The Journey of a Newbie

[Muzikal]

Entry Three - First Range Day

Great! I now have everything that I need to start off (based on my humble opinion), so its time to take this thing on the road. A quick 25 minute trip on a nice clear afternoon took me to the local shooting range. Prior to making the trip I had stopped off at the local tactical store and gotten basic instructions from the veteran behind the counter about how the range worked. It was all gibberish to me at the time but once I drove up, it made perfect sense.

I got down to the line and joined the lone other shooter there (this was 3pm in the afternoon) - a rugged-looking but well-mannered kid who was easily half my age. I introduced myself and we exchanged pleasantries. He was there sighting in his girlfriend's 7mm-08 hunting rifle while getting the rust off his own technique with his 7mm.

He wasn't wearing the typical ear muffs and glasses that you see in the movies, so I thought that recommendation from my PAL instructor was just overkill. The first shot he took from his rifle had my ears ringing! Man!!! That thing was loud!!!

I quickly, but discretely slid those bad boys over my ears as I set up my pea shooter.

I alerted my fellow-shooter that I was heading down-range, stapled up my target at 50 yards and headed back to the bench. I read online that the 64F tends to jam when firing from a full mag so I chose to only load 6 in for the first go-round. Mag in, cartridge chambered, rifle raised, sights lines up, safety off.............Trigger pulled!!! The first shot I got off brought a smile to my face! I HAD FINALLY FIRED A GUN!!! I proceeded to proudly empty the mag before heading down range to confirm my hits.

I grinned as I headed to the target, just like a University graduate going to collect his diploma. When I got there, I saw that NOT ONE SINGLE BULLET HAD INTERACTED WITH THE TARGET!!!!

Myself and the young-un had a good laugh at my marksmanship while I reloaded. I will spare the step by step by saying that it took me 80 shells to produce what is pictured below:


20210716_135519.jpg

Point of the story: A rifle scope is needed.....ASAP!
Question for the group: How often would you suggest a rifle cleaning?