Shooting a Python
Things have slowed down a bit, for the first time this summer, so I took an hour off and headed for the Midland Shooters Association range to get some target practice.
I understand there are about 1,800 members of the MSA, and, apparently, 1,799 of them had other things to do, because I had the range to myself. I signed in and headed for Range A-1, which is the 25/50 yard bench rest target range for rifles and pistols. I hadn't shot in about six months -- maybe longer -- so I was looking for something easy. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
The top target is a couple of cylinders worth of .38 Specials fired at the 25-yard range. The next one was shot at 50 yards. I'm especially pleased with the latter results, considering I can barely see 50 yards, much less hit anything. I guess I should mention that I was firing a Colt Python with a 6" barrel, single-action-style, bench-rest position. The Python is one sweet firing revolver; it's much more accurate than I can shoot it, if you know what I mean.
Update: Just for the record, the bottom grouping is 4 1/2" at 50 yards.
Next time: Silhouette Range. I can't wait to draw down on a T-Rex. ;-)
Technorati tag: Colt Python
Of course, I think I neglected to mention that those targets are 8 feet in diameter. ;-)
Posted by: Eric at August 30, 2006 08:40 PMWell, still, that's amazing. I want to learn how to shoot a handgun next. I know it's waaaaaaaay different than the "shoot where ya look, keep both eyes open" shotgun technique taught to us sporting clay enthusiasts!
Posted by: Janie at August 30, 2006 09:00 PMOh, I'm kidding about the target size. They're about 12" in diameter. But, really, shooting a handgun at a stationary target is much easier than trying to blast those blasted clays. You'd get the hang of it in no time.
Posted by: Eric at August 30, 2006 09:32 PMI have a Colt Peacekeeper (.357) that I haven't fired in years: 6" ribbed barrel, matte black finish, Pachmeyer grips. I've never seen another like it, but I bought it back in the mid-'80s for home defense and so I could go to pin shoots with a friend.
After my relocation to Texas, I wasn't quite sure what the laws are for transporting a weapon, and I didn't have anyone to shoot with, so I haven't fired it in a long time. I don't even see it, except to occasionally check it for rust.
Pity.
Nice groupings, by the way.
Posted by: Foo at August 31, 2006 08:36 AMFoo, there are several gun ranges around the DFW area. There is a municipal course, really nice, called Elm Fork off of Northwest Hwy by Las Colinas...and there is the Dallas Gun Club right down the road from Allen at 121 and 35...(you can't see it, but I promise, it's there.)
I think at Elm Fork they even do the Cowboy-style Tournament shooting, with rifle & pistol both.
Pretty neat.
Now as far as transporting your gun on your recumbent, I don't know....
Posted by: Janie at August 31, 2006 08:44 AMFoo, here's a summary of Texas law regarding transportation of a gun:
Transporting a handgun openly, or concealed without a concealed handgun license, is generally a Class A misdemeanor. Penal Code §§ 46.02 and 46.035. The provision does not apply to various law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security officers, to most persons on their own premises or a premises under their control, to persons who are “traveling,” or to persons who are engaging in (including going to or from) a lawful hunting or sporting activity.
IOW, even though IANAL, I think you're safe in taking your unloaded pistol to and from the shooting range, especially as long as it's unloaded and stored in a carrying case.
The acquisition of a concealed carry permit removes even more uncertainty...and puts to rest Janie's concern about transportation by recumbent.
Posted by: Eric at August 31, 2006 09:40 AMAbout the publisher
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Posted by: Janie at August 30, 2006 06:20 PM