TRAC match – January 26, 2021

Guess what?  The NWS got a forecast correct!  There was a 50% chance of rain today and that is exactly what we got.  Driving to the range this morning, it rained 50% of the time.  It was “reasonably” dry while setting up, but when shooting, it rained 50% of the time also.  Not heavy, but a constant drizzle that leaked through the canopy cover and dripped on us, or blew in with the wind.  Yeah, the NWS got that right also; 5 to 10 mph winds out of the south.  We didn’t get the 20 mph gusts, but the wind was constant, coming from over your left shoulder from the 7:00 o’clock to 8:00 o’clock direction and somewhat predictable.

The heavy cloud cover gave the impression it may rain at any moment with biblical proportions, but it held off doing that.  And it was also ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-chilly!  A few of the guys just thought it was plain c-c-c-c-c-cold!  The temperature was 40 degrees….when we got started and when we ended.  That’s it, 40 degrees!  Glad I wore a winter coat over my hooded sweatshirt.  I needed both.

We had 6 guys in attendance this morning.  Six overage BB gun shooters who don’t have enough sense not go outside and play in the rain with each other.  We were wet, our guns were wet, fingers got cold.  We had plans to shoot 6 lanes, with lane number One designated the offhand lane.  Shoot through once, move the targets, shoot through the second time.  After the first time through, Mike couldn’t feel his fingers, Wayne kept dropping pellets while trying to load them, etc.  The question was asked if they wanted to shoot through again.  NOPE!  Not a single hand was raised, so we called it a day and gathered the targets to put everything away.

Here are the scores after the first 24 shots; Also, old man Mike and yours truly were the only two to clean the offhand lane.  The 3/8” KZ at 18 yards with that diagonal cross wind didn’t help matters, either.

Mike – 22/24 shooting his Thomas but not being able to feel the trigger.

Gene – 22/24 shooting his Redwolf, but taking 2nd with having the first miss before Mike.

Mark – 18/24 shooting Miss Diana (12 fpe springer)

Wayne – 18/24 shooting his Brocock Sniper and having his first miss before Mark.

Barry – 15/24 shooting his Concept and not having a good day.

Scott – 11/24 shooting his Marauder and having a hell of a day.

So, without further ado, we reconvened at Wild Horse West to warm up over burgers and cheesesteaks, and grumble about conditions…..LOL!  And a wonderful time was had by all……

Just a reminder; I hope you guys shooting today wiped down your guns with an oily rag when you got home.  They did get wet!

Next week and for the next several weeks, we will be shooting at Gene’s place while the R/S range is being worked on.  We may be old, but we are resourceful, meaning there is more than one way to skin a cat.  The range has been reserved starting again in March, and we will let everyone know when that request is approved.

Respectfully submitted……and warmed up and only slightly soggy,

Mark Kauffman
Secretary, Airgunners of Arizona, Inc.


Field Target Club