Second thoughts filled my head this morning as I waited on the Calverton line, well before opening.
Brookhaven is so much nicer. So much less to worry about.
And no sand in my gear, which is nice.
But Calvertoon it was.
Got my spot. Debated about who had what target for a few minutes, as usual, and set up.
But I wanted to be out in the sun today which left me little choice for 100 yard and better.
Brought to different 168 grain .308 rounds and wanted a too see how the less expensive shot as compared to the Federal Gold Medal in 20" and 24" barrels.
Plus, nothing is much better than backing right up to the bench.
But there is a price to pay for such convenience, which smacked me in the face multiple times today.
It started out fine. People on either side, but everyone looked like they were awake and aware.
Two hours go by..........Then the fun began.
Group shows up to my port side. One guy starts off by carrying his rifle around during a cease fire. I bark and he reacts a bit apologetically.
One guy obviously had a couple of rifles and a (clown) car full of noobs.
Guy with rifles obviously not too experienced as I watched in horror while he had a girl with no eye protection and even less of a clue rest the barrel of his Mini 14 on an ammo can to shoot. Scratched the hell out of the finish and could have easily warped the barrel. I tried to help - albeit gently with why that is a bad idea. Lent them a front bag, and kept a VERY close eye on the whole group.
Same scenario with multiple rifles. Too many noobs and not enough guidance.
To be honest, it was friggin nerve racking.
Then comes AR boy with an absolutely punishing muzzle brake to my starboard. I sat out two round of fire and he and his pal packed it in after they managed to expend a zillion rounds. Thank you.
New group shows up. 2 active Navy corpsmen and a couple of friends who all, thankfully, had their shit together.
All the while I'm spending more time watching the group on my left.
Had a word with the roving RO and apparently, he was keeping a close eye on the same group.
Navy leaves and new group comes in. Noobs, but someone had obviously given them some experience and training, as they were non hazardous - whew. Plus, dad was with them sitting it out in the rear.
Helped one sight in his new scope, which did end up on paper, but I'm suspect of the mounting. He was shooting 25 yards and likely had a 20 MOA base as I had to crank the poo out of the elevation.
port group packing up to leave and the guy who brought them, Mark, came over and was a bit apologetic as he realized he brought more people then he could safely handle and said "lesson learned". That in and of itself made the day better as I'm confident he won't pack the car full of noobs again.
Why am I droning on and on? Cause I'm tired and I'm cranky. I know - we've all been there and had the same experiences, but honestly, it was more work than I signed up for.
So, Brookhaven - how are you feeling about installing a couple of skylights?
Brookhaven is so much nicer. So much less to worry about.
And no sand in my gear, which is nice.
But Calvertoon it was.
Got my spot. Debated about who had what target for a few minutes, as usual, and set up.
But I wanted to be out in the sun today which left me little choice for 100 yard and better.
Brought to different 168 grain .308 rounds and wanted a too see how the less expensive shot as compared to the Federal Gold Medal in 20" and 24" barrels.
Plus, nothing is much better than backing right up to the bench.
But there is a price to pay for such convenience, which smacked me in the face multiple times today.
It started out fine. People on either side, but everyone looked like they were awake and aware.
Two hours go by..........Then the fun began.
Group shows up to my port side. One guy starts off by carrying his rifle around during a cease fire. I bark and he reacts a bit apologetically.
One guy obviously had a couple of rifles and a (clown) car full of noobs.
Guy with rifles obviously not too experienced as I watched in horror while he had a girl with no eye protection and even less of a clue rest the barrel of his Mini 14 on an ammo can to shoot. Scratched the hell out of the finish and could have easily warped the barrel. I tried to help - albeit gently with why that is a bad idea. Lent them a front bag, and kept a VERY close eye on the whole group.
Same scenario with multiple rifles. Too many noobs and not enough guidance.
To be honest, it was friggin nerve racking.
Then comes AR boy with an absolutely punishing muzzle brake to my starboard. I sat out two round of fire and he and his pal packed it in after they managed to expend a zillion rounds. Thank you.
New group shows up. 2 active Navy corpsmen and a couple of friends who all, thankfully, had their shit together.
All the while I'm spending more time watching the group on my left.
Had a word with the roving RO and apparently, he was keeping a close eye on the same group.
Navy leaves and new group comes in. Noobs, but someone had obviously given them some experience and training, as they were non hazardous - whew. Plus, dad was with them sitting it out in the rear.
Helped one sight in his new scope, which did end up on paper, but I'm suspect of the mounting. He was shooting 25 yards and likely had a 20 MOA base as I had to crank the poo out of the elevation.
port group packing up to leave and the guy who brought them, Mark, came over and was a bit apologetic as he realized he brought more people then he could safely handle and said "lesson learned". That in and of itself made the day better as I'm confident he won't pack the car full of noobs again.
Why am I droning on and on? Cause I'm tired and I'm cranky. I know - we've all been there and had the same experiences, but honestly, it was more work than I signed up for.
So, Brookhaven - how are you feeling about installing a couple of skylights?
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