupid Canadian gun laws - but it all came flooding back instantly and did all right, for them both being unfamiliar weapons. The 12 gauge was surprisingly comfortable to shoot and I did just fine with it.

Shooting the CZ75.

Shooting the AR.

AR.

Believe it’s a Browning BPS. Likely I’m incorrect though.

CZ75 at 5 yards.

CZ 75 at 10 yards.

SIG P226 at 10 yards.

12 gauge at 15 yards.

Didn’t get a target for the AR.

Fun, and for not shooting nearly often enough, I think I did okay. But certainly nothing to be taken too seriously.

Blackpowder Musket

Went shooting with a friend a while back. I hadn’t gone shooting in far too long, and had a great time. And if I may be so immodest, I did pretty darn well for being so out of practice.

Just as we were wrapping up some folks showed up to do some black powder shooting. Now personally I’m all about the modern rifles. There is enough to study about that subject alone, without clouding the water with more archaic firearms. But they are undeniably interesting, so it was neat to to see their setups and listen to and watch those shoulder mounted cannons being fired.

Neat to see the different approaches. I totally appreciate the craftsmanship involved in this, but if it was me making a drag bag I’d make it out of Cordura. And my possibles bag would be made out of Cordura too. But I can’t deny that there is something really appealing about gear made out of leather.

Even the targets are rustic.

I’d probably be more interested in blackpowder rifles if I could mount rails, a SureFire light, a vertical foregrip and an Aimpoint on it.

And being able to mount a can on the end would be pretty good too. Son of a bitch, those things roar!