The Journey of a Newbie

As the title would suggest, I am new to entire gun scene. When I was considering taking the plunge into this side of things, I searched for stories of others who might have made said decision later on in life. I find that most people who are into shooting were either born into it, or started soon after birth. This was not very encouraging to this late-bloomer to be honest, so I thought that I would document my journey to this point and beyond just in case it could benefit someone in the years to come. If this is in the wrong section on the forum, please feel free to move it to where it belongs [mods]. I really wasn't sure where to put it.:confused1:

Also, since I am going to be retracing my steps at some points, I am going to be doing separate entries so that I don't end up writing one long book that nobody wants to read and is hard for anyone to comment on.

So here goes......:Beer time:

The Journey Begins

I currently live in BC but I am from a place where, if you are not military or police, you only have a gun if you were a criminal or a target for criminals. There was/is no room for collectors or hobbyists. The cost and bureaucracy associated with gun ownership was too much unless you had millions to protect or you were into shady activities that produced millions. Plus, my mama was not about that life for her boys, we weren't even allowed to have water pistols:smash:

Guns were taboo to me up until about a year ago when I started to search for a new hobby. I did the motorcycling (stupid drivers ended that pretty quick), and I still want to fill my garage with old tinkers - I'm just not there yet. Then it dawned on me! My mother is thousands of miles away...I can start shooting!;D

My dad, though not a gunner, watched pretty much every western movie that was ever made...often with me by his side. There was always that itch that needed to be scratched and the time had come! :pcow

Fast-forward a few months and I signed up for the PAL course and got my PAL, all in about 2 months! With PAL in hand and a few bucks burning a hole in my pocket, I started to search for that first rifle. My wife is still super hesitant about this whole thing (her reason is valid so I won't push) so I needed to be wise and not go too crazy on the first purchase.

Two weeks of endless searching online, visiting gun stores, searching online (again), and going back to the gun stores (again) lead to me purchasing......


NEXT POST...:tounge:

Im going to share 2 pearls of wisdom with you that will have your wife looking forward to seeing new guns come into the house for the piddly sum of $200 per year. You need to do these in order.

First is achieving "critical mass". Critical mass seems to be around 10 gun for most people. Thats the number of guns you need to have that makes it impossible for your wife to know that a new gun has popped up in the collection.

The second part of the plan is the "$200 per year investment guns and the payoff" plan. When you just cant sneak a new gun into the house, bring it in right in front of her. When she protests, tell her you only bought it because you got it cheap and you're putting it up for sale for more. The payoff is when, about every 6 months, you walk up to her and plant a hundred dollar bill in her hand. When she asks what its for, you ask her if she remembers that gun you bought. Well honey, I sold it for $200 more than I paid for it, and the $100 bill in your hand is your half. Of course, you didnt sell anything, but theres enough guns in your critical mass that she cant tell.

My wife really likes it when I bring new guns home or when they arrive in the mail. It took me a few years of being brow beaten in order to achieve critical mass, but once I got there, its been smooth sailing ever since. You're welcome. :)

^^^ genius ^^^

Muzical, I don't know where in BC you are, but I'm not far from Kamloops. If you're close by and want to get together, drop me a line.

Unfortunately, my local range is closed until we get wetter and cooler, but this heat can't last forever.


ps- I was one of those people who grew up with guns. There was never a time that there weren't guns in the house. Some of them were very interesting indeed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

My wife is still super hesitant about this whole thing (her reason is valid so I won't push) so I needed to be wise and not go too crazy on the first purchase.

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I will suggest getting your wife into a pal course. not only is it legally recommendable but it may help her hesitancy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEpywNqreUs

^^^
It's bizarre that I can estimate the date of the video, by the length of his hair.

Hmm. I guessed August 2020, but it's October 2020.

...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blacksmithden

Im going to share 2 pearls of wisdom with you that will have your wife looking forward to seeing new guns come into the house for the piddly sum of $200 per year. You need to do these in order.

First is achieving "critical mass". Critical mass seems to be around 10 gun for most people. Thats the number of guns you need to have that makes it impossible for your wife to know that a new gun has popped up in the collection.

The second part of the plan is the "$200 per year investment guns and the payoff" plan. When you just cant sneak a new gun into the house, bring it in right in front of her. When she protests, tell her you only bought it because you got it cheap and you're putting it up for sale for more. The payoff is when, about every 6 months, you walk up to her and plant a hundred dollar bill in her hand. When she asks what its for, you ask her if she remembers that gun you bought. Well honey, I sold it for $200 more than I paid for it, and the $100 bill in your hand is your half. Of course, you didnt sell anything, but theres enough guns in your critical mass that she cant tell.

My wife really likes it when I bring new guns home or when they arrive in the mail. It took me a few years of being brow beaten in order to achieve critical mass, but once I got there, its been smooth sailing ever since. You're welcome. :)

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DUDE!!!

You rock!!!:lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevebc

Muzical, I don't know where in BC you are, but I'm not far from Kamloops. If you're close by and want to get together, drop me a line.

Unfortunately, my local range is closed until we get wetter and cooler, but this heat can't last forever.


ps- I was one of those people who grew up with guns. There was never a time that there weren't guns in the house. Some of them were very interesting indeed.

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I am about 5 hrs north of you. Thankfully our range is still open (I was out there for the first time yesterday - that write up is coming)!

But yes, If I ever plan a trip that side I will be sure to hit you up and put a face to the name. :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

I am about 5 hrs north of you. Thankfully our range is still open (I was out there for the first time yesterday - that write up is coming)!

But yes, If I ever plan a trip that side I will be sure to hit you up and put a face to the name. :-)

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Sounds good.

Interesting to watch a newbie grow....I don't have kids so I'll just watch you....easy there lil fellah.... it'll be allright....there you go.....

Hahaha seriously, you'll find all kinds of help here. Best of luck to you!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blacksmithden

Im going to share 2 pearls of wisdom with you that will have your wife looking forward to seeing new guns come into the house for the piddly sum of $200 per year. You need to do these in order.

First is achieving "critical mass". Critical mass seems to be around 10 gun for most people. Thats the number of guns you need to have that makes it impossible for your wife to know that a new gun has popped up in the collection.

The second part of the plan is the "$200 per year investment guns and the payoff" plan. When you just cant sneak a new gun into the house, bring it in right in front of her. When she protests, tell her you only bought it because you got it cheap and you're putting it up for sale for more. The payoff is when, about every 6 months, you walk up to her and plant a hundred dollar bill in her hand. When she asks what its for, you ask her if she remembers that gun you bought. Well honey, I sold it for $200 more than I paid for it, and the $100 bill in your hand is your half. Of course, you didnt sell anything, but theres enough guns in your critical mass that she cant tell.

My wife really likes it when I bring new guns home or when they arrive in the mail. It took me a few years of being brow beaten in order to achieve critical mass, but once I got there, its been smooth sailing ever since. You're welcome. :)

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Or you tape up an old rifle box and say you're heading to the post office. Recycle the box to dispose of the evidence. Either way, you make a big deal about heading to the post office. If you need to spend some money there, they even sell gift cards for various places. Just be sure to loose the itemized receipt.

Entry Two - Getting set up

I decided to get that first rifle, but with a hesitant (yet gracious) wife and a house full of kids, I made a covenant that I was gonna do it right:cool1:. So I went and did the PAL, learned about guns and safety and all that jazz. Next step was to get the house ready for the change. Off to Canadian tire (CT) I went and caught one of their sales on gun cabinets ($150):

Attachment 33332

Yes, I know you guys are gonna say that I should have just gone for at least a 12-gun cabinet but in my mind, I was never gonna need that much space anyway. I will admit that I am already seeing that I may need to upgrade down the road though....no need to rub it in:slap:.

So with cabinet bought, assembled and installed, my next purchase was a run-of-the-mill gun case for transport. I treated that purchase like I was shopping for a lap-top bag: make sure it is padded and has compartments. Those basic criteria gave me quite a list to choose from so I just went on amazon, pointed and clicked ($36).

Next, was the big day! I went to work, finished my shift, then headed back to CT and picked up this little starter:

Attachment 33331

...a Savage 64F semi-auto .22lr:pcow3.

From my research, it came down to this and the 10/22. A lot of folks complained about the 64F jamming and not firing, very few had anything bad to say about the 10/22. I chose to roll the dice on the 64F because it was a hell of a lot cheaper ($170), there were some people who swore by it, I was new to the whole thing and would have just as much to learn if I bought a $2,000 piece, and the purchases were beginning to add up:owned:.

I picked up a 100 pack of cartridges the same time and headed home agrinning;). That night I went online and purchased a range membership ($150), a cleaning kit from amazon ($30) and ear muffs/glasses ($30).

Having parted ways with just under $700 (taxes included), I was now ready for my first trip to the range, which I shall share on the next episode of this yet-to-be-titled documentary.

One point about that cleaning kit- if it's got one of those aluminum sectional cleaning rods that you screw together- don't use it. They have a bad habit of breaking/jamming, and otherwise coming apart, leaving sections stuck in the barrel.

A one piece rod, such as a Dewey's, is the way to go.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

I am about 5 hrs north of you. Thankfully our range is still open (I was out there for the first time yesterday - that write up is coming)!

But yes, If I ever plan a trip that side I will be sure to hit you up and put a face to the name. :-)

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I assume more Dawson Creek area? My sister lives in Grande Prairie and I am supposed to make my way up there sometime to go shooting with her and her friend, maybe we can work something out to get you trying pistols too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

...a Savage 64F semi-auto .22lr:pcow3.

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Good choice, I actually want to get a takedown version myself. I have the Winchester Wildcat and it is a lot of fun too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

I picked up a 100 pack of cartridges the same time and headed home agrinning;). .

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You could find that you can go through a hundred rounds of 22lr in about 30 mins LOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevebc

One point about that cleaning kit- if it's got one of those aluminum sectional cleaning rods that you screw together- don't use it. They have a bad habit of breaking/jamming, and otherwise coming apart, leaving sections stuck in the barrel.

A one piece rod, such as a Dewey's, is the way to go.

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Personally I use a bore snake for my guns instead of the rods. I find it easier.

I find in my 9mm and .30 cal guns the bore snakes work well, I had an almost new .22 cal snake break in my .22 lr pistol, which doesn’t lend itself to a good time.
I will never use one in .22 or smaller again. I’m thankful it never broke in a rifle.

I’m sure lots of people have used them successfully with no issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevebc

One point about that cleaning kit- if it's got one of those aluminum sectional cleaning rods that you screw together- don't use it. They have a bad habit of breaking/jamming, and otherwise coming apart, leaving sections stuck in the barrel.

A one piece rod, such as a Dewey's, is the way to go.

---

I bought this one:

https://www.amazon.ca/BOOSTEADY-Clea...dDbGljaz10cnVl

What say you?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big-Boss-Man

I assume more Dawson Creek area? My sister lives in Grande Prairie and I am supposed to make my way up there sometime to go shooting with her and her friend, maybe we can work something out to get you trying pistols too.

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I am close to PG so Dawson is a bit of a drive. In any event, let me know how things progress and we'll see how it goes.

The invite was top-notch man! I appreciate it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

I bought this one:

https://www.amazon.ca/BOOSTEADY-Clea...dDbGljaz10cnVl

What say you?

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I've never used a bore snake, but you'll probably be fine with that.

The snake I used was a Hoppes brand Bore Snake that has 2 sets of brass brush sections and the pull cord came out of the main part of the snake when the 2nd set of brushes entered the bore.
Attachment 33341

I can’t comment on the one you have as a part of your kit as I have not used one.

mine are similar to your Swingerguy, so same I am not sure on the ones in the kit, but I am sure you can't go wrong with them.

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.:agree:

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!!! :owned:

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!!!:shoot2: 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!!!!:lol

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:FP2:


Attachment 33363

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

First of welcome,

Not sure where you are but go to https://mapleseedrifleman.com/ and check for the closest event(shooting clinic) and sign up. Also in the files section there are downloadable targets.

Might I suggest printing and shooting at 25yd targets to start. Looking at your target, my first impression is lack of consistency in sight alignment. While a scope will simplify sighting

somewhat take the time to learn to shoot iron sights. There is more to shooting then simply lining up the cross hairs.

In the beginning you have to be careful not to ingrain bad habits which are tougher to unlearn. Keep things simple at first, for some reading/research look for "four marksmanship
principles". Also YouTube has some good video on basic shooting/marksmanship.

You should pick a closer target to start. Even with open sights you should hit the target every single time.

@Esnel:

I just checked out the rifleman site and the events are either in Ontario or alberta. I am in BC so that might take some doing. You made some good points though and I appreciate each one. I will sit at the feet of the youtube masters in the days to come.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JustBen

You should pick a closer target to start. Even with open sights you should hit the target every single time.

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this x2

even if/when you put an optic on the rifle it is recommendable to start the sight-in process at 25yards to ensure you are even on paper, then move out to your desired distance [some people will say at 100 yard intervals for the really long range stuff]

I echo what the others said already.

For me, there is nothing more frustrating than not knowing where I am hitting.

So yeah, shoot a bit closer until you can be more consistent and possibly use a more visible target like the splatterburst (available at gun shops, amazon, etc):

https://splatterbursttargets.com/wp-...te-400x400.jpg

If your range has a gong, that's always fun. If your range has any disciplines like silhouette, cowboy action, etc, those are great places to meet fellow shooters and most of them are happy to help a new guy learn the ropes.

If you do put a site on your rifle, like a scope or a red dot, sighting in might be frustrating the first time too, but don't be shy to ask for help. That guy with the 7mm probably would have been happy to help you site in your rifle if you had an optic on it and needed assistance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckufarlie

That guy with the 7mm probably would have been happy to help you site in your rifle if you had an optic on it and needed assistance.

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everyone I have met at the ranges I have been to are REALLY friendly. There has been more than a few occasions where other members have traded me a magazine in order to try out their firearms, and visa versa. I have tried a 9mm Sprinfield XDS, ruger comander 45acp 1911, a winchester 30-30 lever, and an SKS thats all i can think off the top of my head. I've let other try all mine aswell. Specially the Masada cause I am so blown away how soft it shoots for being polymer I think everyone needs one lol.

Yeah - I've accepted that I probably started off with a target that was too far away. I'll chalk that up to youthful exuberance. :-)

Round 2...coming up!

Muzical, are you squeezing the trigger (slow steady increase in pressure until it goes off), or pulling the trigger (it's on target, quick, pull it before the sights wander off target)?

What is your sight picture when you're aiming? You should have the front sight post equally spaced from side to side within the rear sight, and the top of the post should be level with the top of the rear sight. Also, try a 6 o'clock hold, where the black centre of your target is sitting on top of the front sight post.


As for cleaning, I'd let that go for quite a while. I don't clean until I see accuracy drop off.

There should really be a semi-organized program where people who grew up with firearms take people who got into it at an older age under their wing. There's a lot of little things you take for granted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevebc

Muzical, are you squeezing the trigger (slow steady increase in pressure until it goes off), or pulling the trigger (it's on target, quick, pull it before the sights wander off target)?




As for cleaning, I'd let that go for quite a while. I don't clean until I see accuracy drop off.

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I have read a lot of posts about 'squeezing' vs 'pulling' the trigger, and was very cognizant of the need to squeeze. However, I have to admit that the bolded section of your post above was in my mind more often than I'd like while I was shooting. I take that as an indication that I may be pulling more than squeezing.:slap:

I misread the title- I thought it was "The Journey of a Newfie" and thought it was about moving home from the oil patch or something- Welcome to the forum , happy shooting- Mapleseed like was mentioned before is a god start.

Lucky you!!!

While I am waiting for my PAL, I am also researching gun ranges here in and around the Greater Toronto Area, there seems to be a wait list + signatures from existing members + probationary period.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

Entry Two - Getting set up

I decided to get that first rifle, but with a hesitant (yet gracious) wife and a house full of kids, I made a covenant that I was gonna do it right:cool1:. So I went and did the PAL, learned about guns and safety and all that jazz. Next step was to get the house ready for the change. Off to Canadian tire (CT) I went and caught one of their sales on gun cabinets ($150):

Attachment 33332

Yes, I know you guys are gonna say that I should have just gone for at least a 12-gun cabinet but in my mind, I was never gonna need that much space anyway. I will admit that I am already seeing that I may need to upgrade down the road though....no need to rub it in:slap:.

So with cabinet bought, assembled and installed, my next purchase was a run-of-the-mill gun case for transport. I treated that purchase like I was shopping for a lap-top bag: make sure it is padded and has compartments. Those basic criteria gave me quite a list to choose from so I just went on amazon, pointed and clicked ($36).

Next, was the big day! I went to work, finished my shift, then headed back to CT and picked up this little starter:

Attachment 33331

...a Savage 64F semi-auto .22lr:pcow3.

From my research, it came down to this and the 10/22. A lot of folks complained about the 64F jamming and not firing, very few had anything bad to say about the 10/22. I chose to roll the dice on the 64F because it was a hell of a lot cheaper ($170), there were some people who swore by it, I was new to the whole thing and would have just as much to learn if I bought a $2,000 piece, and the purchases were beginning to add up:owned:.

I picked up a 100 pack of cartridges the same time and headed home agrinning;). That night I went online and purchased a range membership ($150), a cleaning kit from amazon ($30) and ear muffs/glasses ($30).

Having parted ways with just under $700 (taxes included), I was now ready for my first trip to the range, which I shall share on the next episode of this yet-to-be-titled documentary.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by luckychingi

Lucky you!!!

While I am waiting for my PAL, I am also researching gun ranges here in and around the Greater Toronto Area, there seems to be a wait list + signatures from existing members + probationary period.

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Contact a range that you are interested in they may have in their bylaws that the board can sponsor new memberships, that is how I got into my range without knowing anyone.

Thanks for the tip.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big-Boss-Man

Contact a range that you are interested in they may have in their bylaws that the board can sponsor new memberships, that is how I got into my range without knowing anyone.

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Entry 4

Man, Its been a busy summer! Me and the family did way more road trips than we planned, not to mention some special projects that work decided to throw my way just because....:Argue:

As a result, I wasn't been able to have a rematch with the targets at the range....up until a couple days ago. First off, since my last abysmal showing at the range:frown1:, I went and got a scope and mounted it to my rifle. I got this one: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had initially intended to get the scope from Canadian Tire, but they sell everything in pieces. I would have to get the scope, then the mounting rings, then the dovetail mounts,....I didn't want to have to deal with all that. So when I stumbled on this all-in-one 'kit' on Amazon, I decided to give to give a try and it worked out very well for me. I had it mounted on the rifle for just over a month before I was able to start the sighting in process. I say 'start' because I still don't have it set just right yet. I was getting close, but I had an appointment and had to skedaddle in the middle of the session.:run:

So on this particular day, I got all my gear together (including a different brand of ammo - I am trying to see what the rifle will/won't take) and headed out. This time I went to the 22 section of the range and set up with a closer target - about 10 or so yards. You might recall that at my last session I was shooting with a guy half my age. This time I was blessed to have a guy twice my age who was tightening up his groups...even though I don't know how much tighter you can get than putting 4 bullets in the same hole from 100yds.:FP2

With his help I was able to walk away feeling very good about myself and my future in this hobby (see image below). I have numbered my groups to show the progression through the session:shoot2:. He also taught me how to get rid of that halo in the scope and gave me tips about scope placement, shooting posture, etc. He was a god-send.:D

I plan to get back out there in the coming days to really tighten my groups as I have set a goal of at least one grouse by the end of the season.:pirate2

Attachment 34735

Cheers all!

I remember when I first started lurking around this forum, I had asked for recommendations on that "one gun" that I should buy. Someone (I forget who) had corrected me, saying that the question should be "which gun to buy FIRST".

I laughed it off. I wasn't about to become one of those gun nuts with a collection of boom sticks.

Well, I have recently been reminded about the dangers of memorizing one's credit card info and randomly searching things on the internet.:Bang head:

This came in a few days ago....:pcow3:pcow3

Attachment 35090

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blacksmithden

Im going to share 2 pearls of wisdom with you that will have your wife looking forward to seeing new guns come into the house for the piddly sum of $200 per year. You need to do these in order.

First is achieving "critical mass". Critical mass seems to be around 10 gun for most people. Thats the number of guns you need to have that makes it impossible for your wife to know that a new gun has popped up in the collection.

The second part of the plan is the "$200 per year investment guns and the payoff" plan. When you just cant sneak a new gun into the house, bring it in right in front of her. When she protests, tell her you only bought it because you got it cheap and you're putting it up for sale for more. The payoff is when, about every 6 months, you walk up to her and plant a hundred dollar bill in her hand. When she asks what its for, you ask her if she remembers that gun you bought. Well honey, I sold it for $200 more than I paid for it, and the $100 bill in your hand is your half. Of course, you didnt sell anything, but theres enough guns in your critical mass that she cant tell.

My wife really likes it when I bring new guns home or when they arrive in the mail. It took me a few years of being brow beaten in order to achieve critical mass, but once I got there, its been smooth sailing ever since. You're welcome. :)

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This is bloody brilliant.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

I remember when I first started lurking around this forum, I had asked for recommendations on that "one gun" that I should buy. Someone (I forget who) had corrected me, saying that the question should be "which gun to buy FIRST".

I laughed it off. I wasn't about to become one of those gun nuts with a collection of boom sticks.

Well, I have recently been reminded about the dangers of memorizing one's credit card info and randomly searching things on the internet.:Bang head:

This came in a few days ago....:pcow3:pcow3

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now for your Rpal and your pistols lmfao.

Well, its been nearly a year since I came to update this thread:tounge:. Not a whole lot has happened since then, as this summer was super busy with the fam.

Anyhoo, today's entry will highlight two noteworthy happenings:

1. I finally convinced my lovely (scaredy-cat) wife to let me share my enthusiasm:bananna:. About 2 months ago, I took my 13yo girl to the range with me and we had a blast! She handled that .22LR like a pro, hitting targets and shooting groups from the second bullet onward. What I was most impressed about though was how she absorbed the handling and safety instructions (ACTS and PROVE). She just took to the whole thing like pig to mud I tell you!

The most hilarious moment of the day was when I allowed her to squeeze one off from the shotgun. She was not as prepared as she should have been and was nearly knocked on her behind. I keep kicking myself for not recording thing but we had a good laugh in the moment:owned:.

2. After going out on solo hunts last year, and striking out on both occasions, I was finally able to get my first kill EVER this morning:cool1:! Y'all can go ahead and laugh at my initiation....go ahead.....laugh.....but I am very proud of myself!!

Attachment 43964


Now to see about the next steps.......#staytuned

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

Well, its been nearly a year since I came to update this thread:tounge:. Not a whole lot has happened since then, as this summer was super busy with the fam.

Anyhoo, today's entry will highlight two noteworthy happenings:

1. I was finally convinced my lovely (scaredy-cat) wife to let me share my enthusiasm:bananna:. About 2 months ago, I took my 13yo girl to the range with me and we had a blast! She handled that .22LR like a pro, hitting targets and shooting groups from the second bullet onward. What I was most impressed about though was how she absorbed the handling and safety instructions (ACTS and PROVE). She just took to the whole thing like pig to mud I tell you!

The most hilarious moment of the day was when I allowed her to squeeze one off from the shotgun. She was not as prepared as she should have been and was nearly knocked on her behind. I keep kicking myself for not recording thing but we had a good laugh in the moment:owned:.

2. After going out on solo hunts last year, and striking out on both occasions, I was finally able to get my first kill EVER this morning:cool1:! Y'all can go ahead and laugh at my initiation....go ahead.....laugh.....but I am very proud of myself!!

Attachment 43964


Now to see about the next steps.......#staytuned

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Ruffies are some of the best eating. Start looking up parmesan chicken and chicken cacciatore recipes, it'll make you hunt harder for the sweet taste of success lol.

No laughing. Just a watering mouth.

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Originally Posted by Grimlock

No laughing. Just a watering mouth.

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I had the bird for supper last night (just did a simple roast of the whole bird) and I was pleased!.....Very pleased!

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I am definitely going to be heading out a few more times! I don't know if I'll ever think of store-bought poultry the same way again.

Save the neck for me, Clark.

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Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Save the neck for me, Clark.

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So after Santa finished stocking up at one of the many recent Labor Day sales that was happening (getting an early start on the Christmas rush), it seems his sled hit a pot-hole in the clouds and this fell out right onto my door step..........from out of the blue clear sky!!:rolleyes::cool1:

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My very first Deer rifle - A Savage AXIS ll XP in .270 Win (shut up Big_Boss-Man! lol).

I don't know if I'm ever gonna find someone to go out with as none of my friends are hunters, and I feel the need to be picky about the heavily-armed dude that I allow to lead me deep into the wilderness, but at least now I will be prepared if I ever get the chance. :-)

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Originally Posted by Muzikal

My very first Deer rifle - A Savage AXIS ll XP in .270 Win (shut up Big_Boss-Man! lol).

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I'm not sure [can't recall] what I said that would make you think I would raz you about this rifle? I think that the best rifle is the one you have, although I do think that should be a .308 lol the .270 is no slouch though. Savages are good rifles too, I would've bought the Savage 110 tactical had the right handed been more left hand friendly, I was also looking at the axis precision but none where in stock when i wanted it so I settled on the howa, I only wish it was not a proprietary magazine. I still want to get up to your neck of the woods so hopefully we can go blasting. If you ever venture down to the Calgary area let me know.

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Originally Posted by Big-Boss-Man

I'm not sure [can't recall] what I said that would make you think I would raz you about this rifle? I think that the best rifle is the one you have, although I do think that should be a .308 lol the .270 is no slouch though. Savages are good rifles too, I would've bought the Savage 110 tactical had the right handed been more left hand friendly, I was also looking at the axis precision but none where in stock when i wanted it so I settled on the howa, I only wish it was not a proprietary magazine. I still want to get up to your neck of the woods so hopefully we can go blasting. If you ever venture down to the Calgary area let me know.

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I'm just busting your chops man!:tounge:

I fully expected you to raze me over my growing collection, the one that I vowed would never happen.:Bang head: I was proactively defending myself. lol

AS for the invitation, it is noted. The closest I've come to your area in recent times is Blackfalds. I do visit Edmonton on occasion, as I have a brother there, but I'm sure you and I should be able to meet up eventually...with a little planning.