Out with the OLD!

I went to shoot at Wade's Designated Appleseed Range in Castle Rock Washington, the third December I have been there, and today the weather was perfect (forty something and dry) for shooting. I even saw Mount Saint Helens from the road as I drove out, very interesting.

My M1 Garand was right on, and for a bit I tightened up my groups and enjoyed the instructors and other shooters. I helped coach a bit and tried to work out all the kinks and little aches. Didn't work and I started to get tired, but I wanted to try one AQT, and I started on the first stage, ten rounds, loaded two, loaded eight in clip and finished the ten. Then looked at what I had shot. Three were okay, but I was getting tired and started to hit low, and suddenly hit the target of the shooter next to me. Not just wild shots, probably was not aware of which target I was engaging. That is the time to stop shooting and go get rest and healthier.

It was a great day, since one of my younger shooters, that I have talked to much and coached and taught, got it all together today and made his Rifleman with a score of 212. He got his patch from his grandfather, the guy that built the range. I met his sister, seven, too. Loaned her some hearing protection and talked with her, made sure she noted that her brother had earned his patch. She will be back with a little growth, she is interested.

Well, y'all have a happy and Safe New Year, and work on getting out of that recliner and onto the streets and ranges. Take back your American Heritage, Liberty and the Lord. I will have to work on my marksmanship since much of it needs a healthy body and mind - and Country.