Before some Covid restrictions were lifted, there was no one in my home in the month of May hoping that Premier Ford would soon allow Ontario gun ranges to open more than my wife. During the two weeks before reopening, there were more absolutely calm mornings that frequently continued into the afternoons than I can ever remember for this month. They were perfect for .22LR shooting. Even my wife understood they were unusual and special, even though she doesn't shoot. It was like I was being taunted because I couldn't go to the range yet.
The ranges were finally allowed to open in Ontario last Saturday, May 22. That first day it was quite breezy, but I went anyway. I just had to go to end my shooting drought going back to last November. My results showed that it was indeed windy, but I wasn't really disappointed.
Unfortunately, every day since then it's been quite windy here, very different from the weeks preceding the reopening of the range. This morning, however, it was very calm. Although I usually go on weekdays to avoid weekend numbers, this was too good an opportunity to miss. Besides, the hockey game last night went into overtime, so I figured an early start might let me shoot before others arrived.
Since I still felt rusty I decided to continue using some previous years' leftover ammo from that had to go. I wasn't expecting anything, just hoping to get some practice. I was shooting at 57 yards.
Most of the targets were unremarkable, until my sixth target of five groups of five. The first two groups looked very nice. The third group began well until I took shot number 13 on that target, the shot exactly halfway through the total of 25 rounds that would go into it. When I saw through the scope what happened I let loose with a single, colourful word.
I'm not superstitious about 13 -- the term for that is triskaidekaphobia -- but I certainly didn't like it today. If it wasn't for shot number 13 going where it wasn't welcome, this target would have easily qualified for the exclusive 1/4" club. As it is, the five group average is .244". Close but no cigar.
The ranges were finally allowed to open in Ontario last Saturday, May 22. That first day it was quite breezy, but I went anyway. I just had to go to end my shooting drought going back to last November. My results showed that it was indeed windy, but I wasn't really disappointed.
Unfortunately, every day since then it's been quite windy here, very different from the weeks preceding the reopening of the range. This morning, however, it was very calm. Although I usually go on weekdays to avoid weekend numbers, this was too good an opportunity to miss. Besides, the hockey game last night went into overtime, so I figured an early start might let me shoot before others arrived.
Since I still felt rusty I decided to continue using some previous years' leftover ammo from that had to go. I wasn't expecting anything, just hoping to get some practice. I was shooting at 57 yards.
Most of the targets were unremarkable, until my sixth target of five groups of five. The first two groups looked very nice. The third group began well until I took shot number 13 on that target, the shot exactly halfway through the total of 25 rounds that would go into it. When I saw through the scope what happened I let loose with a single, colourful word.
I'm not superstitious about 13 -- the term for that is triskaidekaphobia -- but I certainly didn't like it today. If it wasn't for shot number 13 going where it wasn't welcome, this target would have easily qualified for the exclusive 1/4" club. As it is, the five group average is .244". Close but no cigar.
). It's only the start of the season, keep at it and I think this is the year it comes together for you. Best of luck!
Great shooting!
