.22 cal. range report

[davevabch]

Since I have decided that this sport is about dead, I went to the range today attempting to shoot up all my .22 cal I have before my range card expires at the end of April. (they are even raising the price of that by the way, even though shooting is pathetically down). Obviously I will not be renewing.

As usual the Ruger SR 22 shot about 200 rds without a failure. I have really become very proficient with it. I will be selling it, and will surely miss her. The Little PHOENIX DID 180 rds with ONE failure. (take that you gun snobs). I hope to sell both of my Phoenix's, some body will get a good deal, as I have about 15 magazines.

My Bersa as usual had a few hiccups, but is finally wearing in and getting better. Looks like I have worn it in for some luck shooter.

The guy in the booth next to me had a new Chiappa 1911 and that gun was churning out .22 cal ammo like crazy. We traded shooting each others guns and that Chiappa felt great! I really like it. If I planned to stay in this sport, it would most definitely be on my list.

Question? Why did the woman a few stalls down, feel the need to keep texting messages during live fire?

In the next couple of day's I will be depleting my .22 cal ammo and move on to the rest of my 9mm. I plan to keep my LCP and maybe one other nine and get rid of the rest.

 

[Verticoli]

Sounds like fun but why sell?

I live on a frontage road and I'm always seeing motorcycles stop, right in the street, pull out phones and TM. Crazy.

 

[rayzer007]

I plan to keep my LCP and maybe one other nine and get rid of the rest.

Well those are two good keepers Dave! I guess I'd keep Elsie and the S&W 442 snub, if I went that route.

Ray

 

[rayzer007]

I live on a frontage road and I'm always seeing motorcycles stop, right in the street, pull out phones and TM. Crazy.

What's a frontage road Verti?

Ray

 

[framedcraig1]

Davevabch..Keep em . I don't know many folks who didn't regret selling their guns..Just my thoughts bud...Your call . I will say that today was the first time in months that I didn't go to the range. Watching my dwindling ammo pile...ouch.

 

[Sarge]

Keep your guns! I've regretted every gun I ever sold.

 

[mukwah]

I agree with everyone Dave, don't sell your guns. I can understand your frustration, I think everyone here can. Just be patient, "this too shall pass".

Sent from my Droid Razr using my trigger finger.

 

[davevabch]

Two kind of crazy things today. Earlier this morning, I came across a car that was blocking the road. I soon realized that road rage was taking place. Man, this guys were mad. One guy, was spitting all over the other guys car, both guys just in total rage. Finally one guy got into his car, but the other guy would not let it go so the other guy got out again and went running over to the guy and I knew it was going to get dangerous and got the heck out of dodge and called 911. The rage was really out of control, and I once again felt good to have my LCP. Things can turn on a dime.

Later at the shooting range, two women came in. They looked kind of on the rough side. They did little talking and immediately went to work shooting. I mean they went to work. Very serious and darn good shots. Shooting 9mm's, 40's and .22 cal. One gun after another. They were just burning through a whole lot of ammo. No nonsense and once again great shots. They were nailing it with Big guns down to pocket guns. Total Proficiency with each weapon. I know they must have gone through a 1000 rds and were still at it when I left. They did not waste any time between magazines, but reloaded quickly, no talking, just taking turns, each one very serious. I left the range really wondering who they were.

 

[Verticoli]

I live on a frontage road and I'm always seeing motorcycles stop, right in the street, pull out phones and TM. Crazy.

What's a frontage road Verti?

Ray

It's a road, parallel to the main road. iow, I'm separated from my across street neighbors by a very wide median on a shorter street, a couple of blocks long. It's cool. most that come down the street live there or are getting of the main drag for something and the median is actually a nice little park.

 

[Slowhand]

Two kind of crazy things today. Earlier this morning, I came across a car that was blocking the road. I soon realized that road rage was taking place. Man, this guys were mad. One guy, was spitting all over the other guys car, both guys just in total rage. Finally one guy got into his car, but the other guy would not let it go so the other guy got out again and went running over to the guy and I knew it was going to get dangerous and got the heck out of dodge and called 911. The rage was really out of control, and I once again felt good to have my LCP. Things can turn on a dime.

Later at the shooting range, two women came in. They looked kind of on the rough side. They did little talking and immediately went to work shooting. I mean they went to work. Very serious and darn good shots. Shooting 9mm's, 40's and .22 cal. One gun after another. They were just burning through a whole lot of ammo. No nonsense and once again great shots. They were nailing it with Big guns down to pocket guns. Total Proficiency with each weapon. I know they must have gone through a 1000 rds and were still at it when I left. They did not waste any time between magazines, but reloaded quickly, no talking, just taking turns, each one very serious. I left the range really wondering who they were.

Good move on calling the cops and leaving the road rage scene.

Interesting about your observations of the two ladies. We live in some strange times and you never know who or what you're going to run into on a gun range.

You could have introduced yourself and commended them on their demonstrated skills. They might have lightened up and engaged in some range talk. Most folks enjoy a little discussion and comparisons on various firearms and ammunition. I've met several former or current professional ladies with military or law enforcement experience who know how to work a gun on the range. But you got to break the ice first.

Serious shooters, are like vets, after some observations, casual conversation and a few comments it's not hard figure out who's real and who isn't. Loads of times the look in their eyes and that rough or hard look some perceive that they have, got there for good reason. I've meet some real stone cold types too, best left alone.

 

[Sontag_Shooter]

davevabch, I challenge you to follow everyone's great advice here. Unless you are in a financial position that warrants selling your guns, hang on to them.

I assume that you are considering exiting the sport due to the ammo situation. If so, hang in there. I travel 4 states for work, and I am seeing a slow improvement in availability. (For some reason my car can't go past a gun shop without stopping) I actually found 5.7x28 ammo in 2 stores recently, and this stuff has been impossible to find since before the Sandy Hook atrocity. I also saw at least 6 ARs at normal prices on the shelf of a LGS, and the salesman told me they had back stock on all but 1 model. The frenzy isn't over, but it is subsiding.

One more suggestion:
If you are out of a certain caliber (i.e. 9mm/22) and can't find any at a reasonable price, let us know. I know I would be glad to trade or sell at my cost a box or two to help you out, and I bet most of the folks on here would help you out if they're able to do so.

For what it's worth, my "investment" in guns & ammo has performed a heck of a lot better than my 401K has over the past few decades.

 

[3Coyotes]

A lot of serious issues raised here with frustration being at front and center. That's something we all feel, but most of us have been through it with the 2008 .380 shortatge.

You have to go with what your gut tells you to do, but this will not last. Unless you believe you've made bad purchases, really need the money, or are just looking for a quick profit, it is time to not move in haste.

I've been offerred double my investment in my AR15. Having only about 140 rounds available, that did get my attention, but my plans for self defense and that of my family are more important. The only certainty is that things will change. To go without is not an option.

The crowd has changed at the range. A more businesslike attitude is showing itself in many. At the same time, there is a new generation of panic owners who are taking their first turns in the stalls. Clear distance from these people is desirable, but we have also had the torch passed to us as ambassadors of the sport and maybe more, self-defense.

I understand changing focus for putting lead down range and different means of propulsion, but tearing down my collection in response to external forces is not a path that works for me.

 

[davevabch]

My good friends seem to have made me rethink selling my firearms for now. I will hold off for a while and hope for the best. The selling of the guns would not be for a financial necessity as I would just be trading one shooting tool for another. (airguns) which I love. However, that said, right now is not a good time to be shooting at the present cost. I do not have the pocket book for Champagne when Beer is so cheap. Selling a thousand dollars of firearms can buy some really nice air rifles. The fact is, I love the shooting sport. I was a competitive runner since High School and on into my adult years as a old man. I loved the fact that I could do it daily and compete with myself. With firearms, it is the same way. I was going to the range at least once a week, but the cost now is just out of my range.

Note, to Slowhand, yes It was smart to leave the road rage. I truly believe that folks that "CARRY" are more alert to dangerous situations than those that do not. Since I stated carrying, I am much more ALERT,sensitive and cautious to avoiding any trouble. I think most would agree.

Just want to thank all my friends on this forum for their concern and I will be sticking with you.

 

[Denny4kids]

Good thinking davevabch! Glad to have you back!
This months Shotgun News Magazine has about 8 pages of airguns that were at this years shot show. Some nice weapons.

Reloading components are out there and some are hard to find. I can get everything local except 9mm 147 gr bullets. I'm down to my last 500 so its time to order. Shout out what you need and maybe one of us can link you up. I just reloaded 250 .380's and 450 9mm for competition and they cost me $77.
My brass was free and I scored the powder for $10 a pound. Bullets and primers were normal price. Next I'm tooling the press for .223. 600 55gr, 400 62gr also for competition. Those will cost more. I haven't punched the numbers yet.

Anyway, keep the faith, don't give up, things are going to change. Denny

 

[rayzer007]

My good friends seem to have made me rethink selling my firearms for now. I will hold off for a while and hope for the best.

Good for you Dave! You will not regret not selling the guns!

Ray

 

[Sarge]

My prayers have been answered! Thanks Dave for holding off on selling your guns. As 3Coyotes mentioned the ammo shortage of 2008...not only was .380 hard for me to find here in Florida, but everything else too! In fact, that shortage lasted over a year for me...no .22, .223, .45 ACP, etc., just like now. This crisis will pass. When it does, I hope all those folks selling ammo on GunBroker for double the price will be stuck with a boat load of ammo they can't give away...and then they'll have to eat it!

 

[3Coyotes]

I could definitely see myself adding an air gun or two to the collection. It's just I can't get those Outdoor Channel Gamo commercials out of my head.

Do you have a recommendation for a good starter to mid-range...

 

[davevabch]

I could definitely see myself adding an air gun or two to the collection. It's just I can't get those Outdoor Channel Gamo commercials out of my head.

Do you have a recommendation for a good starter to mid-range...

3Coyote, you are talking to the choir. The Gamo commercials have been cursed by the Airgun enthusiast across this country. Many discussions have been about them on my airgun forums.A lot of guys will not even buy a Gamo because of them.

 

[3Coyotes]

Well, we do have the kids Crossman pumps hidden somewhere...
Enjoyable and very affordable plinking.