Prologue:
If you break any two of the Four Rules you can give somebody a bad case of Dead without intending to do it. Read them right now if you don't know them, then read this post.
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During Schutzenfest 2009, we had 3 new shooters and ZERO violations of Rule 2. No muzzle sweeping action. This may seem like a small thing to those who wander around gun stores pointing "unloaded" guns at everything and everyone without thinking about it, but to the Range Officer it is kind of a huge deal.
The thing is, a loaded gun is dangerous. Having it pointed in your general direction is a Very Bad Thing. Also, every Range Officer (and Range Master) should know somewhere deep down in his blood and bones that EVERY weapon on his range is loaded (Rule #1). When someone who knows what time it is sees the muzzle of a gun pointed at him, the feeling is hard to describe. Have you ever seen a movie featuring a fighter jet where the pilot has 3 different klaxons sounding and 2 lights flashing at him because the plane has detected a radar lock, missile launch, and incoming bogies? Yeah, it's about like that inside your head when a newbie sweeps you with the muzzle of a gun. Red flags and warning bells doesn't begin to describe the level of alarm raised on the inside of the person with a high degree of awareness who has a known-loaded gun pointed at him. Adrenal gland output: ON RIGHT [deleted] NOW!
And on the outside, the only evidence may be a flushed skin tone and some words of reproof, perhaps combined with some form of ducking out of the way and/or repositioning the gun-holder or gun to comply with Rule #2.
Anyhow, I had zero problems with this. There were a couple of occasions where my shooters turned a little bit to address me, and they started to move their guns away from "straight downrange". Each time, without saying anything, I shied away a little with my head and shoulders, and with one of my hands, I made a palm-out "pushing away from me" motion at the gun. The shooters invariably pointed the gun downrange and more often than not apologized.
Whew! Thank God.
Showing posts with label Schustenfest 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schustenfest 2009. Show all posts
Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Schutzenfest 2009: Great Success! (on a small scale)
As I mentioned before, it is indeed like herding cats trying to get liberty-minded individuals to do something all together. Over half the people who said they would be there, were not. We had 2 out due to surgery, 2 due to illness, 3 out because of Austin traffic, 1 because of a little league game, 1 for family obligations, 2 because it was "too far", 3 from staying out late Friday night, and 1 for unknown reasons. So, all told, there was a grand total turnout of only 5 shooters.
Hold on there.
How does 25% turnout qualify as a Great Success?
Because the venue was perfectly suited to a low number of shooters who required individual instruction
Because 1 woman is now less gun-shy than she was before. (New Shooter #1)
Because 1 woman had the look that all shooting instructors love to see: a big grin with a hint of sheepishness at having fun doing something previously taboo. (New Shooter #2)
Because 1 militiaman went from ignorance of arms in general, to hands-on familiar and comfortable with a half-dozen small arms platforms. Also, this citizen and house holder has a lot of information now, to consider in his deliberations about what type of gun to purchase to defend himself, his wife, her daughter, and their property.
Because I got to see my Buddy K.S.
Because I got in some quality Recoil Therapy.
Lessons learned for next time:
Don't forget to take allergy medications before driving an hour from home to spend the day outside!
Long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat do not cover your hands, ears, or neck adequately to prevent sunburn. Use sunscreen.
Don't expect people to show, even if they said they would, on the phone, that same day.
Encourage new shooter participation. It is fun, watching them having fun.
Post fresh targets between new shooters' turns shooting, and a fresh backstop if you can, to help them see their bullet holes
String the cans up immediately so they will dance for everyone, not just those who stay late
Have drinks available AT THE FIRING LINE so nobody gets dehydrated
Shooting is fun. Especially shooting while advancing on reactive targets.
The New Shooters' Class was set for 11:00. My Darling Wife decided at the last minute to go with me, and her back was sore, so she held us up and we arrived at 11:35. The other participants were already there and acquainted with our hostess.
After introductions and small talk, we went right into the lecture. The night before, I had prepared some posters to help illustrate my points on: The Four Rules, Gun handling safety & shooting postures, Aiming, Eye dominance, weapons operation, and explanation of what caliber nomenclatures mean / relative cartridge power. We also had a show & tell and the ladies were impressed with the small/light nature of the Kel-Tek P-3AT. Then it was 13:00 and lunchtime. We had a brief lecture on range rules and safety and were off.
First up was C., who had shot BB guns as a girl. She started on the nice, simple .38 special revolver and did quite well, landing fully half her hits in the X ring from 5 yards
Then Y.S. went. She was not much into shooting but she gave it a go. She put 8 rounds downrange, with a couple of demonstration shots from K.S. in the middle of her shooting session. She put a couple shots out with bad form and missed badly, but she took criticism well and was doing quite well on the last few shots, so we reloaded for her and she did well on the last couple of shots.
J.F. was up next and he did alright, with posture that showed he was paying attention during class earlier.
Next, C. wanted to try the P-3AT. I had warned her that it kicks more than the .38. She said it was pushing her all over the place, but she kept it to center-of-Goblin sized groups and was not turned off by the recoil. She is a pretty short woman, so the Kel-Tek fit her hand well, which always helps when a gun is trying to get itself out of your hands. Y.S. didn't care for the Kel-Tek much at all after shooting it. Then C. had a few shots with the Marlin 60.
I had K.S. shoot the SKS because I knew he would enjoy it (he did) and then we found out to our dissatisfaction that neither an SKS or a .40S&W will make an empty 3lbs. coffe can dance on the ground (the bullets just punch straight through) unless you hit right on the rim. About that time, K.S., Y.S. and C. had to leave to run errands, but we lit a few .30-06 rounds off from my P17 first. We all went up to the house and had some water, invited the departing shooters to our church and they split.
J.F. and I went back down to the range alone, just us two blokes. It took some goading and shooting, but I finally convinced him not to be concerned with conserving ammunition just because it's expensive. He had brought .22LR, .30-06 and 7.62x39 and eventually got a sampling of what it's like to shoot all those and more besides. I introduced him to field marksmanship positions, and he and I went through a dry run on a "cold" range to practice advancing on a target. I discussed the psychology of retreat, advancing on an assailant, and the difficulties of finding effective cover. We put the range to "hot" and he ran a few slow J-hooks advancing on coffee cans that were, by this time, strung up in front of the backstop so they would dance when hit. He had the new-shooter grin on his face now, like C. had earlier. We ran through something like 100 rounds, mostly 5 at a time, advancing, moving laterally, and discussing firefighting theory & strategy. The SKS & Glock 22 were the main guns used in these exercises.
I was reminded that even my modified SKS sight is hard to hit with while moving and shooting simultaneously. J.F. generally was "close-enough" to his target but it was amusing when, one time, he shot completely over the backstop and I saw the puff of dirt 'way downrange behind the backstop. Then we went through most of a box of .22LR with the Marlin and FINALLY got a gratifying response from the cans. The 22 is slow enough to differentiate between the gun's report and the PLONK when the cans are struk. They danced when hit by the SKS but that was pretty quiet.
By now it was 17:00 and we were tired and dehydrated, so we picked up the brass and found several spent bullets. In related news, it still hasn't stopped being neat-o to recover bullets I have shot. We packed everything up and went to the house to eat and drink and converse for a while, and finally left around 18:00.
I was a little surprised at myself. I brought a camera from work to take good pictures and forgot it at the house. So all you get to see is the remnants: Behold the Ammo Box!
I'll take the time right now to repeat my standing offer: if you have never fired a gun before, or if you are scared of guns, or if it has been a long time since you shot a gun, email me at the address on the bottom of this page. Tooting my own horn a bit, J.F. says I am "an excellent teacher." There is no need to be intimidated by guns. If you want to pay range fees (I can supply guns and ammunition) there is an air condidioned range in Pflugerville, Texas that we can visit, and if you want to drive, we can go to an outdoor range in Lockhart with no rules besides "don't shoot the cows."
Hold on there.
How does 25% turnout qualify as a Great Success?
Lessons learned for next time:
The New Shooters' Class was set for 11:00. My Darling Wife decided at the last minute to go with me, and her back was sore, so she held us up and we arrived at 11:35. The other participants were already there and acquainted with our hostess.
After introductions and small talk, we went right into the lecture. The night before, I had prepared some posters to help illustrate my points on: The Four Rules, Gun handling safety & shooting postures, Aiming, Eye dominance, weapons operation, and explanation of what caliber nomenclatures mean / relative cartridge power. We also had a show & tell and the ladies were impressed with the small/light nature of the Kel-Tek P-3AT. Then it was 13:00 and lunchtime. We had a brief lecture on range rules and safety and were off.
First up was C., who had shot BB guns as a girl. She started on the nice, simple .38 special revolver and did quite well, landing fully half her hits in the X ring from 5 yards
Then Y.S. went. She was not much into shooting but she gave it a go. She put 8 rounds downrange, with a couple of demonstration shots from K.S. in the middle of her shooting session. She put a couple shots out with bad form and missed badly, but she took criticism well and was doing quite well on the last few shots, so we reloaded for her and she did well on the last couple of shots.
J.F. was up next and he did alright, with posture that showed he was paying attention during class earlier.
Next, C. wanted to try the P-3AT. I had warned her that it kicks more than the .38. She said it was pushing her all over the place, but she kept it to center-of-Goblin sized groups and was not turned off by the recoil. She is a pretty short woman, so the Kel-Tek fit her hand well, which always helps when a gun is trying to get itself out of your hands. Y.S. didn't care for the Kel-Tek much at all after shooting it. Then C. had a few shots with the Marlin 60.
I had K.S. shoot the SKS because I knew he would enjoy it (he did) and then we found out to our dissatisfaction that neither an SKS or a .40S&W will make an empty 3lbs. coffe can dance on the ground (the bullets just punch straight through) unless you hit right on the rim. About that time, K.S., Y.S. and C. had to leave to run errands, but we lit a few .30-06 rounds off from my P17 first. We all went up to the house and had some water, invited the departing shooters to our church and they split.
J.F. and I went back down to the range alone, just us two blokes. It took some goading and shooting, but I finally convinced him not to be concerned with conserving ammunition just because it's expensive. He had brought .22LR, .30-06 and 7.62x39 and eventually got a sampling of what it's like to shoot all those and more besides. I introduced him to field marksmanship positions, and he and I went through a dry run on a "cold" range to practice advancing on a target. I discussed the psychology of retreat, advancing on an assailant, and the difficulties of finding effective cover. We put the range to "hot" and he ran a few slow J-hooks advancing on coffee cans that were, by this time, strung up in front of the backstop so they would dance when hit. He had the new-shooter grin on his face now, like C. had earlier. We ran through something like 100 rounds, mostly 5 at a time, advancing, moving laterally, and discussing firefighting theory & strategy. The SKS & Glock 22 were the main guns used in these exercises.
I was reminded that even my modified SKS sight is hard to hit with while moving and shooting simultaneously. J.F. generally was "close-enough" to his target but it was amusing when, one time, he shot completely over the backstop and I saw the puff of dirt 'way downrange behind the backstop. Then we went through most of a box of .22LR with the Marlin and FINALLY got a gratifying response from the cans. The 22 is slow enough to differentiate between the gun's report and the PLONK when the cans are struk. They danced when hit by the SKS but that was pretty quiet.
By now it was 17:00 and we were tired and dehydrated, so we picked up the brass and found several spent bullets. In related news, it still hasn't stopped being neat-o to recover bullets I have shot. We packed everything up and went to the house to eat and drink and converse for a while, and finally left around 18:00.
I was a little surprised at myself. I brought a camera from work to take good pictures and forgot it at the house. So all you get to see is the remnants: Behold the Ammo Box!
I'll take the time right now to repeat my standing offer: if you have never fired a gun before, or if you are scared of guns, or if it has been a long time since you shot a gun, email me at the address on the bottom of this page. Tooting my own horn a bit, J.F. says I am "an excellent teacher." There is no need to be intimidated by guns. If you want to pay range fees (I can supply guns and ammunition) there is an air condidioned range in Pflugerville, Texas that we can visit, and if you want to drive, we can go to an outdoor range in Lockhart with no rules besides "don't shoot the cows."
Friday, April 3, 2009
Getting Ready
I went out and dropped some coin last night. This is the first time I have ever been in the category of "thousands of rounds of ammunition" in my house and I like it.
A significant portion of what I will be bringing tomorrow:
Note that the number of cartridges there would be higher, but Kel-Tek is very proud of their spare magazines (nobody else seems to make them) and I needed a fresh bottle of Hoppes #9.
Now we just need to whomp up some food for the pot-luck meal and then it's just a few hours and a wake-up.
********
In related news, the price of 7.62x39mm ammunition has gone down a buck-and-a-half since the height of the panic (read: just after inauguration day). Good.
A significant portion of what I will be bringing tomorrow:
Note that the number of cartridges there would be higher, but Kel-Tek is very proud of their spare magazines (nobody else seems to make them) and I needed a fresh bottle of Hoppes #9.
Now we just need to whomp up some food for the pot-luck meal and then it's just a few hours and a wake-up.
********
In related news, the price of 7.62x39mm ammunition has gone down a buck-and-a-half since the height of the panic (read: just after inauguration day). Good.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Herding Cats / Dropping Like Flies
As the date for Schutzenfest 2009 draws near, participants are falling out. This one doesn't know if he'll be in town (US Army pilot). This one his wife is having a surgery on Friday. This one has to be at a family function in another city.
Oh well. At least I got one of them to lend me a weapon for training the neophytes on the platform. I just hope nobody bought ammo for a gun that isn't going to be there now!
Oh well. At least I got one of them to lend me a weapon for training the neophytes on the platform. I just hope nobody bought ammo for a gun that isn't going to be there now!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Schutzenfest 2009: saturday Saturday SATURDAY!
It's on. You know who you are, who are coming. If I haven't told you where it is yet, you need to find out from me by Saturday morning!
Don't forget the food!
Don't forget the ammunition!
Nobody has said they have too much of any one caliber, so if you can afford it, please bring a box of cartridges for whatever you want to shoot. Go to the Schutzenfest Main Page and scroll down to see what all guns are supposed to be there. The list is NOT all-inclusive because it's like herding cats trying to get some people to cooperate.
Don't forget the food!
Don't forget the ammunition!
Nobody has said they have too much of any one caliber, so if you can afford it, please bring a box of cartridges for whatever you want to shoot. Go to the Schutzenfest Main Page and scroll down to see what all guns are supposed to be there. The list is NOT all-inclusive because it's like herding cats trying to get some people to cooperate.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Schutzenfest 2009: Further Details
If you haven't told me you want in, you are a couple of weeks away from being counted out! Holla back!
I went to the super-seekrit location for this year's Schutzenfest and I think it will be a good match for the year.
2009: ammo prices are sky-high
Range: suitable for 2 shooters at a time, max., with a mild concern (for the neighbors) that it not sound like a war zone all day long
The range is immediately behind a house situated on 87 acres, with nothing behind the backstop for a good mile, including 230 undeveloped acres. The backstop is a pretty good size pile of mostly-clay earth. It stops bullets but good. Miss and you're shooting downhill at nothing.
It's all downhill, and drainage is into the bed of a 45-acre lake. The property owner requests, if possible, use of non-lead ammunition; please bear that in mind when you are shopping. Ball is better than hollow point for the day (which is good because it's also cheaper!)
There will be provision for shooting distances from point-blank to a full 100 yards. In case you haven't been outside lately, 100 yards is far even with a telescope sight on your rifle. Since one of the primary goals of the event is fun I'm thinking most shooting will be done at <50 yards. At that sort of range, hitting even with a a fairly poor rifle is doable.
Targets will be mostly paper stapled to cardboard, empty coke/beer and 3lbs coffee cans. If you have something more creative, bring it and we'll run it by the landowner. It seems like as long as you pick up all the pieces he won't mind too much what you bring to shoot at.
It is dry out there. If you smoke, you're dumb and it's a bad idea out there right now. It hasn't rained appreciably in 16 months. The grass and dirt are very dry. The only thing growing is scrub mesquite . . . wear closed shoes!
There will be plenty of time between your turns on the firing line to socialize and tell sea stories, haze shooters for misses, etc. The food and the line will be in very close proximity, so if you want to eat, you won't have far to go.
I've updated the list of guns I'm pretty sure will be there (see the Main Page), go check it out if you haven't in a while.
I went to the super-seekrit location for this year's Schutzenfest and I think it will be a good match for the year.
2009: ammo prices are sky-high
Range: suitable for 2 shooters at a time, max., with a mild concern (for the neighbors) that it not sound like a war zone all day long
The range is immediately behind a house situated on 87 acres, with nothing behind the backstop for a good mile, including 230 undeveloped acres. The backstop is a pretty good size pile of mostly-clay earth. It stops bullets but good. Miss and you're shooting downhill at nothing.
It's all downhill, and drainage is into the bed of a 45-acre lake. The property owner requests, if possible, use of non-lead ammunition; please bear that in mind when you are shopping. Ball is better than hollow point for the day (which is good because it's also cheaper!)
There will be provision for shooting distances from point-blank to a full 100 yards. In case you haven't been outside lately, 100 yards is far even with a telescope sight on your rifle. Since one of the primary goals of the event is fun I'm thinking most shooting will be done at <50 yards. At that sort of range, hitting even with a a fairly poor rifle is doable.
Targets will be mostly paper stapled to cardboard, empty coke/beer and 3lbs coffee cans. If you have something more creative, bring it and we'll run it by the landowner. It seems like as long as you pick up all the pieces he won't mind too much what you bring to shoot at.
It is dry out there. If you smoke, you're dumb and it's a bad idea out there right now. It hasn't rained appreciably in 16 months. The grass and dirt are very dry. The only thing growing is scrub mesquite . . . wear closed shoes!
There will be plenty of time between your turns on the firing line to socialize and tell sea stories, haze shooters for misses, etc. The food and the line will be in very close proximity, so if you want to eat, you won't have far to go.
I've updated the list of guns I'm pretty sure will be there (see the Main Page), go check it out if you haven't in a while.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Schutzenfest 2009 Questions & Answers
A few people had questions about the schutzenfest. The more get asked, the longer this page will get. I'll also try to remember to update the Main Page as the questions are added.
Q: What is the entrance fee or range fee?
A: Our host was a little taken aback, and needed the question repeated to be sure he understood this one. There are no fees for showing up. Ammunition, food, and gas will be enough of a cost. It costs him nothing to host us, and it's in the public interest, so it's pro bono publico this year.
Q: But I Don't Have a gun!
A: So? Come anyway, you can use someone else's. If you've never shot a gun before, please plan on attending a new shooter's class at 11:00.
Q: Where is it?
A: Southeast of Austin, Texas. Respond as requested via e-mail and you'll find out exactly where.
Q: What is the entrance fee or range fee?
A: Our host was a little taken aback, and needed the question repeated to be sure he understood this one. There are no fees for showing up. Ammunition, food, and gas will be enough of a cost. It costs him nothing to host us, and it's in the public interest, so it's pro bono publico this year.
Q: But I Don't Have a gun!
A: So? Come anyway, you can use someone else's. If you've never shot a gun before, please plan on attending a new shooter's class at 11:00.
Q: Where is it?
A: Southeast of Austin, Texas. Respond as requested via e-mail and you'll find out exactly where.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Trinity Schutzenfest 2009 Main Page
Schutzenfest: shooter's festival. from the German schutzen compounded with fest. An informal gathering of some of the United States' Militia to engage in education and training in the use of small arms. . . and a time for food, fun, and fellowship. A time to celebrate the freedom of American citizens, and enjoy some quality trigger time with friends.
Here's the idea:Sometime in the the next few months (I am currently thinking of April 4th), On April 4th, the first Saturday in April, a group of interested people will gather on a large piece of private land somewhere Northeast Southeast of Austin (less than an hour drive), and start shooting. By the end of the day, several hundred to several thousand rounds of small arms ammunition will have been sent downrange, the spent brass and targets cleaned up, and a barbecue/pot luck meal will have been eaten.
This is a closed party. The majority of atendees will be Good Christian People from my church, but others may be invited. I will only give out the location to those who respond properly and gain permission to attend. If an attendee wants to bring friends, they should first ensure the friends are Good People and trustworthy. Showing up is tacit agreement to obey all posted rules, all Range Officer commands, and abide by The Rules.
We will be stone cold sober, well behaved, and generally nice. There will be beginner-level education in safe gun handling, marksmanship classes, lessons about operation of various types of weapons, LOTS of shooting, and then a meal after we clean up.
If you are a well-trained and experienced shooter, and not afraid to holler in somebody's face for breaking The Rules, I could use your help. We will need at least two volunteer Range Officers. ROs will be doing less shooting than the rest of the group, but will by no means be left out. The more volunteer ROs we have, the more shooting they will be able to do. I have a pair of RO volunteers, thanks guys! The more the merrier, so if you want to be an RO please still let me know.
If you have never fired a gun before, this is your chance. Weapons will be provided, see the following paragraphs for ammunition protocol. We will instruct you in safe gun handling and start you off with a gun that won't hurt you or make very much noise, and you may proceed (if you so desire) to shoot anything else, once we are sure you have a grasp of the basics. Shooting is generally a lot of fun, and it does not hurt to shoot most guns, so don't be afraid to try.
If you are looking to buy a gun, or a different type of gun, this event will give you exposure to a wide variety of weapon types to help you decide. If you already have a gun but have only seldom shot it, a) shame on you and b) come get some practice. A gun you can't hit bad guys with is almost as bad as no gun at all.
If you have shot firearms before, or if you have not; if you are comfortable with guns or not, if you want to try a variety of weapons or just one in particular, but mostly if you want to enjoy the company of a bunch of Christian people who also are interested in guns and shooting, Contact me! (use the contact button at the bottom of the page)
There are no entrance or range fees.
What we need:
Guns: Bring yours if you've got any. If you don't have any, we are happy to share, but you must bring your self (or get a ride). I will keep the list of arms and ammunition required to shoot them (see below) updated as people tell me what they are bringing to the party.
Ammunition: Lots of it. The price of metal has gone up recently, so this is the most expensive part of the whole affair. If you do not mind letting go some of your stockpile, please bring what you are willing to let be shot up. If you have a few extra dollars laying around, please purchase as much ammo as you are comfortable buying, and bring it with you. Before spending your money, please contact me in case I have someone bringing a bunch of something and have not yet updated the list!.
Hearing Protection: I've got a box of foam earplugs but it may not last the day. If you have your own earplugs or muffs, please bring them.
Appropriate Clothing: Long sleeves and collars. Closed shoes. A hat with a brim. Shooting glasses (impact resistant glasses of any type with a frame that crosses between the eyes is good, covered sides are better). Long pants or dresses. Ladies, don't get offended by the truth: If it is immodest, it is also unsafe for shooting. Consider: shell casings leave some guns faster than you can see them move, and hot enough to cause a 2nd degree burn. If you don't want it burned, dress so it is covered.
Safety: There will be at least two brief lectures on safe gun handling practices. In addition, all participants are required to read, understand, and agree to abide by the Four Rules. One reason I need a set of tough ROs is that a third observed violation of the Rules is going to get the offender kicked off the premises.
Respect: Guns are deadly by design. If you act like a fool and endanger the lives of your fellow participants, you are out. Bad manners are prohibited. Vain and profane swearing and cursing are prohibited. Smoking will be done at a large distance if the landowner agrees to allow it at all. NO drinking of alcoholic beverages or use of other intoxicating substances will be allowed. Shooting sports are statistically about as safe an activity as can be enjoyed. Treating fellow shooters, their weapons, and the shooting range, with respect are a large part of the reason for the safety of this game.
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If you WILL BE coming, I need you to respond. E-mail me (address at the bottom of the page) with the following information:
Your name and contact information, even if I should already have it (contact information will not be distributed, it's for me and nobody else). If I don't know you, I will want to get to know you before letting you in on a live firing session. Don't worry, I am generally friendly and don't bite unless severely provoked.
How many persons will be coming with you (No shooting for children under 5 years old, and no shooting for minors of any age without direct supervision). Men are encouraged to bring wives, Ladies are encouraged to bring their husbands. Children are welcome, but please be sure they are comfortable around loud noises (!) or you have someone willing to stay with them in the house.
What type of arms you will bring. Let me know the make, model, and caliber of the weapons you will definitely be bringing, so that I can keep the list updated.
If you can bring lots of ammunition, please let me know that also. Once we reach an arbitrarily-chosen two thousand rounds per caliber, I'll be sure to tell everyone we don't need any more of that caliber.
If you want to shoot a weapon, please try to buy at least a box of ammunition for it. This means anything from a couple of dollars to (usually) less than $15. If the gun owners had to provide all the ammunition for their weapons, the cost would add up quickly if one weapon proved popular. It would be spiffy but not required if you were to donate any unspent ammo to the gun owners when we're done. If there is any left!
If you have a weapon that shoots an oddball or very expensive round, please either let me know (so I can publish it) that shooting will be restricted on that piece, or bring a large-ish quantity of ammunition on your own dime. You are free to bring something for show-and-tell only if you please, but don't get our hopes up that we will be shooting it.
Failure to include all of the above required information may result in your NOT being invited.
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Here's the schedule:
Late morning 11:00: classtime. New shooters (never shot a firearm before) are required to attend. Infrequent or it's-been-a-long-time shooters are strongly encouraged to attend. There will be lectures on safe gun handling, marksmanship, and operation of various types of weapons, both handguns and long guns.
Late morning to mid-afternoon: Shooting. There will be a brief review of the Four Rules before we go to the firing line. Targets will depend on the landowner's preference. He may allow coffee cans and coke cans (fun for handguns and rifles) and cardboard boxes are (fun for shotguns). Paper targets will be posted for more traditional shooting practice, but the shooting range depends heavily on the terrain (no shooting rifles up with no backstop, etc.) There may be, depending on the popularity of the idea, a time where we run training maneuvers and action drills. Shooting while advancing, retreating, and moving laterally, possibly engaging multiple targets. This sort of thing is a LOT of fun and of practical use if you ever need it, but you need a group of people with good heads on their shoulders to do it safely.
Sometime in there: An eat-when-you-want pot-luck meal. Bring food for more people than will be coming with you, and we will all share. If you get tired of shooting, or several people get hungry all at once, wash your hands and go eat. I'm not sure of the quality of tap water, so if you want something palatable to drink, you might want to bring some of that, too!
At least an hour before dark: Pick up the trash. Picking up your spent shells as you produce them will speed this up considerably. No leaving twisted metal and shredded paper for the cows to injure themselves with and/or eat.
List of weapons people have said they will bring: Model Numbers People! Tell me the model!
Check back here frequently! This list will be getting longer, as people respond to personal invitations.
Hand guns
Walther P22 .22LR
Kel-Tek P3AT
.38 Special revolverat least 2 .38 Special revolvers
Hi-Point 9mm
Glock 22 .40 S&W
Glock 32 .357SIG
Sig P229
Long guns
Marlin Model 60
M4 (yes, the General Issue Real Deal with a naughty switch, not an AR-platform knock-off)
(The guy w/ the M4 and SIG P229 begged off with a lame excuse already)
SKS (possibly 2 or 3)
M1917 Enfield
Mosin Nagant (an M44 and an 1891/30)
12 gauge shotgun
Single-shot .410 shotgun
.30-30 lever action carbine
Guns to drool over, but not for popular shooting:
DPMS .308 Winchester AR
Ammunition we will need:
.22LR
.380ACP
.40S&W
5.56x45mm
7.62x39
.30-06 Springfield
********
Why are we doing this?
Because ignorance breeds fear. Too many Americans grew up in a city where the only ones with guns were the police, and the police were distrusted. Too many people think of guns as some sort of totem of violence. Familiarization with these lumps of steel, wood, and plastic, gives understanding that they are only tools, and there are too few places where a person can become familiar with them.
Because people who don't understand why the wicked scary guns are necessary, won't object when they are banned. Shooting a hunting rifle that is more powerful than a battle rifle just might get them on the right side of the gun control debate, or at least get them thinking.
Because a citizen needs to know how to operate any small arm he is likely to encounter. When the proverbial poo hits the fan and a gun finds its way into your hand, you had better know how to use it when you need to. According to U.S. Federal law, the Militia is us. Not the State National Guard, and not the Federal Department of Defense. YOU.
Because nobody wants to pay range fees but we should all practice more with the tools we are counting on to use in defense of our lives.
Furthermore:
Because a man with a rifle cannot be oppressed.
Because a woman with a pistol cannot be raped.
Because a citizen willing to use violence against evil is morally superior
Because weapons are liberty's teeth (no matter who said it
Because there bloody well should be a rifle behind every blade of grass.
And, of course, as everyone knows who is a recreational shooter: Shooting is a lot of fun!
Here's the idea:
This is a closed party. The majority of atendees will be Good Christian People from my church, but others may be invited. I will only give out the location to those who respond properly and gain permission to attend. If an attendee wants to bring friends, they should first ensure the friends are Good People and trustworthy. Showing up is tacit agreement to obey all posted rules, all Range Officer commands, and abide by The Rules.
We will be stone cold sober, well behaved, and generally nice. There will be beginner-level education in safe gun handling, marksmanship classes, lessons about operation of various types of weapons, LOTS of shooting, and then a meal after we clean up.
If you have never fired a gun before, this is your chance. Weapons will be provided, see the following paragraphs for ammunition protocol. We will instruct you in safe gun handling and start you off with a gun that won't hurt you or make very much noise, and you may proceed (if you so desire) to shoot anything else, once we are sure you have a grasp of the basics. Shooting is generally a lot of fun, and it does not hurt to shoot most guns, so don't be afraid to try.
If you are looking to buy a gun, or a different type of gun, this event will give you exposure to a wide variety of weapon types to help you decide. If you already have a gun but have only seldom shot it, a) shame on you and b) come get some practice. A gun you can't hit bad guys with is almost as bad as no gun at all.
If you have shot firearms before, or if you have not; if you are comfortable with guns or not, if you want to try a variety of weapons or just one in particular, but mostly if you want to enjoy the company of a bunch of Christian people who also are interested in guns and shooting, Contact me! (use the contact button at the bottom of the page)
There are no entrance or range fees.
What we need:
Guns: Bring yours if you've got any. If you don't have any, we are happy to share, but you must bring your self (or get a ride). I will keep the list of arms and ammunition required to shoot them (see below) updated as people tell me what they are bringing to the party.
Ammunition: Lots of it. The price of metal has gone up recently, so this is the most expensive part of the whole affair. If you do not mind letting go some of your stockpile, please bring what you are willing to let be shot up. If you have a few extra dollars laying around, please purchase as much ammo as you are comfortable buying, and bring it with you. Before spending your money, please contact me in case I have someone bringing a bunch of something and have not yet updated the list!.
Hearing Protection: I've got a box of foam earplugs but it may not last the day. If you have your own earplugs or muffs, please bring them.
Appropriate Clothing: Long sleeves and collars. Closed shoes. A hat with a brim. Shooting glasses (impact resistant glasses of any type with a frame that crosses between the eyes is good, covered sides are better). Long pants or dresses. Ladies, don't get offended by the truth: If it is immodest, it is also unsafe for shooting. Consider: shell casings leave some guns faster than you can see them move, and hot enough to cause a 2nd degree burn. If you don't want it burned, dress so it is covered.
Safety: There will be at least two brief lectures on safe gun handling practices. In addition, all participants are required to read, understand, and agree to abide by the Four Rules. One reason I need a set of tough ROs is that a third observed violation of the Rules is going to get the offender kicked off the premises.
Respect: Guns are deadly by design. If you act like a fool and endanger the lives of your fellow participants, you are out. Bad manners are prohibited. Vain and profane swearing and cursing are prohibited. Smoking will be done at a large distance if the landowner agrees to allow it at all. NO drinking of alcoholic beverages or use of other intoxicating substances will be allowed. Shooting sports are statistically about as safe an activity as can be enjoyed. Treating fellow shooters, their weapons, and the shooting range, with respect are a large part of the reason for the safety of this game.
********
If you WILL BE coming, I need you to respond. E-mail me (address at the bottom of the page) with the following information:
Your name and contact information, even if I should already have it (contact information will not be distributed, it's for me and nobody else). If I don't know you, I will want to get to know you before letting you in on a live firing session. Don't worry, I am generally friendly and don't bite unless severely provoked.
How many persons will be coming with you (No shooting for children under 5 years old, and no shooting for minors of any age without direct supervision). Men are encouraged to bring wives, Ladies are encouraged to bring their husbands. Children are welcome, but please be sure they are comfortable around loud noises (!) or you have someone willing to stay with them in the house.
What type of arms you will bring. Let me know the make, model, and caliber of the weapons you will definitely be bringing, so that I can keep the list updated.
If you can bring lots of ammunition, please let me know that also. Once we reach an arbitrarily-chosen two thousand rounds per caliber, I'll be sure to tell everyone we don't need any more of that caliber.
If you want to shoot a weapon, please try to buy at least a box of ammunition for it. This means anything from a couple of dollars to (usually) less than $15. If the gun owners had to provide all the ammunition for their weapons, the cost would add up quickly if one weapon proved popular. It would be spiffy but not required if you were to donate any unspent ammo to the gun owners when we're done. If there is any left!
If you have a weapon that shoots an oddball or very expensive round, please either let me know (so I can publish it) that shooting will be restricted on that piece, or bring a large-ish quantity of ammunition on your own dime. You are free to bring something for show-and-tell only if you please, but don't get our hopes up that we will be shooting it.
Failure to include all of the above required information may result in your NOT being invited.
********
Here's the schedule:
Late morning to mid-afternoon: Shooting. There will be a brief review of the Four Rules before we go to the firing line. Targets will depend on the landowner's preference. He may allow coffee cans and coke cans (fun for handguns and rifles) and cardboard boxes are (fun for shotguns). Paper targets will be posted for more traditional shooting practice, but the shooting range depends heavily on the terrain (no shooting rifles up with no backstop, etc.) There may be, depending on the popularity of the idea, a time where we run training maneuvers and action drills. Shooting while advancing, retreating, and moving laterally, possibly engaging multiple targets. This sort of thing is a LOT of fun and of practical use if you ever need it, but you need a group of people with good heads on their shoulders to do it safely.
Sometime in there: An eat-when-you-want pot-luck meal. Bring food for more people than will be coming with you, and we will all share. If you get tired of shooting, or several people get hungry all at once, wash your hands and go eat. I'm not sure of the quality of tap water, so if you want something palatable to drink, you might want to bring some of that, too!
At least an hour before dark: Pick up the trash. Picking up your spent shells as you produce them will speed this up considerably. No leaving twisted metal and shredded paper for the cows to injure themselves with and/or eat.
List of weapons people have said they will bring: Model Numbers People! Tell me the model!
Check back here frequently! This list will be getting longer, as people respond to personal invitations.
Hand guns
Walther P22 .22LR
Kel-Tek P3AT
Hi-Point 9mm
Glock 22 .40 S&W
Glock 32 .357SIG
Long guns
Marlin Model 60
(The guy w/ the M4 and SIG P229 begged off with a lame excuse already)
SKS (possibly 2 or 3)
M1917 Enfield
Mosin Nagant (an M44 and an 1891/30)
12 gauge shotgun
Single-shot .410 shotgun
.30-30 lever action carbine
Guns to drool over, but not for popular shooting:
DPMS .308 Winchester AR
Ammunition we will need:
.22LR
.380ACP
.40S&W
5.56x45mm
7.62x39
.30-06 Springfield
********
Why are we doing this?
Because ignorance breeds fear. Too many Americans grew up in a city where the only ones with guns were the police, and the police were distrusted. Too many people think of guns as some sort of totem of violence. Familiarization with these lumps of steel, wood, and plastic, gives understanding that they are only tools, and there are too few places where a person can become familiar with them.
Because people who don't understand why the wicked scary guns are necessary, won't object when they are banned. Shooting a hunting rifle that is more powerful than a battle rifle just might get them on the right side of the gun control debate, or at least get them thinking.
Because a citizen needs to know how to operate any small arm he is likely to encounter. When the proverbial poo hits the fan and a gun finds its way into your hand, you had better know how to use it when you need to. According to U.S. Federal law, the Militia is us. Not the State National Guard, and not the Federal Department of Defense. YOU.
Because nobody wants to pay range fees but we should all practice more with the tools we are counting on to use in defense of our lives.
Furthermore:
Because a man with a rifle cannot be oppressed.
Because a woman with a pistol cannot be raped.
Because a citizen willing to use violence against evil is morally superior
Because weapons are liberty's teeth (no matter who said it
Because there bloody well should be a rifle behind every blade of grass.
And, of course, as everyone knows who is a recreational shooter: Shooting is a lot of fun!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Schustenfest: It's ON!
There will be more details to follow, but it looks like I have a location for the Schustenfest and now I can start getting the rest of it arranged! WOOHOO!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Weapon Readiness Conditions
From Wikipedia
Colonel Cooper favored the Colt M1911 and its variants. There are several conditions of readiness in which such a weapon can be carried. Cooper promulgated most of the following terms:
Condition Zero: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety off.
Condition One: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety on.
Condition Two: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer down.
Condition Three: Chamber empty, full magazine in place, hammer down.
Condition Four: Chamber empty, no magazine, hammer down.
Some of these configurations are safer than others (for instance, a single action pistol without a firing pin safety should never be carried in Condition 2), while others are quicker to fire the gun (Condition 1).
This firearm condition system can also be used to refer to other firearm actions, particularly when illustrating the differences between carry modes considered to be safe for various actions. For example, DA/SA weapons are designed to be carried in Condition 2, which is not safe for 1911s. The Glock and actions like it, with no cocking or external safety mechanisms, do not have a state like Condition 2 or 1. They are 4, 3, or 0. We should go over that fact in detail when we have our safety briefings.
Colonel Cooper favored the Colt M1911 and its variants. There are several conditions of readiness in which such a weapon can be carried. Cooper promulgated most of the following terms:
Condition Zero: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety off.
Condition One: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety on.
Condition Two: A round chambered, full magazine in place, hammer down.
Condition Three: Chamber empty, full magazine in place, hammer down.
Condition Four: Chamber empty, no magazine, hammer down.
Some of these configurations are safer than others (for instance, a single action pistol without a firing pin safety should never be carried in Condition 2), while others are quicker to fire the gun (Condition 1).
This firearm condition system can also be used to refer to other firearm actions, particularly when illustrating the differences between carry modes considered to be safe for various actions. For example, DA/SA weapons are designed to be carried in Condition 2, which is not safe for 1911s. The Glock and actions like it, with no cocking or external safety mechanisms, do not have a state like Condition 2 or 1. They are 4, 3, or 0. We should go over that fact in detail when we have our safety briefings.
The Four Rules.
Strict observance of these four rules is all that is required to ensure 100% safety in the handling of small arms. They are presented here as written by Colonel Jeff Cooper, who first promulgated them. I have added links to Xavier's blog for you to follow for additional explanation, as well as my own [commentary].
RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
The only exception to this occurs when one has a weapon in his hands and he has personally unloaded it for checking. As soon as he puts it down, Rule 1 applies again.
[This can be done to the point it would appear to be an absurd ritual, but you should never, ever, EVER feel embarrassed to check a weapon. A group of men passing a pistol around in a circle to ooooh and aaaah, for example, should all perform a press-check to ensure the condition of the weapon. Even if you saw the empty chamber when the next man checked it, check it yourself. Get your pinky in there if you can't see it well. Nobody was ever shot by an empty gun. "I thought it wasn't loaded" doesn't bring your brother back from beyond the grave.] More Information
RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY.
You may not wish to destroy it, but you must be clear in your mind that you are quite ready to if you let that muzzle cover the target. To allow a firearm to point at another human being is a deadly threat, and should always be treated as such.
[If you have a malfunction on my shooting range. If you have finished shooting. If there are no cartridges, there is no magazine, and there is no bolt, and there is a big STICK poking through the empty receiver. UNDER. NO. CIRCUMSTANCE. should you allow the muzzle of a weapon in your hands to point at another person. Never, never, not once, ever. The only instance in which a shooting *may* be called accidental is when a weapon will actually fire by itself. That is not an accidental shooting, it is a criminally negligent gun owner who did not fix his piece. Keeping even an unsafe weapon pointed in a safe direction means it will not shoot anyone.] More Information
RULE 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER TIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
This we call the Golden Rule because its violation is responsible for about 80 percent of the firearms disasters we read about.
[This will be especially important in class due to the large number of weapons with which you will not be familiar. Some will have triggers so hard to pull they will barely fire when you want them to. Some will have triggers so light and crisp, you will be surprised when the weapon fires. You do not know which will be which, so keep your booger-hook off the bang switch until you are ready to make it go BOOM! I was at a shooting range with a new shooter once, and they were not familiar with a handgun they were holding. It had a light trigger, and was loaded. They turned to speak to me and fortunately Rule 2 was being observed. Without even being aware they did it, this person pulled the trigger and put a round of hot screaming death down range. DO NOT learn this lesson the hard way. Rule 2 and 3 apply simultaneously. Part of the fun of shooting guns is not catching a bad case of dead, or a $20,000 hospital bill. Let's all have fun, shall we?] More Information (with video)
RULE 4 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. You never fire at a shadow, or a sound, or a suspected presence. You shoot only when you know absolutely what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.
[Our class may be on land where there are neighbors, however distant they will be. We will be shooting weapons with capability to be lethal well over a mile away, out of sight, over the horizon. We will also, it is hoped, be shooting at something safe to shoot, with nothing terribly important behind it. Still, you are expected to know that you never shoot water (it will ricochet at a narrow angle) or ANYTHING with even the slightest possibility of having a person or valuable property behind it.] More Information
Failure to observe these rules will get you evicted from the party. If a Range Officer sees any person breaking the rules once, they will be warned and lectured. Depending on the violation, the lecture may seem like an up-close and personal bawling out from a Drill Instructor to a recruit. It is not to hurt your feelings, it is for the safety of your fellow shooters. Second violations will result in a time-out and a lecture. Third violations will get you asked to leave the firing line immediately, not to return for the duration of the day. Go inside and eat, go home and sulk, or fall behind and watch, but you will not be shooting after your third violation.
These rules are easy to violate unintentionally unless you are mentally prepared not to do so. So think about them whenever you see or think about a gun.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING. IT WAS ONLY CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE.
********
This post is was originally created to limit the length of the main Schutzenfest 2009 post. The Schutzenfest came and went, and nobody got killed, and great fun was had by all. I edited this page afterwards, to leave it as a reference for new shooters who may be attending my classes. If you wish to attend class under my instruction, you are required to read these rules and understand them. Ask me or any other competent gun owner if you have any questions about them, BEFORE the class.
RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
The only exception to this occurs when one has a weapon in his hands and he has personally unloaded it for checking. As soon as he puts it down, Rule 1 applies again.
[This can be done to the point it would appear to be an absurd ritual, but you should never, ever, EVER feel embarrassed to check a weapon. A group of men passing a pistol around in a circle to ooooh and aaaah, for example, should all perform a press-check to ensure the condition of the weapon. Even if you saw the empty chamber when the next man checked it, check it yourself. Get your pinky in there if you can't see it well. Nobody was ever shot by an empty gun. "I thought it wasn't loaded" doesn't bring your brother back from beyond the grave.] More Information
RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY.
You may not wish to destroy it, but you must be clear in your mind that you are quite ready to if you let that muzzle cover the target. To allow a firearm to point at another human being is a deadly threat, and should always be treated as such.
[If you have a malfunction on my shooting range. If you have finished shooting. If there are no cartridges, there is no magazine, and there is no bolt, and there is a big STICK poking through the empty receiver. UNDER. NO. CIRCUMSTANCE. should you allow the muzzle of a weapon in your hands to point at another person. Never, never, not once, ever. The only instance in which a shooting *may* be called accidental is when a weapon will actually fire by itself. That is not an accidental shooting, it is a criminally negligent gun owner who did not fix his piece. Keeping even an unsafe weapon pointed in a safe direction means it will not shoot anyone.] More Information
RULE 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER TIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
This we call the Golden Rule because its violation is responsible for about 80 percent of the firearms disasters we read about.
[This will be especially important in class due to the large number of weapons with which you will not be familiar. Some will have triggers so hard to pull they will barely fire when you want them to. Some will have triggers so light and crisp, you will be surprised when the weapon fires. You do not know which will be which, so keep your booger-hook off the bang switch until you are ready to make it go BOOM! I was at a shooting range with a new shooter once, and they were not familiar with a handgun they were holding. It had a light trigger, and was loaded. They turned to speak to me and fortunately Rule 2 was being observed. Without even being aware they did it, this person pulled the trigger and put a round of hot screaming death down range. DO NOT learn this lesson the hard way. Rule 2 and 3 apply simultaneously. Part of the fun of shooting guns is not catching a bad case of dead, or a $20,000 hospital bill. Let's all have fun, shall we?] More Information (with video)
RULE 4 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. You never fire at a shadow, or a sound, or a suspected presence. You shoot only when you know absolutely what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.
[Our class may be on land where there are neighbors, however distant they will be. We will be shooting weapons with capability to be lethal well over a mile away, out of sight, over the horizon. We will also, it is hoped, be shooting at something safe to shoot, with nothing terribly important behind it. Still, you are expected to know that you never shoot water (it will ricochet at a narrow angle) or ANYTHING with even the slightest possibility of having a person or valuable property behind it.] More Information
Failure to observe these rules will get you evicted from the party. If a Range Officer sees any person breaking the rules once, they will be warned and lectured. Depending on the violation, the lecture may seem like an up-close and personal bawling out from a Drill Instructor to a recruit. It is not to hurt your feelings, it is for the safety of your fellow shooters. Second violations will result in a time-out and a lecture. Third violations will get you asked to leave the firing line immediately, not to return for the duration of the day. Go inside and eat, go home and sulk, or fall behind and watch, but you will not be shooting after your third violation.
These rules are easy to violate unintentionally unless you are mentally prepared not to do so. So think about them whenever you see or think about a gun.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING. IT WAS ONLY CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE.
********
This post is was originally created to limit the length of the main Schutzenfest 2009 post. The Schutzenfest came and went, and nobody got killed, and great fun was had by all. I edited this page afterwards, to leave it as a reference for new shooters who may be attending my classes. If you wish to attend class under my instruction, you are required to read these rules and understand them. Ask me or any other competent gun owner if you have any questions about them, BEFORE the class.
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