It's important to get the young 'uns shooting, so we loaded up the rig with guns and headed for the range. A CZ 20 SxS, an AR15, a Chicom SKS and a Ruger American .22.
First things first, try out the shotgun against the clays. Sling 'em up and shoot 'em, at least that's the theory, the initial praxis? Pathetic. But we warmed up and got on target well enough and I have to say, I'm a total convert to 20s. Swift, easy on the shoulder and guess what, they work.
Some call them "girl guns" because they don't have the roar and weight of a 12. This misguided opinion is an error.
Next up, the SKS. Big fun to shoot and a proper little blaster; metal plates took a beating from this workmanlike tool of the revolution. Plenty of power behind that stubby little 7.62x39 round, designed in 1943.
But the AR15 seems light and nimble compared. This one made quick work of soda cans and steel plates. Its Primary Arms red dot was on, apparently, nice.
We finished up with some .22 plinking which seemed tame in comparison, but don't scoff. Rounds down range are rounds down range, and these connected against steel with great satisfaction.
Then it was time to head for home in the setting Texan sun, a good job well completed.
Don't fear the reaper,
LSP
Children should be taught gun safety at the minimum in kindergarten or even earlier.\
ReplyDeleteChildren should be taught gun safety at the minimum at the earliest age.
ReplyDeleteWe get a lot kids at the range where I'm an RSO, parents teaching their kids to shoot. We're happy to help them as needed. Nothing wrong with a 20. I'm 5'6" and while I have no trouble handling a 12, the length of pull on most is much too long for me requiring me to either cut down or change the stock. A couple years ago I was in a gunshop and spotted an 870 youth model on the used rack. I shouldered it and danged if it didn't fit! It's now my preferred shotgun.
ReplyDeleteI took a family to the range last Thursday.
ReplyDeleteThey had a blast.
Took the AR, AK, .357 and my 9mm EDC.
Wife's short barreled SP101 .357 took out a lot of center paper.
The laser on it helped.
Turns out my 9mm's laser had gone off since my last visit and so had the red-dot on the AR.
And I found I had a broken follower on my 9!
But everyone had fun.
I'm glad you did.
I miss the over-under 12/20 we had in Alaska. Great little hunting rifle.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great day for shooting!
Blessed New Year to you all.
Well done! And any day at the range is a good day!
ReplyDeleteThat's good use of a day.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, My memory was quite bad on the rifle we had in Alaska. It was a 12/22...
ReplyDeleteKid, I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteJim, as I understand it, the older 870s are way better than the newer versions. I've shot and liked them but never owned one. Always used a Mossberg pump (835 Ultimag), a right workhorse.
ReplyDeleteBut just lately I've come to like 20s. Fun and swift to shoot.
Thanks, Ed, and sorry about laser and follower wickedness on your 9... And I have to say, I want a .357 Mag. I know this because I enjoyed shooting LL's Colt Python a few years back. What a lot of fun -- we faced off against playing cards and assorted terrorists.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love a good family shoot. Nice one.
I've never been to Alaska, Linda. They say it's the last frontier and I'd like to see it!
ReplyDeleteNFO -- YES! and you'd like this range. It's private and there you are, just you and the guns and Texas.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, LL, and James shot very well, especially with the AR. I was impressed and it was neat to think of the years spent at that place with the kids. They shot their first guns there and what a good venue for it.
ReplyDeleteI once owned a Dan Wesson 357. two grips, 2,4, and 6 inch length barrels. It was a lot of fun to shoot. If I go big again, it will be with the S&W model 29 (44 Mag)
ReplyDeleteBtw - here is a great offering about guns...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELwCqz2JfE