Plinking with the wife and a couple of Rugers....

[zara_puppy]

The other day I was itching to get some trigger time and told the wife I was headed to the range and asked her if she wanted to go. And she said yes. So I grabbed the old Ruger 10/22 target and the Single Ten. When we got there there was a family of five at the pistol range. The pistol range is a max of 50 yards, so we were sharing the range. They were at the 7 yard line with 9mm pistols and a couple of .22's. We took the other side at 25 yards. I hung a couple pieces of paper on the backstop and loaded up the 10/22 for the wife. She'd never shot that rifle. I told her no matter where the bullet hits, keep aiming at the same spot. Then we would know how well she was grouping. So she shot the first 8 shots and all went well. Then she really took her time for the last two. After the last two she said "the first shots all made a smile like, so the last two I made a smiley face". Went and checked the target and sure enough - she made a smiley face. Then I shot a one hole group. The rifle was so smooth and quiet it got the attention of the Dad of the family. I asked him if he wanted to try and he did. I let him know it had a Kidd trigger and internals so don't put your finger in the trigger guard until you're ready to shoot. He was surprised by the first shot, then proceeded to tear a one ragged hole in the target. Next was the mom, then eventually the kids. Not all were one hole groups, but all were good groups. They were giving each other "what for" over who shot the best. It was pretty neat. And my wife got to try a few other 9mm pistols. As we were leaving she said she should have brought the P365. She's a very good shot with that little critter. Anyway - no pics, but a good time was had by all.

[Sir Henry]

Sounds like fun. That is the thing I miss about shooting at home -I only get to shoot my guns.

[BrokenolMarine]

You had a good day at the range and shared. It's always nice when the day goes that way. We always enjoyed letting courteous shooters try a few rounds. That encourages new shooters, and builds the sport.

[HenryFan]

That is the kind of range day that one fondly remembers.

[Hatchdog]

Wonderful, both the shooting and the inviting the other family to shoot with you. Love your wife’s joy with making the smiley face. I see a P365 in your future.

[BrokenolMarine]

On the other hand....

The times I went to public ranges and encountered rude, unsafe, or negative shooters...

Encouraged my purchase of rural properties for all three of my Post Marine Corps homes. That way I was able to legally build a practice range on the property. Shooting matches and working as a patrol officer and a firearms instructor, I needed to stay sharp.