Strange day at the range

[reddogge]

It was a strange day at the range for two grizzled veteran shooters and gunsmakers. I started off at 50 yards with a .45 flintlock rifle my dad built in the 70s but never finished. I finished it a couple of years ago. I put two in the 10 and one in the 9 ring and told my buddy to shoot his newly built .54 flintlock. He got one shot off and then had several pan flashes when we checked the ramrod depth and yes, he dryballed it. We couldn't get it out or get enough powder into the touch hole to shoot it out so he packed it up and said he'd debreech it at home. Next up was me with my .36 flintlock I wanted to try at 100 yards because it shot great at 50 last outing. I was ramming the ball and the ramrod stuck tight halfway down. I used the wrong ramrod, the .45 rod from my dad's gun and the jag jammed on the patch wedging it tight. Three of us could not budge this rod and I couldn't keep shooting my dad's gun which has a longer barrel since that ramrod was stuck tight in my gun. So my shooting was done. That left the newbie shooting his .54 Renegade and he probably shot 15 rounds putting us to shame.

At home, I took the barrel out, clamped it in a vise, and gave a hefty pull on the rod, and it came out easily. I then pulled the ball and dumped the charge so all is good.

 

[2 shots]

sounds like mountain man 'murphy' was there.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Mama said there would be days like this.

 

[AwwNaww]

an all this time I thought only I had days like that

Well, the next trip to the range will be guaranteed better

 

[snakebit]

Sounds like one of my outings. I'm always good for forgetting something. Last week I took my patch worm out of my shooting box to take a picture for a fella, and of course I forgot to put it back, and of course I needed it (due to not bringing the correct size cleaning patch). I did remember I had one of those Co2 discharger deals in the bottom of the box, so at least I had that going for me. Ah well, still better than being at work or golfing.

 

[wiscoaster]

We all have those kinds of days every now and then. Back pats from me.

 

[mushka]

It seems to me that I only remember the days at the shooting outings I go to where I have problems with guns. The good days aren't worth remembering it seems.

 

[olskool]

i of course have never ever done anything that silly!

 

[snakebit]

i of course have never ever done anything that silly!

Hope your luck continues to hold out

 

[Jim K]

I joined a club about 45 miles from home as they have a woodswalk up year around. I was all pumped waiting for Saturday to go. Loaded my truck and drove up there. Got out of the truck and getting my gear out. No rifle!!! Drove 45 miles home in a somewhat sour mood.

On the way home, I called a buddy whose wife was in the hospital with cancer. After I hung up I thought “ I’ll bet Marie wishes her only problem was forgetting her rifle”. That helped my mood.

Went home got my rifle and went to the range 3 miles from home and punched paper for awhile. Still a good day!

 

[reddogge]

I joined a club about 45 miles from home as they have a woodswalk up year around. I was all pumped waiting for Saturday to go. Loaded my truck and drove up there. Got out of the truck and getting my gear out. No rifle!!! Drove 45 miles home in a somewhat sour mood.

On the way home, I called a buddy whose wife was in the hospital with cancer. After I hung up I thought “ I’ll bet Marie wishes her only problem was forgetting her rifle”. That helped my mood.

Went home got my rifle and went to the range 3 miles from home and punched paper for awhile. Still a good day!

I drove an hour to play golf and forgot my clubs.

 

[snakebit]

I drove an hour to play golf and forgot my clubs.

Id call that a sign

 

[Ed C.]

I have a list. Go to a competition with no powder. Doubled up on RB's. Doubled up on powder. Stuck jag. Dryballed once. Dropped RB with no patch. In between all that I have had plenty of fun and the gun has remained loyal to me.

 

[cynthialee]

probably a good thing you didn't bring more guns

jinx days tend to go as brutal as you will let them

 

[Robin101]

I've had days like that and have come to recognize them as a portent. I figure the day is over and retire to the back forty with a couple beers and stare off into the distance. At my age, its the safest bet.
Robin

 

[snakebit]

My day at the range went like this. Recently, I had put a new vent liner in my GPR, itching to try it and see if that was the cure for reliable ignition. I get there, gates already open, one truck at the rifle range, in thinking going to be a good morning. We can't shoot before 9, so I had 15 minutes to unload, hang a target, get organized. The one other fellas there, had no less than 7 rifles scattered all over the place. He looked at me like I was interrupting brain surgery. Made a split second decision, got back in the truck and came home. I didn't want to let anyone raise my blood pressure today. Humans. Who needs em?

 

[Mike in FL]

Been there did that.

 

[Maven]

Some days you're the pigeon, other days the statue.

 

[reddogge]

I made out better than my buddy. He had to un-breech his rifle to get the dry ball out.

 

[springfield art]

It was a strange day at the range for two grizzled veteran shooters and gunsmakers. I started off at 50 yards with a .45 flintlock rifle my dad built in the 70s but never finished. I finished it a couple of years ago. I put two in the 10 and one in the 9 ring and told my buddy to shoot his newly built .54 flintlock. He got one shot off and then had several pan flashes when we checked the ramrod depth and yes, he dryballed it. We couldn't get it out or get enough powder into the touch hole to shoot it out so he packed it up and said he'd debreech it at home. Next up was me with my .36 flintlock I wanted to try at 100 yards because it shot great at 50 last outing. I was ramming the ball and the ramrod stuck tight halfway down. I used the wrong ramrod, the .45 rod from my dad's gun and the jag jammed on the patch wedging it tight. Three of us could not budge this rod and I couldn't keep shooting my dad's gun which has a longer barrel since that ramrod was stuck tight in my gun. So my shooting was done. That left the newbie shooting his .54 Renegade and he probably shot 15 rounds putting us to shame.

At home, I took the barrel out, clamped it in a vise, and gave a hefty pull on the rod, and it came out easily. I then pulled the ball and dumped the charge so all is good.

I always envied those pick-up drivers that have a Vice affixed to the bumper of their truck!