Page 1 of 1

Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:23 pm
by Pawpaw
I ordered and received some Federal FliteControl #1 Buck ammo. Since it is a "reduced recoil" load, I felt I needed to test it in my Mossberg 930 SPX (semi-auto) before trusting my life to it. I stopped by the Garland Public Shooting Range this afternoon to do just that.

While I was waiting for a cease-fire so I could put out a couple of targets (empty clay pigeon boxes), a young man came over and asked me for advice on shooting his new pistol. He told me he had moved here from California just 2 months ago. He was obviously checking out this new-to-him freedom.

He and a young lady, who I assumed to be his wife, were having definite trouble hitting about a 8" target at 3 yards. I went over and gave him a couple of pointers. I briefly showed them how to hold the pistol (he was tea-cupping it) and a bit of instruction on stance. They took what I showed them to heart and went back to shooting. I also explained the importance of safe dry firing at home, stressing to make sure the pistol was unloaded and all ammo was in another room.

After the cease fire, I put some rounds through my shotgun and then thought that they might enjoy shooting it. I thought it might also be another small test of it's proper function with the new ammo.

When I invited them, he lit up and jumped at the chance. The young lady hesitated a bit, but I assured her it wasn't nearly as bad as she may have heard. It might be interesting to note that she was a small girl. I'm sure she was less than 5' tall and might have weighed 100 lbs, soaking wet.

After showing them what they needed to know (sight picture, stance, lean, & tight to shoulder), they were ready to go. They each missed on their first shot, but agreed the recoil wasn't bad. They both also hit the target with their second shot. They were both grinning from ear to ear!

I wrote this forum's URL and my screen name on the back of one of the range's business cards and gave it to them before I left. Hopefully, they will show up here soon. He said he is planning to get his CHL.

Side note: I had zero malfunctions with the new ammo. The Mossberg spit the empty hulls out with authority! :cool:

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:37 pm
by suthdj
Did you tell them it was reduced recoil shells. I can see them now out buying a gun like yours and getting a surprise when it kicks harder. "rlol" :smilelol5:

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:43 pm
by Pawpaw
No, I didn't think about it. To be honest, I can't tell the difference between these "reduced recoil" loads and non-reduced recoil loads.

Of course, a 10 pound plus shotgun doesn't recoil hard anyway. ;-)

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:51 pm
by 68Charger
I love guys like you at you at the range, pawpaw. People like you made me become the person I am today. You come and show people like me (who were naive at the time) how to properly do things and not judge. If I ever see you, I'll make sure to buy you a burger. Cheers. :cheers2:

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:10 pm
by Crossfire
68Charger wrote:I love guys like you at you at the range, pawpaw. People like you made me become the person I am today. You come and show people like me (who were naive at the time) how to properly do things and not judge. If I ever see you, I'll make sure to buy you a burger. Cheers. :cheers2:
:iagree:

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:15 pm
by w squared
Thank you for being a gentleman and an ambassador for responsible citizen shooters.

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:16 pm
by Pawpaw
Gee thanks, but I didn't intend this to be about me. I thought it was great that the young man knew he needed help and had enough gumption to go ask someone for help.

Watching their faces light up was icing on the cake.

Re: Interesting visit to the Garland range

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:24 pm
by baldeagle
Well, it oughta be about you. You're one of the good guys. When my wife wanted to try out some different pistols, PawPaw came all the way down to the GSR just to let her try out his Sig P238, on a week night. When I wanted to sight in my new AR, PawPaw brought his tools and met me over at Elm Fork and worked with me to get it sighted in properly. He's 100% quality people, always ready to help, willing to sacrifice to help and knowledgeable. Kudos to you, my good man. It's a pleasure to know you. Oh, and he never laughs at how bad a shot I am at skeet.